Turnbull's Top 10 Albums of 2011

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 first of a 2-part series (Turnbull's first, with Paqman's to follow). 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) Theophilus London - Lovers Holiday

Amongst a couple of mixtapes, and a major label debut that I found somewhat disappointing, this 5-track EP captured the true essence of this debonnair Brooklyn MC/singer-songwriter, who sights Prince, Mike J, and The Smiths as his key influences.  London is a fashion savvy street rebel who struck gold with this short yet solid set of tracks.

P&B Approved Cuts: Strangelove, Wine & Chocolates

9) Bon Iver (s/t)

Truth be known, I didn't know what to make of this album when I first heard it, but it certainly has grown on me over time.  This record serves less as an album, and more as a collection of lush 'soundscapes' that conjure up the same feelings of isolation shown on Bon Iver's critically acclaimed debut album For Emma, Forever Ago.

P&B Approved Cuts: Perth, Holocene, Towers

Next Up: Theophilus London

TL preps for his bright future ... with shades on.
(photo via lowefactor.com)

I first heard about this MC/singer/songwriter/producer named Theophilus London when I read a write-up on him in the December 2010 issue of GQ Magazine.  The one-page feature heralded the Brooklyn, NY native as a performer to keep your eyes on in the upcoming new year, and also talked about his unique, 90's-inspired fashion sense ... dude rocks the old school "Game"-brand snapback baseball hats with oversized shades, Gucci blazers, loudly-coloured dress shirts, and white buckskin shoes.

However, the thing that intrigued me the most was how the article described his music, "as if an MC stole the mic at an 80's new wave dance party and rhymed over New Order and The Cure - with some Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba thrown in." 

I immediately decided to investigate.