Top 20 Albums of 2007

By July it was clear that 2007 was shaping up to be a great year for music. Personally, I spent tons of time searching out new artists and sorting through all the new music I could find. Compiling this list has been a 2-step process that began in January.
Phase 1: Find the newest releases. This was accomplished with the help of Sirius Channel 26, music blogs and friends, magazines, and Amazon. I read everything I could about artists I had never heard of.
Phase 2: Listen to entire albums to determine their overall and lasting impression. Sometimes this was done intentionally and on purpose. But I have long been extremely passionate about music, so music is the soundtrack to my daily activities. I generally listen to music while driving, working around the house, running and exercising, grilling on the deck, enjoying tasty beverages with friends, at the pool in Duck, and sitting at the computer. Some albums are tough to make it the whole way through. Some encourage repeat listenings over and over again. Some of these albums became routine favorites completely by accident. All of them remind me of people, places, trips, food, beverages, dogs, weather, and the other adventures that make up my existance.
I've thought alot about how I will feel about this list next year, or five years from now, or 40 years from now. But I think that's part of the fun. Will I be embarrassed by my choices or impressed with my ability to sort through the commercial crap to find true art? But enough already, let's see the list- in no particular order, followed by the top 5!

• The National - Boxer: I heard them on LOC, but it was Gus's stories and passion for the band that made me listen until I understood. "You were always weird but I never had to hold you by the edges like I do now."
• Amy Winehouse - Back to Black: Soul sounds that remind me of a time before I was born. And then a train crash that you can't stop watching.
• Bright Eyes - Cassadega: Wow. I've always respected his songwriting, but this album, to me, is a standout.
• The Good, the Bad, and the Queen: Supergroups sometimes suck (see Velvet Revolver), but this is for reals.
• Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank: Complicated and intense. Equal parts radio-friendly pop rock and melting, crashing oblivion.
• Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris: Great for running on a hot summer day. Hard rock that doesn't suck. This album made me dig into their back catalog, and I like what I've heard. How was I not a fan before?
• Wilco - Sky Blue Sky: Great classic rock - mellow and jammy. Fleeting moments of Allman Brothers greatness.
• The New Pornographers - Challengers: Phenomenal pop music. It reminds me of driving through Virginia in the sun on the way to a hurricane. "Here is the mutiny I promised you, and here is the party it turned into."
• Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger: Halloweenhead rules. Period. And the rest of the album is one you can just put on and let play. Again.
• Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight: Jenny Lewis moans her best fake orgasm Ah, Ah, Ah... Oh Yeah. I never heard of them until they graced the cover of Spin. Another great pop album, which also encouraged me to listen to their earlier efforts. I'm a fan.
• Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81: This is definitely not what I expected after seeing the name of the band. It's classic guitar-driven hard rock. I was afraid, but not anymore.
• Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer: Psychedelic insanity mixed with Prince. It has so much going on at once. These guys would be fun to see live. I've seen pictures of some interesting stage setups and costumes.
• Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil: Also a band I would like to see live - from a distance. They remind me of punk with a Beach Boys twist.
• Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block: Catchy tunes you can whistle. Some are annoyed, but I love it.
• Iron & Wine - The Shepherd's Dog: Soft and intense. Incredible songwriting. Just listen to it.
  
  #5 Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga: I've been waiting for this since 2005's Gimme Fiction. Great rock and roll music. Reminds me of summertime evenings just before dusk.

#4 The Bees - Octopus: Loads of fun that will release your inner hippie. Rockin' reggae funky grooves. You may want to dance around a little.#3 LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver: It took me several listenings to understand this, but I knew it was worth the effort. Modern-day genius. My most common choice for running. Just thinking about the beats makes me want to lace up my shoes, but it's snowing.

#2 Radiohead - In Rainbows: It's what I'm listening to right now. Disc 1 is awesome. Disc 2 is awesome. Everyone should listen to this album. Alot. Radiohead has been redefining music in the modern context since day one. Never mind the revolutionary online release for no predetermined fee. The songwriting is stuff no one else imagines. "Wakey wakey rise and shine."

#1 Band of Horses - Cease to Begin: Gus introduced me to their previous album. Band of Horses is like a cross between Neil Young, My Morning Jacket, and The Black Crowes. It's my favorite bands all wrapped into one. Haunting yet comforting. I can listen to this nonstop. It may not be as revolutionary or complicated as In Rainbows, but it's intense and pure. Straight up rock and roll from Seattle with a southern twist. This album could have been released any time during the last 40 years. It's universal.

So there you have it. RatBat Bear's Top 20 of 2007. Many albums deserve honorable mention nods, so here are a few: Interpol, M.I.A., Mark Ronson, Feist, Arcade Fire, The White Stripes, Bruce Springsteen, Great Lake Swimmers, Justice, Lifesavas and Clutch.

I can't wait for next year!