Top Albums of 2007

As another year comes to a close (I originally began work on this post at the end of December)-- another year in which I spent way too much of my GNP on music -- and another year in which I failed to make a habit of keeping my blog updated -- I thought the only appropriate way to finish out the year would be to state my case for the best musical offerings of the year, in a sporadic blog format. That was a terribly long introductory sentence. Long sentences are supposedly the death of any journalist. If I don't finish this post, then you know the reason.

I positively HATE it when people try to categorize an entire year at the movies, or music, or art, or politics into a single sentence. Isn't that the point of all these things -- they're more complicated, more beautiful -- like life -- than a sentence can contain? They're not meant to be categorized and defined. I say all this because I originally began this paragraph with this little number: "It was a strong year for music, overall." Nice.

The more I think about it, though, it was a really strong year for music, overall. So I'll stand by that statement.

So without too much further blabbering, here are my favorite albums from 2007.

The Tough Alliance - A New Chance
The album that made me feel the best in the past year. Like Saturday morning cartoons thrown in a blender with bubbalicious gum and Barney. Minus the purple blood.
The Avett Brothers - Emotionalism
These guys kind of came out of nowhere for me -- and boy do I like surprises! Almost as much as I like Acie Law IV. Kind of a countrified version of the Righteous Brothers -- sweet harmonies mixed with banjos make for a lovely listen.
Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills
Swedes have made some really important contributions to the world. IKEA, for one. I can't think of a second at this moment. But the Shout Out Louds are definitely third. Their sound blends synthesizers and all the best things about pop into a swirl of fun, if you can manage to ignore their depressing lyrics. I can!
Jettie - Kites for Charity
Remember how I couldn't remember the second best thing to come out of Sweden? Just thought of it - this album by Jettie. Might be the prettiest album of the year. Might not. Either way, it's the type of music that makes your chest swell with excitement.
Once - Soundtrack
My favorite movie from that last year also boasts the best soundtrack from the past year. If you haven't seen the movie, the music will still resonate with you. If you have seen the movie, it'll just about change your life.
Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
This one grew on me the more I listened to it. Their first album, Everything All the Time, was the same way. Like a fine wine. Except you want to drink it up fast because it's that good, and you didn't pay $200 for it.
The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
I bought this one just as winter started to set in, and it kept me company like a good book, a warm blanket and a Grande Mint Mocha as the days became more blustery.
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
For perhaps the first time in his career, Ryno decided not to try to put all of his ideas into one album. He used descretion. And the results are his most widely-acclaimed album since the turn of the millennium. He also gets some extra points for providing my best memory of the year -- his Fall concert in Dallas.
Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha
One of the first albums I bought back in February. I found myself continually finding something new to grasp with it as I came back to it again and again throughout the year. It's at turns sarcastic, deep, scientific(?!), heart-melting, awe-inspiring and just good. He might be the smartest man in rock.
Okkervil River - Stage Names
The stories Okkervil are telling are sad ones, but they're coated with sweetness, which makes them palatable. And the album is far beyond palatable -- it's downright delicious. The first time I heard "Savannah Smiles" I literally wept. Like a small boy.
Kanye West - Graduation
Alright, let's get this straight -- Kanye West is a bastard. He just also happens to be the best rapper alive. And unlike many who have more of a conscience than I do -- I can separate the music from the man. Like Kanye's other releases, Graduation is all over the map musically. There are party starters. There are party enders. There's Chris Martin singing hooks. There are old white men and young black men backing him up. And me enjoying all of it.
Fionn Regan - The End of History
Good old-fashioned, finger-picking folk. Soothing to the soul like Vick's. On a side note: this poor lad has the palest skin I've ever seen in person. Saw him at ACL this year, and I'm pretty confident that was the first time he'd seen the sun -- ever? Oh, and his backup singer's name was Gypsy. She was pale too.
Feist - The Reminder
Had you told me at the beginning of the year that Leslie Feist would be a name that most Americans would know (on account of her ubiquitous iPod ads), I'd have called you stupid. You can now call me stupid. I loved her first one. This one is better. Summertime in MP3 format.
Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
Every year my little bro, Scotty, and I try to find our "Summer Album." Basically, the album that you listen to with the windows down at sunset and sing out loud. It sounds cheesy because it is. A couple of years ago it was Pneumonia by Whiskey Town. This year it was PB&J.
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
If Funeral was a runaway freight train, this one was a freight train slamming on the breaks -- same scary power, same ability to smash anything in its way -- but with more control. Only now and then do AF truly, truly let loose, but there is a staggering beauty in the restraint.
The National - Boxer
Whew -- where to begin? This album has all the weight of a winter storm, but at the same time manages to be completely uplifting. Not a small feat. The lyrics are simple, and lead singer Matt Berninger repeats himself so much you start to think he's talking down to you. Then you realize he's making a poignant statement he doesn't want you to miss. Then you realize this might be your favorite album from 2007. If not for..
Josh Ritter - Historical Conquests
It grabs you from the gut with sugary hooks and holds on with lyrics that go deep. Some might complain that it's not as cohesive as his other releases, but I love the swirling, blundering, hodge podge of modern folk that exudes from Ritter's soul. It teeters on the edge of pandemonium, but balances with some sweet, slow ones. Kind of like falling in love.