Favorite Recordings Of 2007
I know that almost all of the “Best Of” lists have been put out, and as I have been deliberating a bit on this one, I’m glad that I waited as long as I did because I came across a gem recently that somehow has managed to escape quite a few folks in the industry apparently. Being my first year in the music blog scene, I listened to much more music than I used to previous, although not as much as some others in the scene do, but am working on broadening my horizons and digesting more and more as I go along. Most of my list is pretty predictable and mainstream, but there are a few surprises included as well. Some of my list is influenced by the local scene, as I find it necessary to support the home team. I hate the idea of assigning a number to all of my favorites, determining what should be number 4 as opposed to number 6. I’ll list the top 3, as that seems easy enough and then the rest will all inhabit the remaining spots randomly in no particular order.
1. The National: Boxer
Being a fan of the previous release Alligators, I much anticipated this release although it took me awhile to get into it, once I did, it secured me a National fan for awhile. The boozy poetic baritone storytelling of city life and its characters by Matt Beringer takes me to this mysterious place that I love to visit and relate to on some level. Maybe the boozy part.
2. Radiohead: In Rainbows
I’ll have to admit that after being a Radiohead fan for years, since the beginning, I drifted off and stopped paying attention not too long after Kid A. They have my attention once again. Everything that is great about the bands creativity and sound all mashed up in a recording that has everyone paying attention once again. Aside from the pure marketing genius behind this release, the album deserves high praise.
3. Feist: The Reminder
A lot of things have changed with me over this past year as far as my music listening approach is concerned, and Leslie Feist opened up the female vocalist listening experience for me in a way that couldn’t have been more rewarding. Having a huge year, becoming the darling of the indie rock world, only to slide in the consciousness of mainstream society via iPod commercials and a Today Show appearance.
Cave Singers: Invitation Songs
Modern minimalist folk rock that sketches characters and events that could have taken place today or in a time long forgotten. Hypnotic live, and the album cover with all three band members hugging in the middle of some field, I like.
Manchester Orchestra: I’m Like A Virgin Losing A Child
Front-man Andy Hull breaches the emo tag so fitting for some of his previous touring companions as his song crafting skills secure him as a young songwriter to be experienced as he explores subjects as dark as death and as compelling as relationships with loved ones and some higher power that escapes his full understanding of, while still believing. The band is pretty good as well.
Minus The Bear: Planet Of Ice
Many in the blog scene failed to appreciate the pure epic rock quality of this album, and unfortunately may have deadened the impact it should have had. In an age of indie, minimalistic, experimental rock, it’s great to hear a recording that embraces the true sense of experimental/psychedelic/prog rock that draws from early days of Pink Floyd while maintaining it’s modern edge. Maybe I’m living in the past through the current, but I thought this album solidified Minus The Bear as a band secure in their talent, yet unafraid to explore the limits of said talent without having to pacify the current critical critics.
Monahans: Low Pining
Who knows much about Monahans? I just recently discovered the Austin/San Francisco based band, and can’t manage to pull myself away from the slow rolling sonic Neil Young influenced sounds on this recording that deserves a wider audience than it has captured. They are mysterious and seem to be laying low for some reason that I’m not aware of, but am soon to figure out as to why.
Monahans in their own words:
The Austin-and-San Francisco-based band Monahans began in the spring of 2006 as a new project by Milton Mapes collaborators Greg Vanderpool, Roberto Sanchez, Jim Fredley, and Britton Beisenherz. The band’s first release, Low Pining (Undertow 6/12/07), weaves anthemic melodies in-and-out of ambient tranquility and rhythmic intensity. The songs have a distinct nautical theme, decisively apolitical, with strands of nostalgia and spiritual longing stretched across vast sonic landscapes.
St Vincent: Marry Me
Annie Clark appears so damn cute and innocent, yet her music and lyrics flirt with the dark side of relationships and life in a way that is uncomfortably comfortable. Chalk up another one for the female vocalists.
Blonde Redhead: 23
I’ve held this band at arms length for years for whatever reason, and absolutely couldn’t deny that this album was filled with layers and layers of layered sweetness.
Wilco: Sky Blue Sky
It’s Jeff Tweedy and Wilco, how can you not place them in the year end list? I imagine someday they will fall out of grace, but with songs like “Impossible Germany” one would hope that it doesn’t happen any day soon.
The Rosebuds: Night Of The Furies
Kelly and Ivan went a bit dancy on this recording as to previous, and it feels good to relax a bit, not be too serious, and shake your ass. Takes you back to the early days when bands like New Order ruled the alternative rock scene. Well…. takes some of us back.
And 4 more to make it a solid 15:
Andrew Bird: Armchair Apocrypha
The Blakes: The Blakes
Dappled Cities: Granddance
Explosions In The Sky: All Of The Sudden I Miss Everyone
Minus the bear are probably the best band in the world bar old school Biffy Clyro, glad you like them!