I know. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet but if I don’t talk about this now I will most certainly forget. The fact is Christmas is right around the corner – seriously. My sister-in-law just asked me for a Christmas list. Needless to say I’m still recovering from Halloween.
There have been many incredible albums this year; some of which I will forget to name. If I have reviewed your album and said it was one of the best in 2011 but I do not list it here, don’t think I have changed my mind. It’s just that these are the ones that jumped out at me at the time of this writing.
So, here we go. If you’re looking for some kick ass albums to give away as presents, here are five that can’t go wrong.
Evanescence – The band’s 2011 self-titled album went straight to number one on four Billboard charts. That’s pretty impressive being that Amy Lee and company haven’t had new music for five years. Talk about a dedicated fan base. This album rocks; Lee’s vocals are operatic and Evanescence strays a little from the gothic genre into rock/metal. Read the review here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/10/evanescences-self-titled-album-is-bands.html
Girl in a Coma – If you’re into punk and rockabilly then you’ll fall in love with Girl in a Coma’s new album, “Exits and All the Rest.” This is the band’s fourth studio album and it is one of the best albums this year. You may not have heard of Girl in a Coma but if you’ve ever seen the Robert Rodriguez movie, “Machete,” you’ll be familiar with them. Their song “Yo Oigo” was on the soundtrack. This band will be very big soon. Read the review here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/10/girl-in-comas-exits-and-all-rest-is.html
The Pretty Reckless – Taylor Momsen and company’s debut “Light Me Up” definitely lights things up in terms of catchy pop/rock songs. Momsen has been in the news for weird behavior but don’t be mistaken, The Pretty Reckless is a very solid band and their debut is worth picking up. Read the review here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/01/taylor-momsen-and-pretty-reckless-light.html
Read the interview with Taylor Momsen here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/04/pretty-reckless-taylor-momsen-talks.html
Dead Sara – Dead Sara is a fairly new band and they have already played some dates with Bush. However, their music makes it appear like they’ve been around for many years. Think Heart and Joan Jett if you’re wondering about their sound. Read the review here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/09/dead-sara-is-modern-day-heart-and-joan.html
Read the interview with Dead Sara here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/09/fleetwood-mac-and-led-zeppelin-helped.html
Christina Perri – This “Jar of Hearts” singer made a name for herself when her song went double platinum before her debut effort, “lovestrong.” was even released. This feat set the tone for the rest of the album and, once it was released, Perri instantly became a household name. Her amazing voice is raspy and contagious making “lovestrong.” a must have present this Christmas. Read the review here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/05/christina-perris-lovestrong-is.html
Honorable Mention:
The Bangles – “Sweetheart of the Sun” is the first album from The Bangles in eight years. I interviewed drummer Debbi Peterson and her statement summed up the new effort: “This is very much a Bangle effort.” Read the review here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/09/bangles-sweetheart-of-sun-is-perfectly.html
Read the interview with The Bangles here: http://www.zoiksonline.com/2011/09/bangles-talk-sweetheart-of-sun-prince.html