Best of 07!!!
07 saw some really great music come out. For the first time in a while I was not being disappointed by new releases. However, There was so much music I did not get to listen to so my lists are incomplete. Despite this, the music that did make the list would also be on my best of all time list. So to the list...
#10 Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice
They really blew me away with this one. Such smart compositions and inventive use of looping, skipping, odd scales and great contrast of soft technical riffs and really driving parts. The vocals are the best they have been and really give off this chill vibe that runs through the record.
#9 Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
This band is the sound track to my life. Ever since I first heard "The Earth is not a Cold Dead Place" I have listened to them religiously awaiting their next album. And they did deliver. The opening track "The Birth and Death of the Day" is one of my favorite songs every written. The rest of the record is no slouch either! Highly emotional and epic instrumental that is as intricate as it is powerful. Also released with it is the bonus CD of remixes that take their music to a new level. It is just as amazing as the record itself. I can't wait to see them April 3rd.
#8 Rilo Kiley- Under the Blacklight
At first I was skeptical. This is their true major label debut. With this comes a new sound. Catchy dance pop. I was not that impressed by "More Adventurous" but did enjoy Jenny Lewis' solo record last year. So I gave "Under the Blacklight" a shot. Instantly I was tapping along and trying to sing way above my range. The beats are strong and just make you want to move. The guitar work is stellar creating tight but catchy melodies and accompany Jenny's vocals perfectly. This record made me smile no matter how sad I was.
#7 Defiance, Ohio - The Fear, The Fear, The Fear
Folk Punk is the reason punk is not dead. This record just proves that even more. Heart felt songs about life that anyone can relate. Unique instrumentation and catchy sing along choruses. This is the best they have ever sounded. Better production but still raw and bursting with more energy than ever. They also keep expanding their sound and not limited by it. All their music is for sale but also offered free on their website. Every song. Punk is still alive it's just not waving the flag.
#6 Do Make Say Think- You You're a History In Rust
This is their best record yet. An excellent mix of jazz, melodic lines and emotional music. They even have a few tracks with some vocals that work very nicely. The build ups are epic and the use of instruments in superb. I have been addicted to this record for a while. Every song is solid while also adding something new to the record. They also put on one of the best live shows. A truly amazing record from a band that keeps getting better.
#5 Justice- Cross
This record needs no introduction. It made everyone get up and dance. From the catchy D.A.N.C.E. to the bad ass instrumentals. Whether it was in the glass studio or going to bed, this made everything more fun and danceable.
#4 Ghostface Killah- The Big Doe Rehab
Ghostface Killah is my favorite rapper. He tells stories about crack and violence that are so descriptive and emotional it's scary. This record just seals the deal. After releasing 2 records last year, Ghost is back with the true follow up to Fishscale. This record is great because it's got more Ghost and less Theodore Unit. The stories are better than ever. Ghostface Killah is the most underrated rapper out there.
#3 Battles - Mirrored
This record proves that Battles is one of the most fearless bands out there. After making instrumental music they switch it up and add vocals on this record. However, the vocals are done in such a strange way that only Battles can pull it off. Many people can't stand the way the vocals are. They are almost indecipherable, while chanting or harmonizing. At times it feels like you are listening to a factory of deranged munchkins. This just adds that extra layer to already extremely tight and complex music. This record pushes the idea of music to the extreme.
#2 Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
This band has gotten me though tough days, months and years. Their lyrics are so thoughtful, beautiful and personal that it feels like every song was written about my life. John K Samson is a true poet. He can make peeling the label of a beer bottle seem like a life changing event. Reunion Tour shows the band at their finest. Each song tells the story of ordinary people struggling with the hardship that is life. The last song on the record is the song that got me though the last few months. Make me something someone can use.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN... THE RECORD OF THE YEAR 2007!
#1 Oso - Lonesome Tunnel Hum These Strong Arm Drones
This one come from way out in left field (Santa Barbara California to be exact). They are unsigned and self released this record early in 07. My cousin live in Sacramento and saw them. He gave me the CD and told me I "Need it". Immediately I knew this was something special. This record has the perfect mix of Godspeed You! Black Emperor-like build ups with guitar, bass, violins, and drums, Battles like time changes and math riffs contrasted by slide guitar, finger picking and soulful folk singing and harmonies. Every song is so different but it all flows so well. Do yourself a favor, talk to me and I will give you a copy.
Honorable Mentions
Fiest - The Reminder
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Aggrolites- Reggae Hits L.A.
Wu-Tang - 8 Diagrams
Against Me! - New Wave
Top 10 Songs of 07
#10 "In Mind" - Do Make Say Think
#9 "Close Call" - Rilo Kiley
#8 "Missed the Boat" - Modest Mouse
#7 "Ice Monster" - Minus the Bear
#6 "Ddiamondd" - Battles
#5 "DVNO" - Justice
#4 "Slow Down" - Ghostface Killah
#3 "Last Day of The year" - Oso
#2 "The Birth and Death of the Day" - Explosions in the Sky
#1 "Utilities" - The Weakerthans
#10 Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice
They really blew me away with this one. Such smart compositions and inventive use of looping, skipping, odd scales and great contrast of soft technical riffs and really driving parts. The vocals are the best they have been and really give off this chill vibe that runs through the record.
#9 Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
This band is the sound track to my life. Ever since I first heard "The Earth is not a Cold Dead Place" I have listened to them religiously awaiting their next album. And they did deliver. The opening track "The Birth and Death of the Day" is one of my favorite songs every written. The rest of the record is no slouch either! Highly emotional and epic instrumental that is as intricate as it is powerful. Also released with it is the bonus CD of remixes that take their music to a new level. It is just as amazing as the record itself. I can't wait to see them April 3rd.
#8 Rilo Kiley- Under the Blacklight
At first I was skeptical. This is their true major label debut. With this comes a new sound. Catchy dance pop. I was not that impressed by "More Adventurous" but did enjoy Jenny Lewis' solo record last year. So I gave "Under the Blacklight" a shot. Instantly I was tapping along and trying to sing way above my range. The beats are strong and just make you want to move. The guitar work is stellar creating tight but catchy melodies and accompany Jenny's vocals perfectly. This record made me smile no matter how sad I was.
#7 Defiance, Ohio - The Fear, The Fear, The Fear
Folk Punk is the reason punk is not dead. This record just proves that even more. Heart felt songs about life that anyone can relate. Unique instrumentation and catchy sing along choruses. This is the best they have ever sounded. Better production but still raw and bursting with more energy than ever. They also keep expanding their sound and not limited by it. All their music is for sale but also offered free on their website. Every song. Punk is still alive it's just not waving the flag.
#6 Do Make Say Think- You You're a History In Rust
This is their best record yet. An excellent mix of jazz, melodic lines and emotional music. They even have a few tracks with some vocals that work very nicely. The build ups are epic and the use of instruments in superb. I have been addicted to this record for a while. Every song is solid while also adding something new to the record. They also put on one of the best live shows. A truly amazing record from a band that keeps getting better.
#5 Justice- Cross
This record needs no introduction. It made everyone get up and dance. From the catchy D.A.N.C.E. to the bad ass instrumentals. Whether it was in the glass studio or going to bed, this made everything more fun and danceable.
#4 Ghostface Killah- The Big Doe Rehab
Ghostface Killah is my favorite rapper. He tells stories about crack and violence that are so descriptive and emotional it's scary. This record just seals the deal. After releasing 2 records last year, Ghost is back with the true follow up to Fishscale. This record is great because it's got more Ghost and less Theodore Unit. The stories are better than ever. Ghostface Killah is the most underrated rapper out there.
#3 Battles - Mirrored
This record proves that Battles is one of the most fearless bands out there. After making instrumental music they switch it up and add vocals on this record. However, the vocals are done in such a strange way that only Battles can pull it off. Many people can't stand the way the vocals are. They are almost indecipherable, while chanting or harmonizing. At times it feels like you are listening to a factory of deranged munchkins. This just adds that extra layer to already extremely tight and complex music. This record pushes the idea of music to the extreme.
#2 Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
This band has gotten me though tough days, months and years. Their lyrics are so thoughtful, beautiful and personal that it feels like every song was written about my life. John K Samson is a true poet. He can make peeling the label of a beer bottle seem like a life changing event. Reunion Tour shows the band at their finest. Each song tells the story of ordinary people struggling with the hardship that is life. The last song on the record is the song that got me though the last few months. Make me something someone can use.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN... THE RECORD OF THE YEAR 2007!
#1 Oso - Lonesome Tunnel Hum These Strong Arm Drones
This one come from way out in left field (Santa Barbara California to be exact). They are unsigned and self released this record early in 07. My cousin live in Sacramento and saw them. He gave me the CD and told me I "Need it". Immediately I knew this was something special. This record has the perfect mix of Godspeed You! Black Emperor-like build ups with guitar, bass, violins, and drums, Battles like time changes and math riffs contrasted by slide guitar, finger picking and soulful folk singing and harmonies. Every song is so different but it all flows so well. Do yourself a favor, talk to me and I will give you a copy.
Honorable Mentions
Fiest - The Reminder
Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Aggrolites- Reggae Hits L.A.
Wu-Tang - 8 Diagrams
Against Me! - New Wave
Top 10 Songs of 07
#10 "In Mind" - Do Make Say Think
#9 "Close Call" - Rilo Kiley
#8 "Missed the Boat" - Modest Mouse
#7 "Ice Monster" - Minus the Bear
#6 "Ddiamondd" - Battles
#5 "DVNO" - Justice
#4 "Slow Down" - Ghostface Killah
#3 "Last Day of The year" - Oso
#2 "The Birth and Death of the Day" - Explosions in the Sky
#1 "Utilities" - The Weakerthans