Back to The Best Albums of 2011

36. Carter Tanton, 'Freeclouds'

Amazon

Lower Dens associate and musical chameleon Carter Tanton brings forward one of 2011's most surprising releases. 'Freeclouds' runs the gamut of genres, from alt-country to avant-electronica, but it all somehow makes sense. In this age of frantic modernism, Tanton shows why it's OK to have artful ADHD. -- C.M.