#1. JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT, Here We Rest (Lightning Rod)
I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t hoping for a full-on rock assault from Isbell and crew. What I got was something better — a nuanced musical tour of his home state of Alabama. From the back porch acoustic sway of “Codeine” to his soulful swagger on the Muscle Shoals classic “Heart on a String,” Isbell proves that his musical talent is boundless. (Twangville reviews here and here and here.)
#2. LYDIA LOVELESS, Indestructable Machine (Bloodshot)
Here’s to a newcomer who established her presence with authority. Her debut burst from the gate with a fire-cracking, rabble-rousing confidence. (Twangville review here.)
#3. KASEY ANDERSON AND THE HONKIES, Heart of a Dog (Red River)
This January release has held a steady spot in my musical rotation. Anderson and the Honkies run the table with an outstanding collection of rockers furious and ballads forlorn. (Twangville review here and here.)
#4. DAVID WAX MUSEUM, Everything is Saved
A potent mix of Appalachian and Mexican folk music makes for one of the year’s most vibrant musical celebrations. “Some of us come with new hearts, most of us come with used hearts, baby, why do you look so sad?” (Twangville review here.)
#5. THE DUKE AND THE KING, The Duke and the King (So Recordings)
Although these songs were technically culled from the band’s two earlier UK releases, they are finally getting a proper US release. I’m not sure what took so long but it was well worth the wait. We’ll call this Americana soul, filled with beautiful harmonies and haunting melodies. (Twangville review here.)
#6. THE DECEMBERISTS, The King Is Dead (Capitol)
The Portland, Oregon band intentionally shifted away from the song-cycle approach that defined 2009’s The Hazard of Love. Simpler doesn’t mean less striking, as this release gloriously proves. Guests Peter Buck and Gillian Welch are just icing on the cake. (Twangville review here.)
#7. NATHAN HAMILTON, Beauty, Wit & Speed
Austin, Texas songwriter Hamilton just gets better with age. His latest is filled with songs of lyrical intelligence and musical restraint, delivered in a style that is warm and assured. (Twangville review here.)
#8. BARNSTAR!, C’Mon!
This is how music is supposed to sound, fresh and carefree. These five talented folk and bluegrass musicians serve up engaging covers ranging from the Louvin Brothers to the Traveling Wilburys and from Paul Simon to Neil Young. And don’t miss their brilliant take on Dawes’ “When My Time Comes.” Then, of course, are the handful of originals which more than hold their own alongside the covers. (Twangville review here.)
#9. BUTCH WALKER AND THE BLACK WIDOWS, The Spade (Dangerbird)
Walker proves yet again why he is the master of melody. He and his crack outfit crank out another collection of sing-along rock anthems. It’s like power pop fueled by a case of Red Bull. (Twangville review here.)
#10. JO WYMER, Living With Scars
Explosive is the best word to describe Wymer and this release. Her voice is strong and forceful, an intensity matched by her crack band. And the songs? Tales of love gone wrong delivered with immensely catchy hooks. What’s not to like? (Twangville review here.)
#11. CARRIE RODRIGUEZ AND BEN KYLE, We Still Love Our Country (Ninth Street Opus)
Americana has a rich tradition of male-female duets, from Johnny and June Carter Cash to Graham Parsons and Emmylou Harris. Add Rodriguez and Kyle to the list. Their vocals blend magically as they wrap them around this collection of six classic covers and two originals. (Twangville review here, here and here.)
#12. BUFFALO TOM, Skins (Scrawny Records)
The fact that this Boston-based power trio just celebrated their 25th anniversary (with the same line-up!) would be an impressive enough milestone. Commemorating it with yet another in a long line of raw rock and roll records makes for quite the celebration.
For more of my Best of 2011 coverage: Best EPs and Best Songs.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.