Of Montreal is probably one of the most outlandish groups out there right now (see above), at least that I follow. Which is why I am not surprised by this somewhat-outlandish track that the group decided to drop in preparation for their ext big release Paralytic Stalks (which apparently they’re going to offer in cassete form as well). The Georgia based psychedelic pop group turns this track into a track that we’re used to hearing on “Queen Greatest Hits” albums. But hey, it’s good. Check it out as well as the album cover below.

Of Montreal – “Dour Percentage”

In Audio We Trust is here to help you re-live the best of 2011. Our writers have listed their top hip-hop albums, indie albums, mashups, covers, collabs, and remixes. Top mixtapes of 2011 will be here shortly. That deserves its own post. Enjoy.

TOP HIP-HOP ALBUMS
Hip hop has long been a passion of mine. Going off of that, I cannot remember the last time I have ever been so happy about the state of hip hop in the overall music industry. The year 2011 treated hip hop well, with an explosion of young, passionate, promising, and most importantly, talented. That’s the good news. The bad news for me: it makes my job of selecting the Top 5 Hip Hop Albums of 2011 extremely difficult. That’s a good problem to have, though. Well, without any further adieu, here is the list of IAWT’s Top 5 Hip Hop Albums of 2011.

5.) J. Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story

You know it’s been a good year if I put J. Cole, personally my favorite artist, at the #5 slot. His debut album was an absolutely phenomenal keystone to what appears to be the beginning of an amazing career for the Fayetteville, NC, native. It puts a smile on my face to think back to listening to The Come Up, and now listening to this album and thinking about how far he’s come. I have a feeling that J. Cole’s name will be appearing on this list again in the coming years. Here’s my personal favorite track from the album.

Dollar And A Dream III

4.) Kendrick Lamar – Section.80

It’s great to see the Compton emcee finally getting some recognition. Section.80 is featured on pretty much every blog’s list of best albums of 2011, and it’s no different here at IAWT. Most people would put this album at #1. I couldn’t quite get myself to put this album that high, but it definitely deserves to be on this list. I don’t think there’s anyone more passionate about his music than Kendrick Lamar. That’s something refreshing to witness.

HiiiPOWER

3.) Drake – Take Care

Yes, I know I claimed this was the album of the year in my review of Take Care. I was a little excited. But if there are two albums ahead of this one, then they’re all basically 1a, 1b, & 1c. This is the album Drake NEEDED to make. Doubters of his were growing in number after Thank Me Later, claiming he was suffering Kid Cudi syndrome (never would be able to live up to his first mixtape), which isn’t even true for Kid Cudi. But Drake showed us his true colors and variety of talent on his sophomore album. I still listen to it almost everyday. It’s been over a month. That’s a true testament of the quality of this album. I decided to include the song that best captures the overall scope of the entire album.

Over My Dead Body

2.) Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne

Jordan & Pippen, Montana & Rice, spaghetti & maple syrup, and now Jay Z & Kanye. Some combinations just work. This album sort of came out of nowhere this summer, but no one’s complaining. You know you’re going to have one of the best albums of the year if you pair up two of the biggest names EVER in hip hop. “Niggas in Paris” is one of the few songs people can listen to 10 times and not get tired of it. Don’t believe me? Ask one of the millions of people who packed the stadiums during the Watch The Throne tour. With rumors of a sequel to this album coming in the next year or so, I am ecstatic. This one was almost a no-brainer.

Niggas In Paris

1.) The Roots – undun

I had to. This album is making its way up to one of my favorite albums ever. Usually when you have albums that are supposed to tell a story (like this one), the actual track-to-track listening experience is a little weird and not as enjoyable. That isn’t so with undun. It tells a story, but it’s not too obvious, which lets you listen to tracks one at a time and not make you think that you’re missing something. The Roots have never sounded better. Had this been released earlier in the year, this would’ve won Grammys. Every hip hop artist should take note: this is how you make an album. The Roots should know – they’ve been doing it since ’87.

Otherside

TOP INDIE ALBUMS
Indie music carries a lot of different meanings. What makes the genre special to us is that it’s unlike anything that has come before it. It’s original, it’s creative, and it’s awesome. We picked our best 5 indie albums of the year because they’ve broadened our musical horizons. These albums, as a whole, are terrific and unique. If you’re not familiar with them, it’s OK. You’ll fall in love soon enough.

5) Destroyer – Kaputt

A mix of smooth jazz and indie pop-rock, Kaputt provides a dynamic, paradoxical listening experience. Its driving beats and groovy bass lines are both offset and complemented by ambient synths, soaring horns, and soulful saxophones. Oh, and then there’s frontman Daniel Bejar’s ever-relaxed vocals. As listeners, we may not be sure how to get into the music, but without a doubt, you’ll find yourself grooving right along.

“Chinatown” – Destroyer

4) Wilco – The Whole Love

Wilco has that old school indie rock feel that’s harder and harder to come by these days. They don’t depend on crazy electronic effects like some of their indie contemporaries, but they dabble. Sometimes, they use traditional, rock instrumentation and totally unaffected vocals, the likes of which reminds me of – believe it or not – the Beatles. They sound like they’re actually from that era, and that they’ve actually felt all the things they sing about. The truth is – they’re not technically indie (they’re on a major label). But give it a listen, and you’ll see. If you’re into real, honest songs, you’ll love this folk/country/alternative rock album.

“I Might” – Wilco

3) M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

M83 mastermind Anthony Gonzalez described his new album as “very epic.” There’s really no better word to describe it. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is an epic concept album, full of booming, ambient climaxes, distinct instrumentations and memorable melodies. Each song is different yet similar, so the Gonzalez’s brilliance really comes out when you listen to the album as a whole. Mixing elements of rock, electro-pop, and shoegaze, this album is not to be missed.

“Intro” – M83 ft. Zola Jesus

2) James Blake – James Blake

James Blake’s debut album is not your everyday listening experience. He consistently sings beautiful melodies over atonal accompaniment, and sometimes, it’s just weird. But that’s exactly why he’s number two on this list. James Blake has managed to produce some of the most innovative, minimalist music ever to reach the populace. His vocal harmonies are straight-up genius, and the contrast within the album is stunning. Listen to “I Never Learnt to Share” for a taste.

“I Never Learnt to Share” – James Blake