| | Issue #19.22 :: 12/26/2007 - 01/01/2008 | Our picks for 2007
Contributors look back at the music of the past year and tell you what moved them. Is it any surprise they don’t agree on much?
| BY JOSH RUFFIN
| Well, dear readers, it’s been another year and another 700,000 crappy music releases in our mailboxes. Fortunately, we here at the office (read “trench-town populated by us and several cats, all named Jar Jar”), through bribery and Yakuza connections, managed to lay our grimy little hands on a few albums not enmeshed in the totem pole of suckery.
No one’s put us in our place yet, so we continue to assume that we know more about this stuff than you do. So without further ado, we present to you the Top Albums of 2007, as compiled by the Metro Spirit’s indentured servants… er, contributors
Josh Ruffin
Music writer/reviewer
1. Witchcraft, “The Alchemist” — A perfectly twisted blues-metal nuke of an album, Tony Iommi and Randy Holden have got nothing on the seismic guitar tandem of Magnus Pelander and John Hoyles. Tortured and flawless.
2. The Hotel Alexis, “Goliath, I’m On Your Side” — Sidney Alexis turns in a positively transcendent set of Zen-noir back-porch Americana on his second release.
3. Pelican, “City of Echoes” — The Chicago soundscape gurus switch their attention from oceans and mountain ranges to concrete and industrialism, with surreal results.
4. Burning Brides, “Hang Love” — The return of the power trio. Fans of the Melvins and Kyuss will appreciate the rampant pentatonic doom, but the pop sensibilities shine through, especially on “She Comes to Me.”
5. Bigelf, “Hex” — We’re not old enough to remember the ’70s, but we get the feeling Bigelf’s bastard cross-section of thud rock and early Badfinger melodies would have pretty much slaughtered everything else from that decade.
6. Jesu, “Conqueror, Lifeline” — Justin Broadrick’s baby gets two shout-outs. Conqueror’s towering guitars will haunt your soul, while Lifeline’s ethereal melodies will soothe it.
7. A Life Once Lost, “Iron Gag” — Pissed-off, Yuengling-soaked metal from the buttcrack of Philadelphia. We recommend listening to “Firewater Joyride” at least five times in a row.
8. Moneen, “The Red Tree” — Unabashedly emo, but infinitely smarter than anything on the Warped Tour’s main stage. Best live band ever.
9. Zoroaster, “Dog Magic” — Monolithic, sludgy madness from these decibel-obsessed Southern stalwarts. Represent, fellas.
10. The Blow, “Paper Television” — K Records standouts prove once and for all that electro-pop can be more intelligent than most books in the Social Criticism section.
Ed Turner
Senior Music Contributor
In no particular order.
1. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, “Raising Sand” — Led Who? An unexpected delight. Who knew Plant could actually harmonize?
2. Radiohead, “In Rainbows” — Definitely one of the best albums I’ve never bought. Their best since “OK Computer.”
3. Arcade Fire, “Neon Bible” — A terrific album marred only by the overbearing, almost over-modulated mastering. This disc would sound so much better on vinyl.
4. Bob Dylan, “Modern Times” — This marks three great albums in a row from Bobby Z.
5. Wilco, “Sky Blue Sky” — Charisma, hooks, melody and great production: gee, what a concept.
6. Ryan Adams, “Easy Tiger” — It’s too bad the guy isn’t more prolific. He’ll have to continue to fight his demons as to not become the next Chris Whitley.
7. Lucinda Williams, “West” — A reinvention of sorts from a brilliant and still underrated artist. It’s unfortunate that more people don’t get to hear her songs.
8. Gram Parsons and the Flying Burrito Brothers, “Live at the Avalon Ballroom 1969” — Cosmic American music recorded during the “Gilded Palace of Sin” tour. Parson’s duets with Chris Hillman would make the Everlys proud.
9. Colbie Caillat, “Coco” — OK, a guilty pleasure. Music for a nice, warm, sunny day in Malibu, especially when those raging, out-of-control wildfires aren’t around.
10. The Edison Project, “Do you Remember Rock & Roll?” — Another great-sounding disc on vinyl. Still, the disc only hints at just how good they can be. Gotta support our homies.
By Frazia Lee
Music writer/reviewer
1. Eric Roberson, “Left” — He’s the most famous musician you’ve never heard. In fact, Roberson has the underground neo-soul music scene trapped in his musical clutches. With a glowing sensitivity, and impeccable lyricism, his songs are so heart-crafted, you’d think he was a fly on the wall of your emotions. “Left” proved that good music is out there, you just have to dig deep in this industry to find it.
2. Jay-Z, “American Gangster” — “American Gangster” was a testament to Jay-Z’s rumbling creative flair. His futile retirement didn’t stop him from releasing what he presented to fans as the diary of Jay-Z. Full of street tales from an innocent rise to a
treacherous fall, and reminiscent of his debut effort, “Reasonable Doubt,” Jay-Z showed and proved again with this one.
3. Daphne Loves Derby, “Good Night, Witness Light” — The boys of Daphne Loves Derby made an album full of melodic pop rock that was catchy and smooth, yet possessed rugged edges. It catered to your mood, whether you were mad or glad.
4. Colbie Caillat, “Coco” — Caillat’s smoky sweet alto summoned summer crushes,
frolicking on the beach and a piece of heaven you could have only attained if you floated on the surface of warm waves. This album was the epitome of relaxation through simple compositions and delightful lyrics.
5. Talib Kweli, “Eardrum” — Kweli always brought joints that made you nod your head, and even learn something in the process. He succeeded in contributing another classic to his repertoire, featuring strong joints to make you dance such as “Hot Thing” and “In the Mood,” and the thought-provoking “Eat to Live.”
6. Chaka Khan, “Funk This” — On “Funk This,” the queen of funk returned with the same fiery spunk she held while with the powerhouse ’70s group Rufus. With consistently strong vocals and gutsy soul, she schooled the young school on how it’s done. Just listen to “Disrespectful,” featuring Mary J. Blige.
7. UGK, “Underground Kingz” — The title says it all. Ever since their breakout in 1992, the men of UGK had established themselves as underground icons of Southern rap, and this album marked the long-awaited reunion of Bun B, and formerly incarcerated member Pimp C. With the first single, “International Players Anthem (I Choose You),” featuring OutKast, they solidified their status as “Underground Kingz.” Fortunately, Pimp C had a chance to wear his crown before he passed away in December 2007. Rest in peace, Pimp.
8. Amy Winehouse, “Back to Black” — “Back to Black” stuck out like an attractive sore thumb in the midst of the ever-evolving music scene, showcasing a lovely vibe that mixed the prevalent sound of the ’60s, with British soul and sultry jazz.
9. Ledisi, “Lost & Found” — Being that she was one of Billboard Magazine’s 10 Faces to Watch in 2007 said a lot about Ledisi. This album exhibited rich and melodious tracks with sophistication that added to the essence of the neo-soul movement.
10. Rahsaan Patterson, “Wines & Spirits” — Patterson is one of neo-soul’s best-kept secrets. He’s been coming with some of the most sensuous, mellow and groovy albums ever since he debuted in 1997, and 2007 brought this latest compilation of soul (with a few experimental treats) with no exceptions.
Coco Rubio
Music columnist
In no particular order.
1. Wilco, “Blue Sky Blue” — Wilco goes back to basics with wonderful results.
2. Jason Isbell, “Sirens of the Ditch” — A great debut album from this former Drive-By Trucker.
3. Radiohead, “In Rainbows” — Radiohead has changed the face of the music industry with this “pay what you want” album download.
4. Spoon, “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” — They blew me away on “Saturday Night Live” this year. I got the album... and it’s even better.
5. The Avett Brothers, “Emotionalism” — Easily the best local concert of the year. This album is also amazing.
6. Band of Horses, “Cease to Begin” — A recent pickup from a band from Charleston, this CD is stuck in my player.
7. Of Montreal, “Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?” — Great dance record. And to think these guys are from Athens, Ga.?!
8. Arcade Fire, “Neon Bible” — Best out of town concert I saw this year. Very original in their sound. They sound like... the Arcade Fire.
9. Feist, “The Reminder” — The “1,2,3,4” single was all over TV this year because of that iPod commercial. The whole album and her previous are just perfect.
10. “12 Bands of Christmas 2007” — The best local collection of Christmas songs ever. Some songs I’ll probably play all year round.
Rich McCracken II
Music writer and reviewer
1. Loudlife, “Loudlife” — This is one of the best classic rock bands to be heard anywhere. Turn it up loud.
2. Aldo Leopardi, “Aldo Leopardi” — The rock ‘n’ roll dentist has a fabulous band that channels the sounds of ’80s hard rock and hair metal.
3. Keith Lubrant, “Searching For Signal” — Lubrant is a fantastic guitarist on all levels.
4. Holly Ramos, “Racehorse” — Ramos is a great singer and true trendsetter among singers/acoustic guitarists.
5. The Shake, “Kick It” — This great rock band delivers a sound that harkens back to British Invasion days.
6. Concrete Boyz (Feat. Rich Boy), “Da Masterz” — An outstanding hip-hop group with catchy tunes, Concrete Boyz have a song called “My Dickies” that should be a commercial hit.
7. The Spoon Benders, “Resurrecting The Giants” — A great rock band with tons of influence from SRV, Hendrix and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
8. The Pretty Things, “Balboa Island” — When Aerosmith was on stage receiving an award not long ago, Steven Tyler mentioned The Pretty Things as a major influence.
9. Billy Martin/John Tedeski, “Mago” — Unbelievable jazz. It’s incredible how two musicians playing just B3 organ and jazz drums can sound this full!
10. Jon Larsen, “Strange News From Mars” — The sounds that the Jon Larsen band create are amazing and otherworldy. The humor throughout the CD is great, too.
Tom Grant
Editor
1. Kate Nash, “Made of Brick” — To be released in this country in January, Nash’s mix of airy voice and in-your-face lyrics has already won a huge following in the U.K.
2. Amy Winehouse, “Back to Black” — With a voice made for soul and a lifestyle made for the tabloids, Winehouse creates passionate music and the kind of publicity that lets you know she understands those things of which she sings.
3. Wintersleep, “Welcome to the Night Sky” — This band from Nova Scotia features powerful beats and haunting voices.
4. Tegan and Sara, “The Con” — Dark, dark ear candy from the twins of Alberta, with lyrics that cut to the heart and guest guitar from the amazing Kaki King.
5. Miranda Lambert, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” — This country girl sings about places I’ve been, and with lyrics much darker than they sound.
6. Rilo Kiley, “Under the Blacklight” — Jenny Lewis lends her melancholy voice to more cynical yet beautiful melodies.
7. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, “100 Days 100 Nights” — The hottest act at SXSW in 2006 followed up with another classic soul album. I suppose she’s too big now to play the Soul Bar.
8. St. Vincent, “Mary Me” — Complexity masquerading as pop from this one-woman band keeps drawing me back to hear more.
9. Rogue Wave, “Asleep at Heaven’s Gate” — It sounds like a breakthrough for these California indie rockers.
10. Timbaland, “Timbaland Presents Shock Value” — iTunes doesn’t lie, so I’ve played “Give It To Me” featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake more than any other song this year. | |
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