Back to The Best Albums of 2011

16. We Are Augustines, 'Rise Ye Sunken Ships'

Amazon

A brother’s suicide. A mentally ill mother. A father who disappeared before ever meeting his son. These are the autobiographical topics former Pela frontman Billy McCarthy sings about on his new band’s debut. But that misery didn’t lead to a depressing album. Instead, McCarthy’s soul-stirring tracks make for one of the year’s most promising and repeat-worthy records. -- D.R.