We might not be able to catch a ball from more than three-yards, but our hand/eye jazz-hand/threaded-eye coordination is skilled enough to capture the pop-culture zeitgeist of the past year. We may have endured more blackouts than homes affected by Hurricane Irene in 2011, but our love for pop-culture allows its brightest gems to shine through our sober senses. Once again, Instinct has assigned two of its sassiest editors—Jeff Katz, Senior Editor, and Jonathan Higbee, Associate Web Editor—the task of assessing the year in pop-culture, and this year's bountiful list of favorites might include the most eclectic selections yet. To continue the series, Jeff and Jonathan tackle 2011's top hotties (literally, they wish!). So,...

Instinct’s Top of 2011: Albums

We might not be able to catch a ball from more than three-yards, but our hand/eye jazz-hand/threaded-eye coordination is skilled enough to capture the pop-culture zeitgeist of the past year. We may have endured more blackouts than homes affected by Hurricane Irene in 2011, but our love for pop-culture allows its brightest gems to shine through our sober senses. Once again, Instinct has assigned two of its sassiest editors—Jeff Katz, Senior Editor, and Jonathan Higbee, Associate Web Editor—the task of assessing the year in pop-culture, and this year's bountiful list of favorites might include the most eclectic selections yet. To kick off the series, here are Instinct’s top albums of 2011.