Top Albums of 2007
I know every music site or blog out there is putting out their top 50 or 100 albums of 2007 now, so I had to get in on the action. Instead of rating or ranking the albums based on which are the best, I’m just going to share the albums I’ve been listening to most this year.
If there’s something on the list that you haven’t heard, go out and get it. If there’s an album you love that I don’t have, please share it with me. I’m always looking for new music.
So, without further adieu, here are the albums from 2007 that I’ve enjoyed listening to the most.
Radiohead - In Rainbows
I guess this is pretty obvious. I think everyone was listening to Radiohead this year, especially on the day In Rainbows dropped, October 10, 2007. There was so much buzz about this album and it did not disappoint. Radiohead are obviously one of the best rock bands of all time.
Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice
Minus the Bear is a really great band. Not only are they all great musicians, but they write excellent songs. This is a great running, gym, or driving album. They’ve even gotten some love on MTV this year.
Sigur Ros - Hvarf/Heim
Everything Sigur Ros does is beautiful and amazing. This is the one album on this list for which I actually purchased the physical album. I also bought their film Heima. If you haven’t seen it yet, please do so. The film is about Sigur Ros going home to Iceland and playing free shows all around the country. Even if you’re not a fan of Sigur (how could you not be?), this will definitely make you want to visit Iceland.
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
Wilco rules and Nels Cline absolutely wails on guitar. I just watched Wilco on Austin City Limits the other day and it definitely made me want to see them live. I can’t say there are all that many bands that I haven’t seen live but really want to. Wilco is definitely one of those bands.
The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Although Funeral is still my favorite Arcade Fire album, Neon Bible is good as well. I don’t really need to talk about Arcade Fire too much. They already get tons of press and even hang out with Dwight Schrute.
The Snake The Cross The Crown - Cotton Teeth
I can’t believe I left this album off my original list. The Snake The Cross The Crown is an awesome band. I enjoyed their previous records, but Cotton Teeth is a huge step forward for them. I listened to The Great American Smokeout on repeat many times this summer. This is another band that doesn’t get the credit they deserve.
Hot Rod Circuit - The Underground is a Dying Breed
Hot Rod’s always been one of my favorite bands. They churn out some really great rock n roll. I’ve seen them play a million times and enjoy it every time. Hot Rod Circuit’s never really gotten the credit they deserve, and now it looks like they are calling it quits. Guess this is the last album for Hot Rod. Farewell.
Les Savy Fav - Let’s Stay Friends
I was never really into Les Savy Fav until this album. Maybe it’s because I was attacked by the singer when I saw them play 5 or 6 years ago. I was just standing there at The Ottobar minding my business when he rushed off the stage and made a b-line for me. He grabbed me in a bear hug and started shaking me around. I squeezed out of his hold enough to push myself up so his face was at my crotch level. Then I started waving my arms around and screaming. I think he was kind of freaked out and dropped me. But hey, that’s what he gets for attacking me. Regardless, this album is rocking and I’ve definitely been listening to it a lot over the past month or two.
The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
The Shins are everywhere. Movies, iPhone commercials, everywhere. This album was released in January, and I listened to it a lot in the beginning of the year.
Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha
I don’t really know a lot about Andrew Bird, but his album is really good. Give it a listen. I have a feeling you’ll like it.
Sea Wolf - Leaves in the River
Again, I’m sorry to say that I don’t know a ton about Sea Wolf. From what I gather, this is their first full-length. Hopefully they will give us plenty more stellar albums in the future.
Biggest disappointment of 2007:
Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
I just couldn’t get into this album. It’s just really overproduced and most of the songs are weak. This is pretty disappointing because I really like their first album, Everything All the Time and was looking forward to the new album. BOH also seems like they’ve turned into douchebags since they got a little famous.
