The Top Ten Records of 2011, As Voted Upon by Painting Over Silence Readers

First up, many thanks to all Painting over Silence readers who barred their musical souls and submitted lists for judgment this year. They were a pleasure to read, and I’m happy to say I checked out a few albums I overlooked or simply missed.

Second, the winning album completely and utterly obliterated (we’re talking Wings-over-Jets-style) the rest of the competition, with the Grammy-nominated act (hint hint) appearing on around half of the lists while also earning the most first place votes.

Third, there was very little love for Nickelback’s latest album, a record which I’m told is very, er, consistent. Oh, and by very little, I mean none.

Fourth, as with previous years, my personal list was not included in the final tally. That will be revealed tomorrow afternoon and is, now that I think about it, completely different from the one below. In past years, there’s been plenty of overlap, so I’m head-scratchingly surprised.

Fifth, I will not be publishing individual lists; however, please feel free to post your personal top ten under the comments.

And finally, it’s been a banner year at Painting over Silence, and I’d like to thank all the good folk out there for reading and for helping my site place in the top 30 during CBC Radio 3’s Searchlight competition for “Canada’s Best Music Website” earlier this year. You seriously rock the party.

Without further adieu, I present the 2011 Painting over Silence Blog Readers’ poll results, in descending order:

10. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing

9. Wilco - The Whole Love

7. The Black Keys - El Camino (tie)

7. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (tie)

6. Imaginary Cities - Temporary Resident

5. The Decemberists - The King is Dead

4. Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials

3. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

2. Destroyer - Kaputt

1. Bon Iver - Bon Iver