I really despise compiling “Best Of” lists. They’re never accurate and timing of the release plays a significant role far too times. Take two of my favorite mid-year picks for example: Peter, Bjorn And John - Writer’s Block and Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis…both releases have been around for so long that I’m a little burned out on both at this point. There should be a written rule that UK releases can only appear on “Best Of” lists the original year they’re released. Now that I’ve got that out of my system, let’s get on with this.
I feel like it’s expected of me to go out on a limb in a sense. My mind plays tricks on me that way. I’m not going to though. I’m taking the safe route and choosing 10 albums I can guarantee I’ll be revisiting years from now. Fair enough?!
#1: Radiohead - In Rainbows
I’ve missed Radiohead. I was such a big fan of the band during The Bends/OK Computer years. I was never a big fan of the albums that followed. In Rainbows is a pleasant return to the form that won my heart. It’s accessible. It doesn’t make me want to scratch my skin ’til I bleed. It’s enjoyable from start to finish is what it is.
MP3: Radiohead - “House of Cards”
#2: LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver
2007 was the year I’ll always remember as the year I started listening to dance music. Sean is definitely responsible for turning me on to the majority of these bands: Justice, Simian Mobile Disco, Klaxons, The Presets, The Whip, The Retrosexuals, etc. In my opinion, LCD Soundsystem’s Sound Of Silver was the cream of the crop.
MP3: LCD Soundsystem - “Someone Great”
#3: Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
I was a little annoyed when the hype machine started shoving that Neon Bible phone number in my face. I admit it, I hate being force fed. I fell in love with this album immediately though. While I don’t like it nearly as much as their last, I certainly wouldn’t file this effort in the “sophmore slump” bin.
MP3: Arcade Fire - “Keep The Car Running”
#4: The National - Boxer
This album didn’t strike the right chord at first. I revisited it after reading Mark’s interview with Editors’ Russ Leetch. He referenced it as his favorite album of the year, so I gave it another shot…I’m glad I did.
MP3: The National - “Fake Empire”
#5: Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
I’ve been a big Spoon fan since the Telephono release. Everything Britt Daniel touches seems to turn to gold. This album is further proof.
MP3: Spoon - “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb”
Honorable mentions: Panda Bear - Person Pitch, Elliott Smith - New Moon, The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse, Okkervil River - The Stage Names, Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
December 17th, 2007 at 11:29 am
this is the way it works then kip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! im with you on end of year lists
December 17th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Yup, this is how it’s going to work. I already have your Top10 list, Mark…just get the mp3s and wordage to me and we’re all set.
December 17th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
photo pauline says more spoon mr kip i love it
December 17th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
They’ve got some great albums, Mark! Girls Can Tell and Kill The Moonlight are two of my favorites.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Good picks, nice site! :)
December 18th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
not to mention Gimme Fiction, which is also quite underrated