Best of 2011 - Tracks, 51-75. (This batch has Sundelles in place of Nicholas Jaar)

51. Seven Stars (feat. Victoria Legrand) by Air

52. Before the Bridge by Future Islands

53. I’m God (Instrumental) by Clams Casino

54. As Bright as Your Night Light by Nerves Junior

55. Single Status by Mozart’s Sister

56. Perth by Bon Iver

57. Without You by Rainbow Arabia

58. The Fox by Niki & The Dove

59. An Echo From The Hosts That Profess Infinitum by Shabazz Palaces

60. K.O. by Blonds

61. Nuclear Seasons by Charli xcx

62. Cockiness (Love it feat. A-Do) by Rihanna

63. South Carolina by Tennis

64. Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People

65. Kelly by When Saints Go Machine

66. Act On Impulse by We Were Promised Jetpacks

67. I Won’t Let Go by Monarchy

68. Money by The Drums

69. Niggas In Paris by Kanye West and Jay-Z

70. First of the Year (Equinox) by Skrillex

71. Don’t try and hide it (feat. Neko Case) by The Dodos

72. Too Old To Die Young by Timber Timbre

73. I Stand Alone by Theophilus London

74. Wetsuit by The Vaccines

75. Too Many Kids Finding Rain In The Dust by Nicolas Jaar

07. Look for me (I’ll be around) (Sarah Vaughan cover) - Neko Case (Blacklisted, 2002) (via)

It was so hard to place the next 3 artists’ vocals in order since I basically love them all equally. But, rank I must, if only on principle that ties are lame. So the first to appear is Neko Case, who has probably the prettiest, lushiest, most syrupy voice on the list that doesn’t belong to Shirley Manson. Her specialty is storytelling, and she spins some pretty epic, hypnotic tales only her voice could caress into form. She’s found great success in her career path separate from The New Pornographers (much to my approval). Her solo work allows her to really dig deep into that vast, depressing landscape of the wounded songstress she so readily owns.

Having many favourite Neko Case vocal performances means it’s tough to pick just one song to showcase her voice. But seeing it’s my list and I’ll do what I want with it, here are a few favourites:

So gosh darn womanly sexy.

etc.

{My 50 ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FEMALE VOCALISTS list continues (tagged Female Vocalists)! The criteria are simple: they are female of the species, I love their voice, and they have attempted to sing in English at one point in their career. The present list is focused mostly on the quality/uniqueness of their tone (voice box), and their ability to emote the hell out of the songs.}