Chris Payne’s Critical Albums Of 2011

When I look back on my listening habits in 2011, they serve as a soundtrack to the year when I decided to take music journalism more seriously, in a sort of career-oriented way. Transitioning from a college radio music director to my current stint with Billboard, I found myself at least having to maintain awareness of all things "pop" in addition to whatever was hot at your typical indie record shop. Perhaps that's why I quieted the elitist inside me and included Adele and The Strokes, both of whom released albums I listened to a great deal.

If you asked me for my favorite indie label right now, I'd probably answer Slumberland, who continued their recent hot streak by releasing some fantastic records in 2011. The sophomore effort from Crystal Stilts and Veronica Falls' debut cracked my Top 10, and The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart's Belong came pretty close.

Given Zola Jesus' super-duper buzz band status, I approached Conatus with caution, but was quickly won over. Same goes for the Black Lips: working with Mark Ronson for most of Arabia Mountain, I was somewhat worried they'd give up the fuzzy-scuzzy thing and just start living it up in the DJ booth at celebrity parties. In the end, the record made it to #2 on my list, regardless of whether the latter actually happened.

Although I toyed with putting each of my top 4 records at the number one slot, it was James Blake's debut LP that ultimately claimed the prize. Perhaps it was all the terrible music people tagged as "dubstep" this year, or Blake's own dismissal of it in a Boston Phoenix interview. Or perhaps it was because his album was just so undeniably gorgeous - the sort of music that made me appreciate empty space so much more.