Timeflies - The Scotch Tape

Label: Self-Released
Genre: Pop, Electronic
Year: 2011
Recommended by: Chrissy Walker

This doesn't seem to be directed towards me as a consumer. It seems like it would be the future of how Boy Bands will sound.

The Scotch Tape is most impressive in the release. It was a self-released album that was only released digitally and was successful. Without no support besides a YouTube channel and word of mouth Timeflies was incredibly successful.

I knew nothing about them besides the fact that my friends were very big fans of the band. I still don't like Timeflies, but they are successful and I am not. They have an audience that loves them and will continue to be successful, but I don't think they will ever become a huge pop hit. There success will pave the way for acts I do appreciate. For that they deserve kudos.

Pelican - Ataraxia/Taraxis

Label: Southern Lord
Year: 2011
Genre: Post-Metal
Recommended by: Marta Conlon

Metal and Prog Rock in general have not been my main area of interest. This album is very strong in all the elements of music with a diversity that keeps each moment interesting.

Unfortunately, it's a short EP.  At only 4 songs it takes you many different places. However, like BBC tv show it's easier to have 6 great episodes in a season than 23 great episodes in an ABC show. Still a worthy listen.

Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials

Label: Island
Year: 2011
Genre: Baroque Pop
Recommended By: Chrissy Walker

As you can tell by the album cover no one loves Florence as much as Florence. That said she is fantastic!

However, I think that Isabella Summers is the more impressive part of the duo. While Florence Welch has an incredible voice I think the beats that carry the lyrics are the reason for the strong popularity of the band. It makes them an individual sound and keeps them from sounding like Adele.

Baroque Pop, a thing you didn't know you wanted!

You've heard all the singles, they are great. The album tracks are great. It's great. Deal with it.

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - Gift Horse

Label: Vanguard
Year: 2011
Genre: Americana, Folk Rock
Recommending Person: Sarah Ward

Did you need a band sounding like John Cougar Mellencamp in 2011? If you did then Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers are the band for you. While Stephen Kellogg is definitely the stronger songwriter the music sounds dated even though it was released less than 4 years ago. 

The song "1993" could have come out
on Mellencamp's American Fool or Uh Huh between "Pink Houses" and "Crumblin' Down". It may be that Heartland or Americana are genres that do not suit me, but they seem to praise the stories of the uninteresting. I'd much rather listen to anything from Billy Joel than the SK6ers, fun nickname I must admit, or John Mellencamp.
 

Thursday - No Devolución

Label: Epitaph
Year: 2011
Genre: Emo
Recommending Person: Brent N.

Is this what happens when bands stagnate? The music is crisp and strong, but the message seems to stay the same as the first Thursday album I had heard in 2001. Understanding in a Car Crash was one of the those tracks that led me to a full on Emo binge.

I have since moved on from the genre, although I still visit the songs I love occasionally, Thursday seems to have stayed in their lane. While this is a smart move for the majority of bands it leads me to wanting more. I think Brand New has done an excellent job in evolving where I didn't feel that way about this particular Thursday lbum.