It's been a while... best of 2007

Best albums of 2007:

1. The Nobility- The MezzanineFormerly known as Jetpack and Jetpack UK, these local boys have dropped one of the best records the Nashville rock community has seen in many years. Sean Williams' songwriting really "hit the spot" on this album. The strong Kinksy feel of the songs is only bolstered by the relatively simple and straight-forward analog production style of Murfreesboro producer/engineer Brian Carter. The masterful songcraft, full yet concise instrumentation, and simplistic production style all come together in just the right places to make this a very satisfying listen. The rotating cast of bass players hasn't hindered their live show, either.

2. Miracle Fortress- Five RosesMiracle Fortress is the brainchild of Graham Van Pelt from the Montreal band Think About Life. The album was recorded in his home and has a bit of a lo-fi vibe, yet the songs are somewhat complex in their instrumentation and arrangements. The songs have quite obvious Beach Boys and Phil Spector influences and feature lush vocal harmonies and plenty of reverb. Overall it's a very satisfying and soothing listen that can both lift the mood of a rainy day or boost that of a lazy sunny afternoon.

3. Justice- CrossDancing suddenly became cool for hipsters this year, and no indie dance party was complete without the hit single D.A.N.C.E. from this breakthrough debut album. These two French DJs seem to have defined the sound of "indie dance music" with their hard, thick beats, gritty synth lines, and strobe-like vocal stabs. It's rare that I'd put an all-electronic album on my "best of" anything list, but the shorter, more traditional song structure makes this album appeal to my taste. They even managed to D.A.N.C.E. their way to a grammy nomination.

4. Black Lips-Good Bad Not EvilThese Atlanta garage rockers had slipped under my radar until my spring radio interns in 05 turned me on to them. This album is much more polished and poppy than their previous material, but in my opinion that doesn't hamper the quality of the album. Obviously more radio-friendly and "accessible" than anything they've done to date, this album has only broadened their fanbase and with all the touring they've done over the past year, probably allowed them to quit their day jobs.

5. LCD Soundsystem- Sounds of SilverThe second effort of New York dance mogul James Murphy is an easy choice for everyone's top albums of 07. This guys really knows how to lay down some grooves and though I find myself regularly skipping some of the tracks on this album, overall it's a winner in my book. It doesn't quite have the effect that his breakthrough self-titled debut had, but it doesn't disappoint, either.

6. Glossary-Better Angels of Our NatureThese local Americana boys (and girl) cranked out yet another phenomenal record full of well-crafted songs, and gave it all away for free. They made a statement (coincidentally around the same time Radiohead released "In Rainbows" digitally for whatever the hell you wanted to pay for it) by offering the record for free digitally on their website, and it was so well-recieved that it crashed the server. This album is somewhat lighter-hearted than the heavey-handed "For What I Don't Become," as the band seems to develop and progress in all the right ways.

7. White Stripes-Icky ThumpJack and Meg made a serious statement that they aren't quitting anytime soon and still rock like they always have. I just hope Jack can keep from going crazy with all the projects he's rumored to be involved with... movies, other bands (including but not limited to The Raconteurs).

8. Arcade Fire-Neon BibleThis album took Arcade Fire from "pretty cool new indie band" to "HUGE indie superstars that went almost mainstream." Oh hell... let's face it, they are mainstream... they played a song onstage with The Boss afterall. They haven't let their success affect their lives in a negative way, however, as they're taking a year or so to cool off from the intense touring of 2007. As an album, I'm not sure if I can say I like more or less than "Funeral," but it's worthy of mention here nonetheless.

9. Spoon- Ga Ga Ga Ga GaYet another great, solid album from Britt Daniel & co. I can't say much about them because I'm relatively new on the "Spoon scene," but this album is worth every penny.

10. Of Montreal- Hissing Fauna,...Although not their best work in my humble opinion, this album is a very strong and personal statement of frontman Kevin Barnes, and he needed to make this record. It's easily the darkest of the whole O.M. catalog, and it's main characteristic is Barnes' lyrics that take a much deeper, more personal turn than ever before. Say goodbye to the whimsical, circus-like dreamland of his older material. Say hello to the REAL Kevin Barnes, having REAL life issues and sorting through them lyrically.