Beauty in the Breakdown- The Music of 2011

We here at Neosoulville first want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of us through reads, participation of events like The Word & HBGD-Memphis, and concert series like The Foreign Exchange’s Authenticity Tour and most recently the Lalah Hathaway show. Your continued support encourages and motivates us to remain providing optimum events and progressive dialogue within this city and beyond. I’m sure most of you are looking ahead to 2012 (which you should). And of course there been "countless" countdowns of the best & worst of 2011. Well…I’m not going to do that…not exactly. Hands down…no lie and no need for co-sign…2011 was significantly one of the best years ever in terms of music. Not going to go off into a personal tirade on what you should’ve been listening to and what completely sucked, but what I would encourage you to do is go back and listen to albums of this year that had significant buzz both on the airwaves and off. You can put the superficial paper we call dollars on it that you will be pleasantly surprised. I know I was. There were some artists that I wouldn’t usually give a chance in Eskimo hell a listen but the production quality alone allowed them a pass. So here’s my quick faux list of albums to check for (in no particular order)…

Kendrick Lamar- Section.80
Phonte- Charity Starts At Home
J*DaVeY- New Designer Drug
Tanya Morgan- You and What Army?
Big K.R.I.T.- Return of 4eva
Shabazz Palaces- Black Up
Zo!- Just Visiting Three
Fiend- Tennis Shoes and Tuxedos
Beastie Boys- Hot Sauce Committee Pt2
Foster the People- Torches
Bosco- Pacer
Washed Out- Eyes Be Closed

Sometimes you have to have a breakdown to realize the beauty. I want to wish you all a safe and happy holidays and a most exceptional and prosperous New Year!

xoxo kiddos…