Top Albums and Songs of 2011

2011 has been a crazy year for us here at Noise Verse Noise. We got to see a lot of incredible bands and heard so many amazing records.  I really want to thank you for reading the site.  It means a lot that people comeback and check out the stuff we like to profile.  We can not wait for 2011!  Without further ado, here are Noise Verse Noise's favorite records of 2011 -

Top 10 Records (Not in an Exact Order):

1. Fucked Up - David Comes to Life
2. Radiohead - The King of Limbs
3. SBTRKT - SBTRKT
4. FaltyDL - You Stand Uncertain
5. Iceage - New Bridgade
6. The Weeknd - House of Ballons
7. Frank Ocean - Nostalgia Ultra
8. Araabmuzik - Electronic Dream
9. Washed Out - Within and Without
10. Woods - Sun and Shade

Top 10 Singles:

1. Fucked Up - Queen of Hearts
2. Jay-Z and Kanye - Otis
3. The Weeknd - The Morning
4. Blawan - Don't Want to Be
5. The Rapture - How Deep is your Love?
6. King Midas Sound - One Thing (Dabrye Remix) - Came out a while ago, but wow
7. Cut Copy - Need You Now
8. Radiohead - Codex
9. SBTRKT - Hold On
10. EMA - California

Black Star

Black Star "You Already Knew" by 3DDistro

Any time Mos Def and Talib Kweli get together its worth taking note. When a Jackson is involved the tune is necessary. Here Mos and Kewli rap over an Oh No beat. The younger Jackson is clearly becoming the go to beat smith for early 2000's underground stalwarts. A little late on the upload, but better late than never when it comes to new Mighty Mos.

Feddie Gibbs X Mablib

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Thuggin' by Rappcats

Gangsta Gibbs keeps his hot streak going with this Madlib collab. Its good to hear Madlib in straight hip-hop mode. Been a while since I have heard him make a beat for actual rapping. There is a forthcoming collab EP with "Thuggin" and five other tracks. This should be a epic release. Also check out Freddie Gibbs absolutely dominating Cults below.

Hypetrak Premiere: Cults featuring Freddie Gibbs - Bad Things (Remix) by Hypetrak

Lee Scratch Perry (Bullion Remix)

Lee Scratch Perry - Straight Jacketed (Bullion Remix) by bullionness

Its been a minute since I had heard anything from Bullion, but here is a recent remix from him of Lee "Scratch" Perry. Definitely some serious dub bass craziness. Here is an idea that we can all get behind: an entire LP/EP of LSP songs remixed by Bullion. I could also be down for throwing Dabrye, Mala, and Jamie XX on that EP, but I don't want to see greedy. Sit back and enjoy the crazy, glitch-y, space-y, dub-y vibes.

FaltyDL

FaltyDL - 'Atlantis' by Ninja Tune

FaltyDL has a new EP out, Atlantis, on Ninjatune. The man is hyper-productive: he already released the outstanding You Stand Uncertain, several singles - including Hip Hop Love with a Jamie XX remix, and has contributed numerous remixes - my favorite being his remix of Holy Ghost!. Enjoy the tunes and welcome back to Noise Verse Noise.

A Place To Bury Strangers

  A Place To Bury Strangers - So Far Away by INDIE INDIE

A new tune from A Place to Bury Strangers.  Another slab of dense, driving, loud guitar noise with disinterested, mumbled dark lyrics.  So glad they are back.  I thought the first album was one of the decade's best.  I wonder if we could get a Crocodile - A Place to Bury Strangers tour together.

Blackbird Blackbird - Tear

Tear by BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD

Lone (With Paloms) by BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD

Passions by BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD

Three new to newish tunes from Blackbird Blackbird. Quality tunes as always from the man, the myth, the legend.

Grimes

Grimes, "Vanessa" by The FADER

Grimes, "Oblivion" MP3 by The FADER

Grimes is a project by the multitalented Claire Boucher. The project appears to change by the hour, as shown by this Fader article. One thing that is constant, is the creepy and incredibly electro pop she makes. "Vanessa" is a blog hit with its child like melody and unique vocals. I think that "Oblivion" is actually a better song. "Oblivion" is more straight forward and propulsive. It relys less on Grimes unique vocal mannerism and more on song writing. Plus the synth line might be the best I have heard since MGMT's "Kids". Grimes just released a remix to Washed Out's "Eyes be Closed" and has new album coming out soon.

Washed Out, "Eyes Be Closed" (Grimes Remix) MP3 by The FADER

Thee Oh Sees

Thee Oh Sees – "Girls Who Smile" by Edition Fieber

Thee Oh Sees - "Ugly Man" by Edition Fieber

Thee Oh Sees are the garage rock kings from San Francisco. Chances are I am not introducing you to the band. However, its always good to check in on a band that is so productive and prolific. These two songs are from a Edition Fiber series for visual artist David Shrigley. They have the classic scuzz sound. Thee Oh Sees also have a new album coming out, Carrion Crawler/The Dream, due out November 15th on In the Red records. This is their second album this year, they released Castlemania back in June. Anyway, check out the tunes and the enjoy the noise.

Washed Out

Washed Out - Call It Off by WeirdWorldRecordCo

Here is "Call it Off" the B side to Washed Out's newest single "Amor Fati".  "Amor Fati" originally appeared on Within Without.  "Call it Off" has a seriously Balearic sound, how epic would a Lindstrøm or Prins Thomas edit of this thing be? 

DâM-FunK

DâM-FunK was on Beats in Space this week. It was an absolutely fantastic show, so much unreleased music was played that it was incredible.  As everyone knows - we are fans of the King of Funk. Unfortunately, I do not have a soundcloud link to the show.  So, I have linked to an MP3 of the show and have a bunch of other unreleased DâM-FunK.  Have a good Friday and stay funky!

WeCoolerDanNem - DāM-FunK by DâM-FunK

Steve Arrington - Blow Your Mind (Produced by Dam-Funk) by stonesthrow

Fedora worm(Computer Jay's Colecovision Mix) by Computer Jay

Mux Mool

Palace Chalice by ghostly

I know that I am a couple weeks on this track, but holy cow its good. Mux Mool's "Palace Chalice" is the sort of bass-beat tune that I love. Its got hip-hop, its got dustty groove, and its got a great break down in the middle. This is the sort of thing that I wish Flying Lotus would make more of again. "Palace Chalice" is off of Mux Mool's up coming album, Planet High School, which is due out February 2012 on Ghostly.

Scuba

  Scuba - Essential Mix - Live @ Sonar (June 2011) by Hotflush

Here is an essential mix by Scuba - star of yesterdays post.  Solid bass tunes for the start of your weekend.  Enjoy!

Meditate on the Bass Weight pt. II

I feel like all of these track probably deserve their own post, but instead here is one epic bass post. The new Flying Lotus track is beautifully cool jazz - Thundercat bass, Austin Peralta piano.  Pariah brings a nice old school dubstep tune - half step speed, syncopated bass kick, and an anonymous voice sample.  Scuba's track builds up like a classic house tune - house diva, winding up synths, and swinging rhythms.  Big, big tune - probably the best of the bunch.  The Addison Groove track is nice juke style track.   

  Thundercat - $200 TB prod.Flying Lotus ft. Austin Peralta by Flyinglotus 

Pariah - Left Unsaid by BOILER ROOM

Addison Groove - An We Drop (Scuba DJ-Kicks Exclusive) by !K7 Records

Scuba - Adrenalin by BOILER ROOM

Weird Dreams

Weird Dreams - Where'd I Go Wrong by Tough Love

Weird Dreams - Holding Nails (single version) by Tough Love

Weird Dreams are a psych pop band from London. When I think of Psych pop I conjure up bands like Tame Impala. While Weird Dreams sound very little like Tame Impala, they do sound like absolutely fantastic indie rock. They kind of remind me of what Wavves and the Pains of Being Pure of Heart would sound like is they merged. The "ah-oh"'s of "Where'd I Go Wrong" are infinitely more beachy than 90% of Brooklyn bands. Definitely whats needed for the fall.

Diplo and Mavado

Mavado - Delilah (Diplo Remix) by diplo

Diplo remixed Mavado's stunning Delilah. This thing is a beast of a song. Reminds me of why dancehall is so much fun to hear in the club.

Contributions for the the Four oh Five

Here are two posts that I contributed to the Four oh Five. If you don't follow them on twitter you should. They are a fantastic magazine!

Donga

Scene Selection: Donga's introduction to Well Rounded records (100% Vinyl) by Mixmag

Today's mix comes to us courtesy of Bristol's own Donga. Donga runs Well rounded records, home to Deadboy, Hackman, and more. The mix has a nice 2-step sound and should get the positive energy flowing. Enjoy!

Small Black

  Small Black f. Heems, "Two Rivers" by The FADER

This is the first of two songs that Small Black did with Heems of Das Racist.  “Two Rivers” is the lead single off of Small Black’s upcoming mixtape Moon Killer, which will be available for download dropping Nov. 11.  Really interested in hearing who else Small Black may have collaborated with for this mixtape.

L-Vis 1990

L-Vis 1990-The Beach by Dafunkybeat

L-Vis 1990-Tonight by Dafunkybeat

L-Vis 1990, co-founder of the Night Slugs camp, released his debut album, Neon Dreams, on October 3. Check out album tracks "The Beach" and "Tonight" above. Both tracks have a very sleek disco/80's electronic feel. I personally prefer "The Beach", its a little darker and I like the distorted male vocals.

A-Trak

Fool's Gold Radio - September 2011 Mix by A-Trak

I love A-Trak, the guy is such a great DJ and runs one of the best labels around. His ability to cut, scratch, and mix is unparalleled from a technical stand point. He is one of the few DJ's that absolutely compels me to go to any festival he is at. His remix of the Rapture's "How Deep is Your Love?" is unambiguously fantastic. This should get everyone in the right head space for the weekend. Have a good weekend and as always keep an eye on the Noise Verse Noise Tumblr for new mp3s all weekend!

Campfire Headphase: Young Montana

BONSOIR by Young Montana?

Young Montana? is an artist out of the UK. He makes beats that combine the best aspects of LA glitch and UK purple. Chances are you have heard his stuff before, but if not here is a nice little intro. He is currently on tour with Wu Lyf in Europe. Check out the Wu Lyf remix below.

WU LYF - We Bros (Young Montana? remix) by Young Montana?

The Answer Page

The Answer Page - Cold Blue Light (In Circles) by The Answer Page

The Answer Page - The Two Trees (Album Version) by The Answer Page

The Answer Page is a DIY Shoegaze project out of Texas. The songs have that lovely expansive lonely sound. The Answer Page kind of sounds like what a baby between Explosions in the Sky and Jesu would be. If that last sentence doesn't excite you, what will? "Cold Blue Light (In Circles)" has the guitars of the slower parts of Explosions, but the singing and lyrical content remind me of later day Jesu. Although less depressing - honestly ever read the lyrics to "Conqueror", shit is day ruining depressing. "The Two Trees" reminds me of another epic Texas band - ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. There have been a lot of references in this post - I stand by all of them. These are definitely guys to keep an eye on!

The Answer Page - Our Words Without Meaning (Album Version) by The Answer Page

DJ Nobody

BOMB ZOMBIES SELF TITLED MAGAZINE MIX by (DJ)NOBOD¥

Finally the weekend's here, so is a new mix from DJ Nobody of Low End Theory fame. I am sure the man needs no introduction if you are reading this. His beat from the Second Hand Sureshots was my favorite. This mix is for Self Titled magazine - always required reading. The mix has that bass/space-y beat mixed with hip-hop feel. It is pretty freaking awesome in other words! Be sure to check out the Noise Verse Noise tumblr all weekend for new

Millions

My Best Fiend by millions

Its Thursday, the Red Sox just completed an epic collapse - some European Synthpop is necessary to keep me sane. Say hello to Millions! Millions is a new band out of Norway. "My Best Friend" is the soundtrack to an 80's high school movie. The synths, the drums, it all just works. The song totally reminds me of "Friday I'm in Love" - and who doesn't love that song? "Bear in a Trap" is more driving and has a slightly darker sound. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of bands like the Long Blondes or New Division.

Bear In A Trap by millions

Campfire Headphase: Encym

Ressip Yel/Ten.B by encym

To get back into the groove of Campfire Headphase, how about some German ambient? Encym is a producer out of Munich making the kind of IDM Ambient tunes reminescent of Emeralds or Oneohtrix Point Never. I have been flying and moving between places a lot lately and ambient tunes have definitely been the main sound track. Encym has been a constant. If you like the tunes check out his bandcamp for downloads of two EPs. Definitely be sure to check out his remix of Gonjasufi!

Schonungslos by encym

Love Of Reign (Gonjasufi vs. encym) by encym

Campfire Headphase: Ellie Herring

Died to Meet You by Ellie Herring

Ellie Herring is a young producer out of Lexington, KY via Brooklyn and Tennessee. She makes bass driven tunes with ambient synths washing over the track and hushed vocals. Her music is an equal mix of artists like Sacred Bones, Brainfeeder and lots of synth. The way synths interacting with hushed vocals are definitely reminiscent of some Nosaj Thing tracks. "Died to Meet You" tones and darker production remind me in a lot of ways of a beat and bass driven Zola Jesus.

Mos Def - Universal Magnetic (Ellie Herring Remix) by Ellie Herring

Her remix of Mos Def's "Universal Magnetic" is one of the best hip hop remixes I have heard in a long time. Interestingly, she choose to keep the vocals lively and in the front of the mix. She could have slowed them down and buried them behind the creepy and ghostly remix backing beat, but I think Mos' energy actually accentuates the fogginess of the remix.

Seriously Pale by Ellie Herring

Ellie Herring is definitely a producer on the rise and some one to keep an eye on. She is creating a style of American gothic beats that have not been developed before.

The Weeknd "Rolling Stone" (Funkystepz Edit)

The Weeknd - Rolling Stone (Funkystepz Edit) by funkystepzuk

UK funk masters FunkyStepz remix the Weeknd's "Rolling Stone" off his latest mixtape, Thursday.  This should become a weekend midset staple for DJ's.  Have a great weekend.

Caveman

Caveman - December 28th by GirlieActionInge

thankful // caveman by sexmusic

Caveman "Old Friend" MP3 by The FADER

Caveman is a new band from NYC. They have recently been touring with the War on Drugs. The band has been described as "the best local band you haven't heard of yet". They have a nice dreamy, psychedelic sound - equal parts Beach House and Washed Out. "December 28th" starts off with a slow tropical vibe, almost reminds me of an old school barber shop sound. The song is extremely pleasant and has a relaxing end of the day feel to it. "Thankful" is slightly more muscular and energetic, but only slightly. The band has a great sound and if there is any justice they will blow up soon. Their debut album, CoCo Beware, is out tomorrow, 9/13, on Magic Man!

The New Division

  Shallow Play by The New Division

  Opium by The New Division

The New Division are a band out of Los Angeles that specialize in that 80's electronic/chillwave sound.  They have the keyboard lines and reverb soaked vocals of classic Depeche Mode or Erasure songs.  You can clearly hear those bands influence on The New Division, but N.D. never come off as copy cats.  They stand out due to strong song writing and creating engrossing soundscapes.  Their newest track "Shallow Play" should appeal to any who is a fan of either Small Black or Joy Division.  It has a very beach-y guitar line, but maintains a driving drum pattern. I personally think that "Opium" is their best track. It has a hypnotic and narcotic sound, that I can just not get enough of.

DRC Music

  Ah Congo (featuring Jupiter Bokondji and Bokatola System) by DRC Music

Hallo (featuring Tout Puissant Mukalo and Nelly Liyemge) by DRC Music

Damon Albarn needs to slow down. He is making the rest of us look really bad. Between Blur, the Good the Bad the Queen, Gorillaz, Operas, and everything else then man is involved in - I am not sure he can sleep. Regardless, he has a new project out called DRC Music, a benefit album for the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The project has a rediculous collaboration list: T-E-E-D (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs), Dan The Automator, Jneiro Jarel, Richard Russell, Actress, Marc Antoine, Alwest, Remi Kabaka, Rodaidh McDonald and Kwes, along with the best musicians from the DRC.  I wish I could describe the tracks, but I do not have words for them.  They are incredibly good and need to be heard to be understood.  I will say that "Ah Congo" is deep and dark.  Enjoy!

The Campfire Headphase: Kelly Pavan

  Steaming With Audrey by Kelly Pavan

Kelly Pavan is a beat maker out of France.  His style is initially very reminiscent of the LA brainfeeder crew - specifically the more accessible Gaslamp Killer mixed with Dam-FunK.  Yet, the more you listen, to more you hear the subtleties of his tunes.  "Steaming with Audrey" is a serious banger with a great middle break down and the accordion synths that I love.  I am sitting her bobbing a long like a lunatic - the dude has skills.

  Backward, AfterMath & Whatever by Kelly Pavan

Clearly, Kelly Pavan is an omnivore.  The man has consumed the bests of dusty vinyl, glitch beats, chill wave, and more - turning it into one mega mash of beat goodness.  He is the kind of producer who inspires others to start making music.  I really can not say enough positives about the man.

  Licking My Pink Dream by Kelly Pavan

Kelly Pavan is actually the reason behind the Campfire Headphase. He emailed me some tracks and I didn't want to just put it out as a general post.  So be sure to thank him if you enjoy the new column.

Cold Love

  Ready by Cold Love

  Velvet Veins by Cold Love

Dark and droney.  This is definitely the sort of music that goes well with fall or late at night.  Cold Love is a new project out of Oakland.  I do not know much info about them, however I learned about them from Blackbird Blackbird.  If it were this time last year, I am sure they would have gotten the "witchhouse"/"drag" label - I always thought those were stupid names.  All that matters is that these songs should be played late night in a car.  "Ready" sounds like you are being drowned in hot bubbling tar (I mean that in the most sincere and positive way possible).  "Velvet Veins" has a footwork/juke vibe, if it were done by Zola Jesus.  Both tracks are very strong and I am excited to hear whats next for the band - I know they were looking to do some remix work.

Interview: Summer Heart

  Hold On by SUMMER HEART 

Summer Heart is a one man band from Sweden that makes gorgeous chillwave.  Every song has a nice nostalgic feeling, but still retains coherence and driving force.  Unlike some projects, Summer Heart makes sure to always keep your attention.  I talked to him about how he makes music, Sweden, and social media apps - check it out!

The Campfire Headphase: Chris Δre

The Campfire Headphase is a new weekly column focused on the best new beatsmiths.  If you would like to be considered for The Campfire Headphase please submit you work to noiseversenoise@gmail.com.  All styles are welcome and will be considered.  Please leave comments about what types of beats and artists you would like to see more of.  Thanks!

Chris Δre is a beatsmith out of Philadelphia.  His beats are the kind of head nodding hip hop jams that are always inspiring to listen to.  They have just the right amount of space and dust, and probably spacedust, to feel futuristic without feeling dated.  His newest tape, A Brief History of the Future, is the kind of spacey beat tape that sound tracks a four o'clock chillout.  The album is an incredibly strong batch of two minute beats.  His samples are fresh and has picked some seriously great drum beats.  There are clear Brainfeeder and 90's hip hop influences, but Chris has clearly synthesized everything into his own style. Check out his bandcamp for the full tape. Thanks Chris Δre for kicking off the inaugural Campfire Headphase!

Fruit Bats

Fruit Bats - Tangie and Ray by subpop

The Fruit Bats are back and have a new record, Tripper, out now on . "Tangie and Ray" has a very 70's rock vibe, which is perfect because I have been jamming on the 70's lately.  Tripper is an album about the road and leaving town.  Check it out!

  Fruit Bats - My Unusual Friend by subpop

Woven Bones

  Woven Bones - I've Gotta Get by hardlyartrecords

  Woven Bones - Hey Kid by hardlyartrecords

Woven Bones are a garage band from the great state of Texas. They mine the always fertile ground of Jesus and Mary Chain, Spaceman 3, and Phil Spector soaked reverb for a distinctly defiant personalty.  They are loud, up front and perfect for basement parties. While they may not have the most original sound, these tunes are extremely enjoyable.  Woven Bones' debut LP, In and Out and Back Again, came out last year on Hozac Records, they also recently released above tracks on Hardly Art records.

Sun Araw

  Sun Araw - Crete by warszawarecords

  eternal tapestry & sun araw - night gallery (album preview) by experimedia

December by Sun Araw by Monofonus Press

Sun Araw is a musical project of Cameron Stallones.  It is all psychedelic/noise/primal style stuff - so if you like coherent structures and songs that have natural progressions, this is not for you.  However, if you are down with deep zoning and droning - well here is the best around.  The man is also hyper active: working as Sun Araw, running the Sun Ark label, side projects with Prince Rama/Eternal Tapestry/others people I haven't heard about, producing all sorts records, and just being whoa. The Eternal Tapestry and Sun Araw album, Ancient Romans, is out now on Thrill Jockey.  A new album from Sun Araw, Ancient Romans, is out August 23 on Sun Ark. 

Porcelain Raft

  Porcelain Raft - Despite Everything by ginobc

  Porcelain Raft - Dragonfly by artisaids

  "Amateur's Feeling" by Porcelain Raft by DOJAGSC

Porcelain Raft create beautifully fragile music.  Porcelain Raft is the bedroom pop project of one Mauro Remidi.  He is able to transcend many of the bedroom pop cliches and make incredibly touching and strong music.  "Despite Everything" reminds me a bit of Explosion's in the Sky's quieter moments, it is really stunning.  "Dargonfly" has the tropical bed room pop that provides a nice sense of levity and nostalgia.  "Amateur's Feeling" might be the best song - I do not have word that do the song justice.  Porcelain Raft is currently working on their debut record for Secretly Canadian.  They are about to go on tour with The War on Drugs and Yuck.  Another song and tour dates after the jump!

Cymbals Eat Guitars

  Cymbals Eat Guitars-Definite Darkness by Edgarpochakoz

  Cymbals Eat Guitars "Rifle Eyesight (Proper Name)" by Barsuk Records

Noise Verse Noise favorite's Cymbals Eat Guitars have a new album, Lenses Alien, coming out August 30th on Barsuk.  Check out the ultra-jammy first single "Rifle Eyesight (Proper Name)".  For a song 8 minutes long, "Rifle" never loses my attention.  I think "Definite Darkness", the second track released from the album, is even better. Its a little shorter, but its all crescendos and build ups.  Can not wait to hear the new album!  The band is going on an extensive American tour starting in September with Noise Verse Noise friends Hooray for Earth.  Check out tour dates and "... and the Hazy Sea" from Why There are Mountains after the jump. 

Ganglians

 Ganglians - Drop The Act by souterraintransmissions

Ganglians - Sleep by souterraintransmission

I don't know about everyone else, but I am eager to hear the new Ganglians album.  I love their lo-fi psych-folk sound.  I have been a fan for a couple years now, but recently "Jungle" has been on repeat.  Not entirely sure why, but who cares - its a great song.  The newest single,  "Drop the Act", is their best song yet.  It has a great pop hook and I love the girl group style drums.  "Sleep" is a little more subdued, but has an incredibly catchy buried piano line.  Ganglians latest album, Still Living, is due out August 23 on Lefse.  Check out "Jungle" and tour dates after the jump.

Mirror Lady

Shapes (Spiderwoman) by Mirror Lady

There is something about minimal lo-fi bedroom pop that I can not stop listening to. Mirror Lady is a new band from Brooklyn.  They are so new in fact, I think they only have one song. Regardless, "Shapes" is a very cool song. It has a sort of smokey, propulsive style that instantly captures your imagination. The drum breakdowns are also a fantastic touch.  It will be interesting to see how they evolve because "Shapes" is a great start.