Top 10 Queer Albums of the Year

The second year of the 2010s will be remembered for the deaths of Elizabeth Taylor and Osama bin Laden, the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the Arab spring and Greek drama. It should also be remembered as an astounding year for queer music—when it came to lesbian (and trans) music of 2011, there was practically an embarrassment of riches. Here are the highlights:

Weather by Meshell Ndegeocello

Another high mark from the bisexual talent, Weather is a collection of 13 seriously sexy songs.

Beauty Queen Sister by Indigo Girls

The 13^th album by the legendary duo was recorded in Nashville and produced by Peter Collins, who the Girls worked with in the ’90s.

Play Like a Girl by Fanny

This sisterly duo of Jean and June Millington has been making music since the ’60s and were one of the first all-female rock bands signed by a major label. The sisters came back this year to much fanfare.

Nocturnes by Uh Huh Her

The duo of Leisha Hailey (of The L Word, duh!) and Camila Grey got hearts racing with this electro-pop fest.

Get Along by Tegan and Sara

These Canadian sisters are personal faves of mine. This live album demonstrates their performing prowess.

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Searching.Finding.Living by Gypsy Fuzz

Picked as one of The Advocate’s best overlooked albums of 2011, lesbian singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla’s rock jam is a winner.

8 Songs About a Girl by Deep Dark Robot

Out songwriter and singer Linda Perry, along with Tony Tornay, are Deep Dark Robot—they created this collection of tunes that chronicle the life of a relationship.

Sing It Loud by k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang

lang’s voice is like medicine for me. She was back this year, releasing her 13^th studio album. Sing It Loud includes a gorgeous cover of The Talking Heads’ “Heaven.”

Talk About Body by MEN

J.D. Samson (of Le Tigre fame) teamed with Michael O'Neill and Ginger Brooks Takahashi for an album that’s still queer and charged, with anthems like “Off Our Backs.”

The Beginning by Melissa Li & The Barely Theirs

Kickstarter helped fund this 11-track pop/rock album by Melissa Li and the three-member Barely Theirs. Li’s got a strong, clear voice that’s unmistakable.

Mockingbird by Lucas Silveira

The Cliks lead singer —  the tatted, trans Silveira — released this covers album this year, with songs like “Sex on Fire” and “Bad Romance.”

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