TOP 100 OF 2011 (Countdown edition)

Yes, it's that time of year again.   Out with the year-end lists.  The best or worst of everything.   As many of you know, in August of 2010, I decided, in an effort to follow new music, which I had drifted away from, I'd keep tabs on the stuff that's out there, rank it and provide some information about these new songs and artists. 

Since the early 1970's, perhaps in response to Top 40 radio powerhouse WABC's annual Top 100 of the Year, I'd make up my own lists, initially close to what was popular at the time, but eventually added my own personal touch to it.   My first formal Top 100 was from 1976, and I continued this practice until 2003, when I starting losing interest in the current music scene.   

Perhaps because of Facebook, I decided to tackle it again in 2009, and I published, as a note, my Top 100 of that year.    I got plenty of postive feedback, so I went for it again in 2010, a year in which I started publishing my favorite songs of each week.    I continued that practice this year, and in April, I started my own blog, "Scenes 'n' Soundwaves" (SnS for short).  I published my weekly Soundwaves 100 (originally called Sound-Raves) alng with commentary on new and upcoming songs and artists, as well as, initially, some of my music thoughts and experiences.  

It all has cuminated in the year end list.   Many artists had multiple appearences on the chart this year (last year only one act had as many as three, this time around, three acts had three songs, two others, four, and one artist racked up five hits on my chart this year).    

Please check out these songs in countdown form.  I will later on post a straight top to bottom listing.  As usual your input is desired and welcome.   In my descriptions you will spot frequent chart references.   "SnS" refers to the weekly charts that I posted each week.   Other references such as "Alternative", "Triple-A", "Adult Top 40" and "Hot 100" refer to Billboard charts.   So, without further delay here is my Top 100 songs for 2011....


TOP 100 OF 2011:

100	Scars on 45 - Give Me Something	A band to be reckoned with in the future; this song reached #25 on my SnS chart earlier this year.   Band is from the UK and expects to release their first full length album early in 2012.   The sound grows on you with each listen.  Band got their name from hearing an Emmylou Harris interview in which the legendary singer claimed she scuffed up her dad's 45 rpm records; name is also a play on the early 1980's Dutch medley group "Stars on 45"
99	Colbie Caillat- I Do	Catchy track from her third set, "All of You" which reached #5 on Billboard's albums chart.  Singer had already established herself with hits "Bubbly" and "Fallin' for You", the latter on my 2009 list.
98	The Airborne Toxic Event - All I Ever Wanted	One of the bright new breakthrough bands this year is from this LA-based indie rock band. Second single from second album, the #17 All at Once, landed in my top 20 this past September.
97	The Black Keys - Everlasting Light	Last year's #1 song, "Tighten Up" came from the Akron duo's breakthru set Brothers, in which this track also resides.   Not a single, the song nonetheless made my top 20 and got airplay on great radio station WEQX.
96	The Cars - Sad Song	Every year, at least one old band gets back together and makes my countdown.   This year it's Boston's The Cars, reforming after 24 years with Ric Ocasek at the helm.   You'd swear they were never apart as this one sounds exactly like their old stuff.   Not that it was ever a bad thing.
95	Snow Patrol - Called Out In the Dark	Always good to see new material from this indie-pop band from Northern Ireland.  From their album Fallen Empires, released in November.
94	Stone Temple Pilots - Cinnamon	The third and final single from the band's 2010 eponymous comeback album.   They were the first band to place all three singles onto my SnS top 20.  The band remains together and there is talk of a new album soon.
93	Paul Czekaj - My Home New Jersey	Early September saw this video about the great state of New Jersey go viral all over Facebook.  That led me to check out this song by the Jersey native, kind of in the vein of Phil Bernardi's similar early 1980's-era "I Like Jersey Best".
92	Oberhofer - Gotta Go	One of several songs here that I downloaded off the free "Rcd Lbl" website which makes available new or remixed songs from up-and-coming artists. In spite of its name, band is from the burgeoning Brooklyn scene.
91	Portugal. the Man - Got It All	Psychedelic rockers from Portland OR were all over the map in 2011.  This song was popular during ski season last year, and hailed from this year's "In the Mountain In the Cloud".  It reached SnS #13 late summer, while the album reached #42 on Billboard.
90	Sleeper Agent- That's My Baby	Kentucky alt-rock sextet came up with this cozy and catchy pop tune which made my top 10 late in the year. From their Celebrasion CD.
89	Real Estate - It's Real	One unlikely music hot spot this year was in Ridgewood NJ.  This is one of two bands from that town which made my countdown.  Currently my #4 song on SnS.   You'll hear more things from these guys soon enough.
88	Surfer Blood- Swim	Indie rockers come from West Palm Beach Florida (as you'd might expect from the name).  From their 2010 set "Astro Coast".
87	Foo Fighters - Walk	Dave Grohl's outfit released a fine album, Wasting Light that fell in favor with many of my Facebook friends as well as Billboard, where this track was #1 on the Alt. chart for weeks.
86	Cee Lo Green - F**k You (Forget You )	One of two 2010 songs that made my list for a second year, you could not avoid it--or its singer--the first few months of the year.   Cee Lo was on (and performed on)all the awards shows, and the song crossed over from Alternative in 2010 to a #2 pop hit earlier this year.
85	The Jayhawks - She Walks In So Many Ways	A welcome return to the airwaves from this Minnesota based alt-country band whose peak period was in the early 1990's.   There were rumors about a mid-90's break-up, but that just turned out to be personnel changes.   The first album in 8 years was also the first in 1995 with the classic lineup.   Top 20 hit for me, while the album that it came from, Mockingbird Time reached #38.
84	Coldplay - Paradise	Chris Martin and Coldplay are back, with their new album, the #1 Mylo Xylyto.  This second single reached my top 20 in the fall.
83	Foster the People - Helena Beat	Arguably the success story of the year.   After releasing their self-titled EP late last year, their Torches album was a big seller this year.   One of the radio singles from this album made my top 20.
82	Foster the People - Houdini	...as did this song as well.   Band hails from LA.  Of course this is not their big song...THAT one is coming up.....
81	Zac Brown Band f Jimmy Buffet - Knee Deep	Great country band that had three songs on my countdown last year (the most in 2010) only settles for one this go round (with some noble near-misses I may add).   This is a throwback to "Toes" about the good life, and not surprisingly features Mr. Buffet, who no doubt had an influence on that prior hit as well.
80	Florence + the Machine - Shake It Out	No mincing words here, this is one of my favorite bands of the year, the first of four songs from two albums that made my list in 2011.    This is single #2 from their Ceremonials (#6 on Billboard).   Song reached #8 early in December.   Florence Welch and friends have just begun.
79	Portugal. the Man - People Say	Second song from these guys got a lot of airplay in WEQX last winter and reminded me of my Vermont trips.  Unlike "Got it All", this song actually came from their 2009 album The Satanic Satanist.
78	Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues	Another favorite band this year released a new album in early 2011, of which this is the title track.   Album debuted at #3, ahead of more high-profile artists like Jennifer Lopez.
77	Kate Voegele - Heart In Chains	"One Tree Hill" actress and singer made my top 10 in 2009 with the gutsy "99 Times".    This time around, she didn't fare as well, not making any national chart but still hitting my top 20.   There is a soulful streak in her, however, and she will remain a favorite.
76	The Black Keys - Lonely Boy	Like Florence + the Machine, we enjoyed two albums from this band in 2011.   This is the lead single from their just-released "El Camino" set.  It hit #1 on SnS earlier this month (and is poised to return).  It's also the current Alternative and Triple-A chart-topper as well, and is already their biggest pop hit.   The video has become viral as well.  Look for this to be on my 2012 countdown as well.
75	The Holidays - Moonlight Hours	Another discovery from RCD LBL, this haunting song is from the Aussie band's 2010 Post Paradise album.
74	Ra Ra Riot - Too Dramatic	Another song from my two Vermont ski weekends this past winter.   Band is from Syracuse, and their 2010 album The Orchard.   A favorite of fellow music colleague Brian Sniatkowski.
73	Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know	Northern Ireland rockers made an impact this year with a couple of songs, including this one, reaching #7 on SnS this spring.  Hit #22 Alternative as well, another new band to watch.
72	Maroon 5 f. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger	Five songs on my countdown made #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 this year.   That includes this one from the veteran funk-poppers that featured Christina Aguilera.
71	The Airborne Toxic Event - Changing	Another from ski season, the second song by this LA band, reached #6 both here and on Billboard's alternative chart.
70	Lucinda Williams - Buttercup	Singer/songwriter has been around forever and has been releasing her share of albums.   Recommended by several friends, I checked this one out from her #15 Blessed set.  Her raw raspy voice is a pleasure to listen to; reached #12 on SnS.
69	Carolina Liar - Drown	Scandinavia is well-represented on the countdown this year as most of the members of this outfit hail from Sweden (the lead singer Chad Wolf is from South Carolina, hence the name).  Nice song from Wild, Blessed Freedom that reached my Top 20 a couple weeks ago.
68	The Strokes - Taken For A Fool	The Strokes were one of the big "neo-garage" bands from early on in the 2000's.  With the breakup of the White Stripes, and the disappearence of The Vines and Hives, all eyes are now on this NY outfit.   Their 2011 album Angles reached #4, this song hit #11 on my chart and did skim the Alt-rock list as well.    Talks are in store for another album possibly in 2012.
67	Fitz and the Tantrums - Don't Gotta Work It Out	This is just the tip of the iceberg for this awesome soul outfit which I discovered late last year.   A great song and all, making the Triple-A chart, and was released as a single, but frankly there were better choices on that album "Picking Up the Pieces".  And they're coming up.....
66	Los Lonely Boys - 16 Monkeys	Band peaked in popularity several years back, but you gotta love this pseudo novelty they put out as their second single from this year's "Rockpango!" album.  Everybody, let's get stoned!
65	Kings of Leon - Pyro	2011 wasn't a great year for these guys.   Off to a great start with their late 2010 release Come Around Sundown, and this song did hit my Top 10, their popularity dropped when the lead singer just walked off the stage, and never returned.   The band canceled the tour and went on hiatus.  This song recalls Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World".
64	Deerhunter - Revival	Atlanta GA band's song sounds a bit Bowie-esque, and is a bunch of catchy-pop.  Reached #7 on SnS.  From Halycion Digest, which reached #37 on Billboard.
63	Bad Books - Please Move	Comprised of members of the band Manchester Orchestra as well as singer Kevin Devine, their self-titled debut was released in late 2010 and produced this song.
62	Best Coast - Our Deal	As the name implies, band is from LA (damn them, the EAST coast is the best!).   Surf-poppers nonetheless contribute two songs to my countdown.  This song had a video which was directed by Drew Barrymore.
61	Cage the Elephant - Around My Head	Their 2008 debut contained a lot of hits, and Thank You, Happy Birthday, their 2011 sophomore release, debuted at #2.   This second single was a bit of a disappointment at alt rock radio, reaching only #15 (breaking a string of four #1's), but I loved it, placing it at #6 during the summer.
60	Thom Sebastian & the Hounds of Winter - Not Broken	I've always been on the lookout for new, local, up-and-coming artists, and although Thom Sebastian has been around a while, this new one features his backing band The Hounds of Winter, which includes Tom Corea and friend and former classmate of mine from Roselle Park.  Song was recorded in his Babyfishmouth Studio at his home in East Hanover, NJ.
59	Foo Fighters - Rope	The leadoff single from Wasting Light was #1 on the alternative chart for 14 weeks, and spent a couple of weeks on the top of SnS as well.   A welcome dose of pure alternative rock, 90's style.
58	Jenny and Johnny - Big Wave	"Jenny" is Jenny Lewis, lead singer of the band Rilo Kiley, an indie pop band from LA, as well as a veteran of several TV shows in the 1980's and 90s.   With that band breaking up, Lewis formed a duo with Johnathan Rice.  Nice song from their debut, 2010's "I'm Having Fun Now".
57	Neon Trees - Your Surrender	Nice song from the Provo Utah's debut "Habits".  Song was #27 Alternative, #21 on my list.
56	SuperHeavy - Miracle Worker	A supergroup in every sense of the word.   Song was released this year, but Damien Marley, Mick Jagger, Joss Stone and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) got together in secrecy as early as 2009 for this project.   Great slice of reggae put a sunshiny feel to things during the late summer, reaching #16 on my chart and also getting Triple-A airplay.
55	Adele - I'll Be Waiting	What more can you say about THIS artist in 2012?  This is the first time we've seen her in this countdown, but certainly not the last.   The problem was not trying to find a song to play by her, just which one.   Facebook friend Keila Baez indicated this was her favorite off her superfine "21" set....and I agreed.
54	Ellie Goulding - Lights	My current #1 song; you gotta like the future of this singer, who basically straddles alt-rock and the pop fields.   Her airplay has been centered on the Adult pop stations, and definitely would be a great asset on those playlists.    One of the better pop songs to come along in quite a while!
53	The Decemberists - This Is Why We Fight	The Decemberists are the cream of the crop, the indie-folk band is from Portland OR (another increasingly visable scene), and this is the second single from "The King is Dead", a #7 peak on SnS.
52	Lykke Li - Get Some	Another act hailing from Sweden. Some friends love this singer/songwriter. This track from her "Wounded Rhymes" was the leadoff single, and recalled the vintage Strangeloves "I Want Candy".  Reached # 4 on my chart.
51	Brilliant Colors - Value Lines	British girl band impressed with this song, which reached #9 on my list during the summer.
50	Lykke Li - Rich Kids Blues  Another from the Swedish songstress' Wounded Rhymes set.  This one is more along "dream pop" lines with a strip of early 60s surf rock thrown in for good measure.  Not officially a single, but it really didn't have to be.
49	Dom - Living In America Band hails from Worcester MA, and this pit of dreamy pop, permeated my top 10 at the beginning of summer.  From the "Family of Love" EP.
48	Plan B- Stay Too Long.  Plan B is actually one guy, Ben Drew, from England.  And he proved there's more to retro soul than Adele or Amy Winehouse.   And this song, a #1 on my chart last winter, didn't have a hip-hop bridge to it, you'd swear it would have come from 1970.   A winner from his "The Defamation of Strickland Banks" set and a British top 10 in 2010.
47	The Raveonettes - Recharge and Revolt.  It's great to see this Danish duo back.   Moving away from their early 1960's-style dreamy-pop, they now take on a more 1980's Cure-ish approached.  Reached #2 back in May. From their set "Raven in the Grave", which reached #126 on Billboard.
46	Cage the Elephant - Aberdeen CTE's second set was a hit with me, as this third single joined the second one on my list this year.  The first single, "Shake Me Down" came in at #101, just missing the trifecta.  All are from their sophomore "Thank You, Happy Birthday".
45	Katy Perry - Firework The pop sensation had a banner year, with five songs hitting the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100, this being single no. 3 to do so.   One of two songs to appear on both my 2010 and 2011 countdowns, it probably cost Perry top 20 status had it been contained in one year.   A great pop song nonetheless.
44	Peter Bjorn & John - Second Chance Another from Sweden, this marked somewhat of a comeback for the trio.    Their single "Young Folks" was a big hit in 2007 and that album "Writer's Block" had some other great songs.  Unfortunately the follow-up, 2009's "Living Thing" was horrible as their tried to sell out on hip-hop.  This album, "Gimme Some" is a welcome return to what they do best.  A #5 hit on my chart.
43	Death Cab for Cutie - You are A Tourist.  DCFC have been a favorite since my niece Bailey discovered them back in the mid 2000's.  The first single from 2011's "Codes and Keys", this song reached #1 on the alternative chart, and #6 here.  However, it was upstaged by the second single yet to come.
42	Fitz and the Tantrums - Dear Mr. President.  The second track on my list from this awesome band was just an album cut, but I took to it immediately.   Band played much of the summer's festivals with bands like Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, and it was the latter's Facebook page that posted this song in the first place.   A #3 hit on my SnS chart during mid summer.
41	Mayer Hawthorne - The Walk.  Between Fitz & the Tantrums, and his Michigan singer, it's great to know that this soul revival doesn't all come from across the pond.   Awesome song, #1 for 2 weeks, would have been much higher had I added this earlier in the year, but still very Motown-ish and infectuous.   And an interesting video.   Big hit with Triple-A stations, too.
40	My Morning Jacket - Holdin' On to Black Metal.  This is one of those bands that you swore were new, only to find out they've been around for over a decade.  Thanks to their "Circuital" release this year, many in alt-rock circles know who they are now.   Song reminds me of our annual Roscoe camping trip.
39	Adele - Set Fire To the Rain.   The British soul dynamo's second entry on my list was her fourth top 10 on my SnS chart, peaking at #9.   It is also her third single release from "21" and is gunning for their third chart topper.
38	Sarah Jean - Hometown.  The name of the song is fitting as she is pretty much a hometown girl.  The Hounds of Winter, the band headed by my friend Tom Corea who backed up Thom Sebastian back at #60, also did the honors with Sarah Teti, and the result is acoustic heaven.   Tom sent me both of her CD's, and I got to listen to her on an Internet radio broadcast as well.   And finally, we became Facebook friends.   The song reached #3 on my chart and am looking forward to more music from her.
37	The Wombats - Tokyo (Vampires & Wolves).   My blog entry of May 2 got a record number of hits.  Nothing really in the subject matter--I talked about various festivals.  But it seems people wanted to find a picture of this band (which appears to the right).  If this blog entry gets that much, it's the picture.   Otherwise, this #3 song from the spring, is quite good.  From "This Modern Glitch".
36	Omnia - What's Become of Us?  Another classmate of mine, Diane Tarantino Hegazy, is responsible for me liking this artist.   Omnia Hegazy is none other than Diane's niece, and she is a load of talent.   A #1 for me just about a month ago, Omnia mixed exotic world rhythms with a pop senstivity.  You can catch her playing at places like The Bitter End in NYC.  From her EP, Jailbird.  Also had the pleasure of friending her on Facebook.
35	Florence + the Machine - Dog Days are Over.  When this song quickly fell off my chart last year, I dismissed Ms. Welch.  Big mistake. Then, thanks to my friend Nancy Vandevaarst's 16-year old daughter Dana, who posted that she liked this band, and then hearing this song performed in a Glee rerun, I gave it another chance, and it shot to the top spot in May.  From her 2009 album "Lungs" which also sprawned "Kiss With a Fist" which landed on that year's list.
34	Leila - Hush Little Baby.  Sibling rivalry?  You bet.  If you think I put Omnia's picture here, think again.  This is Leila Hegazy, Omnia's twin sister, and she, too hit my top spot this past spring, with her self titled EP.   While Omnia is more international and exotic, you can place Leila in the ranks of a Corinne Bailey Rae or Norah Jones.  She will be putting out a full length album in 2012.
33	Michelle Branch - Loud Music  It's been way too long since we've heard from Michelle Branch.   Her 2001 debut was awesome, and of course the following year was featured vocalist on Santana's "The Game of Love", my #1 song of that year.  After venturing into country with her "The Wreckers" project, she's back firmly in pop/rock territory with her album "West Coast Time" and her top 20 adult top 40 hit.
32	The Decemberists - Down By the Water. Another song popular with my friends, including Tom Maloney, who raved about it when I played it at his St. Patrick's party.   Outfit has been around a while, and this song, a #1 on my chart, combines the harmonies of The Jayhawks with the sensibility of an R.E.M.  A winner.
31	The Black Keys - Howlin' For You   The follow-up to my #1 song of 2010, "Tighten Up" was impressive, too, reaching #3 alternative and #2 SnS.  It also provided the band was versatile, incorporating a bluesy feel to their stripped down rock.  Big song from ski season last year.
30	Train - Save Me San Francisco.  Title track is the fourth single from the album, and by far, my favorite (yes, better than "Hey Soul Sister"), kind of a cross between Kid Rock's "All Summer Long", and Rod Stewart's vintage "Hot Legs".   Big song during our July 4th weekend in Lake George, and it shot to #1 on my chart, and top 10 on the adult pop chart to boot.
29	Bush - The Sound of Winter.   Last year, the Gavin Rossdale-led reformed band released their comback single "Afterlife", but a planned was oft-delayed.  It was finally released this fall, entitled "The Sea of Memories".   This track was #1 alternative for several weeks and made my top 10.
28	Mt. Desolation - Bitter Pill.  If this slice of British bittersweet-sounding alt-country sounds a bit familiar it should:  It is a side project of the band Keane.  From their eponymous album, song reached #3 on my SnS chart.
27	The Vaccines - Post Break-up Sex If you want some catchy indie-pop, try this one.  Band is from England, and their album "What Did You Expect from the Vaccines", though only hitting #197 on the US album chart, it a must have for any alt rock fan.   A firm top 10 hit on my chart.
26	The Big Troubles - Bite Yr Tongue.  You can thank my friend Craig Young for introducing me to this band, which hails from Ridgewood, NJ.   The video for this driving new wavish jaunt, like Paul Czekaj's features some familiar signs in New Jersey (if only the northern part), but the tune just lingers in your mind.
25	Anna Calvi - Blackout.  Sometime in August, I became Facebook friends with John Piacentini, who also went to Roselle Park High School and is a big fan of new music.  Instantly, he recommended a song from this British musican, whose voice sounded eeriely like Chrissie Hynde. I instantly loved this song from her debut self-titled album.
24	Dum Dum Girls - Coming Down.  This rather somber-sounding song got me through a difficult time in October when a good friend of my passed away.   Aside from that, this LA four-piece girl group is a keeper and many of my friends loved this song.   Lead singer Dee Dee Penny also sounds a lot like Chrissie Hynde. On the prestigious Sub Pop label.  #1 for 3 weeks on my SnS chart.
23	Rachel Allyn - Lovely Lily.   It was last year that we "discovered" this talented up-and-coming country artist and thought it wouldn't be too longer before she "broke through".  Well, she hasn't, but not for lack of trying.   Song about a Harry Potter character hit my top 5 this past fall.  But more about Rachel later on..
22	Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie.  Flea and the gang are back after too long a hiatus with a new guitarist, but pretty much the same approach to the music.  As has been this band's custom, funky verses followed by squarely poppish chorus are much in apparent here.   A #1 Alt-rock hit and top 3 on my list; song was the lead single from their "I'm With You" effort, which debuted at #2 on Billboard's album chart.
21	Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F).  Like the title of one of her hits from her previous album, Katy was pretty much "Hot and Cold" when it came to her #1 hits from her "Teenage Dream" set.   Her "E.T." was horrible, the title track and "California Gurls" just mediocre.  But then she comes up not only with "Firework", but this pop gem, which came close to being my first #1 by a pop artist.   Oh, and for the record, her competitor, Lady Gaga was shut out of my Top 100 this year.
20	Florence + the Machine - You Got the Love  After rediscovering the British rocker with "Dog Days...", her quick follow-up was just as addictive, reaching my top 5 during the summer. Although not in the Amy-Adele vein, as a rocker, Ms. Welch has got some soul as well.
19	Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside - I Swear.  An obscure gem courtesy of Brian Sniatkowski, this quartet headed by Sallie Ford turned my head this past fall not only with its rockabilly slant circa 1959, but its great video which took us through six decades of pop culture.  They're from Portland OR, which, the longer I'm writing this, the more I'm dismissing Brooklyn as the latest music "Hot Spot".  From their "Dirty Radio" set.
18	Avi Buffalo - How Come.  LA twee-pop outfit which just missed having the #1 song of last year ("What's In It For") reorganizing after losing two members (one of them, Rebecca Coleman, to a band called Pageants).  This stand-alone single had a nice stripped-down dreamy sound as compared to the polished psychedelic sound of its predecessor.   A new album is promised in 2012.
17	Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi-Two Against One.  Many things going for this one.   Danger Mouse was one half (with Cee Lo Green) of Gnarls Barkley; featured vocalist Jack White (whose White Stripes officially broke up this year) needs no introduction.  Surreal entry topped my list for two weeks at the start of summer, and hit top 10 on the Triple-A charts.
16	Adele - Rumour Has It.  Yes, her again.  What more can you say?   My third selection from her "21", it reached #1 on my list as well as the Triple-A chart.  Very rhythmic track from her best seller, even though so far it's been passed over as a single.  So far, anyway.
15	Cold War Kids - Louder Than Ever.  If I still had a house in ski country like I did most of the 90's, this song would have been a part of it.   Nonetheless, this song was part of a soundtrack to one of my Vermont ski trips this past winter anyway, as its four week run at #1 on my list will attest to.  Album "Mine is Yours" reached #21 and this single did hit the alternative charts as well.
14	Florence + the Machine - What the Water Gave Me.  Four songs from the undeniable British talent this year.   Lead track from her new "Ceremonials" set was my soundtrack to our Cape Cod trip in the fall.  It has absolutely gone thru my head and still does.  A three week stint at the top of my chart could have been duplicated elsewhere had the follow-up 'Shake It Out" been released later.
13	Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean. Standout track from their "Helplessness Blues" set reminded me of our Lake Placid weekend in July.   Their sound always conjures up some trip in the country or wilderness.  Excellent effort from the the band those "Mykonos" was top 3 in 2009.
12	Fitz and the Tantrums - Money Grabber.  It was early December, 2010 which I hit a goldmine listening to this.   I thought I was listening to some late 1960's soul from Detroit, but instead, it was these guys(and the lovely Noelle Scaggs) from LA.   Four weeks at #1 (including keeping out Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" for three of them), song would have landed much higher had it been released a month later.
11	Best Coast - Something In The Way.  Second effort from this duo landed much higher than the bells-and-whistles follow-up "Our Deal".  This in my opinion was more catchy, thus came close to landing in my top 10.
10	Adele - Someone Like You.   Yep..again.  The artist who I ranted and raved about back in 2008 came on like gangbusters.   But in start contrast, this was a simple vocal and piano number.   Impatently waiting for the prior single to catch on the pop charts, I went ahead and added this one...I was ahead of the game, putting this one at the top for two weeks.   It eventually hit #1 on the  Hot 100 for five weeks in the fall.   A great performance on the AMA's for this.
9	Death Cab For Cutie - Stay Young Go Dancing.  The first time I posted this beautiful effort, I got no responses.  The second time, two "likes".  By the fourth time, friends were loving it, and one friend, Suzanne Logeman shared it on her wall...twice.   The title says it all, but give the whole song a listen as well.   Reached #2 last month but still in my top 20.
8	Rachel Allyn - Say Hello To Goodbye.  Though she hadn't found her big break yet, she came awfully close this summer.   She was named "artist of the week" on the Internet radio station Renegade Country Radio.   She won the "house band" contest at NJ shore station Thunder 106.   R&B singer Shontelle originated this song, and I added both of them the same week.   Shontelle's stopped at #30, while this one headed my list for four weeks during the summer.
7	Fitz and the Tantrums - Pickin' Up the Pieces.  The biggest of four entries by my favorite band of 2011 was found by mistake.   Thinking I downloaded the new single "Don't Gotta Work It Out", I was pleasantly blown away when I listened to this non-single title track from their album.   Noelle Scaggs singing just gives me the chills.
6	Wilco - I Might.  A great attribute of a band is its ability to embrace various sounds.   Alt-country outfit who has been around for 20 years did just that with this poppish effort that led my list for 4 weeks in the early autumn. Album "The Whole Love" entered at #5 and the song also hit #9 on Billboard's Triple-A list.
5	Plan B- Love Goes Down.   WOW!  Yes, "Stay Too Long" had soul, but this one blows it--and everything else--away.  No hip-hop interludes, just a song that could have some from Memphis in the 1960's.  A song for the ages reached the top spot for a week on SnS.
4	The Kooks - Junk of the Heart (Happy).  A song I dedicated to a good Facebook friend, one who posted some of the lyrics as their status as well,  this is a very heartfelt rocker from this band from Britain.  The album of the same name reached #68, which the song peaked at #2 on my chart and was a top 20 alternative hit.
3	Rachel Allyn - Gettin' By (AMA Remix).  For the second year in a row, Rachel's got the #3 song.  Originally a track from her 2009 EP "Late Nights and Early Mornings", this is a remixed version which saw a single release early this year.  Ditty is about her family, which we had the pleasure of meeting again this summer.
2	Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks.  Back in the spring of 2010, this new released got a lot of buzz, even prompting a critic to call this the song of "next summer".   They weren't too far off.   Brian Sniatkowski's "Song of the Week" in August of that year, I picked up on it back in January, hit #1 in March, then watched it stay on the chart as it became a huge #3 hit in the fall on Billboard's Hot 100.  I had it on my chart a record 45 weeks.   Still catchy when I hear it.
1	Adele - Rolling In the Deep.  In early December of 2010, I got a chance to preview the new Adele single.   I was blown away by her soulful 2008 effort "19", thus was looking forward to this.   And boy, did she ever deliver.   #1 for a week in January, I then watched the whole world get turned on to her month by month, until this song had a seven week run at #1 on the Hot 100 in the early part of the summer.  Thus it became Billboard's #1 song of the year, matching my feat.   This is the first time this has happened since 1980, when Blondie's "Call Me", topped both year-end lists.   The unmistakeable Adele has my #1 song of the year with "Rolling In the Deep".