Year in Review

As the year comes to a close, see what alternative news made the top ten list this year:

1. Gallagher Brothers’ Legal Troubles:

Liam and Noel battled it out in the media and in the court system this year. The Oasis brothers went back and forth with name-calling, possible Oasis reunion, and claims of alcoholism and violence. As it stands, with both brothers touring separately on new projects and fair-weathered apologies, fans will have to wait and see if a reunion will actually happen.


2. Biggest New Artists: Foster the People, Awolnation:

Foster the People hit number three on Billboard’s “Top 100” list for Torches. Their hit single “Pumped Up Kicks” crossed several genres of music and also made it to the number three spot in the same list for eight weeks; the song getting a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” Aaron Buno finally found his niche with Awolnation and their first single, “Sail,” has been on the charts for 44 weeks, peaking at number five. They’ve recently released their third single “Not Your Fault” off their hefty 15-track album Megalithic Symphony.


3. Bush Tours:

After several years Bush finally came back on tour this fall (with Chevelle and Filter) to promote new album The Sea of Memories. Their single “Sound of Winter” is currently at number one on Billboard’s Rock Songs and has been in the running for 19 weeks now. The album reached to the number five spot for “Top Independent Albums.”

4. Big Boys of 2011: Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Arcade Fire:

The Foo Fighters had the longest run of being number one this year (13 weeks) on Billboard’s Alternative Songs list for their hit “Rope.” The band has six Grammy nods, including Album of The Year for this year’s released album Wasting Light. The Black Keys had a huge year receiving 3 Grammys regarding their Brothers album and are up for category “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for the 2012 Grammys. They are currently number one on Billboard’s Alternative list for “Lonely Boys” off their just released album El Camino. Cage the Elephant has made several appearances this year in Atlanta promoting album Thank You, Happy Birthday, which was released at the beginning of this year. The album made it to number two on the Billboard charts and had three hit singles, “Shake Me Down,” “Around My Head,” and “Aberdeen.” Arcade Fire had a big year with awards, winning the 2011 Grammy Album of the Year; the band up against top 40s heavy hitters Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. The group also won the 2011 Juno Award for Album of the Year and 2011 Brit Award for Best International Album for Suburbs.

5. R.E.M. Disbands:

The Athens, GA band that has been around since 1980 and many of us grew up with decided in September to say their goodbye to fans. Mike Mills explained, “…there’s no disharmony here, no falling-outs, no lawyers squaring-off. We’ve made this decision together, amicably and with each other’s best interests at heart. The time just feels right.” They reached stardom with many hits like “Losing My Religion” and Friends favorite “It’s The End of The World,” and were inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2007. We will miss you R.E.M.!

6. 2012 Hall of Famers:

Legends Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys have been chosen to be inducted in the Rock Hall of Fame, and will be included with Guns N’ Roses, Small Faces/Faces, Donovan, and Laura Nyro. The Beastie Boys will be the third band in the hip-hop genre to have the prestigious honor. The ceremony will be on April 14th at Cleveland’s Public Hall.


7. Blink 182 Back Together:

The trio made their appearance at the Grammys earlier this year proving they were back together for good, or until they decide to call it quits again. Each had their own separate projects going on since they broke up in 2005. It seems they’ve settled their differences and released single “Up All Night” from released album Neighborhoods. The single debuted at number two on the charts, so it seems fans are welcoming them with open arms.


8. Steve Jobs Dies:

The genius of Apple died on October 5, 2011 from pancreatic cancer. He had announced his resignation as CEO less than two months before. Jobs had helped changed the face of technology with Apple inventions, and was also a quietly known philanthropic who used his ideas to help those in need.

9. White Stripes Breaks Up:

The previously married eccentric duo is no more. The band took a break, but still released a reissue of some of their albums. However, in February it was officially announced that they would no longer be recording together. Jack White continues to play for The Raconteurs.

10. Kings of Leon Tour Troubles:

Only days after coming to Atlanta for their tour to promote album Come Around Sundown, the band had to playing stop mid performance in Dallas. Lead singer Caleb Followill claimed voice issues and that he would finish out the concert, but never returned on stage. This led to a cancellation of the rest of the U.S. tour. Rumors spread of internal issues, alcoholism, and a break-up. The band did not talk about resuming any dates in the U.S. at this time, but their documentary, Talihina Sky, is available in stores.