Just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays. Enjoy your time off with your family and I’ll see you all again in a few!
For those of you that celebrate it, here are a few Christmas tunes for you, enjoy!
Barnaked Ladies Green Christmas
Ron Sexsmith Maybe this Christmas
Coldplay Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Jack Johnson Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Dave Matthews Band Christmas Song
Ivy Christmas Time is Here
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25. Modest Mouse
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank doesn’t quite recapture the glory of The Moon & Antarctica, but with the addition of Johnny Marr, it sounds very much like a rejuvenated Modest Mouse crew. "Dashboard" and "Fire It Up" are a solid one, two punch, while "Parting of the Sensory," "Steam Engenius," and "Spitting Venom" will certainly appeal to fans of Modest Mouse’s edgier work. This album truly has something for everyone. (video: Music video for the song "Fire it Up")
24. Liars
Liars
A very sneaky album, this is the kind of grower that once you get into, you’re hooked and can’t stop listening. The haunting, Beck-like "Houseclouds" is superb, as is "Sailing to Byzantium." Highly recommended if you haven’t heard it yet. (video: Music video for the song "Houseclouds")
23. Sondre Lerche
Phantom Punch
It’s loud, it’s unabashedly poppy, it’s occasionally borderline schizophrenic sonically, but it’s really freaking good. Thankfully, it doesn’t feel like Lerche isn’t trying to rock here, nothing is forced, and on songs like the title track and "Face the Blood" it’s apparent that the hard-hitting drums and guitar are truly an extension of Lerche’s lyrics. Also, "Airport Taxi Reception" and "Say It All" show how Lerche is getting increasingly better with his songwriting. For fans of the more acoustic styles that Lerche featured on his first two albums, there’s "Tragic Mirror" and "After All." (video: Music video for the song "Phantom Punch")
22. Against Me!
New Wave
New Wave may go a different direction from what Against Me! fans are used to, but this is such a well-made album that it should eventually even turn the cynics around. Tracks like "Thrash Unreal" and "Animal" are particularly strong, with Tom Gabel’s vocals bringing just the right amount of edge. (video: Music video for the song "Thrash Unreal")
21. Amy Winehouse
Back to Black
What an effort from Amy Winehouse, who has made a name for herself in more ways than one with her first stint in America. Sure, we’ve all heard "Rehab" and "You Know I’m No Good" but honestly, from beginning to end this album is refined, intriguing, and very, very good. Winehouse’s vocals don’t always translate live (you have to get her on a good night), but she’s got a lot of talent as a performer. (video: Music video for the song "Love is a Losing Game")
20. Les Savy Fav
Let’s Stay Friends
Every good band that sticks around long enough has a moment where they suddenly appear on everyone’s radar and the next thing you know, they release an extraordinary album that puts them on the map. Let’s Stay Friends is that album for these guys, as it’s something like a quantum leap musically. Both "Patty Lee" and "What Would Wolves Do?" show their newly refined pop sensibility, while they rock the hell out of tracks like "The Equestrian." (video: Music video for the song "Patty Lee"
19. Andrew Bird
Armchair Apocrypha
After yet another mesmerizing album from Andrew Bird, I’m starting to wonder if the guy is capable of anything less than that. Armchair Apocrypha kicks off with the beautiful "Fiery Crash" and never lets up. This time around as well, the Chicagoan seems to be a lot more confident, particularly with his vocals. His voice doesn’t sneak into the song anymore, but his echo-laden vocals punch through every time. A very rewarding album. (video: Bird performing "Plasticities" live on David Letterman)
18. Feist
The Reminder
Evidently, someone forgot to tell Feist about the sophomore slump. Instead of merely treading water, she ratcheted it up a few notches with an album that overflows with breezy, well-written pop. The opener "So Sorry" shows Leslie Feist’s talents as a singer, which in some ways is easy to overlook on this album given the grandiose arrangements. Meanwhile "I Feel it All," "1234" and "Past and Present" are carefree, hand-clapping tunes. She also mixes in a few songs that straddle the fence stylistically between this album and her previous, somewhat darker album ("My Moon, My Man" and her Nina Simone cover of "Sea Lion Woman"). All in all this is a very commendable effort, so much so that you forget its only her second album. (video: Live performance of "I Feel it All" on a bus for the Jimmy Kimmel show)
17. Wilco
Sky Blue Sky
Easily the most laid back album Wilco has released in their dozen year history, Sky Blue Sky is wonderful and frustrating all at the same time. After the largely experimental Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born, this album feels like a bit of a regression. That’s not entirely true though, as songs like "Impossible Germany," "Please Be Patient With Me" and "On and On and On" are some of the most beautiful songs that Wilco has ever performed. (video: Live performance of "Impossible Germany")
16. The White Stripes
Icky Thump
After the misstep that was Get Behind Me Satan, Icky Thump pretty much gets back on track. While some songs parallel stuff from De Stijl, it’s songs like the Patti Page cover of "Conquest," the insanely trippy pair of "Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn" and "St. Andrew" that really elevate this album. It’s messy and weird as all get out, but as always, Jack and Meg somehow make it work. (video: Music video for the song "Conquest")
15. Josh Ritter
The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
This album may not be perfect, but there are very few albums that I enjoyed listening to more this year than The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter. As pretentious as the title may seem, this is indeed a conquest, he has mastered the art of folk songwriting, and knows how to have a ton of fun while doing it. (video: Live performance of "To the Dogs or Whoever" from Juan’s Basement)
14. Justice
†
Easily one of the best electronic albums to come out in a long time, † is reminiscent of the early days of Daft Punk, and that’s a very good thing. The ubiquitous "D.A.N.C.E," an ode to Michael Jackson, and "Water of Nazareth" are particularly engaging. Meanwhile, "Let There Be Light" is an incredibly beautiful noise piece. A delightful album from beginning to end, Justice has a very bright future ahead of them. (video: features the song "Let There Be Light")
13. White Rabbits
Fort Nightly
An incredible debut effort, this sextet has a maturity that is quite rare for their age– taking seemingly straightforward song structures and turning them on their head time and time again. Songs like "The Plot" and "Navy Wives" in particular, are the most accessible examples. The slow burning "Take a Walk Around the Table" with its haunting background vocals and organ is another highlight. A superb album. (video: Live performance of "The Plot" on David Letterman)
12. St. Vincent
Marry Me
The best debut of 2007, St. Vincent’s Marry Me is nothing short of a revelation. Her wildly creative and impressive debut is consistently mesmorizing, especially when it comes to her knack for harmony. Clearly a passionate artist, Annie Clark shines particularly on songs like "Marry Me," "The Apocalypse Song" and the lush "Land Mines." Unbelievably beautiful, not enough compliments can be said about Marry Me. (video: Live performance of "Now, Now" at 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, MN [7/24/07])
11. Blonde Redhead
23
Blonde Redhead’s finally put together the best album of their career, and by no small margin at that. The first half of the album in particular is perfect, a culmination of Blonde Redhead’s unrealized potential with a dash of newfound focus. The title track, "SW," "Spring and By Summer Fall" and "My Impure Hair" in particular stand out, but there’s really not a bad song on the album. (video: Music video for the song "23")
10. Iron & Wine
The Shepherd’s Dog
Iron & Wine finally has some life! Always an impressive songwriter, his songs sometimes were so bogged down by his stagnant arrangments that it was hard not to be bored listening to an entire album of it. Not so here as Sam Beam finally lets loose a bit, and keeps his masterful songwriting in tact to make the package that much sweeter. (video: Live performance of "The Devil Never Sleeps" on David Letterman)
09. Arctic Monkeys
Favourite Worst Nightmare
Yep, I’ve performed a complete 180 on my stance of these guys. While I still don’t get the fascination with Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, but Favourite Worst Nightmare has something to offer more than old Libertines rehashes. Not to mention the songs have a bit more depth to them thank goodness. Amazing what a difference a single album can make. (video: Music video for the song "Fluorescent Adolescent")
08. Of Montreal
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Of Montreal is at it again, this time around they’re just a bit darker however. Nevertheless, Kevin Barnes’ brainchild still churns out awesomely fun music that even at its weirdest moments is enjoyable, and almost always accessible. (video: Live performance of "Bunny Ain’t No Kind of Rider" at Pulse Studios for Indie 103.1fm)
07. Kings of Leon
Because of the Times
After two albums of delectable southern rock, Kings of Leon went on to make one of the most surprising rock albums of 2007. Changing their pace to a darker, more stadium-ready sound, every single member of the band sounds a million times better than they ever have before. A truly terrific album, Because of the Times could likely be seen in the near future as something of a classic. (video: Live performance of "McFearless," 4/18/07)
06. Spoon
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
In their entire history, Spoon has yet to release a bad album, and Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga obviously doesn’t deviate from that. It requires a bit of a patient ear, as songs like "The Ghost of You Lingers" with Britt Daniel’s haunting vocals is a pretty disorienting song. On the other hand, there are many immediately likeable songs like "The Underdog" and "You Got Yr Cherry Bomb." (video: Live performance of "You Got Yr Cherry Bomb" on SNL)
05. The National
Boxer
Here’s another grower that is still growing on me at the time of writing this. The ominous "Fake Empire" is the perfect opener on this equally outstanding album. Matt Berninger’s defeated vocals work incredibly well with the cautiously optimistic tone of the songs. A very surprising yet rewarding album. (video: Live performance of "Slow Show" from Spinner’s Interface)
04. M.I.A.
Kala
An internationally influenced album that’s almost impossible to categorize, Kala makes Arular look sophomoric. Fusing sounds from several countries in which she recorded, this album is quite unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. (video: Music video for the song "Boyz")
03. Arcade Fire
Neon Bible
Really a testemant to how strong the top two albums are this year, Neon Bible was my dark horse "album of the year" pick. After such a strong showing with Funeral it’s tough to do much better, but Neon Bible is overall a much more sophisticated album, and for that it’s a bit more rewarding. While the updated version of "No Cars Go" in particular is spectacular, the whole album is truly special. (video: Live performance of "Keep the Car Running" at Festival Rock en Seine in Paris [August 2007])
02. Radiohead
In Rainbows
Radiohead continues their amazing musical journey with In Rainbows, an album that really surprised the hell out of everyone– even with fans who never know what to expect anyway. Sure, being able to choose your own price for the album was fun, but that shouldn’t overshadow this incredible set of works from these guys. The best album since OK Computer, In Rainbows is an album that everyone should own. (video: Live performance of "Bodysnatchers" during the Thumbs Down Webcast [November 9, 2007])
01. LCD Soundsystem
Sounds of Silver
When I originally reviewed Sounds of Silver, my opinions were simple as this: "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the album of the year. Barring some stroke of mindblowing genius, I can all but guarantee that nothing will beat this album, nothing. Not the White Stripes, not the indie flavor of the month, nothing." Well, many albums came close– exceptionally close at that– but in the end James Murphy’s latest release wins out simply because it never ceases to impress despite coming out several months ago by now. Usually in that span of time, an album can be torn and ripped apart, over analyzed, and so on, but not the case here. Sounds of Silver is as good as it gets. (video: Video featuring the song "All My Friends")
So that’s the list, but Fuzzy Thoughts is far from done. Check back soon for a review of Lupe Fiasco’s latest, The Cool. Also, John Tuturro’s debut film Romance and Cigarettes is reviewed and I also have another surprise coming, so check back frequently! All that being said, feel free to comment/criticize/hate whatever with comments below.
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Quite possibly the most difficult Top 50 list I’ve had to compile in Fuzzy Thoughts’ history, just about every album in the top 10 are damn near perfect and it was almost impossible for me to pick a #1 album. I have to stress this because people tend to read too much into these lists and I don’t want people to think that I’m discrediting certain bands for not having them higher. That argument’s going to be made anyway, granted, but I do want people to know that I genuinely loved everything up there it’s just that you have to make a choice. All that being said, this was a great year for music– arguably the best since 2003– with lots of artists new and old putting up very solid efforts. So without further ado, here’s the Fuzzy Faves Top 50 Albums list of 2007, Part One:
50. K-OS
Atlantis- Hymns for Disco
This multifaceted Canadian import put up a hell of an album that was probably too eclectic for its own good. Anchored by singles such as "Sunday Morning," there were a lot of bright spots on this album. Probably somewhat overlooked, K-OS’ latest entry gets its due here at the #50 spot. (video: Music video for the song "Electrik Heat- The Seekwill")
49. The Go! Team
Proof of Youth
Sticking to the same formula more or less will hurt you, and so it goes with The Go! Team. Definitely a fine album, it just comes off a little shallow after their killer debut, Thunder, Lightning, Strike! (video: Music video for the song "The Wrath of Marcie")
48. Shout Out Louds
Our Ill Wills
Superb orchestration and production helped this album a lot. As a whole, it’s a bit flabby, but on the strength of songs such as "Impossible" and "Tonight I Have to Leave It," Shout Out Louds not only expanded their sound, but they also matured a great deal in the songwriting department. (video: Music video for the song "Impossible")
47. The Hives
The Black and White Album
The curse of simply trying to do too much, The Black and White Album went in too many directions too quickly. That being said, there are a still a lot of fun moments to be had here, despite the uneveness that generally comes when a band deals with so many producers for a single album. (video: Music video for the song "Tick Tick Boom!")
46. Junior Senior
Hey Hey My My Yo Yo
Like The Go! Team, Hey Hey My My Yo Yo only suffers in that it is like a clone of their debut effort, and you know what they say about clones. Even if it’s not as good, there are lots of clever and fun moments that fans will surely enjoy, especially the single "Can I Get Get Get." (video: Music video for the song "Can I Get Get Get")
45. !!!
Myth Takes
!!!’s latest effort was much more immediate than their debut and had an instant likeability to it. Despite Myth Takes being their most accessible album, !!! still maintains a sound that’s very much their own. Very solid album. (video: Music video for the song "Must be the Moon")
44. Lily Allen
Alright, Still…
Incredibly talented, Lily Allen’s Alright, Still… also benefitted quite a bit from Mark Ronson’s slick productions which went hand in hand with her bubble gum approach. On songs like "LDN" and "Smile" she’s particularly infectious. Some people may never take her seriously, but she’s definitely deserves the attention she gets. (video: Music video for the song "LDN")
43. Rufus Wainwright
Release the Stars
Sonically, this is the biggest sound Rufus Wainwright has ever attained, and he almost pulls off a masterpiece here. There are moments that click but as a whole, he never quite gets the album going on all cylinders. Also, while the majority of songs have their own charm, they don’t come as easily as they did on his previous efforts. (video: Music video for the song "Rules and Regulations")
42. Talib Kweli
Ear Drum
Kweli’s was in top form once again lyrically, but damn was this album long. Between that and the constant delays in the release of the album, Ear Drum seemed pretty much doomed from the start, but Kweli always brings his A game, so at least there’s that. (video: features the song "Country Cousins" feat. UGK & Raheem Devaughn)
41. Beirut
The Flying Club Cup
The immensely talented multi-instrumentalist Beirut (real name Zach Condon) pretty much tweaks what he has already accomplished, and is probably an album or two away from his big-time masterpiece. Very unique stylistically, Beirut is one of the best kept secrets right now. (video: features Beirut and his backing band performing outside a café in Paris)
40. The New Pornographers
Challengers
Maybe we were all just expecting too much, but as much as I wanted to love this album, I couldn’t. Obviously, in making the top 40, it’s still very good, but it just doesn’t have that oomph that their previous releases did. (video: live performance of "My Rights Versus Yours" on David Letterman)
39. Klaxons
Myths of the Near Future
Unfortunately suffered from NME overexposure syndrome, the Klaxons definitely are a good band, but after the high expectations set, you can’t help but be disappointed. That being said, Myths of the Near Future is quite an intriguing debut album. Hopefully these guys won’t fade out as quickly as they came. (video: live in-studio performance of "Golden Skans")
38. Pinback
Autumn of the Seraphs
One of the most underrated bands around, Pinback’s Autumn of the Seraphs finds the band at their most confident. Additionally, their songs are much tighter than before. Zach Smith and Rob Crow have crafted yet another fine album. (video: features the song "Good to Sea")
37. Patrick Wolf
The Magic Position
He might be a bit out there, but you can’t deny the dude’s got talent. His somewhat kitschy The Magic Position shows a great deal of maturity as he continues to push the envolope of his music. A bit messy, Wolf’s music continues to impress nonetheless. (video: Music video for the song "Accident and Emergency")
36. Kanye West
Graduation
Even as something of a Kanye aplogist, it’s hard to label this album as something other than disappointing. The idea of incorporating electronic styles into his music was a superb one, it’s just that the execution wasn’t always there. Also, in some cases, the lack of depth in the production made not only Kanye’s lyrical flaws more apparent, but it also leaves one feeling a little cold (see "Drunk and Hot Girls" and "I Wonder"). So how could an album with those flaws rank this high? Well, the bright spots on the album almost outshine the mediocre moments, as many of Kanye’s best songs reside on this album. (video: features the song "Flashing Lights")
35. Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger
Ryan Adams continues to churn out solid albums with Easy Tiger being no exception. The Cardinals seem to elevate Adams’ sound, rounding out his country-rock sound superbly. While it would’ve been nice to see a rocker in addition to "Halloweenhead" to offset the slow stuff, Adams still impresses here. (video: Live in-studio performance of the song "Everybody Knows")
34. Brother Ali
The Undisputed Truth
The Undisputed Truth affirms what many already knew about Brother Ali– he’s one of the most consistantly striking artists in hip-hop, and is always sending a positive message. Songs like "Take Me Home" and "Uncle Sam Goddamn" in particular, are highlights. If you’re tired of the commercial stuff that’s out there, give this one a spin. (video: Live performance of the song "Take Me Home" from Conan O’Brien)
33. Interpol
Our Love to Admire
It’s surprising in some ways how slow Interpol has been to evolve, but there are definite signs of it here, three albums in as they add a bevy of horns and strings into the mix. While the single, " The Heinrich Manuever" is virtually indistinguishable from three other songs by them, it’s songs like the opener "Pioneer to the Falls," "Rest My Chemistry" and "Wrecking Ball" that show their gentle evolution. This is the kind of release that will please established Interpol fans as well as garner interest from others. (video: features the song "Pioneer to the Falls")
32. Tegan and Sara
The Con
This album still surprises the hell out of me. Such a well-done record from twins who appeared that they’d be counting on royalties from "Walking With a Ghost" for the rest of their lives, The Con shines. There’s little to no filler, and the songwriting is much improved as well. Any other year this album probably would’ve been ranked much higher. (video: Music video for the song "Back In Your Head")
31. The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The supergroup of Damon Albarn, Tony Allen, Paul Simonon, and Simon Tong proved to be quite successful, especially overseas. Produced by Danger Mouse, The Good, The Bad & The Queen is a bleak reflection of urban life in London. Anchored by the single "Herculean," this is a stunning effort. (video: live performance of the song "Herculean" from the Henry Rollins show)
30. Blu & Exile
Below the Heavens
Just about every year there’s a hip-hop artist that, seemingly out of nowhere, drops an absolute bombshell of an album. This year, it’s Below the Heavens, an absolutely beautiful debut that makes you wonder what these guys could do next. Blu is a terrific lyricist, while Exile’s productions are more than savvy enough to handle Blu’s dynamic approach. (video: Music video for the song "So(ul) Amazing")
29. Pharoahe Monch
Desire
After what felt like an eternity, Pharoahe Monch not only came back, but brought an album with him that serves as a reminder as why he was so revered to begin with. Already an accomplished lyricist, it was nice to see that Monch brought on the added punch of superb productions to push Desire into the forefront as one of the hip-hop albums of the year. (video: Music video for the song "Push")
28. The Shins
Wincing the Night Away
The Shins were definitely on cruise control on this one, truly playing to their strengths with each and every track. The result is a beautiful, shimmering album that definitely grows on you over time. It could’ve used a bit more variety, but it’s highly recommended nonetheless. (video: Music video for the song "Australia")
27. Queens of the Stone Age
Era Vulgaris
With the way some folks talk about Queens of the Stone Age now, you’d think they stopped making records after Songs for the Deaf. Yes, that was one hell of an album, but both Lullabies to Paralyze and Era Vulgaris are also very accomplished releases. Era Vulgaris in particular sees some of the edgiest moments to come from QotSA in a very long time, while slow burners like "Make it wit Chu" also are very worthwhile. (video: Music video for the song "Make it wit Chu")
26. Bruce Springsteen
Magic
The Boss was back with a vengeance on Magic, releasing a very tight 12-song set that is only hampered by the shoddy productions that compresses everything to mush. The lead single and opener "Radio Nowhere" sets the pace, with each following song offering up a wonderful blend of charm, nostalgia, politics, and flare for the dramatic. A very solid album, indeed. (video: Music video for the song "Long Walk Home)
Click here for the rest of the list!
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I’ve been constantly debating how to approach the film portion of my “Fuzzy Faves” list. The truth of the matter is the best movies that look to be released this year have yet to come to theatres. There are three big exceptions in No Country for Old Men, Juno, and Darjeeling Limited, but there’s just too much coming in the next two weeks for me to give an honest to goodness list. So with that in mind, I’ll instead offer a preview of films that should make everyones list as movies they should see while they’re still in theatres. In no particular order, I give you the Fuzzy Faves of 2007: Film edition.
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Yes, it’s that special time of year– and for our first installment I’ll be covering the top 25 songs of 2007. This is a pretty tricky process, and to make things fair, I’m going to do my best to refrain from repeats of songs by the same artist. Also, it should be noted that this list is in no way indicative of my top albums list. So on to the selections!
25. The Go! Team
The Wrath of Marcie
Proof of Youth
Sure, Proof of Youth was much of the same from the perpetually perky group The Go! Team. Despite that, "The Wrath of Marcie" is still an incredibly addicting song, and is the starting point for the list.
24. Iron & Wine
Boy With a Coin
The Shepherd’s Dog
Sam Beam won me over in finally adding a backing band to help diversify his sound a bit, and the handclap happy "Boy With a Coin" definitely exemplifies this case. The sleepy slide guitar and haunting vocals highlight this incredibly poignant song.
23. Andrew Bird
Simple X
Armchair Apocrypha
An absolute stunner of a song with an intricate drum machine-produced beat provided by Martin Dosh to match. Bird’s songwriting skills are also certainly at the forefront here, terrific tune.(Video is live from Bonnaroo)
22. Interpol
Rest My Chemistry
Our Love to Admire
While this album was a grower in every sense of the word, "Rest My Chemistry" was one of the few songs that immediately struck a chord. A decided evolution of their previous sound to be sure, it’s that particularly well-crafted guitar riff that makes this song so memorable.
21. Arctic Monkeys
Brianstorm
Your Favourite Worst Nightmare
Although the percussive intro reminds of DJ Shadow’s "Artifact," "Brianstorm" is a hell of a lot of fun and really is what helped warm this former Arctic Monkey hater’s cold, cold heart. A pulsing, rollicking good time.
20. Queens of the Stone Age
Turning on the Screw
Era Vulgaris
Setting the tone for the rest of the album, "Turning on the Screw" is a creepy, gutter-dwelling rocker. Frontman Josh Homme and Chris Goss produced the hell out of this album and it’s particularly evident here. The guitar rips with exquisite authority and every industrialized percussive note carries a definite weight.
19. The Shins
Spilt Needles (Alternative Version)
Phantom Limb
A much more urgent (and dare I say, nearly rocking?) version of what made it to the album, "Spilt Needles" is definitely catchy but also has a ton of staying power. It’s too bad this version didn’t make it to the album as it would’ve added some much needed spark that was missing from Wincing the Night Away.
18. Les Savy Fav
Patty Lee
Let’s Stay Friends
This dance-tastic track from Les Savy Fav somehow works despite (or perhaps because of) the offbeat delivery of Tim Harrington. The guitar glistens alongside, while the rhythm grooves along happily. A standout track from a fantastic effort, it’s hard to leave this one off the list.
17. Kanye West
Homecoming (feat. Chris Martin)
Graduation
Moral issues prevented me from putting "Stronger" on this list– adding words to an already existing song makes the case for disqualification. That being said, "Homecoming" isn’t being listed so much as a consolation, but rather as an option 1a, because it’s one of the few true standouts on the album, even with Chris Martin’s out of place guest appearance. Brownie points also for the song being about Chicago.
16. Of Montreal
Gronlandic Edit
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
One of the few immediately accessible tracks on this album, "Gronlandic Edit" is probably the most dance heavy track this side of "Wraith Pinned to the Mist…" Kevin Barnes’ falsetto vocals are spot on, and the liquid production flows along, mixing and matching when necessary. Somewhat spartan in arrangement, the wordplay and beat more than make up for it.
15. Justice
D.A.N.C.E.
†
Awesome music video (embedded above) aside, it took a little while for me to come around to them. That being said, it’s definitely grown, and is an incredibly catchy piece from a duo that plays their Daft Punk cards perfectly. A very fun song, particularly if it hasn’t been overplayed in your neck of the woods.
14. Sondre Lerche
Say It All
Phantom Punch
Sondre Lerche went from being known as the guy to never take a risk, to taking two giant back-to-back risks in his Duper Sessions wannabe jazz album and Phantom Punch. The latter effort is much more successful, and "Say It All" is one song in particular where everything comes together for him. Immensely catchy, "Say It All" always feels as if it’s on the brink of going overboard but it thankfully never does, as it’s continuously reigned in by its intricate arrangement.
13. Amy Winehouse
Rehab
Back to Black
At the rate Amy’s going, this song will probably define her life in more ways than one if it hasn’t already. That being said, you cannot let the side show that is her life override the fact that underneath that nasty beehive and epic layers of makeup is an extremely talented musician. Here, she’s at her best as she is tackling her demons head on through her music. She does the motown paint-by-numbers bit perfectly and does it while keeping some semblance of originality.
12. Josh Ritter
The Temptation of Adam
The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
A wondrously crafted piece that showcases Ritter’s skills as a songwriter, the song is literally a thematic balancing act of love and war. Every lyric comes loaded with metaphors and apocalyptic undertones that somehow never approach cheeky or cliché.(video from live performance Oct. 5, 2007)
11. Wilco
Impossible Germany
Sky Blue Sky
This song by far packs the biggest punch out of everything else on Sky Blue Sky, not only in terms of musicality (that guitar solo at the end is damn near perfect), but also lyrics. Sure, the repeated phrase "Impossible Germany, unlikely Japan" doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but there is a lot of weight behind the lyrics, and while the music is also great, the lyrics are where the inner beauty lie.(video from Austin City Limits performance)
10. The White Stripes
Icky Thump
Icky Thump
A gritty opener that didn’t disappoint despite all the hype, the White Stripes definitely kicked it up a few notches on "Icky Thump." This is the most dense their sound has been and also has some of the most pointedly political lyrics to escape Jack Whites lips. That organ is pretty insane, too.
09. Kings of Leon
Knocked Up
Because of the Times
This incredible seven minute opener makes it immediately apparent just how much Kings of Leon matured over the span of only a couple of years. The lyrics are rather simplistic, sure, but really, those guitars, Caleb Followill’s pained vocals, and Nathan Followill’s much improved drum playing create a tone that is mesmerizing. Shades of U2 to be sure, but with a ton of Southern flare added to the mix.
08. M.I.A.
Paper Planes
Kala
It’s pretty tough to go wrong when you’re sampling the Clash, but even so, M.I.A. is on fire here. With gun shots and cash registers emphasizing the chorus, M.I.A. proves she can do more than repeat her name in various (and slightly annoying) ways.
07. Feist
1234
The Reminder
Unfortunately suffering from a bit of overexposure (thanks, Apple), "1234" is something of a pop masterpiece. This is particularly apparent if you ever get the chance to see a live performance with her backing band– there are numerous layers here to be sure. Last, but certainly not least, this song, and the music video too, are fun as hell.
06. Arcade Fire
Neon Bible
Neon Bible
While not the obvious choice, "Neon Bible" encapsalates the entire album in the span of a mere two minutes. The vocals and strings linger over subtly pulsing drums, while the lyrics are particularly strong as well. Given the grandiose nature of the other songs on this album, it’s a pretty easy track to overlook, but if you listen to it once (especially on headphones) carefully, you’ll be hooked.(video of Arcade Fire playing live in an elevator(!), a definite must watch)
05. St. Vincent
The Apocalypse Song
Marry Me
This is such a fantastically written song, with its piercing strings and its smart arrangement. Annie Clark’s vocals are also particularly strong, especially in the last half of the song when the key change occurs. You wouldn’t think something called "The Apocalypse Song" could be so euphoric, but this song certainly is.
04. Modest Mouse
Dashboard
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Something of a departure from Modest Mouse’s typical song structure, "Dashboard" is something of a continuation thematically to "Float On" but is executed in such a powerful and confident manner that it’s hard to fault it. With strings and horns and God knows what else going on in the background almost competing with Isaac Brock’s barking vocals, there’s certainly a musical depth that hasn’t been seen from these guys before. Furthermore, there aren’t too many other Modest Mouse songs that are this much fun.
03. Spoon
The Underdog
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
First, Jon Brion did a hell of a job producing this song. Secondly, "The Underdog" is one of the catchiest songs Spoon has ever written and you can tell that they had a lot of fun doing this one. The simple guitar structure is offset by the triumphant horns that pretty much act as the chorus. Instantly memorable, instantly hummable, and the highlight on the equally outstanding Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.
02. Radiohead
Jigsaw Falling into Place
In Rainbows
Probably the most organic sounding track on the entire album, "Jigsaw Falling into Place" is almost entirely built around the quick-paced drumming of Phil Selway. There’s nothing too flashy here, just quality lyrics set to highly evocative music.
01. LCD Soundsystem
All My Friends
Sounds of Silver
An instant classic in my book, "All My Friends" is something of a "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" for people that actually went through puberty. The way the song just continues to build around the awesomely simplistic piano "riff" is mesmorizing as James Murphy continues to recall his youth. A song of true nostalgia in every sense of the word, "All My Friends" was an easy pick at #1.
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Hey kids, sorry for not being around for what feels like forever. I haven’t completely fallen off the face of the Earth, at least not yet, just been incredibly busy and haven’t really been up to writing lately. That’s gonna change though as I’ve actually been working on a Favorite Things list full of music and film recommendations (and other fun stuff) that will make Oprah’s list look silly (as if it didn’t already). Check for it in the next week. Until then, continue enjoying the archives.
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