elevated_u2_fan
Blue Crack Supplier
gump said:
good choice
Pick the Best Music of 2007!
- Thread starter Bonochick
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone that follows U2.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
good choice
jobob
Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS
I don't have a full 10, but my favorites of the year were:
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
The White Stripes, Icky Thump
Arcade Fire, Neon Bible
Bruce Springsteen, Magic
The White Stripes, Icky Thump
Arcade Fire, Neon Bible
LMP
Blue Crack Supplier
That is the longest, most entertaining animated .gifs I've seen.
Violent pizza!
Violent pizza!
Extremely good lists so far, I'm impressed.
I'm going to take a few more weeks for my album choices (it's not even December yet!), but I thought I'd list my favorite EP's of the year in the mean time.
My Favorite 2007 EPs
1. Sigur Ros - 'Hvarf/Heim'
As this release by our friends from Iceland is essentially 2 separate EP with complete different packaging and covers, put together in a 2 disc set, it's hard to know how to classify it. Is it one album, 2 EPs? I don't know what it is, but I know that it's great. Hvarf is mostly made up of a new tracks, which are all surprisingly great (it's argueably more of a consistant release than their albums). Heim gives us some acoustic, if you can call them that, versions of classic SR songs. If you're a fan, this 2 disc set is a no brainer.
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 'Is Is'
Before my local Virgin Megastore closed (curses!), I was shopping there one day and they were playing this EP on the store speakers. I was one of about 5 people who walked up and asked the employees what album these tracks were on (it hadn't come out yet). This is a ridiculously solid release for an EP, each song is stellar. Even if you're not a fan, you may enjoy this (I say this because this is the one and only Yeah Yeah Yeahs release I own....and I love it).
3. Beirut - 'Lon Gisland'
Elephant Gun and the new version of Scenic World alone would have put this EP in my list, add 3 more solid tracks and you have a winner for any one who likes good music.
4. Of Montreal - 'Icons, Abstract Thee'
'Hissing Fauna' will without a doubt be in my year end albums list, and this supporting EP is almost just as consistant an EP as Fauna is an album. 'Du Og Meg' is as good a pop song, if not better, than anything on Hissing Fauna, and the closer 'No Conclusion' is nearly 10 minutes of tongue in cheek overblown modern-Blogger/emo kid-esque drama. Just try to listen to the end of 'No Conclusion' without belting out,"It's hopeless, hopeless!!!" at the top of your lungs, I promise you won't be able to resist.
5. Grizzly Bear - 'Friend'
Grizzly Bear follow up their last two albums with yet another fantastic release. The cover of the '60s pop song, 'He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)', alone makes this EP worth buying, add in some great covers of Grizzly Bear tunes performed by the likes of Band of Horses and CSS, and some fantastic new versions of old Grizzly Bear songs, and you have a winner. Believe the hype with these guys, they are most definitely the sh*t.
6. Deerhunter - 'Fluorescent Grey'
They came and hit us with a full album and an EP in a matter of months and then went on "hiatus". This EP is even more consistant in style and substance than the full length in my opinion. It brought me great pleasure to have had so many good new shoegaze/dream pop bands this year.
7. Sea Wolf - 'Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low'
Don't be surprised if you see Sea Wolf's name on a lot of "best bands you didn't hear" lists this year. The magnificent Phil Ek helped produce, record, and mix this EP as well as their full length which also came out this year, and not surprisingly it sounds wonderful. Similarly to my Yeah Yeah Yeahs story, I'm friends with a guy that works at one of my favorite local music stores, and I asked him to put this EP on the speakers so I could see what they sound like as I'd received a very high recommendation to check them out from another friend. While the first track, 'You're a Wolf', was playing, everyone (no lie) in the store walked up to the front and asked who he was playing. I've listened to this EP more than the actual full length since it's been out longer, and it's every bit as consistant. If they(he) play their business cards right, I don't doubt that this band will end up huge.
I'm going to take a few more weeks for my album choices (it's not even December yet!), but I thought I'd list my favorite EP's of the year in the mean time.
My Favorite 2007 EPs
1. Sigur Ros - 'Hvarf/Heim'
As this release by our friends from Iceland is essentially 2 separate EP with complete different packaging and covers, put together in a 2 disc set, it's hard to know how to classify it. Is it one album, 2 EPs? I don't know what it is, but I know that it's great. Hvarf is mostly made up of a new tracks, which are all surprisingly great (it's argueably more of a consistant release than their albums). Heim gives us some acoustic, if you can call them that, versions of classic SR songs. If you're a fan, this 2 disc set is a no brainer.
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 'Is Is'
Before my local Virgin Megastore closed (curses!), I was shopping there one day and they were playing this EP on the store speakers. I was one of about 5 people who walked up and asked the employees what album these tracks were on (it hadn't come out yet). This is a ridiculously solid release for an EP, each song is stellar. Even if you're not a fan, you may enjoy this (I say this because this is the one and only Yeah Yeah Yeahs release I own....and I love it).
3. Beirut - 'Lon Gisland'
Elephant Gun and the new version of Scenic World alone would have put this EP in my list, add 3 more solid tracks and you have a winner for any one who likes good music.
4. Of Montreal - 'Icons, Abstract Thee'
'Hissing Fauna' will without a doubt be in my year end albums list, and this supporting EP is almost just as consistant an EP as Fauna is an album. 'Du Og Meg' is as good a pop song, if not better, than anything on Hissing Fauna, and the closer 'No Conclusion' is nearly 10 minutes of tongue in cheek overblown modern-Blogger/emo kid-esque drama. Just try to listen to the end of 'No Conclusion' without belting out,"It's hopeless, hopeless!!!" at the top of your lungs, I promise you won't be able to resist.
5. Grizzly Bear - 'Friend'
Grizzly Bear follow up their last two albums with yet another fantastic release. The cover of the '60s pop song, 'He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)', alone makes this EP worth buying, add in some great covers of Grizzly Bear tunes performed by the likes of Band of Horses and CSS, and some fantastic new versions of old Grizzly Bear songs, and you have a winner. Believe the hype with these guys, they are most definitely the sh*t.
6. Deerhunter - 'Fluorescent Grey'
They came and hit us with a full album and an EP in a matter of months and then went on "hiatus". This EP is even more consistant in style and substance than the full length in my opinion. It brought me great pleasure to have had so many good new shoegaze/dream pop bands this year.
7. Sea Wolf - 'Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low'
Don't be surprised if you see Sea Wolf's name on a lot of "best bands you didn't hear" lists this year. The magnificent Phil Ek helped produce, record, and mix this EP as well as their full length which also came out this year, and not surprisingly it sounds wonderful. Similarly to my Yeah Yeah Yeahs story, I'm friends with a guy that works at one of my favorite local music stores, and I asked him to put this EP on the speakers so I could see what they sound like as I'd received a very high recommendation to check them out from another friend. While the first track, 'You're a Wolf', was playing, everyone (no lie) in the store walked up to the front and asked who he was playing. I've listened to this EP more than the actual full length since it's been out longer, and it's every bit as consistant. If they(he) play their business cards right, I don't doubt that this band will end up huge.
Last edited:
Zoots
Blue Crack Supplier
u2popmofo said:
!!!
HARP MAGAZINE’S TOP 50 CDS OF 2007
1 > OKKERVIL RIVER
THE STAGE NAMES (JAGJAGUWAR)
2 > BAND OF HORSES
CEASE TO BEGIN (SUB POP)
3 > IRON & WINE
THE SHEPHERD’S DOG (SUB POP)
4 > FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR
FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR (STAR APPLE KINGDOM)
5 > FEIST
THE REMINDER (CHERRY TREE/INTERSCOPE)
6 > SPOON
GA GA GA GA GA (MERGE)
7 > RADIOHEAD
IN RAINBOWS (SELF-RELEASED)
8 > ARCADE FIRE
NEON BIBLE (Merge)
9 > NEIL YOUNG
CHROME DREAMS II (REPRISE)
10 > JASON ISBELL
SIRENS OF THE DITCH (NEW WEST)
11 > WHITE STRIPES
ICKY THUMP (THIRD MAN/WARNER BROS.)
12 > DEVENDRA BANHART
SMOKEY ROLLS DOWN THUNDER CANYON (XL)
13 > AVETT BROTHERS
EMOTIONALISM (RAMSEUR)
14 > THE SHINS
WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY (SUB POP)
15 > THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
CHALLENGERS (MATADOR)
16 > WILCO
SKY BLUE SKY (NONESUCH)
17 > THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE QUEEN
THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE QUEEN (VIRGIN)
18 > GEORGIE JAMES
PLACES (SADDLE CREEK)
19 > BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
MAGIC (COLUMBIA)
20 > RILO KILEY
UNDER THE BLACKLIGHT (BRUTE/WARNER)
21 > THE NATIONAL
BOXER (Beggars)
22 > TED LEO & THE PHARMACISTS
LIVING WITH THE LIVING (TOUCH & GO)
23 > BILL CALLAHAN
WOKE ON A WHALE HEART (DRAG CITY)
24 > M.I.A.
KALA (INTERSCOPE)
25 > JESSE SYKES AND THE SWEET HEREAFTER
LIKE, LOVE, LUST AND THE OPEN HALLS OF THE SOUL (BARSUK)
26 > STEVE EARLE
WASHINGTON SQUARE SERENADE (NEW WEST)
27 > OF MONTREAL
HISSING FAUNA, ARE YOU THE DESTROYER? (POLYVINYL)
28 > GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS
THIS IS SOMEWHERE (HOLLYWOOD)
29 > KINGS OF LEON
BECAUSE OF THE TIMES (RCA)
30 > GRINDERMAN
GRINDERMAN (ANTI-)
31 > ROBERT WYATT
COMICOPERA (DOMINO)
32 > BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE PRESENTS: KEVIN DREW
SPIRIT IF… (ARTS & CRAFTS)
33 > ST. VINCENT
MARRY ME (BEGGARS BANQUET)
34 > RYAN ADAMS
EASY TIGER (LOST HIGHWAY)
35 > ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
STRAWBERRY JAM (DOMINO)
36 > BRIGHT EYES
CASSADEGA (SADDLE CREEK)
37 > RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
RELEASE THE STARS (GEFFEN)
38 > ELENI MANDELL
MIRACLE OF FIVE (ZEDTONE)
39 > PATTY GRIFFIN
CHILDREN RUNNING THROUGH (ATO)
40 > IAN HUNTER
SHRUNKEN HEADS (YEP ROC)
41 > DR. DOG
WE ALL BELONG (PARK THE VAN)
42 > MAVIS STAPLES
WE’LL NEVER TURN BACK (ANTI-)
43 > EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
ALL OF A SUDDEN I MISS EVERYONE (TEMPORARY RESIDENCE)
44 > BEIRUT
THE FLYING CLUB CUP (BA DA BING!)
45 > BETTYE LAVETTE
THE SCENE OF THE CRIME (ANTI-)
46 > MANU CHAO
LA RADIOLINA (NACIONAL)
47 > YEASAYER
ALL HOUR CYMBALS (WE ARE FREE)
48 > OAKLEY HALL
I’LL FOLLOW YOU (MERGE)
49 > SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS
100 DAYS, 100 NIGHTS (DAPTONE)
50 > TUNNG
GOOD ARROWS (THRILL JOCKEY)
DEBUT/NEW ARTIST:
FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR
FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR (STAR APPLE KINGDOM)
REISSUE:
SONIC YOUTH
DAYDREAM NATION DELUXE EDITION (GEFFEN/UME)
DVD:
YOU’RE GONNA MISS ME: A FILM ABOUT ROKY ERICKSON (PALM PICTURES)
BOOK:
THE REPLACEMENTS: ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTING, BY JIM WALSH (VOYAGEUR PRESS)
TOUR:
THE ARCADE FIRE
1 > OKKERVIL RIVER
THE STAGE NAMES (JAGJAGUWAR)
2 > BAND OF HORSES
CEASE TO BEGIN (SUB POP)
3 > IRON & WINE
THE SHEPHERD’S DOG (SUB POP)
4 > FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR
FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR (STAR APPLE KINGDOM)
5 > FEIST
THE REMINDER (CHERRY TREE/INTERSCOPE)
6 > SPOON
GA GA GA GA GA (MERGE)
7 > RADIOHEAD
IN RAINBOWS (SELF-RELEASED)
8 > ARCADE FIRE
NEON BIBLE (Merge)
9 > NEIL YOUNG
CHROME DREAMS II (REPRISE)
10 > JASON ISBELL
SIRENS OF THE DITCH (NEW WEST)
11 > WHITE STRIPES
ICKY THUMP (THIRD MAN/WARNER BROS.)
12 > DEVENDRA BANHART
SMOKEY ROLLS DOWN THUNDER CANYON (XL)
13 > AVETT BROTHERS
EMOTIONALISM (RAMSEUR)
14 > THE SHINS
WINCING THE NIGHT AWAY (SUB POP)
15 > THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS
CHALLENGERS (MATADOR)
16 > WILCO
SKY BLUE SKY (NONESUCH)
17 > THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE QUEEN
THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE QUEEN (VIRGIN)
18 > GEORGIE JAMES
PLACES (SADDLE CREEK)
19 > BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
MAGIC (COLUMBIA)
20 > RILO KILEY
UNDER THE BLACKLIGHT (BRUTE/WARNER)
21 > THE NATIONAL
BOXER (Beggars)
22 > TED LEO & THE PHARMACISTS
LIVING WITH THE LIVING (TOUCH & GO)
23 > BILL CALLAHAN
WOKE ON A WHALE HEART (DRAG CITY)
24 > M.I.A.
KALA (INTERSCOPE)
25 > JESSE SYKES AND THE SWEET HEREAFTER
LIKE, LOVE, LUST AND THE OPEN HALLS OF THE SOUL (BARSUK)
26 > STEVE EARLE
WASHINGTON SQUARE SERENADE (NEW WEST)
27 > OF MONTREAL
HISSING FAUNA, ARE YOU THE DESTROYER? (POLYVINYL)
28 > GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS
THIS IS SOMEWHERE (HOLLYWOOD)
29 > KINGS OF LEON
BECAUSE OF THE TIMES (RCA)
30 > GRINDERMAN
GRINDERMAN (ANTI-)
31 > ROBERT WYATT
COMICOPERA (DOMINO)
32 > BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE PRESENTS: KEVIN DREW
SPIRIT IF… (ARTS & CRAFTS)
33 > ST. VINCENT
MARRY ME (BEGGARS BANQUET)
34 > RYAN ADAMS
EASY TIGER (LOST HIGHWAY)
35 > ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
STRAWBERRY JAM (DOMINO)
36 > BRIGHT EYES
CASSADEGA (SADDLE CREEK)
37 > RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
RELEASE THE STARS (GEFFEN)
38 > ELENI MANDELL
MIRACLE OF FIVE (ZEDTONE)
39 > PATTY GRIFFIN
CHILDREN RUNNING THROUGH (ATO)
40 > IAN HUNTER
SHRUNKEN HEADS (YEP ROC)
41 > DR. DOG
WE ALL BELONG (PARK THE VAN)
42 > MAVIS STAPLES
WE’LL NEVER TURN BACK (ANTI-)
43 > EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
ALL OF A SUDDEN I MISS EVERYONE (TEMPORARY RESIDENCE)
44 > BEIRUT
THE FLYING CLUB CUP (BA DA BING!)
45 > BETTYE LAVETTE
THE SCENE OF THE CRIME (ANTI-)
46 > MANU CHAO
LA RADIOLINA (NACIONAL)
47 > YEASAYER
ALL HOUR CYMBALS (WE ARE FREE)
48 > OAKLEY HALL
I’LL FOLLOW YOU (MERGE)
49 > SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS
100 DAYS, 100 NIGHTS (DAPTONE)
50 > TUNNG
GOOD ARROWS (THRILL JOCKEY)
DEBUT/NEW ARTIST:
FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR
FUTURE CLOUDS & RADAR (STAR APPLE KINGDOM)
REISSUE:
SONIC YOUTH
DAYDREAM NATION DELUXE EDITION (GEFFEN/UME)
DVD:
YOU’RE GONNA MISS ME: A FILM ABOUT ROKY ERICKSON (PALM PICTURES)
BOOK:
THE REPLACEMENTS: ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTING, BY JIM WALSH (VOYAGEUR PRESS)
TOUR:
THE ARCADE FIRE
Irishteen
Blue Crack Addict
u2popmofo said:
I laughed so hard my eyes watered up, so good
This is a ridiculous year for great music. Why aren't more people posting here? Are stickies un-cool?
OP
OP
Anu said:
It's probably uncool because I started the thread. Sorry!
OP
OP
I unstuck it for now, we'll see how it goes!
SeattleVertigo
Refugee
I'm planning on posting a little later in the month.
Yeah, there's been some awesome music this year, that's for sure.
Yeah, there's been some awesome music this year, that's for sure.
phanan
Blue Crack Addict
I don't think it really matters, to be honest. If it is a topic that people are interested in, they will post.
Seems simple enough to me.
Seems simple enough to me.
yertle-the-turtle
ONE love, blood, life
Send Away The Tigers, dammit.
My current favourite listen now is 'In Our Bedroom After The War' though. Swoon.
My current favourite listen now is 'In Our Bedroom After The War' though. Swoon.
phanan
Blue Crack Addict
I’ve enjoyed so much this year that I have a Top 20.
1. Alcest – Souvenirs d’un autre monde
Ever wondered what would happen if you took shoegazing music and combined it with black metal? Well, it would be one of the most beautiful albums you’ve ever heard. Alcest, which consists of just French artist Neige, sounds nothing like the raw black metal from which its sole participant is known for (a genre that I don’t particularly care for), so don’t let those musical roots fool you. Hands down my favorite album of 2007.
Favorite tracks: Printemps Émeraude, Ciel Errant, Tir Nan Og
2. Porcupine Tree – Fear Of A Blank Planet
Perhaps the best progressive rock album in over a decade. Porcupine Tree have gone through a few transformations during their storied career, and this is easily the best of the latest one. The only reason I don’t consider it on par with Alcest is due to Sleep Together, which I think could have been a little better. But that’s really nitpicking.
Favorite tracks: Anesthetize, Sentimental, My Ashes
3. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
I know I’m in the minority here when I say that I like this album more than Funeral. Perhaps it has something to do with the obvious Springsteen influences scattered throughout.
Favorite tracks: Windowsill, Keep The Car Running, (Antichrist Television Blues)
4. Bruce Springsteen – Magic
I could do without one or two songs, but the second half of this album, from “Magic” to the unlisted “Terry’s Song”, is the best sequence of songs on a Springsteen album since Tunnel Of Love.
Favorite tracks: Magic, Long Walk Home, Devil’s Arcade
5. LCD Soundsystem – Sound Of Silver
This one took me by surprise, as I expected a basic dance/electronic record here, but several songs on this album are absolutely fantastic. I don’t like all of it, but “All My Friends” and “Someone Great” alone would place it fairly high anyway – that’s how incredible those two songs are.
Favorite tracks: All My Friends, Someone Great, North American Scum
6. Battles – Mirrored
What’s this? An experimental/indie album with progressive rock tendencies? Sign me up! This album sounds like absolutely nothing that I’ve ever heard before, and while it can start to drag toward the end, the high points easily outweigh the few lows it has.
Favorite tracks: Atlas, Tonto, Rainbow
7. The National – Boxer
I think it loses a bit of steam during the last few songs, but the rest is just gorgeous.
Favorite tracks: Fake Empire, Mistaken For Strangers, Slow Show
8. Stars – In Our Bedroom After The War
Not as strong as their last two albums, but still very well done with lots of pop hooks and lovely ballads.
Favorite tracks: Personal, Take Me To The Riot, In Our Bedroom After The War
9. White Stripes – Icky Thump
I think I enjoy this one almost as much as Elephant now – it’s that good.
Favorite tracks: Effect And Cause, Rag And Bone, You Don’t Know What Love Is
10. Jesu – Conqueror
Another band where the principal member has left his metal roots behind him a bit by venturing into a more experimental/post-rock territory, with excellent results.
Favorite tracks: Transfigure, Brighteyes, Stanlow
11. Okkervil River – The Stage Names
I might be in the minority on this, I don’t know, but I think this album is miles ahead of their previous effort (Black Sheep Boy), with an excellent mix of upbeat numbers and reflective compositions, with horns and strings used to brilliant effect.
Favorite tracks: Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe, Savannah Smiles, A Girl In Port
12. Radiohead – In Rainbows
I like the album, but don’t place it on the pedestal that others have. I think it’s beautifully done, but there are a few tracks that I don’t like what they did with (yes, I’m looking at you, Videotape).
Favorite tracks: Bodysnatchers, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, All I Need
13. The Shins – Wincing The Night Away
If only all pop-oriented albums were done this way.
Favorite tracks: Sleeping Lessons, Australia, Phantom Limb
14. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
The songs flow seemlessly from one to the other, and I think the horns work very well.
Favorite tracks: Rhthm & Soul, Don’t You Evah, The Underdog
15. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Raising Sand
The chemistry between these two is evident throughout this entire disc. The vocals sound lovely together, and the music works perfectly. Fantastic album.
Favorite tracks: Rich Woman, Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On), Please Read The Letter
16. Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
A bit further down my list due to the fact that their music can still be a bit too introspective for me, but I think this is their best effort to date.
Favorite tracks: Pagan Angel And A Borrowed Car, Boy With A Coin, Flightless Bird,American Mouth
17. The Third Ending – The Third Ending
18. Airbag – Safetree EP
Two progressive rock acts that are new to the scene, and while they may not be the most original bands out there (hopefully they will continue to evolve and find their own paths), the music so far has been impressive. The Third Ending is kind of a blend of Porcupine Tree and Spock’s Beard, while Airbag is an obvious Pink Floyd clone. Both are recommended nonetheless.
Favorite tracks (The Third Ending): Eleven, Fingerprints Suite
Favorite tracks (Airbag): No Escape, Safetree
19. Explosions In The Sky – All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
It’s impossible, really, to top The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, which is a classic, but this is still a very good piece of music.
Favorite tracks: The Birth And Death Of The Day, It’s Natural To Be Afraid
20. Editors – An End Has A Start
Yeah, people think they are a ripoff of Interpol, but this year, their album was better. Whereas I was a bit disappointed with the latter band, I found this album to be a very good follow-up to their debut, although it doesn’t quite reach its predecessor’s level.
Favorite tracks: Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors, An End Has A Start, Bones
1. Alcest – Souvenirs d’un autre monde
Ever wondered what would happen if you took shoegazing music and combined it with black metal? Well, it would be one of the most beautiful albums you’ve ever heard. Alcest, which consists of just French artist Neige, sounds nothing like the raw black metal from which its sole participant is known for (a genre that I don’t particularly care for), so don’t let those musical roots fool you. Hands down my favorite album of 2007.
Favorite tracks: Printemps Émeraude, Ciel Errant, Tir Nan Og
2. Porcupine Tree – Fear Of A Blank Planet
Perhaps the best progressive rock album in over a decade. Porcupine Tree have gone through a few transformations during their storied career, and this is easily the best of the latest one. The only reason I don’t consider it on par with Alcest is due to Sleep Together, which I think could have been a little better. But that’s really nitpicking.
Favorite tracks: Anesthetize, Sentimental, My Ashes
3. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
I know I’m in the minority here when I say that I like this album more than Funeral. Perhaps it has something to do with the obvious Springsteen influences scattered throughout.
Favorite tracks: Windowsill, Keep The Car Running, (Antichrist Television Blues)
4. Bruce Springsteen – Magic
I could do without one or two songs, but the second half of this album, from “Magic” to the unlisted “Terry’s Song”, is the best sequence of songs on a Springsteen album since Tunnel Of Love.
Favorite tracks: Magic, Long Walk Home, Devil’s Arcade
5. LCD Soundsystem – Sound Of Silver
This one took me by surprise, as I expected a basic dance/electronic record here, but several songs on this album are absolutely fantastic. I don’t like all of it, but “All My Friends” and “Someone Great” alone would place it fairly high anyway – that’s how incredible those two songs are.
Favorite tracks: All My Friends, Someone Great, North American Scum
6. Battles – Mirrored
What’s this? An experimental/indie album with progressive rock tendencies? Sign me up! This album sounds like absolutely nothing that I’ve ever heard before, and while it can start to drag toward the end, the high points easily outweigh the few lows it has.
Favorite tracks: Atlas, Tonto, Rainbow
7. The National – Boxer
I think it loses a bit of steam during the last few songs, but the rest is just gorgeous.
Favorite tracks: Fake Empire, Mistaken For Strangers, Slow Show
8. Stars – In Our Bedroom After The War
Not as strong as their last two albums, but still very well done with lots of pop hooks and lovely ballads.
Favorite tracks: Personal, Take Me To The Riot, In Our Bedroom After The War
9. White Stripes – Icky Thump
I think I enjoy this one almost as much as Elephant now – it’s that good.
Favorite tracks: Effect And Cause, Rag And Bone, You Don’t Know What Love Is
10. Jesu – Conqueror
Another band where the principal member has left his metal roots behind him a bit by venturing into a more experimental/post-rock territory, with excellent results.
Favorite tracks: Transfigure, Brighteyes, Stanlow
11. Okkervil River – The Stage Names
I might be in the minority on this, I don’t know, but I think this album is miles ahead of their previous effort (Black Sheep Boy), with an excellent mix of upbeat numbers and reflective compositions, with horns and strings used to brilliant effect.
Favorite tracks: Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe, Savannah Smiles, A Girl In Port
12. Radiohead – In Rainbows
I like the album, but don’t place it on the pedestal that others have. I think it’s beautifully done, but there are a few tracks that I don’t like what they did with (yes, I’m looking at you, Videotape).
Favorite tracks: Bodysnatchers, Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, All I Need
13. The Shins – Wincing The Night Away
If only all pop-oriented albums were done this way.
Favorite tracks: Sleeping Lessons, Australia, Phantom Limb
14. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
The songs flow seemlessly from one to the other, and I think the horns work very well.
Favorite tracks: Rhthm & Soul, Don’t You Evah, The Underdog
15. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Raising Sand
The chemistry between these two is evident throughout this entire disc. The vocals sound lovely together, and the music works perfectly. Fantastic album.
Favorite tracks: Rich Woman, Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On), Please Read The Letter
16. Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
A bit further down my list due to the fact that their music can still be a bit too introspective for me, but I think this is their best effort to date.
Favorite tracks: Pagan Angel And A Borrowed Car, Boy With A Coin, Flightless Bird,American Mouth
17. The Third Ending – The Third Ending
18. Airbag – Safetree EP
Two progressive rock acts that are new to the scene, and while they may not be the most original bands out there (hopefully they will continue to evolve and find their own paths), the music so far has been impressive. The Third Ending is kind of a blend of Porcupine Tree and Spock’s Beard, while Airbag is an obvious Pink Floyd clone. Both are recommended nonetheless.
Favorite tracks (The Third Ending): Eleven, Fingerprints Suite
Favorite tracks (Airbag): No Escape, Safetree
19. Explosions In The Sky – All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
It’s impossible, really, to top The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, which is a classic, but this is still a very good piece of music.
Favorite tracks: The Birth And Death Of The Day, It’s Natural To Be Afraid
20. Editors – An End Has A Start
Yeah, people think they are a ripoff of Interpol, but this year, their album was better. Whereas I was a bit disappointed with the latter band, I found this album to be a very good follow-up to their debut, although it doesn’t quite reach its predecessor’s level.
Favorite tracks: Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors, An End Has A Start, Bones
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elevation2u
Rock n' Roll Doggie VIP PASS
Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha
imitosis
scythian empires
simple x
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
fireworks
chores
unsolved mysteries
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
windowsill
ocean of noise
well and the lighthouse
Band of Horses - Cease To Begin
window blues
general specific
cigarettes, wedding bands
Battles - Mirrored
atlas
ddiamondd
tij
Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil
cold hands
i saw a ghost
locjk and key
Bruce Springsteen - Magic
magic
last to die
livin in the future
Kanye West - Graduation
good morning
everything i am
can't tell me nothing
National - Boxerr
mistake for strangers
start a war
squalor victoria
Radiohead - In Rainbows
jigsaw falling into place
reckoner
house of cards
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
the sun also sets
tears of gold
goodnight rose
Spoon - GaGaGaGaGa
little japanse cigarette case
the ghsot of you lingers
finer feelings
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
impossible germany
please be patient with me
you are my face
imitosis
scythian empires
simple x
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
fireworks
chores
unsolved mysteries
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
windowsill
ocean of noise
well and the lighthouse
Band of Horses - Cease To Begin
window blues
general specific
cigarettes, wedding bands
Battles - Mirrored
atlas
ddiamondd
tij
Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil
cold hands
i saw a ghost
locjk and key
Bruce Springsteen - Magic
magic
last to die
livin in the future
Kanye West - Graduation
good morning
everything i am
can't tell me nothing
National - Boxerr
mistake for strangers
start a war
squalor victoria
Radiohead - In Rainbows
jigsaw falling into place
reckoner
house of cards
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
the sun also sets
tears of gold
goodnight rose
Spoon - GaGaGaGaGa
little japanse cigarette case
the ghsot of you lingers
finer feelings
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
impossible germany
please be patient with me
you are my face
elevation2u said:
Sweeeeeeeet!
Great choice. I probably would have picked Cold Hands as well with Navajo & Bad Kids.
Good lists, Elevation and Phanan. I've said it before, but I'm surprised how good everyones' lists have been.
elevation2u
Rock n' Roll Doggie VIP PASS
i just went back and looked at others' lists, i didn't even know Battles is apparently popular,
and u2popmofo you're list has definitely sparked my interest in Sea Cake!
there's a lot of album I wanted to hear but never got around to including MIA, Eddie Vedder, Okkervil River (sp?), Elliott Smith, Neil Young, Babyshambles among many
I was quite disappointed in this year's
Bright Eyes, White Stripes, Devendra Banhart, Iron& wine and Kings of Leon
and u2popmofo you're list has definitely sparked my interest in Sea Cake!
there's a lot of album I wanted to hear but never got around to including MIA, Eddie Vedder, Okkervil River (sp?), Elliott Smith, Neil Young, Babyshambles among many
I was quite disappointed in this year's
Bright Eyes, White Stripes, Devendra Banhart, Iron& wine and Kings of Leon
Moonlit_Angel
Blue Crack Addict
elevation2u said:
Ditto. I've only heard a few albums from this year, but I'll put 'em down sometime soon once I gather them all together. And I've been hearing songs here and there from a bunch of the artists in this list, and based on what I've heard, I will definitely be tracking down a lot of these albums in the future. The stuff I've heard has me very curious.
Angela
elevation2u
Rock n' Roll Doggie VIP PASS
u2popmofo said:
i have the memory of a goldfish
phanan
Blue Crack Addict
u2popmofo said:
I just checked out their myspace page and liked what I heard. I'll have to give them more of a listen. Thanks for the tip.
Ohhhhh shit, gang. It's time for my list:
1. The National – Boxer
+ Fake Empire
+ Slow Show
+ Apartment Story
2. Okkervil River – The Stage Names
+ Plus Ones
+ A Girl In Port
+ John Allyn Smith Sails
3. Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
+ Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car
+ Lovesong of the Buzzard
+ Carousel
4. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
+ You Are My Face
+ Either Way
+ Side With The Seeds
5. Radiohead – In Rainbows
+ 15 Step
+ Bodysnatchers
+ Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
6. Feist – The Reminder
+ I Feel It All
+ Past in Present
+ Intuition
7. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
+ Keep the Car Running
+ Ocean of Noise
+ No Cars Go
8. The White Stripes – Icky Thump
+ Rag & Bone
+ Catch Hell Blues
+ Little Cream Soda
9. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
+ Don’t Make Me a Target
+ Don’t You Evah
+ Black Like Me
10. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
+ All My Friends
+ North American Scum
+ Someone Great
11. Interpol – Our Love to Admire
+ Pace is the Trick
+ Wrecking Ball
+ The Scale
12. Sigur Rós - Hvarf/Heim
+ Hljómalind
+ Í Gær
+ Von
13. Broken Social Scene presents Kevin Drew - Spirit If...
+ Fucked Up Kid
+ Lucky Ones
+ Safety Bricks
14. Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha
+ Fiery Crash
+ Heretics
+ Spare-ohs
15. Explosions in the Sky – All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
+ The Birth and Death of the Day
+ Welcome, Ghosts
+ So Long, Lonesome
16. Do Make Say Think – You, You’re a History in Rust
+ Bound to Be That Way
+ Executioner Blues
+ A Tender History in Rust
17. Battles – Mirrored
+ Tonto
+ Atlas
+ Rainbow
18. Björk – Volta
+ Innocence
+ Declare Independence
+ Wanderlust
19. Kanye West – Graduation
+ Good Morning
+ Stronger
+ I Wonder
20. Bright Eyes – Cassadaga
+ Four Winds
+ Lime Tree
+ Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)
21. José González – In Our Nature
+ Teardrop
+ Cycling Trivialities
+ In Our Nature
Top 15 songs coming soon.
1. The National – Boxer
+ Fake Empire
+ Slow Show
+ Apartment Story
2. Okkervil River – The Stage Names
+ Plus Ones
+ A Girl In Port
+ John Allyn Smith Sails
3. Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
+ Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car
+ Lovesong of the Buzzard
+ Carousel
4. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
+ You Are My Face
+ Either Way
+ Side With The Seeds
5. Radiohead – In Rainbows
+ 15 Step
+ Bodysnatchers
+ Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
6. Feist – The Reminder
+ I Feel It All
+ Past in Present
+ Intuition
7. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
+ Keep the Car Running
+ Ocean of Noise
+ No Cars Go
8. The White Stripes – Icky Thump
+ Rag & Bone
+ Catch Hell Blues
+ Little Cream Soda
9. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
+ Don’t Make Me a Target
+ Don’t You Evah
+ Black Like Me
10. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver
+ All My Friends
+ North American Scum
+ Someone Great
11. Interpol – Our Love to Admire
+ Pace is the Trick
+ Wrecking Ball
+ The Scale
12. Sigur Rós - Hvarf/Heim
+ Hljómalind
+ Í Gær
+ Von
13. Broken Social Scene presents Kevin Drew - Spirit If...
+ Fucked Up Kid
+ Lucky Ones
+ Safety Bricks
14. Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha
+ Fiery Crash
+ Heretics
+ Spare-ohs
15. Explosions in the Sky – All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
+ The Birth and Death of the Day
+ Welcome, Ghosts
+ So Long, Lonesome
16. Do Make Say Think – You, You’re a History in Rust
+ Bound to Be That Way
+ Executioner Blues
+ A Tender History in Rust
17. Battles – Mirrored
+ Tonto
+ Atlas
+ Rainbow
18. Björk – Volta
+ Innocence
+ Declare Independence
+ Wanderlust
19. Kanye West – Graduation
+ Good Morning
+ Stronger
+ I Wonder
20. Bright Eyes – Cassadaga
+ Four Winds
+ Lime Tree
+ Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)
21. José González – In Our Nature
+ Teardrop
+ Cycling Trivialities
+ In Our Nature
Top 15 songs coming soon.
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elevation2u
Rock n' Roll Doggie VIP PASS
Cassadaga, really??? I keed, I keed.
hmm, I never heard In Our Nature in its entirety but it reminded me that I got to see him play live and meet him sorta at the most random place across the border.
hmm, I never heard In Our Nature in its entirety but it reminded me that I got to see him play live and meet him sorta at the most random place across the border.
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