The end of the year is nearing and as expected, here are my top picks for the songs and albums of 2011, in no particular order.

Albums

1. Helplessness Blues-Fleet Foxes
-An absolutely gorgeous piece of modern folk music, the band has dialed down the gleeful vocal harmonies of their debut album in favor of giving lead singer Robin Pecknold a more distinguished voice, and giving Helplessness Blues a greater emotional resonance than its predecessor.

2. Goblin-Tyler, the Creator
-The sophomore album from the leader of the L.A. rap group Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, Goblin is, as of right now, the group’s defining statement.

3. Mastodon-The Hunter
-While not as focused or ambitious as any of their previous albums, Mastodon still delivers on a collection of unique metal tracks and shows the music scene why they’re still the best metal group around.

4. Watch the Throne-Jay-Z and Kanye West
-Arguably the most notable rap release of the year, these two veterans link up to show the world how extravagant their lifestyles have become over some of the best production of the year.

5. Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming-M83
-A dreamy masterpiece, the latest album from the experimental pop group is a double album filled with something new every minute.

Songs:

1. “Free Press and Curl”-Shabazz Palaces
2. “Flow for Sale”-DJ Quik
3. “BTSTU”-Jai Paul
4. “Bonfire”-Childish Gambino
5. “Circuital”-My Morning Jacket
6. “Go Outside”- Cults
7. “Rob Me”- Freddie Gibbs
8. “Palace”-A$AP Rocky
9. “Wilhelm Scream”-James Blake
10. “Midnight City”-M83