Turntable Kitchen’s Top Albums of 2011 (so far)

July 5th, 2011

Last Friday we entered July, and thus, also the second half of 2011.  Now that we’ve passed that milestone, I thought it would be worthwhile to take a look back at the best albums we’ve heard so far.  For me it helps at the end of the year to remind of some of the best things I’d heard early in the year, and I’d hope for you, it might function as a gentle reminder to check out some great albums you may have missed this far.  As always, this list isn’t intended as an objective list of the “best of” – but rather my subjective favorites.  EPs have been intentionally excluded from this list (I’m sure I’ll do a Top EPs list by the end of the year – if not sooner).  And, of course, I’m sure I missed some great stuff, so I’d love to hear your recommendations.

And, with that in mind, here are TK’s Top Albums of 2011 (so far):

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1. The Weeknd – House of Ballons

MP3: The Weeknd – High For This

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2. James Blake – James Blake

MP3: James Blake – Wilhelm’s Scream

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3. tUnE-yArDs – w h o k i l l

MP3: tUnE-yArDs – Bizness

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4. Shabazz Palaces – Black Up

MP3: Shabazz Palaces – Swerve… The reaping of all that is worthwhile (Noir not withstanding)

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5. Washed Out – Within and Without

MP3: Washed Out – Amor Fati

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6. Radiohead – King of Limbs

MP3:

Radiohead – Bloom

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7. Cults – Cults

MP3: Cults – You Know What I Mean

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8. the Antlers – Burst Apart

MP3: The Antlers – Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out

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9. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

MP3: Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

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10. Motel Beds – Sunfried Dreams

MP3: Motel Beds – Obey Your Lunch

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11. Bon Iver, Bon Iver

MP3: Bon Iver – Calgary

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12. Steffaloo – Meet Me In Montauk

MP3: Steffaloo – Meet Me In Montauk

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13. Thao & Mirah – Thao & Mirah

MP3: Thao & Mirah – Eleven (feat. tUnE-yArDs)

14. The Decemberists – The King Is Dead

MP3: The Decemberists – January Hymn

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15. Loch Lomond – Little Me Will Start A Storm

MP3: Loch Lomond – Elephants & Little Girls

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Big thanks to Tebogo Malebogo who contributed our awesome cover art above!