Fav albums of 07'

I went back and updated this list, as I continually discover more and more albums I missed from 2007 and have now made this into a top ten. So here you have it, my favorite albums of 2007!


10. Tio Bitar - Dungen
Another psychedelic rock entry from Sweden's very own Dungen and it's pretty entertaining. Gustav Ejstes proves be a virtuoso of many instruments as he takes on everything from guitar, to bass, to drums, piano, flute and who knows what else. Not only this but Gustav has quite a knack for 60s inspired pop song-writing and complements this nicely with a pleasant voice. There are a handful of more whimsical slower pieces, but my favorite songs here tend to be the ones that rock. If there is one thing Dungen knows how to do, it's lay down a fatty jam to blow your mind. It's not quite the same quality as it's predecessor Ta Det Lugnt but it's an interesting continuation to what was accomplished on that album.


9. The Good, the Bad and the Queen - The Good, the Bad and the Queen
Rock musics latest supergroup has released an album that isn't your typical alternative fair. Blur front man Damon Albarn takes lead vocals and piano, with notable bassist of The Clash Paul Simonon takes what else but bass and backing vocals. Verve member Simon Tong takes the guitar role and notable Nigerian drummer Tony Allen takes care of percussion duties. I think it's interesting that four men of such different age groups can come together and make such a cohesive yet compelling product. The songs here basic but effective and make for a perfect representation of the hip British indie scene. Though all of this couldn't be possible without the strength of it's producer Danger Mouse. An interesting listen for even the casual Blur fan.


8. Because of the Times - Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon seem to further develop their talents as a band with every advancing album. Though I'm not sure I like the songs as much as on Aha Shake Heartbreak, KOL has expanded upon their original Southern Rock sound to create something entirely fresh.. And I can respect that. Caleb Followill's voice is one the most unique in rock today and with all the inventive riffs and progression, not to mention the sweet reverb washed back up vocals, this is a very enjoyable album. KOL takes from reggae, alternative and southern rock sounds to create a compelling arena rock collection. As long as this band always tries to keep things fresh I'll be keeping an eye out.


7. Icky Thump - The White Stripes
: A nice return to Jack White's riff heavy rock playing after the experimental Get Behind Me Satan. Icky Thump is probably the most cohesive White Stripes album I've heard yet. Jack White is probably one the most inventive and talented musicians of today and with his partner in crime Meg, is unstoppable when it comes to delivering the heavy doses of pure unadulterated rock. I get the feeling that Jack's time with the Raconteurs has led him to giving his music a fuller sound as Icky Thump seems to have more than just your typical guitar and drums on most tracks. Some of my favorite tunes here are the organ powered "I'm Slowly Turning Into You" and the bittersweet "A Martyr For My Love For You."


6. Under the Blacklight - Rilo Kiley
I was initially kind of embarrassed about embracing this album as I initially found it kind of cheesy, but you can't ignore the quality of Jenny Lewis' song writing. Some very catchy little melodies wrapped up in a package of bright pianos, Blake Sennett's intriguing guitar work and much much more. "Silver Lining" is pleasant pop number to open up the album and it's followed by ten other fun works. Some other highlights for me are the slow rocker "The Moneymaker" and especially the album's title track. This really isn't that hard to get into and is definitely one of the more talented acts on the indie circuit today.


5. Oracular Spectacular - MGMT
Released to the internet in October 2007, this New York Indie duo has already made their mark with their electronic stadium rock taking the radio by storm.. At least on "107.7 The End". Combining retro keyboards with driving rhythms MGMT have a sound that's out of this world and a lot of fun when you need to bob your head. "Time to Pretend" is an acid rock ballad that won't soon be forgotten while "Electric Feel" is as good as a tribute you could ever do to 70s funk music. "Kids" has become a favorite of the airwaves and definitely one of my favorite tracks with it's buzzy electronica feel. there psychedelic disposition doesn't always make for the most thrilling product but they aren't afraid to be experimental and it works for me.


4. The Black and White Album - The Hives
: The Hives deliver another fast paced, toe tappingly fun album with plenty of guitar driven rock/punk angst and a handful of other pleasant surprises. The Hives have been surprisingly consistent since their hit song "Hate to Say I Told You So" put them on the map. This band simply knows what their audience wants and hasn't sacrificed any creativity
or become repetitive to entertain. They make act like pompous rock pioneers on stage but on their albums they simply make great rock music. Their amount of energy is unrivaled on the alternative scene today and this album shows you why. Plus It's nice to seem them mixing it up with pianos and keyboards here and there and Pharrell produced two tracks. There really going out on a limb to be the best that they can be.


3. Yours Truly, Angry Mob - Kaiser Chiefs
: Though this came out last February, I actually didn't get around to hearing this until late November, but when I did immediately found a great liking for it. Yours Truly has surprisingly memorable songs with a nifty edge. This is kind of album that gets stuck in your head leaving you constantly humming this pure Brit Pop goodness. As a matter of fact Kaiser Chiefs are probably one the most notable modern acts to keep the Brit Pop genre alive. Some call them a Blur knockoff but this band has definitely found a trademark sound, that's only furthered with excellent song-writing and catchy hooks.


2. In Rainbows - Radiohead
: My first impressions were mixed but over time this atmospheric and melancholy album has won me over. I suppose one always has to prepare themselves for something new and different every time Radiohead releases an album. In Rainbows is at times bleak but no where near as bleak as it's predecessor Hail to the Thief and is ultimately a hauntingly beautiful work. There's a heavy amount of beat infused, percussion based jams and plenty of Johnny Greenwood's virtuoso guitar playing. Swirling melodies and excellent musicianship make this a must have for any Radiohead or Alternative music fan.


1. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Spoon
: A very catchy and memorable work by Spoon. Britt Daniel proves to be quite an accomplished songwriter and front man. With his rough vocal delivery and at times minimal guitar work, he certainly proves to be a strong leader for this talented
four piece, busting through track after track of poppy brass infused indie rock. Just about every song has single potential and even the ones that don't are entirely unique pieces of rock music. I really respect how Spoon can accomplish so much with such a bare bones approach to a lot of the tracks. Sure there is brass but aside from that the drums, guitars, bass and pianos never over complicate themselves and always find a tight groove to work around. I could listen to this album over and over again and have. Really my only problem is that ghost song early on the album, but even that's not that bad, it's just not quite as good as the other stellar tracks.