And of Course: 2011 The Music!

To be honest, not having the extra long commute this year has severely hampered my music. Well, okay it hasn't really hampered my music, but it has hampered me from hearing very many new songs. But it has not stopped me from enjoying one of my favorite past-times.
Instead of my usual top songs of the year, I am going to break from tradition and just mention some of the artists I have enjoyed this past year.

• The Black Keys: I first caught this group on SNL a while back. When I first read the name of the band I thought it said Black Eyed Peas, so I changed the station. But as I was zapping my way back through the stations I caught the tail-end of their performance. I was pleasantly surprised at what I heard. Some of my favorite songs this year have been "Howlin' For You", "Tighten Up", and "Lonely Boy" from the new album El Camino is pretty good.


• Boston: The self-titled album is one of my all-time favorite Cd's. (Do they still make Cd's?) It is one of those albums that you can start and listen all the way through. From "More Than a Feeling" to "Peace of Mind" etc etc. You know that you have already started looking for your copy. #1 I know you have one and #2 I know you are ready to listen to it.


• Mumford & Sons: I was a little shocked when I looked back at my top music from 2010 and didn't see "Little Lion Man" but that is one of my favorites. I also rather enjoy "The Cave" and "Roll Away Your Stone".


• ZZ Top: There isn't a Painter list of music that would be complete without a mention of ZZ (as they are called in the family). "La Grange", "Sharp Dressed Man", "Cheap Sunglasses", "Tush", "Legs" ....do I need to continue?


• Lady Antebellum: Or Lady A as those of us in the know or are too lazy to say their full name call them. I tend to like most of their songs. "Need You Now", "I Run To You" "Just a Kiss" and "Hello World" are some of my favorites. They even do a pretty doggone good version of "Baby It's Cold Outside". If you like country music, you should like them.


• Gerry Rafferty: I guess it took his passing to remind me of some of his great songs. I love "Baker Street", "Stuck In The Middle With You" and "Right Down The Line" are all great, as well as "Home and Dry". If you are looking for a quick transport back to the 70's this is where you will find it.


• Florence+The Machine: The first time I heard "Dog Days Are Over" I was hooked. I also enjoy "Heavy In Your Arms" and "Shake It Out". Even they are becoming more mainstream they definitely have an indie sound to their music.


• Blake Shelton: Sure, we all loved "Some Beach" when it came out. I mean, didn't we all laugh along with it and even kind of commiserate with him while singing? "Austin" is a classic and "All About Tonight" was a country song that got your heart pumping. But I absolutely love "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking" is just a fantastic song. I absolutely love it and recently he has had some other great songs.


• Christina Perri: She is still a little new in my world, but I think she has an amazing voice and "Jar of Hearts" and "A Thousand Years" really showcases her talents.


• Adele: In music this year, it has been all about Adele. If you are on the STF list or have stepped inside the AZOMITE offices you have probably heard Adele. Her album 21 is loaded with great songs. "Someone Like You", "Rumor Has It", "Set Fire To The Rain" and of course the big one "Rolling In The Deep". In my book, she can do no wrong.

In addition to the artists listed above, I have also enjoyed the following songs:

• Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5


• Changing by Airborne Toxic Event


• The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars


• Smoke a Little Smoke by Eric Church


• Every Teardrop Becomes a Waterfall by Coldplay


• Country Girl (Shake it for me) by Luke Bryan


• Felt Good On My Lips by Tim McGraw (2010 Honorable Mention)

So, now you have my list. I would like to hear who you have been listening to this year. What have I missed? I know there are some biggies that aren't here.