Groovemine contributor, JENNIFER MILLS, presents her picks for the most compelling records of the year (in no particular order):
 






Angles by The Strokes
I know, I know, it doesn’t come anywhere close to the triumphant Is This It (which also celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary in 2011). But sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that your idols can still put out a completely solid record (Take note Loutallica!). It’s also great to hear these skinny-jean clad pioneers treading new waters, like the electro-pop of “Games,” and the Cars-style rock of “Two kinds of Happiness.”







The Rip Tide by Beirut
This may be remembered as the album that got mysterious front man Zach Condon to open up. Sure you have the signature Beirut motifs (the quivering voice, those horns), but then you get a hometown ballad like "Santa-Fe," or the self pep-talk of “Goshen.” Sometimes, it’s nice to know what wunderkind Condon is singing about, and now it’s about himself instead of mysterious European towns and literary figures.

Read the Groovemine review







Shangri-La by YACHT
In the spirit of this list being “Most Compelling,” not necessarily “Best,” I present Shangri-La. This album could compel anyone — to dance! But don’t get me wrong; the album is excellent. You can’t keep your feet from tapping on tracks like newest single “I Walked Alone,” or synth-driven “Dystopia (The Earth is On Fire).” Sci-fi concept albums may not be your style, but go on —  boogie down the rabbit hole.

Read the Groovemine review







Tamer Animals by Other Lives
This quartet of Oklahoma-based Orchestro-poppers crafted an LP that sounds like the latest super-cool installation of “Oregon Trail.” With lines like “The air is all we need,” and song titles like “Dustbowl III,” these modern day pioneers have created a lush and beautiful album.

Read the Groovemine review







David Comes To Life by Fucked Up
I will forever be an advocate of the rock opera, and this epic ode to a light-bulb factory worker (the titular David) is a prime example. Sure it’s 78-minutes long, and the story can get a bit muddled underneath Pink Eyes’ screams and growls, but the album is yet another in the list of ambitious punk acts. David Comes To Life also includes vocals from Madeline Follin (of the much-hyped CULTS) and Kurt Vile. You may find that your brain may have a hard time keeping up with your head(banging), but you’ll love it. And you won’t be able wait for the live show.

Read the Groovemine review

>> MORE COMPELLING MUSIC...

+ Read KYRSTEN BEAN's picks for The Most Compelling Music of 2011
+ Read ADRIAN ROJAS' picks for The Most Compelling Music of 2011
+ Read ADAM SHANLEY's picks for The Most Compelling Music of 2011
+ Read NEIL LEVENS' picks for The Most Compelling Music of 2011