My favourite 15 Albums released in the first half of 2011

I'll soon be taking some time away from live music to pursue another interest, and half way through 2011's an appropriate point to take stock and publish a list of my favourite releases so far. I've already blogged about all these albums, so I'll restrict myself to a brief comment on each one here. Please let me know by a comment on this page or via @jeremyindie on Twitter whether you agree with my choices, or think that I'm hopelessly wide of the mark.

1) Adele 21

This isn't an original choice, since Adele's popularity has eclipsed even her own expectations since this was released, but that voice is just astonishing. Even if you're not normally a fan of her soul influenced style, you can't help but be drawn in by it. I remember well getting to know 21 on a flight from Calgary to the UK at the end of January, and I just couldn't stop playing it. I'm planning to write more about Adele after I've seen her live in September.

2) Awolnation Megalithic Symphony

This is simply a killer album with amazing energy. A great sense of structure and development means it works amazingly well as a whole. Since it came out it's been my most regular listening choice, and whilst this isn't for hardcore folk music fans, I'd urge you to investigate if you want to have fun. Initially my favourite track was People, but I've grown to appreciate the eclectic Knights of Shame most of all.

3) Bon Iver

This deserves to become a classic album: it's just so beautiful with amazing production, subtle instrumentation and haunting singing from Justin Vernon. The atmosphere is gentle and contemplative, and it seems supremely capable of soothing life's anxieties.

4) Other Lives Tamer Animals

This could be seen as an idiosyncratic choice, and perhaps I've rated higher than others would because the sound is strongly influenced by classical composers. It's really grown on me, and is definitely a positive progression from their self-titled début, with stunning orchestration and a panoramic sweep which draws you into an enchanting world.

5) Civil Wars Barton Hollow

My first Civil Wars concert, coming up in September, will be one of my most eagerly awaited of the year, not only because of this gorgeous album, but due to the expectations created by a friend's review of a recent gig in LA. The music is stripped back: simply presented, but incredibly moving and heart-warming and almost timeless. They fully deserve the success they're currently enjoying in the USA.

6) Cold War Kids Mine is Yours

This has grown on me since I saw them at Coachella, and Royal Blue in particular never fails to put a smile on my face. Some might find it too commercial compared to their earlier work, but I disagree. Nathan Willet's vocals are distinctive, there's some great lyrics, and it's catchy and uplifting.

7) Rural Alberta Advantage Departing

This album almost merits inclusion here by virtue of its cover image alone, and it's gone up hugely in my estimation since I saw the RAA live. The music isn't particularly sophisticated, and some may find Nils' nasal voice difficult to tolerate, but it always gets me tapping my feet. It's folk music with the addition of synth keyboard and punk-like drumming, raucous, not always subtle, but truly life enhancing. I played this to a friend from the North Country, and she told me it's typically Albertan in its assertiveness; proof of the link between music and place.

8) Lykke Li Wounded Rhymes

This Scandinavian singer's powerful voice conveys vulnerability and longing, with a theme of love and loss. This album's at times ritualistic in feel, with drums and chanting, and the number of strong songs is remarkable. Great song writing and vocals which benefits from repeated listening and has inspired me to arrange to see her live later this year.

9) Radiohead King of Limbs

I freely admit to being a Radiohead fan, and so it disappoints me that this album has been misunderstood: only today I read a review of their Glastonbury set in The Time which described King of Limbs as 'boring'. This is lazy journalism: yes, those who think Radiohead should still be producing records like The Bends will dislike this, but I find it subtle and atmospheric. Codex is one of the most beautiful Radiohead tracks yet, and whilst on reflection I don't rate this album is highly as Kid A, I think there's a lot more creativity to come from Thom Yorke. It does demand concentration, lacks hooks, and needs many listens to fully appreciate, but is so original and daring.

10) The Middle East I Want that I am Always Happy

This first full length album from this Australian six piece collective has been overlooked, but is a hidden gem, subtle and moving over its 14 tracks. It sometimes sounds like American folk music, but there are also similarities to Other Lives in its subtlety, intelligence and imaginative instrumentation. The final track lasts ten minutes, and if you find The Vaccines frothy and vacuous and are in need of more substantive fare, do listen to this. Boldly, the first track is slow and quiet, moving in its reserve.

11) Terra Naomi To Know I'm OK

This is testimony to Terra's ability to reach out to her fans via social media, and fulfils her considerable potential. The first six tracks really show the skill of producer John Alagia and the other musicians involved in this project. Terra's a great song writer, but for me the real luxury in this album is her amazing voice, which is pure and moving. You For Me, the first track, catchy and so happy, is currently available as a free download from Terra's website.

12) Martime Human Hearts

A rock album, which is uplifting, with a confident feel, a complete opposite to Other Lives or The Middle East with bold guitars, driving drums and assertive singing from von Bohlen. It feels edgy and catchy, and is adult rock, which I've been loving when I'm looking to escape.

13) Joseph Arthur Graduation Ceremony

Another album which I've appreciated more since seeing the artist live, with a sense of creative freedom which showcases Joseph's intricately layered, textured creations. The harmonies are beautiful and the lyrics exceptional. This isn't a showy album, but is one of his strongest to date, and a perfect introduction to Joseph's artistry.

14) Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

I wasn't as taken by this initially as some other reviewers, feeling that they hadn't really moved on from their first album. This is missing the point though: like Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes have carved out a niche, popularising folk and brought new audiences to indie music. Helplessness Blues is marvellously produced and executed, with so skilful acoustic instrumental playing. At the end of the day though, it's all about those lovely vocal harmonies.

15) The Infinite Music of French Horn Rebellion

Something of a wild card inclusion, one of the few places I've seen this album mentioned is the Owl Mag, and it's flawed, a mixture of styles which don't always hang together coherently. NME were scandalously rude about it, but it's pushed Peter Bjorn and John off my top 15 list because it makes me want to dance. I love the rhythms, the floor shaking bass, and their willingness to experiment and take risks. Not polished, perhaps overly long, but music's all about emotion, and this has made me happy.