tisdag 29 Jan 2008, 15:11
So I told my friend Matt that I would send him my top ten albums of the year and then never did because I left the list I made in Boston. Well now January is almost over and I am reunited with my top ten list, so I am following through with my promise.
The thing is the email took me a while to write and so in order to make myself feel better about spending so much time, I figure what the fuck? Why not put it up on here. I mean no one gives a shit anyway since everyone and their grandmother put up their favorites of the year already. But here is the email to Matt/top ten of 2007 list.
—-
So I told you once I got back I would send you my best of list for 2007. I found the list today when I was cleaning my desk, so here we go.
I am sure you have lost interest by now…
In no specific order:
St. Vincent- Marry Me
I really like Annie Clark. I am going to ignore the fact that she used to play with Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens. This album was my most pleasant surprise of the year. Most of the album was pretty mellow but the louder/rockier songs are just as enjoyable as the mellow ones. Also she gets the award of best lyric of the year for "let's do what Mary and Joseph did/without the kid." New Artist of the Year if you will.
Arcade Fire- Neon Bible
I don't think I really have to explain to you why I like this album much. Arcade Fire doesn't just release albums, they release pieces of art.
I have to say I am surprised this album didn't suck because their first album was so fucking amazing, but I have to give it to them. They continue to charm the pants off of me with their huge band and on-stage antics. Their albums always grow on you in this really great way and after seeing them live I always have a different favorite song because of the way they bring new life to the songs live. That is a motherfucking band.
New Pornographers- Challengers
I still listen the shit out of this album. It is like AC Newman can do no wrong. Yes it is more mellow than any album they have ever done and yes I do kind of miss those power pop days…but songs like "Challengers" and "Go Places" just really fucking do it for me. And not just because they are the Neko songs. I am pretty sure I would still love them even if Katherine was singing them. Speaking of Katherine, how good is "Adventures in Solitude?" Yikes. It is like I hear those songs for the first time every time I hear them. And even Dan's songs don't suck this time around. "Myriad Harbour" is a rad rad song.
Tegan and Sara- The Con
I am pretty sure this is the album I listened to the most this year. I am not sure why. This album hit me and hit me hard. Their voices are vaguely annoying and yet it works. I used to hate everything that had to do with them. Now I can not deny my love for them. The album really flows well. They mix up the catchy with the depressing with ease. It is hard to believe that each sister writes songs on their own, because the songs go together that well.
Eisley- Combinations
I like these crazy Christians. On this album they stopped talking about fairies and rainbows and shit. Which was definitely a plus. Also their sound just got a lot bigger. The sisters always had beautiful voices, but the production on this album just really brought them to a new level. They are more boisterous then they ever have been and you can tell from just listening to the first song on the album. I like that they are growing and not in the way that Rilo Kiley did this year.
Feist- The Reminder
Blah blah blah. 1234 video. Blah blah blah. "Brandy Alexander" is a awesome song. Blah blah blah. Sad I can never actually see her live again without paying 50 dollars.
The Bird and the Bee- S/T and Please Clap Your Hands EP
I know you saw them open for Rilo Kiley and you were not impressed, but I really enjoy their album. I feel like it should kind of be a guilty pleasure because of the back beat/synthesizers that are heavily used in their songs. But first of all, the chick has an amazing voice. And if you listen carefully there are some Jazz elements thrown in their songs. It is the perfect album for when you don't know what you want to listen to. If that makes any sense. Also they do a cover of "How Deep Is Your Love" that is awesome because I don't have to listen to Barry Gibbs' annoying high pitched shrill of a voice.
Nellie McKay- Obligatory Villagers
Let me just say I hated Miss McKay's second album, but she has won me back as a fan with this one. It is everything you never find in an album anymore. You have got some humor, great orchestration, some real Broadway moments, they are in and out in 30 minutes, and goddamnit it is just fun. It is like a soundtrack missing a movie. I am not sure what would go on in the movie, but I would watch it.
The White Stripes- Icky Thump
I know right. What the fuck? Well listen, it was a slow year. I like the White Stripes. Don't get me wrong, but it is sad when this album makes my top ten. The music industry should be ashamed of themselves! Anyway I think this is the album I listened to the least this year that is on this list. While it wasn't a complete work of awesomeness, it certainly has it's moments. "Icky Thump" has single written all over it in the same way "Seven Nation Army" did. Way to go guys. Also "Conquest" and "Rag & Bone" are goodtimes. Their attempt at slower songs really didn't do it for me. BORING. Also this is the first tour in awhile I didn't catch them live. But that might just because they canceled most of their dates because of Meg's breakdown.
Electrelane- No Shouts, No Calls
So on my original list this was not there because I could have sworn this came out in 2006, but Pitchfork tells me I am wrong. I am glad though because I really liked this album. Really I found them on accident. I had some of their albums and was never that into them. I saw them headline for The Blow and I was really just there to see The Blow. But Electrelane knocked my socks off. Everything about this band told me not to listen to them. The whole "we write songs from our jam sessions" thing is always a huge turn off for me. But wait, they did it and did it well. "Between the Wolf and the Dog" and "At Sea" are great songs that love you and leave you over and over like an old lover that you just can't say "no" to. (Sorry I got a little too carried away on that last line). Listening to the whole album in one shot is very much like listening to a soundtrack, it can just play in the background or if you choose, you can really listen to it intently. This is their best album and maybe their last because as you know they broke up. So glad I saw them live twice. So glad to report this might have been the best album on this list to me.
-mich