label:INDIE

SXSW // Balthazar

Belgium’s main input for this year’s SXSW is of the highest level. The indiepop band ‘Balthazar’ is huge in the chocolate country. After their well received debut album ‘Applause’ they just finished album #2, which will be released later this year. Don’t forget to check them out.

Balthazar @ SXSW

Balthazar @ Spotify / Deezer

Best Albums of 2011

One last time we look back to 2011… To look at the best albums and songs of the year. These are my favorite albums of 2011:

1. Grouplove – Never Trust a Happy Song / Grouplove EP

A great discovery this year was the happy music made by ‘Grouplove’. These Angelenos and Britton started off the year with single ‘Colours’ and an accompanying self-titled debut EP. The debut album ‘Never Trust a Happy Song’ was released in September and created a nice buzz. See these guys live in 2012 if you can cuz they are one big group of energy.

2. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

The last Foo’s album was recorded in Dave Grohl’s garage, a garage packed with top quality gear and with Vig Butch behind the buttons. A splendid rock album in the Foo’s tradition with a bag full of great singles. Bridge Burning, Rope, Walk, Arlandria… they are all festival hymns already again.

3. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You

Since hearing the first tunes from the band with the weird band name has convinced me with their über danceable electronic rock. The always so tough album #2 ‘Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You’ didn’t disappoint and gave us much party pleasure.

4. Royal Bangs - Flux Outside

 A great musical discovery this year were the guys from Royal Bangs. This trio from Knoxville, Tennessee bring an up tempo experimental rock sound and released their third album in 2011, called ‘Flux Outside’. 

5. The Black Keys - El Camino

Co-operation #3 between the Black Keys and success producer Danger Mouse. A big challenge awaited after the big success of the ‘Brother’ album. On this 3^rd album they keep evolving in a commercial but catchy way. It attracts huge crowds but they never lose their bluesy garage origin, it’s all just a lil smoother. Def. a great feel good, rockin’ out album and a powerful spectacle live. 

6. Adele - 21

Even if you’re not a big Adele fan, this year there was no way to get around her. The singles ‘Someone Like You’, ‘Rolling in the Deep’ and ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ have moved every music lover and this album is (and should be) in everyone’s lists of 2011.

7. Smith & Burrows - Funny Looking Angels

In november 2011 we received an early Christmas gift from Editors frontman Tom Smith and ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows. Their complementary voices bring out a modern touch in Christmas classics and new timeless creations.

Honorable Mentions:

- Foster the People - Torches

- Krach - Krach (Dutch krautrock)

- Funeral Party - The Golden Age of Knowhere (Officially released in 2011 but already got quite some airplay in 2010)

- Cults - Cults

- Cage the Elephant - Thank You, Happy Birthday