1. Submarine – The Drums – The most underrated album of the year was this bands Portamento -it made my top ten of 2011. But, shockingly enough, I didn't get them at first. It took a live concert, Halloween 2010, and this song (I originally heard it on their Daytrotter session) changed my mind. Just about perfect surf rock as played the Smiths.
2. I Must Belong Somewhere – Bright Eyes – A litany of time and placement with a kicker at the end.
3. French – Tyler The Creator – Now that I know every track off his album of the year by heart, and in honor of him getting himself arrested, I went back a coupla steps and this is one of the best runing puns you'll here. Tyler was 18 when he wrote it.
4. X-Ray Style – Joe Strummer – We write a lot about the Punk Warlord (one word) here at rock nyc, but chose to pass on his deathday. We'd rather remember him here.
5. Sophia – Laura Marling – When is she playing again?? The Drums and Laura, I went a complete 180 on em…
6. Pretty Lil' Heart – Robin Thicke – Lil Wayne is the featured artist to beat in 2011. Absolutely saves this funk song.
7. VCR – Tyler The Creator
8. You're Still On My Mind – George Jones – How great is the Gram Parsons. It stands up to this one.
9. Bakrobber – The Clash – Ahhh, Strummer. That romantic fool…
10. A Good Year For The roses – George Jones – I quoted this to my friend Marianne and she thought it was Costello. Need I say more?