Ok, in keeping with my "25 Most Played Albums from 2006". I feel like it's past due but still going to do 2007's before I start on 2008's in a few months. I really enjoy looking back on the releases as a whole year's worth instead of just popping up all the ones the media tells me to 6 months into the year. These maybe are not the "best" albums of 2007, but they are the ones I personally have listened to over and over and over to date. The number one slot is debateable on 2007 or 2008, but I got it in 2007 for 8 bucks off their site, and so it will go on this list- it's actually so good I'll probably throw it in 2008's as well! Well, without any further rambling, here is my list of most played albums released in 2007:
[TOP 25]
[1] Radiohead - In Rainbows [Oct 10 2007 (digital)]
[2] Rogue Wave - Asleep At Heavens Gate [Sept 18 2007]
[2.5] Manchester Orchestra - Like A Virgin Losing A Child [July 24 2007]
[3] M.I.A. - Kala [June 5 2007]
[4] Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga [July 10 2007]
[5] Peter Bjorn & John - Writer's Block [Feb 6 2007]
[6] Bright Eyes - Cassadaga [April 10 2007]
[7] Kings Of Leon - Because Of The Times [April 2 2007]
[8] Paramore - Riot! [Jun 12 2007]
[9] Band Of Horses - Cease To Begin [Oct 9 2007]
[10] Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone [Jul 10 2007]
[11] Cobra Starship - ¡Viva La Cobra! [Oct 17 2007]
[12] Matt Pond PA - Last Light [Sept 25 2007]
[13] The Killers - Sawdust [Nov 13 2007]
[14] Matt Costa - Unfamiliar Faces [Oct 8 2007]
[15] Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger [June 26 2007]
[16] Iron & Wine - Shepherd's Dog [Sept 25 2007]
[17] Menomena - Friend and Foe [Feb 13 2007]
[18] LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver [March 20 2007]
[19] Feist - The Reminder [May 1 2007]
[20] Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare [April 24 2007]
[21] The Shins - Wincing The Night Away [Jan 23 2007]
[22] Arcade Fire - Neon Bible [March 6 2007]
[23] Saves The Day - Under The Boards [Oct 30 2007]
[24] Eddie Vedder - Into The Wild [Sept 18 2007]
[25] Straylight Run - The Needles The Space [Jun 19 2007]
[1] Radiohead In Rainbows | released: October 10, 2007 (digital)
This album is hands the best release of 2007, and possibly 2008. It restored my faith in this band and honestly I can't get enough of it, ever. I love the approach of this record with the digital release ending their 10 year contract and starting fresh with themselves as the boss- the freedom is felt through this recording and I for once really feel like I get a true Radiohead album without the politics of consumerism. The album was physically released in January 2008 and despite practically giving the album away, it still managed to out sell most artists in 2008.You can also watch all the songs performed in the band-made film "Scotch Mist" (watch it on youtube here) If after you see it there and still don't like it, then it's probably not for you.
[2] Rogue Wave Asleep At Heaven's Gate | released: September 18, 2007
This album is only number 2 because In Rainbows is so damn awesome. This Rogue Wave album is by far the most mature and well thought in their catalog and it really gets better with every listen. There are so many dynamics to this collection of songs that I get so hooked when it comes on I really can't take it out until it's over- and that to me is a great album.
[2.5] Manchester Orchestra Like A Virgin Losing A Child | released: July 24, 2007
I do this every time I make one of these huge lists; forget one. It's always one that makes me go "SONOFA!" when I realize that I left it out. So this time instead of bumping one out, I'm making it a co-number 2, or "2 and a half" on the list. Like A Virgin Losing A Child is an incredible album by Atlanta indie rockers Manchester Orchestra. I saw this band live as the first time I'd ever heard them opening for the co-headlining tour of Say Anything / Saves The Day in ATL last summer. They were amazing, and I never love the opener, "so this is really something", I thought to myself while walking over to purchase their album at the merch stand. I have since played this album literally millions of times and cannot wait to hear their new release scheduled for early 2009. I have since seen them live again at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and was even more impressed by their presence and growth. You will hear more from this band guaranteed, and until you do, go pick up their debut now and begin enjoying these great heart-felt indie tales mixed with soaring accompniments.
[3] M.I.A. Kala | released: June 5, 2007
Fun, Fun and more Fun is what you get with any M.I.A. album, and this second release really put her on the map. Not only did she blow up in her underground cool-kid way, she brought that eclectic-genius to the mainstream audience and as of now, shows no sign of slowing down or selling out. If you want a unique album with some of the phattest beats around, look no further than Kala. It makes parties better, food tastier, and gets you shouting random sounds quicker than a see-n-say.
[4] Spoon Ga Ga Ga Ga | released: July 10, 2007
If you love Spoon, I don't know how you can't love this album; but I got on the Spoon-train a little late. Regardless, this thing is a masterpiece of retro-rock influenced indie-pop. The recordings are warm, the vocals and lyrics top notch and I can't even hear the bass line from "Don't You Evah" without dancing wherever I am. It's an album I keep on every hard drive I own just in case you need to throw on some hang out music- Spoon has you covered with 40 minutes of bliss. I'd recommend any of their releases, but this one really had me at hello.
[5] Peter Bjorn & John Writer's Block | released: February 6, 2007
This is to-date my absolute favorite album to play at home. Whether it's making dinner, early breakfast, cleaning, studying, or just hanging out in the wee-hours, Writer's Block will eventually take you where you want to go. I have to admit I was not into this album on the first few listens, but I kept coming back for the smash "Young Folks" and eventually it did the 'trick' on me- you know the one where now that song is probably my least favorite on the album. It's still a great track, don't get me wrong, but the rest just popped out of nowhere like "Up Against A Wall" with its smokin' bass line or even the quirky "Amsterdam" it all found a special place in my musical heart. It's as if on one listen I got it, so if you're willing to put in the time, this album WILL pay off, I promise.
[6] Bright Eyes Cassadaga | released: April 10, 2007
Of course I love Bright Eyes, what's not to love? This guy keeps coming at you with everything he has to give, and it comes through in the music. This release is no different. While still sharing the indie-twang of I'm Wide Awake, And It's Morning, Conor Oberst goes even further down the folk-rabbit hole on Cassadaga and keeps pushing boundries of what "indie" music can be. There's not a track on this album that isn't worth a listen and it all flows so well together as a whole idea. One thing Bright Eyes always gives you is a well thought album, and never a bunch of songs sharing a media bin. If all song writers could give us this kind of descriptive narrative and not skimp on the backbone too, we'd have a lot more classics out there.
[7] Kings Of Leon Because Of The Times | released: April 2, 2007
After Aha Shake Heartbreak, I didn't think there could ever be an album they could make that I would listen to as often in their catalog, but Because Of The Times has proven me wrong. It's a perfect partner in crime for them and no KoL collection is complete without this underrated album. They go above and beyond their preset bouncy-raw limitations and bring you an epic rock album here, full of every kind of rock song you want on said album. This album is up there on the rock scales with a Van Halen release from back in the day; the crowd loves it, you love it, and everyone's rocking out in harmony. Kings Of Leon are rock and roll these days; and I hope they never forget it.
[8] Paramore Riot! | released: June 12, 2007
OMG! is all I can muster up here. I'm actually sad that this album is number 8, and even sadder that I love it so much. I always preached for years how so few "girl bands" actually rocked it like a guy band- and the one's that did always kinda sucked anyway but Hayley Williams fronts this band like a champ! Their live show is great and the band is so killer together. Finally a girl-fronted band that is still marketable to guys- for rock, not for just hot girls; it truly is an accomplishment. Granted, she's nothing to sneeze at, but the overall package of this group is all about rock and energy and I dare you to put this album on, crank it up, and not enjoy it- it's that much fun. So get off your too-cool horses, drink a redbull and air guitar on your desk with a real power pop act that comes through.
[9] Band Of Horses Cease To Begin | released: October 9, 2007
Still so in love with their debut, Everything All The Time, but this new album seemed a bit rushed to me on some songs. Having said that, I still find myself loving this album and playing it back to back with the first release all the time- they're that good. Tracks like "General Specific" stand out to me for a variety of reasons and keep me interested in the progression of this band. Although, much like fellow Seattle natives Rilo Kiley did with the song "Pictures Of Success" on their debut, I wonder if this band will ever give up on "The Funeral" sound and go a whole new direction. Regardless, after hearing the range on this second album I think anything is possible. I enjoy all their many faces and just hope they keep on keeping on for album number 3.
[10] Explosions In The Sky All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone | released: July 10 2007
If you are familiar with this band then stop reading- you probably own and love this album, it's always good from EITS. I love everything they do and love knowing I'm getting a great piece of experimental post-rock with every album. These guys do the instrumental rock thing better than anyone out there. (debatable I know, but it's my blog) If there was anything better to put on for work music, I'd have found it by now- and this is your answer. If you don't have anything by these guys I highly recommend this album, or any other one of their albums! You will love the atmosphere they create and I got one more word for you; headphones.
[11] Cobra Starship ¡Viva La Cobra! | released: October 17, 2007
This is one cheesy-goofy-fun-incredible-dancy-powerpop album. I think it's a measure of this band just how far they can push the pop-indie boundry and pull it back around to underground. It baffles me what I'm even talking about at this point, but that's exactly what ¡Viva La Cobra! will do to you. I know that what these guys (and gal) are doing here is unique, high eneregy and fun as crap to listen to! It even inspired me to start a series of "Apathy Dance" mixes to get more of this fun-style into a great mix with other bands rocking the indie-dance scene. I embrace the indie-dance-pop movement, if it's as good as this album!
[12] Matt Pond PA Last Light | released: September 25, 2007
This album I got on iTunes one day when I realized I didn't have Several Arrows Later on my work computer (which is my all-time favorite MPPA release). I remembered buying the pre-EP for this album If You Want Blood and then plumb forgot about its release. The EP is really great, so if you're looking to sample this without buying the whole thing, I highly say DO it. Well back to my realization, I was excited to find out not only was Last Light on iTunes, and not only did it have like 21 tracks on it, but also they were playing in Nashville that very night! I almost couldn't find a buddy to go, but my friend Bryan (local metal frontman for Destroy Destroy Destroy) came through in the pinch. I'm pretty sure he'd never heard them, but we had a blast at the low-key show. In fact, 8 PBR's later and we were yelling horseshit! everytime they stopped playing- ok, its really not funny to anyone but us- and the bass player who was just excited to see people having a grand time in the empty venue full of boring fans. Last Light is totally in keeping with any Matt Pond PA release and is quality from start to finish- I recommend any/all of their releases- and live shows! (just be sure to drink too much and acta fool, they love it) So to all that haven't heard or seen Matt Pond PA, make that a fall resolution and go get you some today.
[13] The Killers Sawdust | released: November, 13 2007
Even though it's full of B-sides, this album is a solid listen and it actually packs more of a punch than their last release, Sam's Town, which I found a tad boring in parts. Neither have the full-on excitement of Hot Fuss but I remain a loyal Killers fan to date. Sawdust is a must have for anyone in need of a Killers boost in between the 'new album period lulls', and the track "Shadowplay" is just incredible; not to mention the alt. versions of some old classics and demos; always a plus. I walked by this album for months before picking it up and regret it, next time you do the same thing, just grabit- you won't be disappointed.
[14] Matt Costa Unfamiliar Faces | released: October 8 2007
I was late on this album, but kept getting it recommended by different friends so I finally bought it on the cool-kid Target end cap for 7 or 8 dollars. I'm pretty sure I didn't take it out of my player in my car for about 3 weeks. It was love at first listen and I was hooked by the range and the refreshing-ness of his style. Matt Costa has "it"- whatever that means. This album is very catchy, but not in the way you'd think. I had no idea I'd end up liking some of the tracks as much as I did. I guess you can't judge a book by its cover and if you are open to just plain good music, you can't go wrong with Matt Costa's Unfamiliar Faces.
[15] Ryan Adams Easy Tiger | released: June 26, 2007
I'm actually punishing Ryan Adams a little by putting this album at 15, it is a reeeeeally good album- I think I'm just about over this guy though. I mean, Whiskeytown was great, his solo albums to date are superb (Heartbreaker, Gold) but one can only take so many random albums in 2 years that are completely different than anything he's done- and that he espects us to keep up and buy them all! I imagine he writes about 30 songs a week, but just because you write that much doesn't mean you need to release everything! Jeesh, I got back on board with this solo release, but I have not kept up with his up-teen million Ryan Adams & the So and So... releases. My advice, if you have no idea about Ryan Adams, go buy Heartbreaker and absorb that for a while, then the rest is a gamble based on taste. As for Easy Tiger, I think it's a solid release and I listen to it fully and often. That's the thing about Ryan Adams, even after he drinks too much and jams through a live show without playing a single song you recognize, you pop in a studio album and just can't seem to quit him.
[16] Iron & Wine Shepherd's Dog | released: September 25 2007
This is by far the most exciting Iron & Wine release- if that intrigues you, good. If you're looking for the same ole thing, it's not going to be delivered on this album. I love the forward moving on this, and the instrumentation is so full and all over the place you almost can't pick it a part as to what instrument is doing what- its organic, and it almost forces you to listen to it in an organic way. If that made sense, awesome- if not, its a good album all the way through so no 'chance' in purchasing this gem, do it today and have a glorious porch evening with this perfect outdoor soundtrack.
[17] Menomena Friend and Foe | released: February 13, 2007
I had to start this album to hear the drums on the first track just because I'm looking at it. If you aren't completely sucked into this album by the first track, "Muscle'n Flo" then you won't like this band at all. That song and the ones to follow make a great, original album that I come back to on a weekly basis. It just makes me happy, and there is alot of range too- not just bouncy fun, but serious tones leak through many of the tracks. I may not know what they are singing about all the time, but I know I don't have to, Menomena are here to make cool music, and they deliver on Friend and Foe.
[18] LCD Soundsystem Sound of Silver | released: March 20 2007
Dancy beats, chunky guitars, and sarcasm for days- you can't go wrong with what many people find as one of the best albums of 2007. I love this record but had to feature some other players above this since I know this album got plenty of kudos for its awesomeness. This original mix of genres and ideas will stand firm as a classic album for years to come, I hope their follow up can handle it. North Americans unite, and dance!
[19] Feist The Reminder | released: May 1, 2007
Another album that should probably be higher up on the list, but again I have alot of good picks! What a voice on this gal, and I've been enjoying her on Broken Social Scene and Kings Of Convenience tracks for years. This second solo album hit gold though somehow. I don't think I've heard an album that could hit so many demos as The Reminder has touched. My mother loves this album, my wife, me, my 15 year old cousin- it's just super crazy how good it is and how universal. Just goes to show you how if it truly is good music, it will be accepted by all.
[20] Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare | released: April 24 2007
Talk about a killer start and finish, these guys almost made my 2006 list with their debut, and I cannot even try to bump Favourite Worst Nightmare from the 2007 list. It has energy, good lyrics, and of course that accent you can't help but imitate in the car- ok, maybe that's just me. At any rate, this album delivers fast-paced, well-written pop from across the sea and plops it right in your face. It's better loud and it's better sooner than later- the Arctic Monkeys are here to stay; this second album is proof.
[21] The Shins Wincing The Night Away | released: January 23, 2007
I may be over The Shins- it's yet to be determined. I do know that I wore this album out in the first part of 2007, so like it or not- it's on the list. I haven't been able to listen to it in quite sometime, but I tend to do that with albums sometimes. I will say it still is a good album and I stand by it for the books. I do enjoy the first 2 releases a bit more, but this one definitely has its moments of brilliance.
[22] Arcade Fire Neon Bible | released: March 6, 2007
The Arcade Fire came on the scene hard with their debut, Funeral, and changed the format of indie music. This next release by them is another one I wore out in early 2007 that got mucho spins in my life for a good while. I actually still love this album but it is not for everyone. This eclectic mix of a band is quite odd and their subject matter is very interesting to me, but I could see it not really getting too mainstream- which many fans of this act probably dig. It's not so much everyday music as a mood-album for me. I do like to use tracks off of this album for mixes still to date.
[23] Saves The Day Under The Boards | released: Oct 30, 2007
I will always support this band for the first 4 albums they brought into my life, but I think it's safe to say that after you lose most of your band and re-build it, things change. This album however is really good! Tracks like "Kaleidoscope" and "Get Fucked Up" will hit you from the start, but it took me many many listens before I got it to click over completely. But man- once it did it really took hold of me. Also, to date, you will not find a frontman with as much dedication to his fans as Chris Connely; Chris you are a champ. Through video blogs, email requests, text mesages, you name it, this guy is in touch with his core fanbase and actually listens to them. I highly recommend starting with the album Through Being Cool if you are a Saves The Day newb, but otherwise- try out Under The Boards- it really has its moments that can stand up to any Saves The Day release.
[24] Eddie Vedder Into The Wild | released: September 18, 2007
This album is officially the soundtrack to the movie, Into The Wild and is one of the best soundtracks in my collection. I usually love soundtracks for the mix of ideas and artists, but I think given the tone of the movie, they couldn't have chosen a better one man show than Eddie Vedder. I'll preface that by saying what a huge Pearl Jam fan I was back in the day, so I know a little about the guy. This is by far the most interesting work he's done in years. Even if you're not fond of Pearl Jam, or Eddie Vedder's voice, I really think one listen of this soundtrack may change your mind about this guy. I didn't even think he had this in him given the last few Pearl Jam releases, but this soul he's been hiding could hide no more on his solo work; Eddie- good job on this album!
[25] Straylight Run The Needle The Space | released: June 19, 2007
I don't even know how this album is last, I freaking love this release so much. Perhaps someone will read these backwards and it will be a nice surprise. This album has a great sound to it, and I'm a sucker for the girl/guy combo vocally. But aside from that, the vibe of this recording is just plain awesome and I really enjoy listening to it all the way through. It's great at work, in the car, anywhere you want some quality lyrics and music. I just hope these guys keep pushing this thing more and more because so far they haven't failed in my book, and I love the new stuff every time I hear it.
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