I noticed recently that the Internet, music festivals, movies,
television shows and even commercials have replaced radio as the place
I find new music. Should I be embarrassed to say that I bought a song
because I heard it on a commercial? In the past I think I would have
been, but now I think it’s OK. Mainstream radio is a joke with a big
dollar punch line, so the good stuff comes to us through different
channels now. What follows is the music I’ve
found and enjoyed most this year.
When I first decided to do
this, I underestimated how tough it would be to narrow it down. It was
painful to leave out things that I had found and loved this year that
had a release date prior to 2007. A part of me said rules be damned! So
what if Death Cab for Cutie’s Plans was released in 2005? It’s been
virtually everywhere in 2007. So what if Goldfrapp’s Black Cherry came
out in 2003? They weren’t on my radar until their music was featured in
the 2007 commercials for Verizon and “Nip/Tuck.†Imogene Heap’s Speak
for Yourself is an amazing artistic soundscape, and though I heard it
for the first time this year (during “The Last Kiss,†“The OC†and on
commercials for Apple and Verizon), sadly it turns out that it was
released in 2005.
No worries though, there are plenty of others to choose from.
These are my top 10 albums of 2007 in no particular order.
Arcade Fire, Neon Bible.
I like music that is uplifting. I’ve always found music to be the best
mood enhancer, and Arcade Fire is a great example. I was fortunate
enough to see them live at the Gorge during Sasquatch! Music Festival.
It was one of those “ah yes†moments. Their music is literally so large
and soars to such emotional heights that you could see them anywhere
and be moved, but if you see a band like that at the Gorge the
experience may change you forever.
urbanXchange’s compilation, Tacoma Mix 2007.
This album proves that there is metropolis size talent in this
underrated little city. I already wrote a whole column on this CD, so I
won’t bore you by repeating myself. If you’ve heard it, you know why
it’s on my list, and if you haven’t heard it you need to go get a copy.
Storm Large, Ladylike Side 1. This album is
chock-full of girl power, so it makes great shower singing material.
The CD features songs with the “Rock Star: Supernova†house band as
well as some with her band, The Balls.
Beehive, Pretty Little Thieves.
This album turns an ordinary kitchen floor into a discotheque in
minutes flat. I’ve written a column on this CD too. So here’s the
skinny: Watch out for this Seattle band; they are headed onward and
upward.
Feist, The Reminder. This is another
band that benefited greatly by a commercial deal. Her video for the
song “1,2,3,4†became an iPod commercial. I have a copy of the song “My
Moon My Man†from this album that is a remix done by Boys Noize. I
first heard it on KUPS, and right now it’s my favorite song.
Aaron Spiro, Cure.
Aaron Spiro has Coldplay size talent and really uplifting songs. I
first heard about him through friends. He writes songs that restore my
faith in mankind, and by mankind I mean men. If anyone ever says to me
again that all men are dogs, I am going to tie her up and make her
listen to this album. It’s absolutely beautiful from beginning to end,
and I don’t mean in a sappy Michael Bolton sort of way.
Radiohead, In Rainbows.
I read about this album online in the news. I was one of those people
who paid full price even though they allowed people to pay whatever
they wanted. I think this epic and sonic journey is worth every penny.
The Polyphonic Spree, The Fragile Army.
It’s the perfect album to spin while readying for your day. If this
music doesn’t reshape your mind in a positive fashion then a lobotomy
is in order. I first saw them at the Gorge during Sasquatch! Music
Festival.
Moozeke, Ultraminifest compilation of singer/songwriters from the Pacific Northwest.
Mocha Moo owner Jay Inokuchi invited his favorite local musicians to
submit songs for this compilation CD. There isn’t a single bad track on
it, and it has a variety of music styles. I like it so much that it’s
loaded on my iPod now.
Of Montreal, Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
At Bumbershoot last year Of Montreal was unknown to me, but apparently
about a million other people were already hip. There was a gynormous
crowd, so I could barely see what was happening on stage. What I could
see was people dancing â€" like everywhere. I later downloaded the album
from iTunes, and I’ve been bouncing around to it ever since.
What are your faves this year?