Comments on: Top Ten Albums of 2011

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:37:35 +0000

In addition to MA, PR and SE, I’m really looking forward to Storm Corrosion (Mikael Ã…kerfeldt and Steve Wilson). Anathema’s new one is reportedly very good too.

I’m hoping Heather Findlay will have a new studio record (whether it’s a full-length album or another EP) by the end of the year.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:11:29 +0000

Most of the bands that I follow didn’t release an album in 2011. The best of them for me were the debut album from Chantel McGregor and the the Liam Davison solo album. Both of these would be pushing for the top in most years Top Ten’s. From the rest of the albums on your list, I really should get round to checking out the Uriah Heep album. Within Temptation sounds interesting, and maybe see how the Touchstone album compares to the first two.

Totally different story in 2012, so many new albums to look forward to. Already had Heather & Chris, Kelly Richey and Billy Walton. And in the next couple of months – Mostly Autumn, Stolen Earth, Panic Room, Larry Miller, Erja Lyytinen, and (hopefully) The Reasoning. With more to follow, 2012 could be one of the best years for new albums.

By: bethnoir

bethnoir — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

I’ve been enjoying Opeth too.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:35:33 +0000

Tim – Phantanima is an innovative band that covers a lot of dynamic territory. There are some prog-rock and metal influences, but the writing and musicianship have an accessible entertainment value that is not common among “progressive rock” bands. There are clips of them online – I hope you check them out!

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:02:55 +0000

@Scropenoggin – I’d got use to the growling vocals; and liked the way Åkerfeldt used to swap between that style and clean vocals. They work well on their heavier material, but his clean voice suits the music on “Heritage” far better.

@Robert – Not heard of Phantanima – What are they like? I’m guessing they’re bombastic, going purely on the album title.

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:08:50 +0000

“Bombast” by Phantanima should definitely be added to your list of CD’s that you intend to listen to.

By: Scropenoggin

Scropenoggin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:30:37 +0000

Like the list-I do agree about Dream Theater, the album’s great, and Steven Wilson also. Thanks for some food for thought-Glad Opeth have ditched the growly stuff, I kept hearing “the king’s got hemorrhoids” and “savage banana tree” in all that supposedly scary growling.
Best wishes

By: Martin Larsson

Martin Larsson — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:25:29 +0000

Great list! I agree on most of them… Wouldn’t mind squeezing in Wolverine (Communication Lost), Knight Area (Nine Paths) or Symphony X (Iconoclast) though. Wolverine would’ve probably made no.3 on my list, give them a try if u haven’t. I have to check out Chantel McGregor, sounds interesting!

By: Carole

Carole — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:16:13 +0000

Interesting list. I love the Opeth and Steven Wilson albums myself and Within Temptation should be interesting. I’ve liked them for a while, but some of their stuff misses the mark for me. She’s a great singer though.

I’d agree that Dream Theater need to cut down on the widdling and work on the structures. When they are good, they are really good, but they miss the spot far too often.

By: Grae

Grae — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:57:31 +0000

Tim, a great list! I’ve yet to hear the Heep’s album so can’t comment on that one, but the rest are all great releases in their own way. Perhaps not the 10 I’d choose, but you’ll have to wait until nearer the year’s end for that list.

As always, a good read, keep up your blogging/reviewing, this ex-pat is living vicariously through them!!