I’ll be honest… 2011 didn’t hold many releases that impressed me. That’s why I’m doing a “Top 5” instead of a Top 10 this year. In fact, I didn’t even BUY ten records this year. I’m a rock n’ roll guy, and for the last number of years it seems that pop/indie-pop/rap still seem to rule the airwaves (much to my dismay)… the few “rock” bands emerging on the mainstream are a joke.

So, given that statement, you’re gonna see some old-timers listed here as they seem to completely ignore the ever-dropping standard of music releases:

#5 Cake – Showroom of Compassion

#4 Hard-Fi – Killer Sounds

#3 The Dear Hunter – The Color Spectrum

#2 Foo Fighters – Wasting Light

#1 Noel Gallagher – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Notably, I left out two of my favorite all-time artists (MuteMath and Radiohead) becuase they both greatly underwhelmed me in 2011. I hope this isn’t a trend.

What were your favorites?

-Clay Lancaster (www.claylancaster.com)