Another year over, and what a year it was. Without going into too much. Here is my list for the best records of 07. (PS - I apologize for all the spacing errors, the blog is acting wonky today.)
25. The Shins – Wincing The Night Away
Maybe the most anticipated and disappointing record of the year. Partly because The Shins rarely put out records, and when they do they are over before they start. Wincing the Night Away has a ton of great tracks, but it still feels like too little too late. Get off your lazy asses and make another record soon.
24. New Pornographers – ChallengersThe most adult record the Pornos have ever recorded, results in their most average. A handful of tracks show the gang still have it.
23. Go Team – Proof of Youth
Few can make noise rock listenable, but The Go Team have somehow figured it out.
22. Arcade Fire – Neon BibleNeon Bible’s biggest fault is that it’s not anything comparable to their debut masterpiece, Funeral. Once you get over this, you’ll still find a lot to love.
21. Deerhoof – Friend Opportunity
I love you Deerhoof, but I kind of want the electronics back. Please become a four-piece again!! A good album that followed several great ones, I’m sure they will do better next time.
20. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
Easily the most overrated album of the year. “Silver” isn’t THAT good guys. Still, it’s quick wit and dance beat make it one of the most memorable
19. Jose Gonzalez – In Our Nature
On his first record, Jose Gonzalez wanted to be Nick Drake. He’s since realized his dream is pointless, and has set his sites for James Taylor. A quiet and well written folk record
18. Explosions in The Sky – All The Sudden I Miss Everyone.You have to give this band credit, with the amount of endless touring, and material released. It’s amazing that they are still at the top of the post-rock class. While other post-rock bands seem to be hit and miss, Explosions continues it’s flawless track record of instrumental bliss.
17. Track a Tiger – We Moved Like Ghosts.This one is way below the radar. It’s one of those albums that just showed up on my doorstep (desktop) on accident. Thank goodness, because this Yo La Tengo sound-a-like has much more to offer then what’s originally perceived
16. Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha
I don’t think there is a better indie singer-songwriter then Andrew Bird. It’s unfortunate that Armchair is lacking the substance of his previous works. Still a great album, by an always interesting artist.
15. The Pony's – Turn The Lights OutThis Chicago post punk band has finally broken out to make an excellent record that many have ignored. It may not be revolutionary, but it will surprise you.
14. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Gax5 isn’t a bad record by any means, but it’s still just another Spoon record. This isn’t a problem if you’ve never heard a Spoon; it may be in your top 10. Here’s hoping the next LP has the band focusing toward new territory. Still some of the most fun you’ll have listening to music this year.
13. Devendra Banhart – Smokey Rolls Down Thunder CanyonBanhart can’t get any weirder can he? Canyon is a great record spread a little thin by its own ambitions.
12. Yeasayer – All Hour CymbalsSneaking in at the end of the year, All Hour Cymbals' experiments in tribal psych-rock can bring out anyone’s internal hippie.
11. Apostle of Hustle – National Anthem of NowhereFans of the Broken Social Scene should take a second to listen to one of their best spin-offs of the year, in a sea of many average ones.
10. Nina Nastasia & Jim White – You Follow Me
While everyone else was slobbering over Feist, I sat and listened to this little gem. The combination of Nina’s simple voice, but spiteful lyrics, and Jim White’s improvisational drums is a match made in folk rock heaven. One of the lost albums of the year, don’t miss it.
9. Dinosaur Jr. – Beyond
Something has to be said for the reunion album of the year. Mascis returns and shreds that guitar just as nasty as ever.
8. Blockhead - Uncle Tony's Coloring Book
The biggest surprise of the year for me. Throw this on at anytime, and a party will appear in your immediate vicinity. What makes “Coloring Book” different from other beat records is that it actually has substance. This one will be in rotation for years to come, not unlike DJ Shadow’s Entroducing
7. Blitzen Trapper – Wild Mountain Nation
It’s hard to describe Blitzen Trapper without naming about every sub-genre out there. So I’ll make it easy. Do you like Pavement? Go for it.
6. Field Music – Tones of Town
A Indie-Pop pleasure. In 28 minutes, Field Music cram in 11 tracks with more sound then most can perform in 80. Sharply written and performed, Field Music does not waste a second of your time.
5. Iron and Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
Once a lo-fi indie folk hero, Sam Beam has moved on to a more complete sound. What could have been a disaster to fans, turned out to be a positive evolution. There may be a lot more here then just a man and a guitar, but the extra instruments and improved production actually add more to the singer-songwriter’s personality then anyone thought possible. This dog is a winner from beginning to end.
4. Menomena – Friend or Foe
Not everything on Friend or Foe works, but you can’t blame them for trying. From Indie-Pop to Post-Rock, Friend or Foe is one of the most varied and interesting listens of the year.
3. Caribou - Andorra
Highly overlooked by a lot of critics for some reason, Caribou’s latest is also his best. A mixture of Brian Wilson harmonies and psychedelic electronics, Andorra was a force to be reckoned with. Pleasing existing fans, and creating many new ones.
2. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
While Wilco may have taken a break from their experimental side, Sky Blue Sky is still filled with absolute beauty. You won’t find a better album to sing along to on a Sunday Morning this year. Now about those VW ads…
1. Radiohead – In Rainbows
I may have never taken the time to properly review In Rainbows like it deserved, but by now I’m sure most of you realize just how amazing this record is. Not only, was it’s “pay what you want” release the music story of the year, the album actually lived up to all the hype surrounding it. In Rainbows is Radiohead’s most personal and friendly album yet, and easily the best record they have released in ten years. Even with it’s slight lack of concept compared to past releases, Yorke and the gain pull the album together with excellent songwriting and beautiful melodies. This may have not been your favorite record of 07, but if it’s not in your top 10, you’re listening to the wrong albums.
Worst albums
Modest Mouse – We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank.Talk about a band that had it’s pulse on the indie scene and then totally lost it to commercial stardom. Modest Mouse are to Indie as Green Day is to Punk. The title says it all, at least they can admit it.
White Stripes – Icky ThumpAs someone who used to enjoy the striped down garage sound of The White Stripes, Icky Thump is an over saturated mess. White’s obsession with himself has become too apparent to enjoy the music.
Voxtrot – S/THow do you follow two great EPs that have been buzzed about for more then two years? Release an awful full length that sounds nothing like them. Really, is this the same band? What happened?
Honorable Mentions: (albums that are good, I just haven't spent enough time with)
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
The National - Boxer
Feist - The Reminder
Best Soundtrack: I'm Not There
Best Re-issue: Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
Here's to another great year in new music!!
- SAUER