Happy Birthday am/fm!: 10 great albums from 2007
OK, this was kind of agonizing to cut it to 10, but I guess that's the point. These 10 albums have proved themselves my favorites of 2007, over some very strong contenders. I am by no means saying that these are the absolute very best of the year, they're just albums that meant a lot to me. And I would highly recommend a listen.
Albert Hammond Jr. "Yours to Keep"
I'm not ranking these in any particular order — because it was hard enough to just choose ten — except for this one. This was my all-time favorite album of 2007. It's so basic, but so good.
John Vanderslice "Emerald City"
Listening to Vanderslice is like reading a really good collection of short stories. The characters he creates and emotions he evokes go beyond the range of the average rock song, but he's not overtly literary like The Decemberists or The New Pornographers (much love for both of those bands, it's just a different style). You can engage with the songs on a surface level or go much deeper, ether strategy is rewarding. (That's three.)
Bishop Allen "The Broken String"
Something I learned: Bishop Allen is an actual street in Cambridge, MA, where the band members used to live. They're not there anymore, but the street is pretty small, so you can totally go stalk their old house. The album is totally charming, folky with an edge.
Kanye West "Graduation"
A-duh. What don't I like about this man?
More after the jump ...
Mark Ronson "Version"
I liked this album from the first second that I heard it. The all-star cameos don't hurt, but, really, the funked-up versions of already cool tunes couldn't miss.
Amy Winehouse "Back to Black"
(This is obviously a fan-made video, but it's AWESOME.)
Putting aside her tabloid notoriety and the fact that your mom probably hums along with "Rehab," this was a kick ass record with a lot to give. Sadly, she just can't bring it live — drugs'll do that, I guess — but each and every neo-Motown tune on this album is a gem.
Andrew Bird "Armchair Apocrypha"
Andrew Bird (who used to occasionally play with the Squirrel Nut Zippers, did you know?) consistently puts out stellar under-the-radar records. His quirky style puts to use both his classical training and otherworldly whistling skills. And, "Armchair Apochrypha" is a freaking great album title.
Spoon "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
This CD immediately felt like the sonic equivalent of an old favorite sweater with a hole in the left elbow (a good 83% of my sweaters have holes in the left elbow — it's something about the way I sit at my desk). Comfortable and lovely and imbued with good memories.
Rob Crow "Living Well"
Pinback, Rob's primary band, also put out an album this year, but I didn't hear it. He's another one that I just about love everything he does (except for maybe the Goblin Cock stuff; metal just isn't my thing, and the name is just icky). Brooding indie rock that's just slightly off-kilter.
The Budos Band "The Budos Band II"
This is how an instrumental funk record is done, Beastie Boys. Hometown heroes from Staten Island, these kids know how to have a good time.
eh.www.amNY.com
Comments (2)
I'm so glad Amy made the list. Yes, she's coked out of her mind, but the girl made some great freakin' music this year. She finally brought the Soul back to mainstream R&B/Popular music that's been missing for decades (and only mimicked by Mariah, Christina, Beyonce, Alicia and the like). If she can stay alive, out of jail and avoid rehab next year, I think her 2008 could be equally as huge as 2007.
And yes to Kanye. Thank you for making Rap/Hip-Hop music bearable again.
here here to spoon and bishop allen.