Love the XX but this is absolutely nothing to get excited about.

Haha that is a great joke!

Wow, never thought I would say this, but SPIN’s list is much better than stereogums. Love that they included Big K.R.I.T. This list is probably the best representation of the indie scene (or just good music in general) than most best of lists I’ve seen so far. Kudos Spin.

Daddy Like

I may have come off sounding a bit pretentious with the “I laughed when I saw this list” comment. The good folks at Stereogum are “professionals” (however you wish to interpret that) and these types of lists are totally subjective. However, the comment sections are obviously here for us to voice our opinions (I applaud stereogum for having them) and I truly feel leaving James Blake’s album off the list is a inexpiable omission from any “indie” websites best of 2011 list. I will admit that when the album first came out I was somewhat indifferent to it, but that all changed when I saw his awe-inspiring performance at SXSW. Maybe more people just need to see him in a live setting to appreciate what he is doing in the studio (by himself).

Wow I gotta say I laughed when I saw this list. James Blake’s album should be #1, or on the list at the very least (it is a 2011 release if I remember correctly). Fleet Foxes’ Helplessness Blues barely makes the list? That’s a top 3 album imo. I can support Bon Iver at number 1, but no Radiohead? I know TKOL isn’t a typical Radiohead masterpiece, but it is certainly strong enough to make the top 20. Some other bands/artists that should have easily made the list: Ducktails, Wild Beasts, Timbre Timbre, Tuneyards, Kurt Vile, Washed Out. Step up your game Stereogum.