Top 10 Los Angeles Albums of 2011
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3. Zola Jesus
Conatus
Like a mighty glacier, Zola Jesus' Conatus evokes a bizarre and desolate landscape, cold yet alive and in perpetual motion. The Latin word conatus means 'will to live,' after all. The follow up to her much-lauded Stridulum EP, this is the anti-L.A. record, with its bleak, Siouxsie meets-Schopenhauer synthpop providing melancholy respite from the sweetly dissonant surf pop pouring out of this city of late. If L.A. is the city of endless summer, then Zola Jesus reminds us that we can't escape the winter inside, with songs like the titanic "Collapse" tailor-made for chilly mornings at the edge of the abyss. But despite all the cathartic introspection, don't confuse Zola Jesus for a pessimist. Like the girl with the dragon tattoo, her triumphant, undefeated stance assures us that she will survive the cold. - Caroline Ryder
For more see: Zola Jesus Brings Her Unsettled and Prickly Vision to L.A.
2. Tyler, the Creator
Goblin
You'd be hard-pressed to find a review of Tyler, the Creator's sophomore album Goblin that doesn't mention "shock value." But for all its hyperbole and hormone-fueled aggression, the most shocking thing about Goblin is its honesty; it's an unapologetic confessional of self-loathing, sexual deviancy and daddy issues. But Tyler is also self-aware enough to mock that world, and for that reason Goblin doubles an incisive critique of normative culture. There's a reason, after all, Odd Future shows draw fans of all colors and orientations to chant in pissed-off unity. Throw in Tyler's guttural flow and the stunning production, and you've got one of hell of a soundtrack for the outcasts and weirdos of the Internet generation. -Andrea Domanick
For more see: Tyler, the Creator Costumes For Sale At Urban Outfitters: Sign Of The Apocalypse?
1. Kendrick Lamar
Section 80
The rapper most likely to inherit the West Coast's throne followed up last year's breakout record, (O)verly (D)edicated, with a more thematically-cohesive effort. The lyrics on Section 80 from Compton's pride and joy are haunted by the visions that torment his heart. Whether spitting over a free-base jazz beat on "Ab-Soul's Outro," observing Long Beach Blvd's never-dared-to-dream girls in "Keisha's Song (Her Pain)," or painting a blood-splattered, crack pipe-littered portrait of the CPT in "Ronald Reagan Era," Lamar raps like he's just come down from the mountain. He didn't make the feel-good album of the year. Instead, he thrust his fist into the air and asked us to join him. -Rebecca Haithcoat
For more see: Born and raised in Compton, Kendrick Lamar Hides a Poet's Soul Behind "Pussy & Patron"
See also:
*Top Ten Los Angeles Metal Albums of 2011
*Top Five Los Angeles Jazz Albums of 2011
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