Erin Van Ness writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2011 (Erin Van Ness)

Throughout December CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2011. The next list is from Erin Van Ness.

(Click here to get the complete list of CHIRP Radio members’ picks.)

1. The Head and the Heart – The Head and the Heart (Sub Pop)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Beautiful harmonies and lyrics that sound like home. I might just be a small town girl at heart after all.
2. Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now (Thirty Tigers)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   A breath of fresh air. This is what REAL country sounds like.
3. M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming (Mute)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Anthony Gonzalez reimagines the grooves of the 80s and makes them sound new again. The child-like “Raconte-Moi Une Histoire” might be my favorite song of the year.
4. Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire (Capitol)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Heartfelt themes of lost love, longing, and regret show the softer side of this notoriously moody fella.
5. Beirut – The Rip Tide (Pompeii)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   I love me some trumpet, what can I say? Same gorgeous sound, with an air of growth and maturity that makes this album feel more genuine to me.
6. The Antlers – Burst Apart (Frenchkiss)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   There’s something about the Antlers’ music that just pulls at me, and this album is no exception. Lush, melodic, and beautiful.
7. Tennis – Cape Dory (Fat Possum)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   If you can get past the ridiculous album cover, you’ll find a solid throwback pop album, perfect for reminiscing about breezy summer nights.
8. The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow (Sensibility Music)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   Joy Williams and John Paul White were made to sing together. It’s as simple as that.
9. The War on Drugs – Slave Ambient (Secretly Canadian)
   BUY: Insound / iTunes
   If Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen had a baby that grew up to be a musician, it might sound like this.
10. Thao & Mirah – Thao & Mirah (Kill Rock Stars)
    BUY: Insound / iTunes
    Cute, playful, and quirky, this album plays to the strengths of both of these amazing ladies.