Music
Best of 2011: Patrick Pentland of Sloan
by Sam Sutherland
December 20, 2011
AUX is in the habit of ranking what we thought were the best of the respective genres we cover — Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Metal, Punk, and Electronic. This year, we also reached out to as many of the artists featured on our lists as we could — our best-of the year’s best-of the year’s.
Patrick Pentland of Sloan
Justice – Audio Video Disco
Criticized for prog-rock leanings, but I thought it was a great counter to the current dubstep movement… which I’m also into…
Skrillex – Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (technically released late 2010)
I like big, distorted bass and drums. I listen to this with the same enthusiasm as when I listen to Slayer.
M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
Another blast of the same melodramatic chord progressions, the same drum fills, and the same emotional response. Keep it coming.
God Bless Ozzy Osbourne (film)
A great, personal look inside the life of one of the most documented characters in rock music. Jack Osbourne held very little back.
Fucked Up – David Comes to Life
Ambitious, but not boring… which is how I feel about most things described as ambitious.
My kids
Because they are the most kick ass, entertaining people I’ve ever met. Waaay smarter, talented, and aware than me.
Cerebral Ballzy – Cerebral Ballzy
At times a tad annoying, but I love the old school hardcore approach. Just as I was into OFF! last year, this record sounds like 1985, but this time it’s not done by guys who were actually there, it’s kids who get it.
Community (TV)
Pound for pound, one of the smartest comedies on TV, and it’s all because of the supporting cast. Oh, and Chevy Chase is a friggin’ genius.
Walking Dead (TV)
Zombies, guns, guts, betrayal. AND it could happen any day now.
Swervedriver at NXNE
Dream show. Sound was kind of whatever, but I’m a huge Adam Franklin admirer, and this show saw him blow me away once again. Check out his band Bolts Of Melody for proof the man can still write a song.
