Best Music of 2011, So Says Me.

CD Cover design courtesy of Shirley Griffith

In no particular order:

1. Go Outside by the Cults - Such a pretty little song...and my general philosophy in 2011.  Go Outside.
2. Video Games by Lana Del Ray - I think this is just an achingly beautiful song. Her voice is haunting and the melody gets stuck in my head for days. I think she is going to be a force.
3. Up Up Up by the Givers - Just an all around good song.  Nothing deeper to read here people, move along.
4. Shake It Out by Florence and the Machines - I have been a fan of Florence for a couple of years so was worried when her big hit was selected as the "theme" for Eat Pray Love, a fantastic book but I refuse to see the movie version.  Even though that sent her into popular culture and the song was played over and over again, I still love it. That to me, is a testament to how great she is.  This latest from her is all Florence with shades of Annie Lennox.  Girl Power.
5. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men - this is my absolute favorite band from Iceland.  Also, the only band I know from Iceland.  This makes me want to be in a pub, raising a beer and singing in the round.
6. Friend Crush by Friends - This was not love at first hearing for me, but it has steadily become one of my favorites. It's mellow but still groovy.
7. Down with the Trumpets by Rizzle Kicks - I am still a huge fan of the BBC's Radio One and this is a product of that obsession. It has such a great beat and reminds me of summer.
8. Mr. Saxobeat by Alexandra Stan - this is another summer hit that they played pretty constantly while Joe and I were in Mexico. I love it for instantly transporting me there.
9. Bounce by Calvin Harris - This gets the award for the song that makes me enact the title. Just listen to it and try not to bounce. It's techno, it's British, it's fantastic!
10. Dedication to My Ex - by Pierre Cardin (Originally Lloyd). This is just a "move your body" song that is a little bit funk, a little Adele all rolled up in one.  The original version is a bit dirtier than even I am comfortable with, so you get this G-rated one.
11. Shuffle by Bombay Bicycle Club - second year for this band's appearance on a Best Of by me.  It's another head bopper that I just love.
12. Rumour Has It by Adele - another Best Of Llum, Adele has hit the mainstream, but you have to love her voice.  She could use some therapy and maybe some anti depressants, but she's a great fresh sound.
13. Blood Pressure by Mute Math - a coworker has been a Mute Math fanatic for years but this is the first time that I've really gotten excited about something they've done. I love this; I love the words, the rocker sound, the ability to get stuck in my head.
14. Two Against One  by Rome - If there was an award for song that gets stuck in my head more than any other, this would win. As many times as I've heard it, I still like it.
15. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People - I tried REALLY hard to leave this song off. I even thought about other Foster the People songs I really love including Helena Beat or Don't Stop.  But this song has been playing on the station I listen to since January, it has been in pop culture since April - Mayish and I STILL love it. It's not a happy song by ANY means, but it is great. And honestly, the entire Foster the People album (yes I said that) is worth hearing. 
16. Midnight City by M83 - This is another song I didn't want to include after it popped up in some commercials. But every time I hear it come on the radio, I look to see who it is.  I just love it.  So it's commercial and trendy. It's still a good song.
17. Tongue Tied by Group Love - This band almost got two songs included because I couldn't decide between this and Colours. In the end, this one just made me happier. So if you haven't heard Colours by Group Love, check it out.
18. Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye - an Australian export, this is low key, but it sticks with me. It is unique and sad.
19. All I Ever Wanted by The Airborne Toxic Event - this is such a pretty song melody wise, but so tragically said lyrically. When I am driving alone and this song comes on, I turn it up, sing my heart out and get a little teary eyed. It's my favorite song of 2011.
20. Life's a Happy Song - The Muppets. The Muppets are awesome. The Muppet Movie was perfect. I cried. I laughed. It was everything I hoped for and more. The Muppets have always been able to make me smile and so many of my childhood memories are accented by The Muppets. Listen to this song; I hope it makes you hug the person next you and makes your heart smile. 

BONUS SONG:
Trojans by Atlas Genius - my second favorite song of 2011.  Atlas Genius is a new band from Australia that has stolen my heart. I'm rooting for them. So the song isn't included on my CD because I want you to go to Itunes, spend the 99 cents and buy this song. It's worth it and you will be supporting a small band with a huge future.