episode #253 – Best Tracks of 2011

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This week we take a quick look at some of our favourite songs of the year (and next, in Kathleen Edwards‘ case). Given our tastes, the list is 3/4 Canadiana: people who hail from nearby locales who we’d like to have beers with, and who happen to be musical geniuses.

We heard a lot from Toronto’s Hooded Fang, Purity Ring, and RAA this year and reference accordingly, though Kansans (and husband-wife duo) Mates of State also make a more than token appearance. Plus, we rarely play a song thrice, but maybe The Decemberists’ “June Hymn” is most deserving of prettiest song designation.

Some boys are jags and play video games, so Lana Del Ray has to make an appearance. Like a classic video game playing jag, Mike proclaims Ohbijou’s “Niagara” his favourite song of the year on behalf of us both. It’s okay though, because it really is a great song.

Back next week with more of the best of the year–tune in at 93.3FM (Weds overnight, 2am and 6am), or here at the website.

1. Braids – Lemonade (Native Speaker)
2. Mates of State – Palomino (Mountaintops)
3. Purity Ring – Lofticries (Ungirthed 7″)
4. Hooded Fang – Vacationation (Tosta Mista)
5. Young Galaxy – We Have Everything (Shapeshifting)
6. Kathleen Edwards – Change the Sheets (Voyageur)
7. The Decemberists – June Hymn (The King Is Dead)
8. Destroyer – Poor In Love (Kaputt)
9. Lana Del Rey – Video Games (Video Games – Single)
10. Chad VanGaalen – Sara (Diaper Island)
11. The Rural Alberta Advantage – The Breakup (Departing)
12. Imaginary Cities – Hummingbird (Temporary Resident EP)
13. Ohbijou – Niagara (Metal Meets)