There is no doubt that 2011 was a breakout year in the reggae-rock scene. Many great songs and albums were produced this past year, a few from well-known favorites and others from first timers. We close out 2011 ranking our top ten albums of the past year along with one of our favorite songs from each album!
#10 – 311 Universal Pulse*
They’ve been around for what seems like forever now. But they continue to produce great music. They’re signature reggae-grunge sound is found all over Universal Pulse. Maybe we’re just a little nostalgic, but this is still a great one.
“Trouble”
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#9 – The Supervillains Postcards From Paradise
The Supervillains are another group that has been on the scene for a while. But again they’re another that continues to produce quality albums. A great band to see live this album still belongs your playlist.
“Drinkin’ Tonight”
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# 8 The Green Love & Affection EP
The Green won our hearts with their self-titled album in 2010 and spread their sound on tour with Rebelution on the Winter Greens Tour in early 2011. They released two albums this year with their first being the Love & Affection EP. All of the songs found on the EP are also found on their album Ways & Means. The Green put so much passion and love in to their music it makes you feel as if you’re a part of the song, and they’re just getting started.
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#7 – Alific Dub in The District
We featured Alific as our Best New Artist of 2011. A big reason why is his debut album Dub in The District. This album is great from start to finish. We’re excited to see what comes next from this great talent.
“Sun Roots”
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#6 – Bushwood Self Titled
In early 2011 a three-piece reggae band from South Florida released their debut album. Bushwood encompasses what it feels like to be near the water with the sun on your face. Fun times, good vibes and of course great music. We haven’t heard the last from Bushwood.
“Paradise”
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Part Two Published 12/28
#5 – Katchafire On The Road Again
Katchafire began as a Bob Marley tribute band in the late 90′s. A few member changes and four studio albums later (including New Zealand’s highest selling single “Giddy Up“) they are bringing their original sound to the massive as they continue to tour the world. On The Road Again was inspired by their recent tour and features some of the best singles of the year including the title track. Katchafire’s albums are a must have, and this one is no exception.
“On The Road Again”
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#4 – Mike Pinto Band The West Is Still Wild EP
Mike Pinto is one of the most solid musicians and songwriters around today. He brings so much spirit to the stage and his studio efforts have been fantastic. This EP continues that trend. Mike Pinto has become a staple in the reggae roots arena and will continue to be a major presence for some time.
“The Cool and The Deadly”
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#3 – Easy Star All Stars First Light
Easy Star is best known for their dub remake of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Moon appropriately titled Dub Side of The Moon. The New York based group toured with new label signings The Green and Cas Haley on the First Light Tour this year to promote the album. East Star Records stock is skyrocketing as they continue to pump out quality albums.
“One Likkle Draw”
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#2 – Passafire Start From Scratch
The SCAD grads combine elements of electronic roots and reggae and have become one of the most sought after bands around. Start From Scratch is their best effort to date and certainly one of the top albums of 2011.
“Start From Scratch”
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#1 – The Ambassador New Roots
The Ambassador’s first full length album is one of the best we’ve heard. The album was much anticipated and did not disappoint. When we reviewed this album when it was released we warned those to watch out for The Ambassador and that New Roots would be one of the best albums of the year. We still believe that today and are extremely excited to hear more from The Ambassador. If you haven’t heard this album, you really need to. You need great music in your life.
“When The Party Starts”
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*“Fresh Grounds” was originally published as the title due to an editing error. A correction was made to correct title of “Universal Pulse”.
Adam (Bass), BUSHWOOD Dec 27 2011 - 11:05 am
Just wanted to say thanks for inlcuding BUSHWOOD on your list!! It takes a lot to compose original material and lay it down in the studio so that the world can hear, so this means a lot to us as a band, especially it being our debut album.. Ou sophomore effort will hopefully drop in 2012!! Respect to TheDubSide and all the other bands involved…
Check out more about BUSHWOOD at our website http://BushwoodBand.com and like us on Facebook! http://facebook.com/BushwoodBand
The Ambassador Dec 31 2011 - 4:44 pm
Thanks for always spreading the music and the positive vibe! You guys are awesome!
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