[SKOA Presents] The 50 Best Albums Of 2011: 25 - 21

25. Theophilus London - Timez Are Weird These Days [Amazon] [iTunes] [Insound]

Following up his critically acclaimed mixtape/unofficial album, This Charming Mixtape and his A Lovers Holiday EP earlier in the year, fashionable rapper Theophilus London earned our undivided attention on his proper debut full length release, Timez Are Weird These Days. I have enjoyed watching London develop over the past few years as he continues to evolve and challenge himself to break new ground. Older fans will appreciate that he didn't stray too far away from what we've grown to love about him while newcomers will find the album approachable enough to dive right in alongside the rest of us. There are many quality tracks that I will continue to rock into the new year, including: "Wine and Chocolates", "I Stand Alone", "Last Name London", "Girls Girls $", and "Lighthouse".—Kibbe

24. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake [Amazon] [iTunes] [Insound]

With a four year break between 2007's White Chalk and the album we're awarding spot 24 in our 2011 List, Let England Shake, there's always a moment of panic before hitting play for the first time. PJ Harvey manages to deliver a a history lesson on my beautiful homeland, England. The instrumentation may be sparse but the way it's delivered makes this album a fine piece of music. One which I enjoy from start to finish, which is a rarity. PJ's lyrics and melodies are subtle yet striking and a big step away from White Chalk. The subject matter may be gloomy and bleak, "The Words That Maketh Murder" looks to England post WWI, but as oppose to shying away from listening you want to  go back for more. Maybe turning the volume up a little to notice another little nuance here or there. The Mercury Prize recognised this as the finest album worthy of their praise in 201 and we like it a lot too, so thank you PJ for delivering us with a great album. —Shey

23. Cults - Cults [Amazon] [iTunes] [Insound]

Just as the summer was reaching its peak, Cults' delivered the perfect summer record. With a carefree, cheerful sound, the band's self-titled debut album arrived at the perfect time. The album is so well crafted in that, all throughout, it is impossible not to envision the sunshine and the fresh air, and encapsulate the do-whatever-the-fuck mentality of the summertime. The album's lead single, "Go Outside," is all about doing just that, about going outside and enjoying the beauty and fun that is the world. Each song on the album is so frivilous, with Madeline Follin's almost child-like vocals blending beautifully with Brian Oblivion's subtle guitar riffs. If there was an album this year that perfectly captured the innocence of youth and the airy, cheerful nature of the summer, this is it. — Adrian

22. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - It's A Corporate World [Amazon] [iTunes] [Insound]

When Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. dropped their debut album It's A Corporate World this past June, I had no idea what to expect, but, after my first playthrough of the album and every playthrough since, I was outright impressed. Every song on the album feels like it should be there, as the record seamlessly goes from one track to the next with unwitting charm. From album opener "Morning Thought," to the heartfelt "Nothing But Our Love," to the summery and charming "Simple Girl," to the energetic and passionate "We Almost Lost Detroit," Daniel Zott and Josh Epstein have crafted an amazing album. In no way should this duo be known solely for their bizarre name, as their incredibly unique sound and undeniable talent show immense promise that shouldn't be overlooked. —Adrian

21. Mayer Hawthorne - How Do You Do [Amazon] [iTunes] [Insound]

This October brought How Do You Do, the sophomore album from Mayer Hawthorne. When last we met Hawthorne, he was recounting his romantic woes on his debut album, A Strange Arrangement, where it was apparent that a relationship was on its way out. This time around, however, the Detroit crooner has clearly started a new chapter in his love life as he details the intimate moments at the beginning of a new relationship for the self-proclaimed hopeless romantic. His lyrics are as sincere as his vocals are smooth as he maintains a delicate balance of being a charming ladies man on songs like "Get To Know You" and "No Strings" while still being a perfect gentleman who finally seems to be ready to settle down as heard on songs like "Finally Falling", "Hooked" and "You Called Me." While the album is not completely romantic, it definitely sets the tone of the night should you queue it up while spending time with a special someone. It should also be noted that the iTunes version of the album has a catchy bonus track, "Henny & Gingerale" that is worth the extra effort to own. —Kibbe

[Watch] PJ Harvey - "The Words That Maketh Murder" Live @ Mercury Prize Awards 2011

Being the only person to win the Barclaycard Mercury Prize twice ever must be a nice feeling, hey winning it once must be a career defining moment! Anyway, what better way for you PJ Harvey lovers to celebrate than to enjoy her performance of "The Words That Maketh Murder" from the awards ceremony. Check it out at the top and if you missed James Blakes spine tingling performance it's available over here.

[News] PJ Harvey Becomes First Person To Win Mercury Prize Twice

Every year The Mercury Prize throws a few curve balls and often ends up in the hands of an artist no-one expected. This year, the odds on favourite PJ Harvey took home the prestigious award for the second time in her career becoming the first person to ever do so! PJ previously won in 2001 for her Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea LP. So, congratulations to PJ Harvey for her great 2011 album Let England Shake. Whilst accepting the award she stated: "This album took me a long time write. It was very important to me, I wanted to make something that was meaningful not just for myself but for other people, hopefully to make something that would last."

I personally think the album will stand up but what do you think? She held off the likes of Adele, James Blake, Metronomy, Katy B and Elbow to take home the award so the judges must of thought it was pretty special. Let us know. To pick up a copy of her album Let England Shake (it's already received a HUGE sales spike since last night), jump on the bandwagon and grab it over here.

[Watch x News] PJ Harvey - "The Last Living Rose" (Video) x Announcement of Royal Albert Hall Show

PJ Harvey's latest studio release Let England Shake was highly anticipated by many and the wait was definitely worth it. She's played a host of dates around the world in the mean time but now comes an announcement of a special one off performance at The Royal Albert Hall in London set for later in the year. She'll play there on October the 30th and no doubt it will feature some great musicians all coming together to perform in her full band in that iconic venue. Tickets are going to go on sale this coming Friday (August 12th) so snap them up sooner rather than later for what is sure to be a musical spectacle.

Also while you're here she's unleashed another visual treat as part of her ongoing series for the album. This time it's for "The Last Living Rose". Check it out at the top.

[Watch] PJ Harvey - "All And Everyone" (Video)

Today PJ Harvey has wrapped up her project to release a video for each and every track on her album, Let England Shake. Today you can watch the visuals for "All And Everyone" which is similar to her others but different in just the right ways.

As with most of PJ's videos from this project, it comprises of the world passing the camera by and some nice shots of the British countryside. Towards the end there's a long shot of the sea and the tide coming and going, back and fourth like a never ending cycle. A metaphor for life passing us by maybe? eh. Check it out up at the top and if you missed any of her other videos check out our archives or the Let England Shake Youtube page. 

While here, why not go pick up the album too, it's a goodie. 

[Listen] Ben Waters & PJ Harvey - "Lonely Avenue"

Polly Jean Harvey joins up with Ben Waters for a reinterpretation Ray Charles’ 1956 classic "Lonely Avenue" for the recently released compilation Boogie 4 Stu. The album is in tribute to pianist Ian Stewart, a founding member of the Rolling Stones, who went on to serve as their long-term road manager.

The album which features the Stones themselves as well others was released to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, and was released near the 25th anniversary of Stewart’s death. Check out the tune from PJ below and support a good cause by picking this record up on iTunes.

Ben Waters & PJ Harvey - "Lonely Avenue" by Some Kind of Awesome

[Coachella 2011] PJ Harvey Coachella Performance

Still holding my favorite album of 2011 thus far, PJ Harvey brings her newest album Let England Shake to this past weekend's Coachella festival. Check out Polly Jean's full performance above courtesy of the one and only Audio Perv.

[Watch] PJ Harvey - "The Last Living Rose" Live on Conan

PJ Harvey has been a busy lady following the release of her critically acclaimed album Let England Shake. We've been treated to multiple videos for the album tracks as well as the singles. We've also seen her performing at live gigs across the world but notably a performance at De Laatste Show to perform this very same song, "The Last Living Rose". Last night she visited the screens of you lucky Americans and to be more specific, the stage of Conan O'Brien's late night slot. Check out her live performance up at the top.