Sincerely, California’s List of 15 Best EPs of 2011!
Alright, it’s pretty obvious by now that I love EPS. I figured I should probably make some sort of list that had to do with my favorites of 2011, and since this year just so happened to be filled with magnificent EPS, I came to the conclusion that this list was a must. I meant to post this awhile ago but since I am so indecisive, here it is today, December 26th, my list of the 15 best EPs of 2011 (without mentioning Wavves “Life Sux”, though I really wanted to) ….
15. EP- Swimming: Swimming’s debut EP is really enjoyable. I never really say that about music (it sounds a bit lame doesn’t it?), but if I could describe it as anything it would be enjoyable. I also find it really interesting that these guys come from Arkansas, yet their sound sounds so much like a Californian’s. Anyways, listen to this and you will be happy. Period.
14. Grow Old EP- Stratego (formerly known as The Speculators):Stratego’s Grow Old EP is really mesmerizing to me. Its garage rock, yet somehow really R&B. Needless to say, Stratego created an entirely new genre with this EP; R&B garage rock (that I actually like), straight out of San Diego. I have a lot of respect for them because of that, and it helps that Stratego are really awesome people as well.
13. EP- Hausu: Hausu was one of the first bands I reviewed. In July I caught them in Whittier on their west coast tour, and my level of respect for them dramatically raised after witnessing them live. Don’t get me wrong, I love their music regardless , but they are really unbelievable live. Instantly you feel you are transported into a modern 80s dream, and you’re only disappointed when you have to leave. Their EP was released early 2011, but throughout the year I have found myself listening to it, enjoying it just as much as I did when I first discovered it.
12. EP- Best Friends: Best Friends are the definition of a party. Not only do they exhibit total carelessness, their catchy beats are sure to get you up and moving until morning. The night is young and so are we, so definitely blast Best Friend’s EP and see just how free you can truly be.
11. Coast/Cold Summer/Horizons- Black Sea: Alright, Black Sea didn’t officially call this an EP. In fact, on bandcamp, these songs are posted separately. But, to me, this is as EP-ish as a group of songs could get, so I am including it into this list. Black Sea is one of my favorite local southern California bands of all time. They have this lo-key beach vibe to them, it’s almost like you’re listening to surf rock trying to not sound like surf rock. I love it, and If I don’t manage to see them live sometime soon I’m probably going to kill myself.
10. Vista Cruiser EP- Oh, Oh, Ecstasy: Oh, Oh, Ecstasy’s “Vista Cruiser” is so creative and breezy, yet still highly inspired from the hectic city where they reside (New York). Oh, Oh, Ecstasy doesn’t get nearly as enough credit as they should, and Vista Cruiser EP creates a sidewalk stride by the beach I wish I could drop everything for.
9. None of These Songs are About You or Anyone You Know-Lonesome Ghost: Without Lonesome Ghosts’ “None of These Songs are About You or Anyone You Know”, something in life would be missing. It is this little bit of nostalgia, and is something you don’t come across too often; it’s a shame more people aren’t blasting it for all to hear.
8. Youth on the Run EP- Bodhi Syurfs: Nothing is more mysterious than Bodhi Syurfs. He released “Youth on the Run” back in August, and it is really the definition of what he creates. Listening to this EP is allowing yourself to be thrown into his own environment, and accepting all the uncertainties that come along with it. Don’t be afraid to give in, it’s well worth it.
7. Benny and the Jetts- TV Girl: TV Girl went through a lot with their 2010 EP, and to be completely honest I feel like they kicked ass with “Benny and the Jetts”. TV Girl creates a holiday with this EP, and it is so light and carefree, becoming really hard to resist. This EP is just so much fun, anyone who listens to it is guaranteed to love it.
6. New Ghost/Old Waves EP- The Lovely Bad Things: Listening to “New Ghost/Old Waves” EP diminishes your worries , leaving you with nothing left to do but enjoy life to the fullest. Each song is like its own little party, adding a new aspect every time . The Lovely Bad Things are able to influence a crowd during live shows like not many bands are able to do, and “New Ghost/Old Waves” carries that same vibe, making every minute listening to this EP a blast.
5. Wyatt Blair- Peach Colored Pussy EP: Wyatt Blair released “Peach Colored Pussy” EP earlier this year, and since it was one of the first things I ever reviewed, I’ve pretty much always been in love with it. It is purely heartbreaking, yet at the same time totally wild, ultimately creating a deserved influence on your musical taste forever. Its catchy as hell, and is able to pick anyone up in their worst situations, while defining the feelings and situations life leaves us with like no one else can.
4.Archaic EP- Grandpa Was A Lion: Grandpa Was A Lion has the capability to change the world. I’m not even just saying that, his music legitimately has the power to influence people in a way that’s so subtle but offers great possibility.“Archaic EP” was released in July, and he’s had a couple more releases afterwards, but this is by far my favorite. Listen and be inspired to be something more, or at least think about it.
3. The Lake EP- Georgiaa: Georgiaa is a really great unexpected artist. Whenever she releases something new, I am shocked by how great it actually is.“The Lake” EP is filled with whispering ideas that conceal the lively desperation only for a little bit. It’s an interesting environment, and touches base with ideas of hating where you reside, the everlasting feeling of unreturned love, and memories that are the only things saving you from it all.
2. Stop Pretending EP- D/Wolves: “Let’s go for a walk, down to the park-where I first saw you, for who you are.” San Diego’s D/Wolves’ “Stop Pretending EP” has made an impact on my life. For reasons unknown, but nevertheless it has. Each song is drenched in such meaning and creativity, nothing really compares to what D/Wolves managed to get across with “Stop Pretending”.
1. Searching Through The Past- Bleached: Bleached is such a big name in the independent music industry right now ,and they deserve every bit of recognition they’re getting. Their 7”, “Searching Through the Past”, includes two songs; “Searching Through the Past”, and “Electric Chair”. Having just been released this month, I don’t think there is a better way to end this year in music. “Electric Chair” has been blasted in my house every morning since it was released, and “Searching Through the Past” is equally as catchy and worthy. This should be the soundtrack for the weekends, and holds the memories and disappointments this year has brought along with it. Bleached is an extremely rad band, and nothing depicts what music of their genre should bring more than this EP.
May 2012 be good to us all.
Sincerely,
California
