Continuing my list for the best albums of 2011….

14. Seth Lakeman – Tales From The Barrel House

Another local boy done good.  Lakeman’s self produced new album was initially only available to fans who pre-ordered it, and I’m glad I did.  Returning to a more traditional style from that which was evident on Poor Man’s Heaven and Hearts & Minds.  It is bleak in some aspects but a fabulous piece of work.  It’s amazing how forlorn you can make a Fiddle sound.  Hats off to Tim Young (Wadebridge) for the album photography….top work.

13. Amos Lee – Mission Bell

Released at the start of the year, it’s still incredible to think that Lee is virtually unknown on this side of the pond.  A stunning follow-up to Last Days At The Lodge.

12. Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

An incredible album, in stark contrast to the live show which although thoroughly enjoyable was a bit on the boring side.  Lorelai was one of my tracks of 2011.

11. Marcus Foster – Nameless Path

Jaw dropping debut from Foster.  Fusing acoustic pop with soul and gritty blues with a voice that would grace any of the great Motown bands.

10. The Birthday Suit (Rod Jones from Idlewild) – The Eleventh Hour

Jones recaptured the early sounds of Idlewild with his solo project The Birthday Suit.  A great album and enough to probably keep Idlewild on hiatus for longer if Jones and Woomble continue to pour their time into solo projects.

9. Flashguns – Passions Of A Different Kind

An album I’d been waiting for all year and I’m glad to say it delivered on all levels.  A refreshing blast into the indie rock circuit.  Now if only they’d stop playing gigs in Germany.

8. Wolf Gang – Suego Faults

Possible one of the finest electro pop albums out there.  A long time in the making but Max McElligott pulled this one out of the bag.

7. Cloud Control – Bliss Release

It may have been released in 2010 in Australia, but its UK release this year sees Cloud Control storm my top 10.  An album packed full of catchy bouncy rhythms and wonderful harmonies.  2012 could be a great year.

6. Nerina Pallot – Year Of The Wolf

While Adele and PJ Harvey may have been getting all of the attention this year, it is Nerina Pallot that has come up trumps.  Year Of The Wolf is totally spellbinding.