Paqman's Top 10 Albums Of 2011 - The Year Of The Mixtape

Tens of thousands of albums have been released this past year, so P&B are taking on the arduous task of breaking down our very own Top 10 Albums of 2011 List. This is the second of a 2-part series (Turnbull's first, with Paqman's second). We'll break down the albums, EPs, and mixtapes, etc, that made for quintessential listening throughout the year. If you don't see something on here that you feel should've made the lists, feel free to leave a comment or send us an email about it!

10) Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

The Foo had one hell of a year. They reestablished themselves as the premiere stadium rock band with a massive sold out tour. If you haven't checked out the "Back and Forth" documentary which chronicles the band's history and the making of "Wasting Light", it's a must for any fan of the Foo Fighters and modern rock.

P&B Approved Cuts: Bridges Burning, Rope, Arlandia

 9) Drake - Take Care

Canada's hottest export did not fail with his sophomore release. With longtime producer Noah "40" Shebib, Just Blaze and T-Minus, Drake proved that his star continues to rise as he delivers his trademark introspective lyrics over fantastically produced beats.

P&B Approved Cuts: Buried Alive Interlude, Under Ground Kings, Take Care

New Feist Album, Metals, Will Kill You Softly

(Photo via stereogum.com)

Our favorite axe wielding Canadian songstress dropped her new album this week. I'm not referring to Anne Murray (props for tearing up the golf course, Snowbird). I'm talking about the always incredible Leslie Feist. She returns with another great release that will enable her continued ascent to super stardom...without an iPod commercial.

James Blake's Naked Electronica

photo via deathandtaxesmag.com

The name "James Blake" keeps popping up whenever I read something discussing "Artists To Watch in 2011." Recently, the interweb has had quite a bit to say about this UK Dubstep Producer-turned-Artist and his brand of music...what I refer to as "Naked Electronica."  It's an unusually dark, bare-bones take on soul music and r&b, but with light, minimalist keyboard flourishes, and some other very interesting sounds.