January 2, 2008
Lots of us are recovering from our New Year’s Eve debauchery and focusing on our resolutions for 2008. But, how can we forget good ol’ 2007?
For me, it was a wonderful year. There were so many great albums released over the past 12 months, and I didn’t quite realize it until I compiled my list of albums to contribute to the BTR DJs Top Albums of 2007 article (which went up on the site this past Monday).
I found it exceedingly difficult to narrow it down to just five albums, and narrowing it down to 10 tracks proved to be quite difficult as well. So, I made a master list, whittled it down after extensive time spent cuddled up with my iPod, and then produced the list below, which represents what I feel to be the best tracks released in 2007.
1) Gronlandic Edit
by of Montreal
Frontman Kevin Barnes really opens up on Of Montreal’s 2007 release, Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?. He moves away from the abstract lyrics of past albums and into concrete thoughts; an all-exposed mode. In fact, the entire album is a peek into his brain.
After separating from his wife, Barnes headed to Norway, where he penned the album. But there is no boo-hoo, woe-is-me sappiness to be found. Instead we get an agitated, frazzled and (at some points) straight-up pissed off Kevin Barnes. And these emotions are not just found within the lyrics, but within the delivery as well. At times he seems frustrated, almost mocking the world around him and himself.
An example of this is my number one track for 2007, “Gronlandic Edit,” in which Barnes divulges his feelings on higher powers, expressing consternation over choosing a god. It seems odd that a poppy, dance tune could produce such a deep message, but it does, and with style. In typical Of Montreal fashion, the arrangement of the vocals is astounding and Barnes’ vulnerability completes the package.
2) Atlas
by Battles
I’m a lyrics person, hands down. I’d say 95% of the time, the first thing that strikes me about a song are the lyrics. I enjoy a good beat and melody just as much as the next guy, (and I think it’s a given that most great tracks have all of these elements) but I can almost overlook poor production or an off-key voice for a song that is cleverly worded. “Atlas” by Battles is one of the rare exceptions in my musical tastes.
The first time I heard the track I was transported into another realm. The music led me into a fantasy world and opened up a creative part of my brain I barely knew existed. I truly didn’t feel like myself, but in a totally good way. In complete contrast to my normal listening patterns, I was bowled over and awestruck after my initial encounter with “Atlas,” yet I couldn’t tell you a single lyric from the song.
Now that I am more familiar with the track and its lyrics (which are quite sparse and repetitive) I must say they were spot on. The lyric most repeated in the song is “People won’t be people when they hear this sound,” and that could not be more exact.
3) Anyone
by Joan As Police Woman
“Anyone” can be found on Joan Wasser’s album, Real Life, which was released overseas in 2006. It was released in the United States in 2007 and that is when I became hooked. The disc has many great songs (“Christobel,” “Real Life,” “I Defy”) but for some reason this track really hits home with me. The words “Anyone can see through me, but you’re not anyone,” are so simple, yet beautifully crafted and elegant, which is really how I feel about the entire track.
4) Story Of My Life
by The Ones To Blame
“I’m flat broke and I ain’t got shit to show for it.” That would be the opening line to the Gainesville, Florida-based alt-country quartet’s track “Story of My Life”. And, if you’re like me you’re probably thinking, “well, damn! That’s the story of my life too!” The song goes on to depict thoughts and stories which are the remnants after a night of heavy drinking. The all female group harmonizes their way through a fantastically candid memoir that we can all relate to.
5) The Way I Am
by Ingrid Michaelson
You can’t go wrong with great bass. Then add some bongos, and you’re damn near in heaven. Now, add a sincere voice and an acoustic guitar, perhaps some peppy clapping and you’ve got the makings of a hit. Made popular by an Old Navy commercial, Ingrid Michaelson’s track “The Way I Am” is about the unselfishness you feel when you’re completely in love, and the comfort of knowing that your partner accepts you the way you are.
6) You’re Supposed To Be My Friend
by 1990s
Straight up poppy, Brit-rock, crazy, fun! It’s impossible to listen to this track and not smile, you’ll also be dancing around, chanting along, and jumping up and down. Make sure your first listen is behind closed doors while no one is watching.
7) Don’t You Evah
by Spoon
Indie rock darlings Spoon did it again with their 2007 release Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, and by ‘it’ I mean succeeded on every account. The album doesn’t really have a low point but one of the highest is the hit “Don’t You Evah”. It’s an irresistible tune that will have you headed to the store to purchase the rest of the abum!
8 ) 100 Days, 100 Nights
by Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings
Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings capture a sound straight out of the 1960’s. Their album 100 Days, 100 Nights could easily have been released back in 1967, but lucky for us it was released 40 years later. The group is making a name for themselves in the indie music scene with stellar live performances and an undeniably spectacular sound. The title track off their latest release is one of the best of the year for sure.
9) Elodie
by Tommy Wallach
The song, “Elodie” has lyrics both in English and French, but don’t worry if you are not fluent in the latter. California-based artist Tommy Wallach has that covered. He actually has a video for the track, which is a tutorial of sorts. The video was my introduction to the track but I think I would have been just as hooked on it had I come across it in MP3 form. It’s a deliciously fun tune.
10) The Country Life
by The Silver Seas
The Silver Seas frontman Daniel Tashian composed the track “The Country Life” based on a genre of music many indie musicians of today probably have not even considered as a style of music, much less one relevant for an album in the year 2007. The genre is 1970s TV sitcoms, and it may sound odd at first, but Tashian was on to something because this track is both catchy and fun. It’s one you’ll get stuck in your head over and over again, but you’ll be glad it’s there.
All of these tracks can be heard on BreakThru Radio!!
by Emily Smith