Top 10 (Purchased or Otherwise Acquired) Albums of 2007

Well, kiddies, it's time once again for my Top 10 list, possibly read by tens or elevens of people. Started in 2006 as a way for me to share what I like to call "quality music," it chronicles the best 10 albums I have purchased or otherwise acquired in the past year. This year, I did pretty well and included a lot of albums actually released in 2007. I'm typically behind the times when it comes to music (for whatever reason), but this year I managed to only fall back by a couple months. There are 3 albums on the list from previous years, but we won't fault me for that, now, will we?

This year, there were a lot of unexpected discoveries. There are artists I expect good work from, and there are some artists I'm surprised I even gave a chance. And, boy, am I glad I did this year. There are barely-legal soul-artists, Indie-rock gods, smarty-pants rockers, and even a female vocalist, something I can't typically get myself to listen to. And here I am, praising all these releases as some of the best new work I've heard all year. And though I may have been a little slow on the uptake (even if by a few months) on some of this stuff, it's like I always say: If I haven't heard it, it's new to me. And thus I give you

The Top 10 (Purchased Or Otherwise Acquired) Albums of 2007

10. James Morrison, Undiscovered (Interscope 2007) -- I honestly haven't listened to this one much, but what I have heard is stellar. Morrison's voice is smooth and airy as it croons over the soulful bass lines that lead each bouncing song. It's a damn good debut, each song pretty head-bobable, but for much of the album, it feels as if there's something missing. Perhaps that's why I didn't listen to it more in 2007. However, upon second/third/fourth listening, I can identify some X factor there making it worth listening to that third/fourth/fifth time. Don't write it off yet; there's something there lurking under the surface.
Recommended Tracks: #1 Under the Influence; #8 Call the Police; #9 This Boy

9. Cold War Kids, Robbers & Cowards (Downtown 2006) -- I've had this album for a couple months, but honestly only started listening to it recently. I listened to a few songs when I first got it, but got distracted, and sort of threw it to the side. But I picked it up again and wow. I wish I had given it more attention at the beginning. Driven by loud bass, metallic electric guitars, poorly-tuned pianos and sometimes closed-throated vocals (all to its benefit, believe me), the songs are like a dream. Especially if that dream was directed or at least influenced by Michel Gondry. The lyrics are simple but not too much so to be trite. A fun listen, a good listen. I think I need some giant hands.
Recommended Tracks: #1 We Used to Vacation, #2 Hang Me Up to Dry, #5 Passing the Hat, #8 Hospital Beds

8. Sara Bareilles, Little Voice (Epic 2007) -- I don't know why, but I can't typically listen to female singers. It's just this weird thing I have. I don't typically like them. Sara Bareilles, however, is one of the minority who actually entertain me. The songs have enthusiastic tempos, pushing you through the album, while the whisper-ragged, yet gentle vocals caress your ears as you make your way. The piano can be both pop-y and sinister, the words sweet, but with just a pinch of darkness, which if you can believe it, is a bit reminiscent of Damien Rice (see track #5). This album falls into the "otherwise acquired" category, but all its provocative qualities will drive me to purchase it for myself. Perhaps even in the near future. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but "Damn. Sing it, girl!"
Recommended Tracks: #1 Love Song, #5 Come Round Soon

7. Josh Rouse, The Smooth Sounds of Josh Rouse (Rykodisc 2004) -- Besides the fact that the DVD is entertaining to watch, even if you're not already a Josh Rouse fan, the rarities CD that came along with it is an added pleasure. It's a compilation of B-sides and rarities, including a cover of The Kinks' "A Well Respected Man." Like all Rouse works, the songs are tranquil but upbeat. His gentle but raspy voice coupled with the soft guitar definitely make his sound "smooth." His music has a calm about it, yet contains so much soul. He can energize you or soothingly lull you to sleep. There's something about Rouse that's timeless; he could be from anywhen, and his music invites you to relax and listen, or perhaps reflect back on another time. Can you dig it?
Recommended Tracks: #3 Knights of Loneliness, #5 A Well Respected Man, #7 Pittsburgh, #8 Me Gusta Dormir

6. Josh Rouse, Bedroom Classics Vol. 2 (Bedroom Classics 2006) -- Released after Rouse made the move to Spain, this album of 5 songs was supposedly inspired by Rouse's love of movie scores. All the songs are a little different from his other works. The album starts off with the distant sounds of a train station, complete with screeching breaks, the clatter of train over track, and the hydraulics of opening doors. The melody is carried by a strongly plucked guitar, mimicked a minute in by the soft cooing of Rouse himself. It's perfect, relaxing ambient sound. And the rest of the album is the same, though the next 3 tracks do have lyrics. But, really, it's the groove that'll get you.
Recommended Tracks: #1 Neighbor-Hoods; #3 Oh, I Need All The Love

5. Paolo Nutini, These Streets (Atlantic/Wea 2007) -- Now, this album was a bit unexpected. Paste magazine, in all its wisdom, put the single "New Shoes" on one of their sampler CDs somewhere near the 2006/2007 switch. I knew there was something interesting about the song, so I purchased the full album shortly thereafter. An earnest mix of upbeat and relaxed songs, this album is full of soul. This skinny young Scot (with an Italian name) has a strong, passionate though rough voice and the enthralling ability to tell coherent stories with his lyrics. Another great quality: this album can be listened to repeatedly without getting old. Truly one of the best finds of the year.
Recommended Tracks: #1 Jenny Don't Be Hasty; #3 Rewind; #6 New Shoes; #10 Alloway Grove

4. Modest Mouse, We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank (Sony 2007) -- I fell in love with the single "Dashboard" and figured I had to give the rest of the album a try, seeing as every Indie outlet I turned to seemed to be hailing it as the best album of the year as early as March or April. I popped it into the stereo and was greeted by a squeaky accordion sound and creepy French laugh. After getting over my perturbation, I realized this is actually pretty entertaining. Progressive, provocative. I mean, they have electric guitars mimicking the sounds of a "fly trapped in a jar." Never having really been a big Modest Mouse listener, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. The melodies are novel, but have a familiar quality about them. And has an Indie-rock album ever made you want to dance? If not, this one will. It's just all-around enjoyable.
Recommended Tracks: #2 Dashboard; #6 Missed the Boat; #13 People As Places As People

3. Arcade Fire, Neon Bible (Merge 2007) -- This is definitely the year of unexpectedness. I tried to listen to Arcade Fire's last album, but was never quite turned on by it. However, after hearing 3 songs off this album, my heart was opened to them. And just even more so as I took in the rest of the album. Arcade Fire definitely have an intelligence about them. Maybe it's the pipe organs or full orchestra. Maybe it's the lyrics, insightful, deep and slightly menacing. Perhaps it's the way the musical landscape seems epic. It's one of those albums that, after hearing, you think "God, I'm glad I didn't miss this."
Recommended Tracks: #2 Keep the Car Running; #4 Intervention; #8 Antichrist Television Blues; #10 No Cars Go

2. Editors, And End Has A Start (Fader 2007) -- I love Editors. I'll say it. Their debut album, The Back Room, was sensational, and I expected nothing less for their sophomore effort. And that's what I got. Heartfelt and visceral, this album, like its predecessor, is almost haunting. Though a little more settled than some of the other albums on this list, Editors' sound is expansive, and translates extremely well to live shows, during which lead singer, Tom Smith tends to gesticulate a lot and stumble-dance around the stage. The energy is palpable, no different from what you get on the albums. Here, the guitars are almost urgent, the drum beat driving each song. It puts on a somber tone, but therein lies the beauty.
Recommended Tracks: #1 Smothers Outside the Hospital Door; #4 Bones; #7 Push Your Head Towards the Air; #8 Escape the Nest

1. Bain Mattox and Shot From Guns, Bird in the Hand (Swim Recordings 2007) -- There's something to be said of being with a band (almost) from its beginnings. I came on to the Bain Mattox scene about a year or so in, but I have since acquired all albums and seen them live approximately 8 times. In all that time, I have been able to witness growth. Not just in changing band members (and band name), but also maturity levels. Bird in the Hand is Mattox's third album (technically fourth, but the first, Technicolor Episode, was mostly rerecorded for the debut Bain Mattox), and was released on his own imprint, Swim Recordings. Still present is the ever appreciated and loved eclectic instrumentation like the accordion, banjo and mandolin, though it's all unplugged, a definite difference from their last album, Prizefighter. And though Mattox, somewhere around 25 or 26, has always been a skilled songwriter, the lyrics on this one are more introspective and incendiary than those featured on albums past, a quality that seems to be true of every subsequent album he produces. And though the songs are a tad slower and a bit more strophic, they never lose a spec of sincerity.
Recommended Tracks: #2 Sleight of Hand; #3 Anchor; #4 One and Only; #6 Guitar Song


Other Worthy Tracks of 2007
1. "Bird Never Flies" -- Ari Hest
2. "Hey There, Delilah" -- Plain White T's
3. "Cupid's Chokehold" -- Gym Class Heroes
4. "Satellite" -- Guster
5. "Movies of Antarctica" -- Stars of Track and Field