In our humble opinion, 2011 has been one of the best years for music in some time. And creating this year-end list was no easy task. But, of course, this is a very welcome problem. It’s hard to complain about too much good music being released.

Not only did this year see releases from some of independent music’s greatest artists, but musicians kept releasing albums that caused change within their genres (or defied genre classification altogether). These albums were not only good, but helped change the direction of the music industry.

For five days, we’ll count down our top 25 albums of 2011, starting with albums 25-21 today.

25. Thousands ׀ The Sound of Everything

The Seattle-based duo made up of Kristian Garrard and Luke Bergman released one of the most understated albums of 2011. Although released in April, The Sound of Everything still holds up; it hasn’t lost its charm over the passing of time. In fact, it may even be more relevant now with the turning of seasons.

The duo recorded each song in one take, often times outdoors. The recordings capture the band in their purest form, and the sounds of creaking wood and chirping birds only add to the magic of the album. Although Thousands is still flying under the radar, they’ve have opportunities to open for such bands as Ben Sollee, tUnE-yArDs, and Fleet Foxes in the past year. They deserve the highest of praise for their efforts, for they have created an album that remains timeless.

Recommended listening: “Big Black Road” and “Mtses III”

24. Cut Off Your Hands ׀ Hollow

New Zealand’s Cut Off Your Hands had one of the most surprising releases of the year. Seemingly coming out of nowhere, this band with punk influences and catchy hooks had me singing along before I even understood what was happening. Now if only they would come tour the United States…

Recommended listening: “Hollowed Out,” “You Should Do Better”

23. Washed Out ׀ Within and Without

Chillwave is a genre many hate to admit they like—maybe because of its ridiculous name. But Ernest Greene’s newest album helped break down that barrier. Within and Without is an accessible album, and a damn good one at that. Yes, Greene may help define a hipster generation thanks to Portlandia, but you can’t deny that you haven’t found yourself really engulfed in this album. Or that you really enjoying bobbing your head along to the rhythms Greene has created. Ride the wave, friends.

Recommended listening: “Amor Fati,” “Eyes Be Closed”

22. James Vincent McMorrow ׀ Early in the Morning

Early in the Morning was written and recorded in a secluded house on Ireland’s coast. McMorrow spent months working on this album while taking in the landscape. And the result of this experience was a stunning, yet tragic album about love and love lost. His vocals are haunting, and his falsetto pains you like a violin. However heartbreaking his personal experiences must have been, they have allowed him to create one of the most beautiful albums of the year—and certainly the most beautiful album out of Ireland.

Recommended listening: “If I Had a Boat,” “Sparrow and the Wolf”

21. Caveman ׀ CoCo Beware

As a fairly new band, Brooklyn’s Caveman sure seem to know what they’re doing. CoCo Beware served as one of 2011’s most solidly good albums. With songs like “Easy Water” and “Old Friend” it’s nearly impossible to not close your eyes and allow yourself to swoon to the music. Singer Matthew Iwanusa has the ability to portray the human experience; although he does this in an accessible way. Caveman has already garnered much media attention, but with music this good, they are only beginning to see what they are capable of.

Recommended listening: “My Time,” “Old Friend”

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