Best Songs of 2011

Some might say it's premature, but since 2011 is already a third of the way over I thought it might be fun to take stock of the year in music thus far. I'm no music expert -- just a big fan (OK, addict) -- but in my estimation, I think it's been a pretty good year for music so far, with a lot of established artists releasing solid new albums and plenty of new artists hitting the scene as well. I've put together a list of my favorite new songs from the first 4 months of 2011 and I hope it gives you some ideas for your spring/summer playlists. I'll warn you that it's not a list of Top 40 songs... most of the new music I like is from lesser-known or independent artists, particularly in the electronic, indie rock and folk genres. So, if you're looking for some Drake or some Bieber, look elsewhere. :-) You can preview or purchase any of these songs by clicking on the Amazon links below. I chose Amazon over iTunes because Amazon is a waaay better place to purchase music than iTunes, imho. OK, put on your headphones and get listenin'!

• The Pains of Being Pure at Heart // Heart in Your Heartbreak -- These guys are kind of "indie pop." Which, loosely translated, means: happy-sounding, guitar-heavy music paired with sad, thoughtful lyrics -- like the ones in this super-catchy, but sad-enough-to-make-you-go-"aww" song: "She was the heart in your heartbreak. She was the 'miss' in your mistake. And no matter what you do, it's never gonna come back. (ooh)" Aww.
• Peter Bjorn and John // Breaker Breaker -- PB&J is one of my all-time favorite bands. Their latest album, "Gimme Some", is not my favorite of theirs, but I still like it and respect that they tried to do something different with this one. Like this song, it's faster than their other stuff and more rock than electronic. Catchy as hell, though.
• Okkervil River // Wake and Be Fine -- Okkervil River is also another one of my favorite bands and if the rest of their new album, "I Am Very Far" sounds anything like this first single off it, I will not be disappointed.
• The Head and the Heart // Lost in My Mind -- A new band crush of mine. Powerfully melodic folksters from Seattle have made an awesome album to drink whiskey and feel sad to. Also check out "Honey Come Home" and "Rivers and Roads" from this self-titled album.
• Fleet Foxes // Lorelai -- Fleet Foxes are always great and their new album, "Helplessness Blues", is no exception. I like this song off the album especially ... it reminds me of both Bob Dylan's "Fourth Time Around" and "Norwegian Wood" by the Beatles. Which makes me realize how strangely similar those two songs actually are! Hmm... Anyway, I also really like "Someone You'd Admire" from this album.
• Brett Dennen // Can't Stop Thinking About You -- This song is actually more white-boy reggae than it is folk. But whatever it is it's both dance-able and legitimately soulful. Listened to some of the other songs on the album and I wasn't exactly blown away but this is such a perfect, summertime jam. Don't miss it!
• Iron and Wine // Walking Far From Home -- Sam Beam, a.k.a. Iron and Wine, is also a fave of mine, and I really, really enjoy this track. I actually wasn't crazy about the whole album ("Kiss Each Other Clean"), though... seemed kind of over-produced to me compared to previous albums. But this song is not to be missed.
• The Decemberists // January Hymn -- This record, "The King is Dead" is a big departure from their previous stuff in that it is a full-on folk-rock record. But whether you like this genre or not, you have to admit after hearing this album that the Decemberists executed it perfectly. It's very reminiscent of R.E.M., and Peter Buck of R.E.M. actually did guitar on a lot of the tracks. Check out my favorite track from the album.
• R.E.M. // Oh My Heart -- After all these years, Michael Stype and the boys still have it. "Collapse Into Now" is very solid and I think this song, which is about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, is especially powerful.