(As chosen by Sean Reid (PCTS Music Founder/Senior Editor))

2011 has been another incredible year for music. From stunning debuts to compelling and concise finales, the “alternative” music world has been spoiled by an abundance of superb albums over the past 12 months.

Although there has been more than plenty of notable releases, compiling a list of the 10 best has, as always, proved to be a difficult task. Releases from the likes of Thrice, Into It. Over It., Patrick Stump, New Found Glory, Seahaven, Man Overboard and several others are unfortunate to miss out on our top 10. Nevertheless those releases, along with the following 10 records just show how outstanding 2011 was for music.

In addition to our top 10 albums of the year, we have also compiled our favorite EP’s, record labels, shows for 2011, which can viewed further on.

What are your favorite albums of 2011? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter.

10. Foo Fighters - Wasting Light (Listen on Spotify)
After releasing a few less than favorable releases, Dave Grohl and company returned with an almighty blast in 2011 with “Wasting Light.” A straight-up rock album from a band that sound refreshed and reinvigorated. From the opening fiery“Burning Bridges,” to the hooky “Arlandria” to the thrashing “White Limo,” Foo Fighters’ seventh full-length is a consistent and strong record.

9. The Wonder Years - Suburbia I’ve Given You All And Now I’m Nothing (Listen on Spotify)
For many 2011 has belong to one genre, Pop Punk. While there has been numerous and worthwhile releases in the genre, none of them has stood out more than The Wonder Years’ latest record. “Suburbia I’ve Given You All And Now I’m Nothing”defines the bands style and approach; accessible lyrics with instant (mature) pop punk hooks. From the soaring “And Now I’m Nothing” to bold ”Local Man Ruins Everything,” “Suburbia…” has everything a Pop Punk fan wants, and more. 

8. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math (Listen on Spotify)
 After producing two stunning records in “I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child” and“Mean Everything to Nothing,” Manchester Orchestra latest effort, “Simple Math” proved that the Atlanta, Georgia group are one of the most consistent groups today. “Simple Math” is a deep yet rewarding musical and lyrical journey, that has it mixture of warming, delicate moments (see “Deer”) and uplifting, satisfying parts (“Simple Math,”) which inevitably leave you hooked.

7. Great Cynics - Don’t Need Much (Listen on Spotify)
Despite a name change (from Cynics) and the transformation from a solo act to a trio, Great Cynics’ debut full-length turned out to be a sensible record that, fused folk and punk rock together and created an uplifting and honest sound that helplessly wins you over.

6. Basement - I Wish I Could Stay Here (Listen on Spotify)
On their debut full-length, Ipswich five-piece Basement somewhat ditched their Pop Punk style for a more post-hardcore/emo sound that takes its influences from bands like Sunny Day Real Estate and The Promise Ring. The outcome of this change was “I Wish I Could Stay Here,” a thorough, confident record that is well-paced and balances itself between louder, raspy moments and slower, smoother ones. Although the end result is somewhat surprising, it repeatedly leaves you hooked.

5. The Vaccines - What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? (Listen on Spotify)
Written off by some as another over-hyped NME indie band, The Vaccines’ fulfilled their hype and (over-)exposure with “What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?,” a record that on surface is your usual British indie rock record, but in tracks like“Norgaard” and “If You Wanna” are quick jangly guitar gems, that show their influences lean towards 80’s post-punk. Whereas “Wetsuit” and “Family Friend” are slow-burning, compelling tracks that gives the record variation. On the whole The Vaccines’ debut is a straight-forward record, that allows itself to have the right balance between favorable,lively melodies and necessary, engaging somber moments.

4. Thursday -  No Devolución (Listen to on Spotify)
Before calling time on their 14 year long career, Thursday delivered an outstanding record in “No Devolución.” Their sixth album built on the expressive basis “Common Existence” provided, and combined it with a brilliantly executed atmospheric and textured sound. With a sensible, well-crafted mixture of light, softer moments (for example “Empty Glass”) and darker, musically thicker parts (“Magnets Caught in a Metal Heart”,) this New Jersey has left us with a highly satisfying record that, at times, leaves us stunned.

3. Bon Iver - Bon Iver (Listen on Spotify)
After receiving wide critical acclaim for their debut record, “For Emma, Forever Ago.” Bon Iver returned with their highly anticipated follow up in 2011. Thankfully“Bon Iver” delivered in abundance, as front man Justin Vernon provides with a potent, delicate record that thrives off its honest, sincere approach and subtle musical ambitiousness. Vernon and company gently take you on a gratifying musical journey, one that flows with much ease and warmly humbles you from start to finish.

2. Balance & Composure - Separation (Listen to on Spotify)
Following on from several acclaimed EP releases, Doylestown, PA’s Balance and Composure surpassed expectations with their debut full-length, “Separation.” A record that is brilliantly crafted and collectively radiant, with lyrical depth that adds to the bands endearing style.

1. The Horrible Crowes - Elsie (Listen on Spotify)
While side-projects at times prove to be indifferent and uninspiring, The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon (along with guitar tech, Ian Perkins) blew us away with The Horrible Crowes’ highly compelling record, “Elsie.”

From the soothing opening moments of “Last Rites,” to the soulful “Go Tell Everybody,” and beyond, Fallon and Perkins humble, pristine musical approach and lyrical clarity repeatedly leaves you stunned and results in “Elsie” being a perfectly-tuned and accurately-timed record.

Top 5 EP’s
1. Late In The Playoffs - Everything I Know EP
2. Turnover - Turnover
3. Glassjaw - Coloring Book
4. Diamond - Don’t Lose Your Cool
5. The Tower and The Fool - XIII 7”

Top 3 Record Labels
1. Run For Cover Records
2. No Sleep Records
3. Hang Tight Records

Best Live Show: Jimmy Eat World “Clarity/Bleed American” - HMV Forum, London (22/6/11)

Most Anticipated Album for 2012: Say Anything - Anarchy, My Dear

Michael Brown (@MikeyMiracle) (Assistant Editor/Contributing Writer)

Top 10 Albums
1. Thrice – Major/Minor
2. Balance And Composure – Separation
3. Transit – Listen & Forgive
4. Defeater – Empty Days & Sleepless Nights
5. Touché Amoré – Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me
6. Lower Than Atlantis – World Record
7. Fireworks - Gospel
8. The Wonder Years – Suburbia I’ve Given You All And Now I’m Nothing
9. Spy Catcher - Honesty
10. Tellison – The Wages Of Fear

Top 5 EP’s
1. NGOD - XL
2. Glassjaw - Coloring Book EP
3. Arcane Roots - Left Fire
4. Daytrader - Last Days Of Rome
5. Such Gold/A Loss For Words - Split EP

Top 3 Record Labels
1. No Sleep Records
2. Run For Cover
3. Rise

Best Live Show: La Dispute - Hevy Festival (7/8/11)

Most Anticipated Album for 2012: The Skints

Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)