So 2011 was a year. There was music to be heard in that year. Some of it was new, some of it was old. What did you think? Share some of what you heard. Follow my template, or give your own "awards."

Favorite New (as in first album this year) Artist:

At first, I was kinda like "eh. I've heard this before. Hooray for another mall punk band." But as the year progressed, they grew on me, and I found new tracks on their CD that I liked. I love fast, energetic music, and I can't deny that this is fast and energetic. And I still love Pop Punk.

Favorite Band that's New to You This Year:

My brother was into these guys already a few years ago, and played them for me while we were driving somewhere, but they didn't really catch on with me then. Then he made a mixed CD with this song on it, and it was super fun and catchy. So I bought some of their other stuff, and found that, for a change, I actually prefer the slower, more serious stuff. (I have such a great grasp of musical terminology.)

Favorite Release of an Old Favorite:

There were a number of releases from old fav's this year, and honestly... a lot of them disappointed. Almost universally, their albums were alright, but nothing really stood out. Foo Fighters and Architecture in Helsinki had a few I liked a lot while the rest of the album, was alright. (Probably would've listened to the TMBG release more if I hadn't gotten it off iTunes and could listen to it on my mp3 player...) "Greetings from Less Than Jake" is pretty much exactly what I was hoping for, though. Although I didn't realize this until after a few listens and it grew on me (same thing with GNV FLA a few years ago.) Think it was because a lot of this EP is pretty slow, and that offbeat ska guitar is kinda repetitive, but then the melodies are catchy, and there are enough change ups, so it ends up being fun.

Surprise Return of a Favorite:

SO FUCKIN' HAPPY. Didn't think it would happen in a million years, the way Reese had been talking. But on November 22nd, FIF announced that they were getting back together, and they released this single on their site for free. Also, they put up a kickstarter to fund the release of a new album, asking for $30,000. Fans pledged that amount within the first hour, and now their total is at like $165,000.

Running out of time, but I'll just quickly say that my favorite cover was this, and my favorite soundtrack this year is probably this. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom