2011 Gambler Awards
21 - Richard Buckner - Our Blood (33)
Another gem from America's best singer-songwriter. - Melt (9)
Machine (8), Loon Rider (7), travelbysea (4), brokenceramic (3), bltkmt (2)
22 - Deer Tick - Divine Providence (30)
pearlsnapman (9), brokenceramic (9), Rockstar Aimz (7), erschen (3), Zeppelinster (2)
23 - Jonathan Wilson - Gentle Spirit (30)
AlbertaBound (10), Ranchhand (9), Loon Rider (6), Screen Door (5)
24 - Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Mirror Traffic (28)
As we spend the next nine years critically dissecting and reassessing the 1990s, let's agree to make one historical revision: The lo-fi auteurs of the era-- your Malkmuses, your Pollards, your Elephant Sixers-- were not in fact "slackers," despite the prevailing label/insult of the the day. Truthfully, their lack of studio polish was not a matter of laziness, ironic aesthetic, or poverty, but a coping mechanism for the unstoppable torrent of melodies, words, and ideas exploding from each songwriter's brain. No time for getting that song exactly right-- on to the next one. - DADDY (8)
SM's best solo album since his first. - Melt (3)
kizmiaz (7), Loon Rider (5), BirdBrain (3), nacho (2)
25 - Tyler Ramsey - The Valley Wind (28)
The title track alone makes this one worth having. -Rick V (6)
Heavily influenced by early Neil Young without ever being derivative, many thanks to the good people here for introducing me to this one. - Boxcar Trev (5)
nacho (7), Beldo (5), paulhead (4), travelbysea (1)
26 - We Are Augustines - Rise Ye Sunken Ships (28)
Very cathartic album with a guy dealing with his brother's suicide. Songs are solid. Favorite tracks: "The Chapel" (similar to the Mats "Nobody" in theme), "Augustine" (huge Big Country chorus), "Patton State Hospital", "Book Of James", "Headlong Into The Abyss (these last 3 all about his brother's mental illness and suicide. Heavy album but well worth diving into.. - Space Junk VI (7)
Blaze (9), AlbertaBound (9), Screen Door (3)
27 - Tommy Stinson - One Man Mutiny (25)
Tommy is so rock n roll!- THE LOVER (9)
One Man Mutiny doesn’t aspire to reach the heights of the Holy Trinity of Let It Be, Tim or Pleased to Meet Me, the album makes a case for Stinson’s songwriting prowess, even if it does feel a bit borrowed throughout his sophomore release. Despite its familiarity, One Man Mutiny makes a case that sometimes bassists do have something worthwhile to contribute musically. Just don’t say that out loud to any indie paper editor-in-chiefs. - DADDY (7)
bltkmt (5), FridayNightHasKilledMe (4)
28 - Larry Hooper - Between Here And The Stars (24)
The dude put together a fine album. - Blaze (3)
KnobTwister (8), Bowood (6), Nortwoods (5), greatbahen (2)
29 - Richmond Fontaine - The High Country (24)
This is actually more like the soundtrack including the spoken narrative to a theatre production, proof if any was needed that Willy Vlautin is a great writer. Not so much an album, more a work of art. - Boxcar Trev (1)
Nortwoods (10), howard (10), KnobTwister (2), Loon Rider (1)
30 - Desertshore - Drawing Of Threes (23)
Love "Mercy" - FridayNightHasKilledMe (8)
Mark Kozelek adds lyrics/vocals to 6 tracks that make this well worth picking up. Old Ramon/Ocean Beach territory for Koz fans. "Diana" and "Randy Quaid" are epic Kozelek tunes. Spalding Gray/Brothers Quay/Dennis and Randy Quaid. - Space Junk VI (6)
charps (6), Beldo (3)
