Although quite different vis-a-vis each other, these artists in their own ways offer a distinctive and fresh sound -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. and Keren Ann.
Amazing albums were released this year - powerhouse works by Adele, Arcade Fire, Beirut, Bon Iver, Burlap to Cashmere, Coldplay - as well as great albums by Brett Dennen (fun!), Feist, Fleet Foxes, Gomez, Lisa Hannigan, Mumford & Sons, Paul Simon, and more! All of these should lead a list of favorites of 2011.