My 2011 in Music

It has been 2012 for almost an hour, and though I am really quite tired, I don't want to push this blog back.  Knowing me, if I don't do it right now, I'll never do it (remember what I said in the last post about having a stockpile of ideas?  Yeah, WHERE THE HELL ARE THOSE, KIM?).  That being said, here are my musical reflections of 2011.

In 2011, I went to a whopping ONE gig.  This makes me immensely sad.  It really couldn't be helped though.  Since the move, I am in a blackhole where bands never meander through, so I would have to travel to any and all shows.  For a large part of 2011, I was unemployed, which means no dough with which to travel.  Now that I have a job, I find that it's not one that allows me the freedom to chase bands throughout the season.  Not that I'm complaining.  Well, I am.  Sorta.  But not really.  Yeah?  I had a moment about a week ago.  I was listening to the new Chevelle album (more on that to come), and I could almost feel it.  I've seen them twice, and though I've never heard any of these new songs live, it was there, on the periphery of my senses.  I could imagine how it would be, how it would sound.  It hit me then just how much I really miss it.  I may or may not have teared up a little bit.  I know, I know, first world problems, right?  But still, being at shows makes me feel so alive, and it's been so long since I experienced that.  I just have to keep telling myself that it's not over.  It's not like I'm never going to a gig again.  Now is just not the right time.

Geez, I really drifted there, didn't I?  Anywho, that was my 2011 in gigs.  Let's move on to albums.

Again, unemployment meant little to spend on albums.  I probably bought fewer this year than any other year in like...ever.  Let's see, there was Biffy Clyro's Only Revolutions.  They were a new discovery for me this year! I would love to see them live some day!  Sadly, then it was probably nothing until Evanescence's new self-titled album (see previous post).  Then Chevelle's Hats Off to the Bull.  I really liked that one, but then again, they are in my Top 5.  Then there's my newest addition, Queen's 3-disc Platinum Collection.  See, I told you it would be a short list.  I was pleased with all of my new albums though. :)  Hopefully, now that I have some money, I can afford to pick up some I missed this year.

Last year, I did a "Best Of" list for 2010.  I don't think that I was exposed to enough music this year to do that.  Don't worry, I'll spare you that rant.  I've bitched enough about my current internet limitations, I won't make you hear it again.  So skipping that, I'll mention a few 2011 highlights, in no particular order.

Adele - "Rolling in the Deep"
- Yeah, it was played to death on the radio, but you know what?  I very rarely listen to the shit stations that broadcast in the area, so I didn't have to hear it all the time.  Only when I wanted to, babycakes.  So it didn't really get worn out for me.  Hence, I still love it.

The Airborne Toxic Event - "Changing"
- This was such a good, relaxing summer song.

Chevelle - "The Meddler"
Chevelle - "Envy"
- While I enjoyed the whole album, those are my favorites from Hats Off to the Bull.

Evanescence - "Swimming Home"
Evanescence - "Lost in Paradise"
- Again, loved the whole album, but those are my favesies.

Foster the People - "Pumped Up Kicks"
- Ya know, I wasn't crazy about it the first couple of times I heard it, but then I fell in love with it.

Jessie J - "Mamma Knows Best"
- One of the few pop songs you'll see on this list.

The Joy Formidable - "A Heavy Abacus"
- This is a brand spankin' new discovery of mine.  Heard them on...Carson Daly?  Some late night show.

Panic! at the Disco - "Ballad of Mona Lisa"
- BITE MY ASS.  I will like what I like.

Pendulum - "Watercolour"
- I'm so glad to have seen them live!  I really really need to get this album.

Smashing Pumpkins - "The Fellowship"
- One of the better releases from Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.

Transmissions - "My World"
- Remember that Deus Ex trailer on the telly?  Yeah, I fell pretty hard for that song.

Young the Giant - "Cough Syrup"
- I think this album came out in 2010, but I don't think this song was released as a single until this year.  I really really really really love it.

Um...so that's my take on 2011 in music.  I'm sad that I didn't have the exposure to merit a better post.  But I have to stay positive, right?  I still heard some new music, and even though it was a small amount compared to years past, my life is still better for it.  I'm excited for 2012.  Many of my favorite bands are cooking up new albums!  Including...yup...I'm sure you guessed it...MUSE!!!  Album #6 should land this year, babyyyy!!!