Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Best of 2007: Top Albums - 20 to 11

So here it is, my top albums of 2007. I know you've all been waiting on the edge of your seat for this (<--please read with sarcasm). In all seriousness, 2007 has been a pretty great year in music, at least it was for me. Several of my favourite bands put out albums and I discovered a lot of great new music.


FYI; the reasons why some albums appear ahead of others are unclear. The differentiation between say, #15 and #14, are non-existent but hey, everyone enjoys a list. The only album I do not doubt it's placement is my #1 choice. But I am sure of what should be in my top 10. So without further delay.....20 to 11

20. Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight
After embarking on a solo effort, Jenny Lewis and Co. got together and put out a bold and risky album in the form of Under The Blacklight. Why do I consider it to be a little more adventurous for Rilo Kiley? Mainly because of the range in diversity of the songs. There's the Latin infused 'Dejalo,' the dreamy pop sounding 'Dreamworld,' the alt-country track 'Silver Lining,' and the list goes on. However, it's the variety of songs that makes this album so good. Sure the narrative storytelling that Rilo Kiley became known for is pretty much non-existent on this album but the edgy lyrics are no less interesting. The songs are upbeat and addictive. And let's face it, Jenny Lewis is quite the frontwoman.


19. The Cinematics - A Strange Education
It seems as if The Cinematics tend to be forgotten in the midst of the success of other Scottish bands such as Snow Patrol, Travis and Franz Ferdinand. This is unfortunate because the band put out a stellar release of neo-new wave tracks in the form of their debut release A Strange Education. The music is spine tingling. It just has a feeling to it that says it must be played very loudly. The album is fast paced and consistently good throughout its duration. I dare anyone to not tap their feet or sing along to songs like 'Chase,' 'Keep Forgetting' or 'Break' This is not an album that you should let pass you by. It's worth a look or two.


18. Wintersleep - Welcome to the Night Sky
Canadian music was in top form again this year. For me, Halifax, Nova Scotia's Wintersleep embodies the best new Canadian group of 2007. I know, they're not exactly a new act and Welcome To The Night Sky is their third album but I only discovered them this year, so they're new to me.

What can I tell you about this album? It's just CanCon at it's finest(that's Canadian content for those who don't know). The songs build on Welcome To The Night Sky and vocally lead-singer Paul Murphy is melodic and expressive, all while singing about astronauts and whales. And really, is there any more pleasing sing-along lyrics than those of 'Weighty Ghost,' a song complete with handclaps, organs and some sort of gang of back-up singers. Next year should be a big one for Wintersleep. Expect more touring, some Juno nominations and a lot more radio airplay.


17. Radiohead - In Rainbows
Besides the new Britney Spears album (have you picked up your copy yet?), was there any album release that grabbed the headlines more than Radiohead's In Rainbows? The band was both lauded and criticized for offering their latest release this fall for practically nothing. What remained to be seen was whether the album delivered. Was it any good?

Well it was and in my opinion, it is Radiohead's best and most accessible album since OK Computer. From the opener '15 Step' to the closing track 'Videotape,' the songs just speak for themselves. They are simple, straightforward and very stripped down in comparison to Radiohead's recent releases. Sure the odd electronic keyboard sounds and layering are still there but while in the past these elements have taken away from the prominence of the guitars and piano, it actually enhances it and contributes to the enjoyment of the listening experience. Now that the dust has settled surrounding the release of this album, what lingers is the music, and it's good.

16. Band of Horses - Cease To Begin
I was excited with anticipation for the release of Band of Horses' second studio album, Cease To Begin. I mean who wouldn't be after Everything All the Time. Like everything else, when you set your sights high you tend to be let down. This was not the case with Band of Horses' new release. It is indie gold! The guitars are agile, the lyrics are genuine and the music is beautiful. There is nothing more to say.


15. Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future
Love 'em or hate 'em, no one can accuse Klaxons of being generic and Myths of the Near Future is one of those albums that should appeal to the masses. There seems to be a bit of everything here, a little something for everyone if you will. Thrashy guitars, danceable beats, heavy baselines and some great harmonizing pretty much sums up this release. Not precisely what you would expect from a self-proclaimed 'new rave' band. It's just an album that is full of high energy, one that refuses to let you down until the last note is played.



14. Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Short but sweet is the best way to summarize the second helping from Arctic Monkeys. Let's face it, Favourite Worst Nightmare isn't exactly a giant leap for Alex Turner and the boys but everything they did flawlessly on their debut album they did exceptionally well here. Considering the fact that Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not was the fastest selling debut album in the UK, had two #1 singles, won the band the coveted Mercury Prize, garnered critical acclaim and made the lads from Sheffield a household name, why would they change a thing? Let's leave that for the third release because the tunes are still fast and catchy, the words are still tongue-in-cheek and the guitars/bass/drums have never been louder. Favourite Worst Nightmare did not disappoint.

Download: Arctic Monkeys - Old Yellow Bricks [mp3]

13. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
No album has taken it's time to grow on me and find it's place on this list more than Beirut's The Flying Club Cup. Now when I look back, I can't imagine why I didn't instantly fall in love with it. The Flying Club Cup is as romantic and endearing as indie folk pop can ever be. It is stunning. The instrumentation, complete and utter perfection. Zach Condon, a genius.



12. Idlewild - Make Another World
For anyone who has written Idlewild off, think again. The Scottish band put out an amazing collection of songs earlier this year, one worthy of praise. Tracks like 'No Emotion,' 'In Competition For The Worst Time' and ''A Ghost In The Arcade' are great rock songs, while 'Once In Your Life' is a track that will surely warm your heart. Make Another World is an album that should be listened to from beginning to end. There are no fillers here, which the band have often been accused of. Idlewild are truly in their element with this album. It is quality songwriting with every note being heard and having it's rightful place in each song. If you've lost interest in Idlewild over the years now is the time to get reacquainted with them. They will not disappoint.


11. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
The Shins' Wincing The Night Away came out way back at the beginning of the year. It seems so long ago, so much so that I nearly forgot to put it on this list and that would have been a tragedy. The album integrates everything that is good and holy in indie pop; great melodies, jangly guitars and stick-in-your-head lyrics. Rick Mercer has certified himself as a quality songwriter with this release because anyone who can incorporate the lyrics "...Faced with a dodo's conundrum" into a pop song is brilliant in my books. Sure it's a little experimental at times but The Shins pull it off well. It is a lovely collection of music.

Posted by Name: Melissa at 7:03 PM

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