These are going to be in no particular order and are basically picked based on what I've listened to the most and continued to go back to, even after the initial release month. That generally means I like it.
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Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight. I'm still listening to it, despite the crap all the snob ass critics wanted to give this album. It seems to have worked for them, considering the fact that the live show pulled out energy and crowd pleasure more than any band I've seen this year. That, and MTV gobbled it up like a binging model for every commercial and shit reality show they could muster up after someone over there got their ears on it. Kudos to them. *
Fionn Regan - The End of History. This kid is great. He really, really is. You'll be hard-pressed to find any other folk singer/songwriter with lyrics and music that's so honest. This album drips in passion. It's campfires and marshmallows and cold weather. *
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger. I'm a sucker for Ryan Adams. No, I don't think he's hot. I think he's an amazing writer, one I can respect and listen to and actually feel. So that earns his last LP a spot on my list.*
Rantings of Eva - Lowering the Curtain on Memphis. The first recorded material by a local band that's been around made me happy. So, of course, I'm going to list this. Even though it was released in February, I'm spinning it about every other week. "Bright Side" is the stand out tune and has been popping up all over podcasts and blogs for the past year. That should say something...*
Eisley - Combinations. Wow, really. They're young and in charge with their sophomore album, and that's why I get excited when it shuffles along in the iPod mixes. *
Great Northern - Trading Twilight for Daylight. I love this band. They're angelic and soothing and everything that's right with the world. I can't believe I haven't heard or seen more about them. Although, I think if the dudes picked up on how hot the chicks in this band are, that may change...*
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black. Okay, I may not think she's a stand-up individual, and I may not agree with her ethics as far as behavior goes, but the woman can sing. And she can make me believe that someday, in the current state of the world, I can flashback to the age of Motown and jive. *
Magnet - The Simple Life. Yet another songwriter that manages to make me tap my feet profusely against that little pedal in the car that's on the left side and doesn't move. (Is that the footrest?) Anyway, it puts me in a good mood, and I've had to retreat to it a lot in the past few months I've had it.*
The Western States Motel - I like this album because it makes me look cool. Truly, it does. When I tell people about it, or I let them have a listen, they're instantly hooked and impressed with my vast knowledge (*snort*) of sunny California rock. *
Evan McHugh - From the Second Chair. Another local talent that's bustling right beneath the surface of superstardom is Evan McHugh. His endearing lyrics and catchy musical accompaniment make his debut full-length one that I can listen to just as often as the rest of the better-known acts.There you have it. If I can find the time, I'll do the opposite of this and list the worst. But I really don't think I'll have the time, especially since about 75% of what I've heard falls in that category...
Feel free to comment!
10 comments:
The Arcade Fire's epic Neon Bible, Modest Mouse..one of their most solid records in, "We were dead before the ship even sank.", The Shins latest is worthy of a mention, Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter...probably become my second fav. songwriter behind Ryan Adams with this great release. The most in tune an over hyped rapper puts out his strongest record..where's Kayne? Common's finding forever record was also a contender imo. What about Wilco - Sky Blue Sky? Bruce Springsteen's comeback "Magic." Kings of Leon - Because of The Times???
These lists are supposed to spark debate I get that, but some of the omissions are highly questionable. The Arcade Fire, who were the most over hyped indie since the Strokes. Put out a classic record that not only lives up to their growing fame but shows you how great really are, and its probably one of the greatest records released this decade and no mention?!! Tisk Tisk. I like reading the blogs keep it up.
Opps what aout The White Stripes? No Love?! Loudon Wainwright - STANGE WEIRDOS? Peter, Bjorn and John - Writers Block. New Foo album? OMG and Okkervil River's amazing new record no mention omg make it stop...ok I will. Hope all is well
Fair enough. You have to take into account the fact that I have a life and cannot listen to every single release. Of the ones you mentioned, I only heard four of them (Arcade Fire and The Shins, both of which I liked, and PB&J and Modest Mouse, which wore on me pretty quickly). I'm not a fan of Kayne - at all, so I'm not going to spend money on his music.
The other ones...once again, not something I'm going to spend money on, and also albums that weren't submitted to me...sooooo, hopefully that will justify my seemingly lackluster list to you.
Oh, and I hate the White Stripes.
what about Spoon's "Ga Ga Ga Ga?" - easily one of the best of 2007. I used to not be very much into Kanye, but damn - his new CD is good. I also recommend the Avett Brothes "Emotionalism."
Spoon crossed my mind. But I'm still stuck on that Gimme Fiction effort of theirs.
I also don't really listen to Ga Ga Ga Ga all that much.
Thank you for introducing me to Magnet. I love him!
Rilo Kiley, Amy, Evan McHugh, and Fionn all find their way into my ipod rotation on a regular basis... even after months. I might agree with the person above who suggested Wilco. I love Sky Blue Sky and listen to it often.
One of my exes ruined Wilco for me. Such a shame...
Some very interesting choices there in the list. I especially love Ryan Adams 'Easy Tiger' who I saw in York and he was in a bit of a strange mood. He was pissed off so he decided to piss us off. A very erratic character but Think thats what makes him great.
I'm really enjoying the Wester States Model which as is rightly put, very cool at the moment and if this is your cup of tea then I highly recomend Band of Horses, The Manchester Orchestra and The Besnard Lakes. There's a real Americana vibe at the moment and theres something quite intrgueing about them all.
One of my favourites of the year would have to iLiKETRAiNS 'Elegies to Lessons Learnt'. Its a pure history lesson in rock music. This should be tought in schools. Listen to 'Terra Nova', its awe-inspiring.
Another band who have pleasured my eardrums would have to be Minus The Bear.
Just a few suggestions here and loving the site.
Amy Winehouse, and Rilo Kiley both made my list too; and Great Northern were only ONE off from making it... I like that record a lot!
I think Travis' A Boy with No Name should be considered for at least one of the top ten picks of 2007. An outstanding album that is by far one of the strongest in years.
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