Favorite Albums of 2011

It's that time of year again! Time for the roundup of my favorite albums of the year. 2011 was an especially great year for music, especially women artists. Here's my list, in no particular order.

Wilco - The Whole Love

I was about to give up on this band. Their last few albums were so boring. This album reminded me why I loved them in the first place!

War On Drugs - Slave Ambient

A great record for a quiet Friday evening at home.

Tori Amos - Night of Hunters

I have loved Tori for so long. I don't care if she's not the most popular. She is a musical genius. Her albums of the last decade have been enjoyable, but there was usually only a song or two on each one I really loved. This album works the entire way through. I can't stop listening to it. Best when driving on a gray day.

Wild Flag - Wild Flag


These ladies rock. Enough said.

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

Her guitar work cannot be denied. I think this album is alot more accessible than her last effort, Actor. A really great listen from beginning to end.

PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

I was against this album when I heard a sneak peak of it before it came out. Then I bought it and listened to it. One of her best. I don't know why I was so turned off by it at first. But, as I've learned throughout my life thus far, things I initially greatly dislike end up being my most favorites. (Twin Peaks, Tori Amos, Big Lebowski, etc).

Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

Sensual and beautiful album. Her voice is captivating.

Black Lips - Arabia Mountain

The super fun party album of 2011. I dare you to listen to this and not dance around the room like a silly person.

Tom Waits - Bad as Me

Best album since Mule Variations. Some really great tunes from one of America's best song writers.

Running Apparel

So many of my friends have started running this year. I am so proud of them! Many of them have asked for running gear recommendations. I am of the opinion that, if you can put on a cute outfit, it makes getting out there on the sidewalks and roads easier. Here are some of my favorite cold weather options.

First up, Under Armour Frosty Tights. They are essential for cold weather running. I don't wear shorts over them, but some do. They were recommended to me by my sister years ago and I couldn't run without them!

UA EVO Hoody! I usually wear a long sleeve shirt or tank under this hoody. That's usually good even when it's cold. If it's really cold (below 30), I'll throw a fleece over it.

Newton Running Shoes. I love Newtons. They feel like the shoes I was always meant to have! But, they are not for everyone. I also love their funky colors.

Sweaty Bands. There are many retailers for these. They're ribbon with velvet backing, so you can wear a headband and it won't slip. If you have fine hair like me, these are a must! There are alot of sellers on etsy who also make and sell them.

Back!

Sorry I've been so MIA this year. I spent most of the summer training for a marathon, which I ran in the fall. So, now I'm back with more ramblings. More posts to come.