2007 Albums of the Year
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:20 pm
While actively procrastinating from grading exams and studying for a Greek examination tomorrow, I started musing to myself about the quality of music that I've been hearing. In truth, especially after "discovering" The Current (possibly the greatest public radio station in existence), I've been exposed to so much great music this year. So I decided to make a top five list of albums and pass it on to y'all. Just because I'm that nice. So here we go (and, it should be noted, 8 out of 10 of the top albums come from bands that played Austin City Limits in September).
Honorable mention:
The White Stripes, Icky Thump
The Fratellis, Costello Music
Foxboro Hot Tubs, Stop Drop and Roll
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
Top 10:
10. The Arctic Monkeys, Favourite Worst Nightmare (much better than their debut)
9. Kaiser Chiefs, Yours Truly, Angry Mob (a disappointment after their stellar debut)
8. The Ike Reilly Assassination, We Belong to the Staggering Evening (a thoroughly delightful surprise to pick up)
7. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, This Is Somewhere (amazing vocals, great live band)
6. Arcade Fire, Neon Bible (nigh near epic, barely got squeezed out)
5. Voxtrot, Voxtrot http://www.sendspace.com/file/g2pewe
I went back and forth for 15 minutes between these guys and Arcade Fire for this slot, but in the end I had to go with the Austin band for its local connection (hurrah for nepotism). Its sound is a lush and vibrant rock and roll that is far from harsh on the ears.
4. Spoon, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga http://www.sendspace.com/file/n5nhoz
Another Austin group (you can't top this city's music scene), this album has continued to grow on me. It is remarkably balanced and full of indie rock goodness. Don't you dare miss "Don't You Evah," the standout track of the album.
3. LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver[.i] http://www.sendspace.com/file/y9colc
You want to dance? Fine, get up, get moving with LCD Soundsystem. I saw them at ACL and was blown away. This is probably the best sounding album here though the lyrics aren't anything all that special as they provide impetus for movement.
2. Sea Wolf, :eaves in the River http://www.sendspace.com/file/vxp2pk
This album in one word: atmospheric. It's dark but it is also quite textured. I've been addicted to this album for several months now. "You're a Wolf" is the standout song (though not by much) on this highly consistent album.
1. Andrew Bird, Armchair Apocrypha http://www.sendspace.com/file/mns8fz
The surprise number one. Two months ago, this was not on the radar. But then at Thanksgiving, I listened to it several times over and over and wow, Mr. Bird is a musical/lyrical genius. If you didn't download it the last time I pimped it here, do it now. Trust me
Honorable mention:
The White Stripes, Icky Thump
The Fratellis, Costello Music
Foxboro Hot Tubs, Stop Drop and Roll
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
Top 10:
10. The Arctic Monkeys, Favourite Worst Nightmare (much better than their debut)
9. Kaiser Chiefs, Yours Truly, Angry Mob (a disappointment after their stellar debut)
8. The Ike Reilly Assassination, We Belong to the Staggering Evening (a thoroughly delightful surprise to pick up)
7. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, This Is Somewhere (amazing vocals, great live band)
6. Arcade Fire, Neon Bible (nigh near epic, barely got squeezed out)
5. Voxtrot, Voxtrot http://www.sendspace.com/file/g2pewe
I went back and forth for 15 minutes between these guys and Arcade Fire for this slot, but in the end I had to go with the Austin band for its local connection (hurrah for nepotism). Its sound is a lush and vibrant rock and roll that is far from harsh on the ears.
4. Spoon, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga http://www.sendspace.com/file/n5nhoz
Another Austin group (you can't top this city's music scene), this album has continued to grow on me. It is remarkably balanced and full of indie rock goodness. Don't you dare miss "Don't You Evah," the standout track of the album.
3. LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver[.i] http://www.sendspace.com/file/y9colc
You want to dance? Fine, get up, get moving with LCD Soundsystem. I saw them at ACL and was blown away. This is probably the best sounding album here though the lyrics aren't anything all that special as they provide impetus for movement.
2. Sea Wolf, :eaves in the River http://www.sendspace.com/file/vxp2pk
This album in one word: atmospheric. It's dark but it is also quite textured. I've been addicted to this album for several months now. "You're a Wolf" is the standout song (though not by much) on this highly consistent album.
1. Andrew Bird, Armchair Apocrypha http://www.sendspace.com/file/mns8fz
The surprise number one. Two months ago, this was not on the radar. But then at Thanksgiving, I listened to it several times over and over and wow, Mr. Bird is a musical/lyrical genius. If you didn't download it the last time I pimped it here, do it now. Trust me