My Favorite Albums of 2007
With 2007 actually being over, I guess I should probably get around to posting my favorite records of last year. With that being said, here's my list of favorite albums of 2007 in no particular order.
The National - Boxer - I'm not ranking these albums because they've all been #1 in my mind at one point or another during the year but Boxer definitely ranks as one of the most consistent listens for me since its release. The band is as amazing live as they are on record and should be commended for creating such a great album.
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Dandelion Gum - With this album being a loosely based concept record about forest dwelling witches, with each song representing a different candy-induced freakout, how can this not make the list? The album gave me plenty to chew on during the year.
- Black Moth Super Rainbow - "Forever Heavy" from Dandelion Gum
Okkervil River - The Stage Names - In my mind, this should be the album that provides Okkervil River with entry into the general public's consciousness. The bands seemingly endless ability to improve with every album shows the abundance of their talent. If you don't believe how good this band is, maybe you'll take Lou Reed's word for it who has been shouting the praises of the band for a couple years now.
- Okkervil River - "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe" from The Stage Names
Feist - The Reminder - In what certainly has to be one of the biggest successes of the year, Feist has firmly landed in everyone's consciousness and is no longer just for the cool kids. That is, unless some of you happen to live under a rock and entirely missed the super-catchy "1234" pop up in the iPod ad. As wonderfully catchy as "1234" is, it's not even my favorite track on the record.
Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? - Kevin Barnes and Co. returned with yet another album full of reasons why there is no one like them currently making music.
- Of Montreal - "Gronlandic Edit" from Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
Menomena - Friend and Foe - With a more polished, and even more complex, sound than the one found on I Am the Fun Blame Monster! this album was an instant favorite of mine this year. The record places the band on the same levels as TV on the Radio or Radiohead as far as creativity goes.
- Menomena - "Wet And Rusting" from Friend and Foe
David Vandervelde - The Moonstation House Band - Considering that "Nothin' No" is one of my favorite tracks of the year, if not one of my all-time favorites considering I almost wore the record out repeating the track, I couldn't leave this album off my list. That's not to say "Nothin' No" is the only reason you'll fall in love with this record either. The Moonstation House Band is full of reasons why there should be plenty of exciting things to come from Mr. Vandervelde.
- David Vandervelde - "Jacket" from The Moonstation House Band
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Austin's favorite sons hit yet another one completely out of the park.
Panda Bear - Person Pitch - Like a present day Pet Sounds, Person Pitch showcases a creative spirit comparable to those possessed by Brian Wilson. Panda Bear, along with his work in Animal Collective, has shown he has the potential to fill the shoes of the previously mentioned Beach Boy.
- Panda Bear - "Comfy In Nautica" from Person Pitch
Richard Swift - Dressed Up For The Letdown - The boys in Wilco love him and if that wasn't a big enough endorsement, this record is all the proof needed to show Mr. Swift is going to be huge.
- Richard Swift - "Kisses for the Misses" from Dressed Up For The Letdown
Albert Hammond Jr. - Yours To Keep - Stepping out of his supporting role in the Strokes, it’s clear that Albert has a very bright solo career ahead regardless of what the rest of the Strokes choose to do with theirs. Yours to Keep is a breath of fresh air and certainly one of the most enjoyable records I’ve listened to in a long time. I can't wait to hear the 2nd album from Albert and Co. which is already in the can.
- Albert Hammond, Jr. - "In Transit" from Yours to Keep
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam - The boys in Animal Collective showed up with a little verse-chorus-verse and in turn, another amazing record.
Dr. Dog - We All Belong - A friend of mine heard this CD in my car and asked if the band playing was, "the grunge Beatles." While I'm sure there are far more flattering comparisons, there is some truth in the observation. That being said, while they may have their influences, they're experts in applying them to their own inventive brand of rock music. Along with The National's, Boxer, this record may be my actual favorite record of the year. Especially if I was going on total amount played.
- Dr. Dog - "Ain't It Strange" from We All Belong
White Williams - Smoke - A late entry into the Favorite Records of 2007 game, White Williams brings adds the perfect amount of T. Rex, Beck, and Bowie to his brand of Happy Hardcore to make my list.
- White Williams - "New Violence" from Smoke
Radiohead - In Rainbows - So much can be said about this album from the method of release, the creative methods the band connects with their fans on the web, on down to the actual music. Regardless of what you choose to focus on, one thing is clear, Radiohead is constantly reaching new heights of creativity and In Rainbows is no exception With sounds reminiscent of OK Computer, the argument could be made that this record is one of the bands best.
You failed to mention how great Dr. Dog is at singing Big Lebowski tunes. That was a highlight of my concert-going experiences this year!
Posted by: Ben | January 10, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Dude, I can't believe I forgot to mention that!!! For anyone who doesn't know, Dr. Dog played at this year's Lebowski Fest in Louisville and did several amazing covers of tracks from the film's soundtrack. As Ben said, it was definitely a concert highlight of 2007.
Posted by: Grant | January 10, 2008 at 06:11 PM