The synth thing has gotten out of control, folks. I like to get zoned out as much as the next guy, but it seemed like 2011 was swarming with half-baked, neo-New Age freaks that gave up on noise.

My No. 1 album of 2011 might not even be in your Top 10, which is why we hope to hear from you with your picks for the best new recordings you heard during the past year.

The most underrated albums of 2011 Need some suggestions of what to buy with those new iTunes cards? These are your new favorite CDs, across genres. By Stephen Deusner.

<p>we ask 11 artists from the worlds of pop, country, rock, and dance which records reigned as their favorite albums of 2011. The answers will surprise you.</p> ...

With two irredeemably pointless solo albums released in 2011—A Compilation Of Scott Weiland Cover Songs and this Christmas album, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year—he nearly inspired a ...

These are selections #81 through #90 in our Best Albums of 2011 countdown series. #81. Mirror Traffic by Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks Released: August 23, 2011 Label: Matador Metacritic Score: 80 ...

Drowned in Sound's Five Favourite Albums of 2011 [600x430] 5: Kate Bush 50 Words for Snow This was released a smidgen too late for some lesser other end of the year lists (bless those monthly ...

From the oft-covered drunk dialing anthem 'Marvin's Room' to the title track, an elegiac Rihanna collab, and the gorgeous, skittering 'Crew Love,' this top album of 2011 is an ode to emotional ...

The top albums of 2011 find a diverse group of classic rockers seeking to expand their already impressive resumes by making new music. It's a risky proposition, since the results are sure to be ...

We like this album so much that it's made both the NPR Music's overall 50 Favorites of 2011 and our own classical-centric list. (Come to think of it, we've talked about the "ebony" foursome a ...

These are selections #31 through #40 in our Best Albums of 2011 countdown series. #31. Ceremonials by Florence + The Machine Released: October 31, 2011 Label: Universal Republic Metacritic Score ...

Tris McCall's Top 10 for 2011, by genre. Music; The 10 best albums of 2011 -- two at a time. Published: ; Dec. 27, 2011, 12:22 p.m.