Last night's performances by Lydia Loveless, Rum Drum Ramblers and the Hackensaw Boys at the Duck Room were undoubtedly among the best I have seen in a while.

Obviously, 2011 has been a phenomenal year for artists releasing stellar albums in St. Louis. Here's the local albums this year that caught our ears over and over again.

T Model Ford is an aged cat. A man who has been traveling the back roads and playing music in small juke joints for decades.  He's a legend in many regards. A true bluesman.  And last night he was on full display at Off Broadway. 

Seeing the Rum Drum Ramblers is always a good time -- no question, but an album release show in front of a packed house at Off Broadway...well, you don't get to see that very often. Just awesome.

The St. Louis-based Rum Drum Ramblers lay down blues tunes that beg for sittin' on the front porch, enjoying a cold one on a steamy, August night. Since summer is months away, your next best bet is to listen to their live session on The Space Parlour.