Year Wrap (2007, Better Late Than Never)
For the past two years I’ve skipped attempting to make a year end music list. Usually in November I create a [year in question] “smart play list” on my iPod in hopes to shake a dozen or so releases out of the pack. But here’s the problem; a quick glance over at my mp3 player reveals the current track of my 2007 play list to be number “7 of 2591.” No matter how vigilant or decisive I try to be, when considering the amount of music I listen to, the creation of any year end list becomes a daunting, and time sucking process. So, here’s my quick (don’t want to think too much about it) list in no particular order (that’s how lazy I am):
Adrian Orange & Her Band – Adrian Orange & Her Band
Pitchfork gave this a 3.8. Yes, the guy has an (heavily) acquired voice. Yes, the entire album seems rushed and given little thought. But that’s the magic with most of Calvin’s signings.
The Avett Brothers – Emotionalism
Ever since their 2006 EP The Gleam I’ve been in love with this band. Emotionalism is alt-country / folk-rock (blah blah blah) at it’s finest.
Devendra Banhart – Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
It’s got all the makings of a good 1966 psychedelic record.
Dr. Dog – We All Belong
Read my review.
Georgie James – Places
Ex-Q and Not U project that sounds nothing like Q and Not U. For some reason this LP hasn’t gotten any mentions on any lists I’ve read.
Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog
It’s made every year end list. Usually dominating the top spot. The Shepherd’s Dog really is that good.
Matt Pond PA – Last Light
It’s a pop album. The most straightforward pop album Matt Pond PA has ever put out. And that means great songs to sing along to.
Modest Mouse – We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
They’ve gotten snubbed every year since signing to a major. It’s nothing new for elitists to abandon what they once loved because the varsity quarterback is singing along to it. Now matter, this album is really good.
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
It’s black or white with this one. Either you hate it or you love it. I really really love it. Which is surprising to me. Parts of this album are sorta MMW. Other parts, standard Wilco. Overall, it has a free jazz vibe. I would have never imagined loving the combination of free jazz and Wilco, but it works. Damn you Tweedy!
Albums with not enough impact for a paragraph (in which I found myself playing a few times over):
Chris Bathgate – A Cork Tale Wake
Band of Horses – Cease to Begin
The Sadies – New Seasons
Saturday Looks Good To Me – Fill Up The Room
Bits of disappointment. Maybe it was my own expectations, maybe it was under achievement, who knows?
New Pornographers – Challengers
Okkervil River – The Stage Names
(Yet I’m still going to the Crofoot on April 10th.)
Feel free to post all the releases I’ve missed in the comments section.
I really liked your list. I think you’re absolutely right about the Modest Mouse album, as well as the Matt Pond PA album. I really liked Last Light. :) I can just sing along while I drive to work everyday, and it puts a smile on my face. :)
Dude, you sound like a music snob.
Oh, I forgot, that’s because you are one.
I enjoyed both Iron and Wine’s The Shepherd’s Dog and Wilco’s Sky Blue Sky. I’m with you on those. I don’t think I’ve heard a single bit from any of the other releases. I may be wrong, though.
I usually can’t come up with a list encompassing a year’s worth of releases because I don’t get many albums hot off the shelves. I’m more likely to come across something that came out a few years prior.
Anyway, here are some picks of mine for what they’re worth:
Neurosis, Given To The Rising – Wet dreams, my friend, wet dreams.
Ted Leo And The Pharmacists, Living With The Living – Just because Ted Leo is a great songwriter and continues the fine line of protest-song writings.
Christian Scott, Anthem – The angst of New Orleans wrapped up in an amazing post-jazz slab of musical genius.
Sh! The Octopus, The Carrot Chase – Just blowin’ some sunshine up your arse, buddy. How can I not include an album that contains a song in which I’m mentioned in passing? Britney Spears could do it and I’d include her release, too. Truthfully, though, all bullshit aside, this is beautiful traveling music…
Bad Brains, Build A Nation – I was happier than a hog in a free-range pasture full of food when this came out. The album is not necessarily amazing, but, man, it still made me happy.
Dropkick Murphys, The Meanest of Times – Middle class struggles. Catholic schools. Honest-to-goodness every day Joe music with a punk edge. Holy shit. That’s all.