Hi. Last year, we started our first installment of the top independent albums of the year. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we’re doing it again! This year, Samantha, Michael and myself went through and highlighted some of our favorite independent albums released in 2011. This includes artists who currently have no record label as well as artists who are signed to what is considered an independent record label (Come&Live!, Humble Beast, etc.). Take a look at our lists, check out what you haven’t heard (maybe you’ll find a new favorite!), and feel free to leave us comments about YOUR favorite independent albums from 2011. — Scott Fryberger
Scott Fryberger’s Picks
Aaron Newberry – Homewrecker
At one point, Newberry was the lone member of SONS (Sons of God at the time), so it’s no surprise that he can hold his own as a solo artist. Homewrecker sounded indie, but it was a solid effort.
Alert – Red Opus .45
The first full band to sign to Humble Beast, Alert really impressed me with their EP. Terrific musicianship with hard-hitting and quick-witted lyricism.
Andrew Huang – Schism
A master of multi-genre music experimentation, Huang’s blend of electronic music and hip hop is some of the best you can find.
Braille – Native Lungs
Braille and friends produced a banger with this one. The raps are some of his best to date, and the beats are out of this world.
Heath McNease & For Beats’ Sake – Straight Outta Console: The Nintendo Thumb Mixtape
For Beats’ Sake shows off his creativity with Nintendo music-turned-beats, while Heath does some of his finest rapping thus far.
Playdough – Hotdoggin’
“Come on man, you heard the flow, you know who I am.” Raps so good you can’t say anything but “gosh DANG!” Playdough’s labor of love blew hip hop fans away last April.
Playdough & Heath McNease – Wed, White & Wu
These two dudes teamed up for an extraordinary mixtape that kept it raw, and featured some amazing guest vocals all throughout the whole dang thing. Get ready to take your shirt off, fellas.
Propaganda & Odd Thomas – Art Ambidextrous
Propaganda is a very skillful spoken word artist who also happens to be a great rapper, too. Teaming up with Odd Thomas for Art Ambidextrous made for a terrific pairing of beats and vocals, with a lot of meat in the message.
sosaveme – The Garden
These guys were a bit of surprise to me in 2011, but when I was introduced to their first single “Gentle Slope,” I knew I was in for a treat when I heard the rest of the album. Solid indie rock with a bit of intensity and a load of imagery.
Southlen – Loving Life, Living Love
While not as recognizable as the other albums on my list, it’s right up there with some of them as far as quality. I heard of these guys when they signed up for our indie service, and I was very impressed by what I heard. With so much mediocre pop rock in the indie scene, Southlen is a breath of fresh air. I look forward to more from these SoCal guys.
Samantha Schaumberg’s Picks
Benjamin Dunn and Friends – The Hymn EP
Quite a few bands released collections of hymns this year, but this EP was my most played set, with six cohesive, folky hymns strung together by an instrumental opener and closer.
Half Price Hero – The Outcome
This beautifully honest acoustic album from solo act Half Price Hero features quite a few excellent quest vocalists, including an appearance by Dan Smith of Listener on the opening track.
Playdough & Heath McNease – Wed, White & Wu
Not many duos could pull of a 17-track mixtape composed of Wu-Tang Clan beats. Also make sure to check out Playdough’s Hotdoggin’ and Heath McNease’s Straight Outta Console: The Nintendo Thumb Mixtape. These guys both deserve recognition for being so prolific this year.
Propaganda / Odd Thomas – Art Ambidextrous
Art Ambidextrous is more of spoken poetry over beats than a rap release. I had the opportunity to see Propaganda and Odd Thomas perform parts of this album together this year, and they were phenomenal.
Rigoletto – Prodigal Again
After the introduction, this EP only has four songs, but each of them is a separate masterpiece and all are definitely worth taking a listen.
sosaveme – The Garden
A great indie rock album that is, lyrically, very forward with bold imagery, one of my favorite releases of 2011.
Michael Weaver’s Picks
Scott Silletta – The Life and Times of…
As a fan of Plankeye I was excited that Scott Silletta was back at it. This was a great album that I thoroughly enjoyed. Though it didn’t make my Top 10 of 2011 list, it was an honorable mention at the 11 spot.
Cool Hand Luke – Of Man
This was an album that saw the end of a band I have enjoyed for many years. It was a beautifully crafted album with deep spiritual content. Though Cool Hand Luke will be missed, this was definitely a proper send off.
B. Reith – How The Story Ends
What more can you say about B. Reith other than he is amazing. This was a great release that was tons of fun to listen to. Can’t wait to hear what he does next.
Our Hearts Hero – Love Is Breathing
This album caught me completely by suprise. What started off as an album I wanted just to hopefully add a couple of new songs to my Christmas collection, became my favorite of the season. While far from perfect, this is a fun Christmas album with a stellar title track in “Love is Breathing”.
Falling Up – Your Sparkling Death Cometh
While not my favorite Falling Up album, I would be hard pressed not to mention it with 2011’s indie releases. This is another solid release from a band who has quietly been around for 10 years.