Eclectic Corinne: The Best Indie Music of 2011 (fifth installment)

2012 is here! However, I intend to continue reflecting upon some of the best independent music from last year. Since time flies by so elusively, the new year snuck up on me! I have not yet made it through my complete list of stand-out music from 2011!
Enjoy!

The Airborne Toxic Event

Album: All At Once, released April, 2011

The saying, "when it rains, it pours" hits close to home for Mikel Jollett, the lead singer of Airborne Toxic Event, from L.A., California. A series of traumatic events bombarded him in 2006 when in the matter of one week he was diagnosed with a genetic autoimmune disease, found out his mother had cancer, and experienced a break-up. On account of these unfortunate events, Mikel started writing songs, and you can sense the deep emotion in the music.

Hooray For Earth
Album: True Loves, released June, 2011

Electronic vibes (pop, experimental rock, synth pop) are offered up by this New York City based band, which revolves around the home recordings of singer/multi-instrumentalist Noel Heroux. I'm disappointed I missed them when they recently performed in my home town Madison, WI.

Mother Mother
Album: Eureka, released March, 2011

I LOVE this band! From Vancouver, B.C. Canada, this 5-piece indie rock band was recently featured by Paste Magazine as the Best of What's Next, however, I've been following them for a few years now. I am a huge fan of Ryan Guldemond (lead vocal/guitar) and think he's a brilliant vocalist. He somewhat reminds me of a modern day Billy Idol.

This live unplugged version of Simply Simple is simply beautiful.

The track The Stand delivers a large dose of quirk & humor!

My Brightest Diamond
Album: All Things Will Rewind, released October, 2011

My Brightest Diamond is the project of singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Shara Worden from New York, NY. Her music and performances are very cabaret & theatrical.

Florence & The Machine
Album: Ceremonials, released November, 2011

This indie pop band from London probably doesn't need an introduction. They have managed to become quite popular and successful, with live performances on respected TV shows such as the 2010 MTV Video Awards, and more recently, X-Factor. The red-headed bombshell and lead vocalist, Florence Welch, has outrageous pipes! Although not an easy feat, Ceremonials, in my opinion, easily surpasses their 2009 release, Lungs.