In no particular order...

1. Studio - Yearbook 1 2. Radiohead - In Rainbows 3. Cass McCombs - Dropping The Writ 4. The Clientele - God Save The Clientele 5. Young Galaxy - Young Galaxy (Hey - it's my band, I HAVE to include it!) 6. Foreign Born - On A Wing Now 7. James Blackshaw - The Cloud Of Unknowing 8. Tinariwen - Aman Iman (Water Is Life) 9. The National - Boxer 10. The Shocking Pinks - Infinity Land

And while we are on the subject of top albums of the year, I would like to express my bemusement at the Pitchfork year end lists, particularily the 'guest list best of 2007' which exposes what a ridiculously one-dimensional and insular world Indie Rock has become. Every band obligatorily lists Animal Collective, Black Dice, Liars, M.I.A., Panda Bear, Deerhunter and Deerhoof as their favorites. So much for the 'independent' thought part of being Indie. They all mention the same bands (of course it is only these kinds of bands that were asked to submit in the first place). And what the fuck happened to TUNES?? I am sick of hearing how life changing Animal Collective's music is - write a fucking song for Christ's sake! It isn't that Animal Collective and the other bands I mentioned aren't interesting or credible or valid for what they do, it's just that more often than not these days it seems that earnestness, or a genuine and direct expression of emotion is frowned upon in indie rock. Why is everyone so afraid of being moved? Where is the vulnerability? These bands seem insincere on some level, more interested in being clever than being emotionally genuine. Growing up, all I wanted from music was the feeling like I was part of a larger conversation, as if the band was reaching through the music to ask "Is It You?", leaving you feeling engaged and lit up. An emotional connection is made! What self-respecting lover of music doesn't want that? In the Pitchfork review of Radiohead's album, In Rainbows, they mention the track, "House Of Cards" as "the one weak link in the album's chain", though it's not elaborated upon. How could someone say that about this song?? Is it because they are uncomfortable with the Darlings of Smart Music making direct emotional statements? The line "I don't want to be your friend/I just want to be your lover" is such a beautiful, simple truth about how we all feel at some point in our lives. I defy anyone to find a moment as moving or real on an album like "Strawberry Jam" or "Friend Opportunity"! Those albums are just trying to get you to hold the mirror up for them. Self-indulgent twaddle. Don't be sucked in by the critics - they hold being clever in greater esteem than being honest because they are afraid of something - the end of the world, perhaps, or being exposed as the insecure, lonely people they so often are. They need to feel smarter than you. Reject it! The spirit of GOOD MUSIC is about forging your own paths, creating your own communities and languages. Break rules and take risks! Say what you really mean! Tell someone you love them even if you don't know if they love you back! It's the only way to live an authentic existence. I hope 2008 is a great year for music, I really do. I hope more bands take EMOTIONAL RISKS. There were far too few this year that did. So hats off to Radiohead, Cass McCombs, Tinariwen and the like for delivering emotionally heartfelt, complex and exciting albums! Expect more from the YG as well. We are heading into the studio in a couple weeks to star more recordings! Happy 2008!

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Comments

darmuzz says:

Umm, I like clever, ironic, twee music...and occasionally something heart-felt to bring me back to earth.

Posted 6 months ago | Delete

Marigold says:

well said Steve.

Posted 6 months ago | Delete

SunshineDaydream says:

"Live an authentic existence" is something to remember!

Great "emotional" post. I like your style.

(Thanks for the heads up Mari , sending sunshine your way ; )

Posted 6 months ago | Delete