2011 was a great year in music.
At the beginning of the year, I figured that my theme song would “This Year” by the Mountain Goats. It still is. It tops the list.
While my top 2011 songs are not exactly traditional, I think they exemplify my year. These songs don’t necessarily come from 2011, but they each made a mix this year. So here’s the top 24 of my year: 2011 edition
Make a mixtape from it to remind you of me. 
Links go to Youtube videos, most of the time official ones, but sometimes, to something more special.
Song Title – Artist – Album
Ashes & Fire – Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire
It was tough for me to pick a song off of this album – but this song was stuck in my head the most.
Set Fire to the Rain - Adele – 21
By far my most favorite Adele song of of 21. I love this live version even more.
Half Light II (No Celebration) - Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
I was driving home from the bar in January and fell in love with this song as I waited for my car to get warm.
Marry Song - Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
This song will play at my wedding someday – maybe even live by Band of Horses
Wiser Time - The Black Crowes - Croweology
Mainly, this song reminds me of KB, which is why it makes the list.
“Windswept stars blink and smile
Another song, another mile
You read the line every time”
Lonely Boy - The Black Keys – El Camino
Every day I come to love this song and this album more.
Calgary - Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver
I could have chosen Halocene, like every other person, but this song speaks to me more.
“Joy, it’s all founded
Pincher with the skin inside
You pinned me with your black sphere eyes
You know that all the rope’s untied
I was only for to die beside”
And this moment in the song- is my favorite moment in music of the year.
“So itʼs storming on the lake
Little waves our bodies break
There’s a fire going out,
But there’s really nothing to the south”
Shell Games - Bright Eyes – The People’s Key
I don’t know what it is about this song, but I managed to wake up to it every morning for a month.
“Forgive myself for the many times
I was cruel to something helpless and weakBut here it come, that heavy love
I’m never gonna move it alone
Here it come, that heavy love
Tag it on a tenement wall
Here it come that heavy love, someone gotta share in the load
Oh, here it come that heavy love, I’m never gonna move it alone”
Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
Best show I went to all year. These two are phenomenal performers. It was one of the best nights of my year. Also listen to Poison & Wine.
Dancing at a Funeral - Brett Dennen - Loverboy
I freaking love Brett Dennen. He has such a good soul.
Pickin’ Up the Pieces - Fitz and The Tantrums - Pickin’ Up the Pieces
I didn’t want to include Moneygrabber, because I’m sick of it, but this is much better.
Whip My Hair (Cover) - Katie Gavin
This gets my award for Cover Song of the Year
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye - Making Mirrors
Give this song until 1:30 or so. Trust me.
Lost in My Mind - The Head And The Heart
This band opened for Iron & Wine in June. I was disappointed in I&W, but very pleased with the opening band.
Your Fake Name Is Good Enough for Me - Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
I was actually pissed that I didn’t get to hear this when I saw I&W at First Avenue. It’s by far my favorite song off of the album.
We Dont Eat - James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning
Just listen.
A Girl, A Boy, And A Graveyard - Jeremy Messersmith - Daytrotter Session
While a bit of an oldie for JM, I think this is one of my favorites of his.
Devil Town - Tony Lucca – Friday Night Lights Original Television Soundtrack
An ode to my Friday Night Lights obsession of 2011. I watched every season within the first 2 months of the year.
The opening band for The Civil Wars. I was BLOWN AWAY. I also am probably responsible for many of the Youtube views since they don’t really have an album out yet.
Dancing On My Own – Robyn - Body Talk
My running anthem. Thanks Princess (aka Treece).
Everyday - Rogue Wave - Stubbs The Zombie – The Soundtrack
A very old cover. This is actually not the music video, but a couple used this song in their elopement video. I dare you not to cry. I DARE YOU.
Every Girl Like Me - Sugarland – The Incredible Machine
A band I never thought I would like, but I became slightly obsessed. If it wasn’t for the Jennifer Nettles reggae rap in the middle, I would love this song even more.
Everything Gets Gone - William Elliott Whitmore – Field Songs
A funny thing about this artist: This song came through a podcast days before I went up north to go to a wedding with KB. I hadn’t moved it to my MUST LISTEN playlist yet, but listened to it a few times to know that I’d want the album.
Fast forward to the day before the wedding when KB’s friend hands him a CD and says “listen to this” and it is an earlier album from this guy. We listened to it the whole weekend.
Crazy.
Bricklayer – the 4onthefloor – 4X4
Favorite local band. I expect big things from these guys. I mean, one is a ginger, so great things have to happen, right?
What were some of your favorite songs of the year?
Manda
January 5, 2012
I got “This Year” from reading your playlists and it immediately became a theme song for me too. And I totally agree that “Set Fire to the Rain” is the best song on that album. I sing it everytime I get in the car. Thanks for all the links to great music!