Groovemine contributor, KYRSTEN BEAN, presents her picks for the most compelling records of the year (in no particular order):
Creep On Creepin' by Timber Timbre
An awesome LP, bringing to mind New Orleans and voodoo lovers on a dark and twisted path through something beautiful and dangerous, spoken to through blues and haunting melodies. 
Read the Groovemine review
Feel it Break by Austra
This was a refreshing treat, reminiscent of Cocteau Twins, The Cure and other New Wave staples, but with a twist on chill-inducing melodies and intricate layering. 
Read the Groovemine review
Blue Hour by The Drift
This three-piece band uses organic instruments to take you into a darker ambient place, giving you an industrial feel without all the ennui. Read the Groovemine review
Let England Shake by PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey managed to knock it out of the park for me with this one – I liked the whole album. The melodies, harmonies and lyrics specifically upped the ante on peaking my interest. Read the Groovemine review
In and Out of Youth and Lightness
by Young Widows
Addicting licks pickle a jagged heavy rock and roll influence peppered with a dark bluesy feel. A solid, consistent album all the way through, with heavy drums, strong vocals, and driving guitars. Read the Groovemine review
>> MORE COMPELLING MUSIC...
+ Read JENNIFER MILLS' 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
+ Read ADRIAN ROJAS' picks for The Most Compelling Music of 2011
