Albums of 2007

So there are a lot of people blogging about their top lists of the year. And I mean lists of sports games & moments, tv shows, songs, albums, music videos, books, and movies, then movie catergories...like comedies, dramas, etc.

So I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon and state a few of my favorite albums of 2007. I don't think I will rank them b/c I just couldn't and I am not a music critic or snob...ven though some of you out there might think I am...I don't consider myself to be one. Especially not after some of the other blogs that I have read so far.

OK...here wa go!



Well OK...I will say the best album of the year for me was Wilco's Sky Blue Sky. If you really know me as a music fan you would know that Wilco is my favorite band. (BTW this is Isaac blogging, but I will mention some of Amy's favs too) I actually went to a midnight CD release party to purchase this album, I was that ready to get it. This record was mellowed down some compared to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot but it still had some rockin' tunes on it. Favorite tracks Impossible Germany, Either Way, and Hate It Here.



The Snake The Cross The Crown's Cotton Teeth
This is a band that Josh discovered and told me about. They are a great band with a sound that I like that is called Alt-Country. Josh and I got to see them live in Nashville and they put on a great show...just a bit disappointing that they weren't the headliners b/c they deserved it. Favorite tracks include The Great American Smokeout, Gypsy Melodies, Cotton Teeth, and Behold The River.





The Shins Wincing the Night Away
Great Great Great album! First Shins album I bought in it's entirety, I did have the 2 tracks from the Garden State soundtrack from 2004. This is an album I could listen to at any time. What's funny is that you can barely understand what James Russell Mercer is singing half the time but the music just keeps you hooked...it just makes you bob your head along with it. The first track just sets the mood for the album by it's slow start then just builds and builds and the fun never ends. I have played the heck out of this album! Favorite tracks include Sleeping Lessons, Australia, Phantom Limb, and Turn On Me.


Rilo Kiley's Under the Blacklight
I also just started listening to Rilo Kiley this year. I got this album then back tracked and got the album they put out before this one of 2007. I also plan on getting the other earlier albums. The music to this album is jut ridiculously melodic and dynamic. Jenny Lewis' voice is just amazing. The music is what caught me right off the back...it is one of the albums that I actually liked right off the bat after one listen, that is unusual. The music is awesome yet some of the lyrics are not so great, a lot of scandalous talk in the lyrics. Favorite tracks include Silver Lining, Breakin' Up, Under the Blacklight, 15 (love the horns not so much the lyrics), and Give a Little Love.


Jimmy Eat World Chase This Light
I like JEW too much to not include them in what I think is another great album to their already existent catalog.
Always bringing in the rockin' tunes that don't let you down. Many commutes to and from work blaring this album over the speakers. Favorite tracks include Big Casino, Feeling Lucky, Here it Goes, and Carry You.





Derek Webb's The Ringing Bell
Well Derek's album this year was a breathe of fresh air musically. He went to a style that was very reflective of the Beatles sound on their album Revolver. His lyrics, as always, did not disappoint and made you think, yet it asn't as deep as the previous Mockingbird. A great album made by, in my opinion, one of the best songwriters out there today. Favorite tracks include I Wanna Marry You All Over Again, Name (was featured on an epi of Grey's Anatony), and Can't Be Without You.



Brandi Carlile's The Story
Brandi Carlile is a very talented songwriter and singer that Amy and I really like. The rawness of her voice in which she does not hold back on is just so genuine and real. Then the twang of her voice and the music just belong together. It's beautiful. Favorite tracks include Late Morning Lullaby (try listening to this song and NOT liking her!), The Story, My Song, Cannonball, and Downpour.


Well, I only mentioned Amy in the last album but she really likes Rilo Kiley's album a lot and she does like this Wilco album too. I got her hooked on Wilco after we saw them at the Ryman in early 2006...that is still the best concert i have ever been too. The best part, we alreadyhave tickets to see them in March of this year at the Ryman again. Man, am I PUMPED!
OK...I hope some of you who don't know what any of these artist, albums, or songs are that you give them a listen and tell me what you think. And for sure let me know if you buy some!?!?

Well I am anxious to see what 2008 has in store for the music scene!