28 December 2007

Top 10 Songs and/or Albums of 2007

10. Feist: "1 2 3 4" - Fantastic breakout for the Canadian anti-folkie and former Broken Social Scene member. Questionable move to allow Apple iPod to use her song and video for their commercial (Selling out? But it's Apple, they're the anti-man.), but a beautiful cheery simple little tune that I don't mind getting stuck in my head. Her follow-up "My Moon My Man" also is quality.

9. Neko Case: Fox Confessor Brings the Flood - Although this came out last year, this has been a big year for Americana and her appearance at Austin City Limits really pushed her to the forefront of the genre. Still working with The New Pornographers, Neko's star shines bright into 2008.

8. Adele: "Hometown Glory" - Londoner Adele garnered loads of radio play based on her mySpace offering in 2007. Brilliant singer with soul, expect lots to come from Adele.

7. Band of Horses: Cease to Begin - This was a great find with regular rotation on BBC 6 Music and Sirius 26 Left of Center. Hints of Americana in this Indie band. Wonderful stuff.

6. The Arcade Fire: Neon Bible - A wonderfully diverse and big sound from this Canadian "gang". I was fortunate enough to catch the PBS Austin City Limits and see the intensity and change of instrumentation (hurdy gurdy to accordion to percussion) on this accomplished group. A huge year for these fine young men and women from Montréal, we haven't seen the last of them, no matter how big they get.

5. Bloc Party: "The Prayer", "Flux" - Fine dance-oriented rhythms from Bloc Party. I once posted that the Red Sox should play "The Prayer" in the locker room pre-game on Surviving Grady, someone must have been reading because after I did, they went on a fantastic winning streak. Guaranteed to hype you up.

4. Sigur Ros: "Hiljomalind" - More gloriousness from what you would expect from Sigur Ros. This single was released this fall prior to an acoustic tour, which made a stop in Camden, London for the BBC Electric Proms. Chills. Every time I listen to Sigur Ros.

3. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss: Raising Sand - Ok, I know what I said about Led Zeppelin a few weeks ago, but this combination is absolutely brilliant. A different twist on Americana - a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. I don't think I'll grow tired of this album any time soon.

2. Editors: An End Has a Start - Sophomore effort from Birmingham's Editors doesn't disappoint. Having heard this album first before their debut The Back Room, I can see the forward progression in their musicianship, and I have made them my new favorite band.

So why haven't I made Editors my #1? Because:

1. British Sea Power: "Waving Flags" - From the upcoming 2008 album, this anthemic single reminiscent of Embrace has really summed up the year for me. Such a euphoric feeling comes from this track and I can't hardly wait at all for the full length album. British Sea Power really rivals Editors for being my favorite new band, but I simply must wait for the new album to be able to make that distinction.

Next time: Movies of 2007!

12 comments:

Jayne said...

I have the feist song on my MP3 player and I really like it.

However part of the song seems to morph into the theme tune for 'Steptoe & Son', an old comedy show over here.

I'll find a link so you can play it... hang on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lQad3ah16w&feature=related

It nearly puts me off the song, but apart from that I like it.

Happy interim between Christmas and new Year!!

Ted D said...

Stephen, just like the other list, I've got no clue. Sorry man.

O *

The circle represents the loop.

The star is me, out of the loop.

Have a good weekend, man.

Redbeard76 said...

It's all right Ted, stick to the classics, you can't go wrong there either.

Jayne, thanks for Steptoe & Son - "My Old Man is a Tory" - LOL loving it!

Sparkle Plenty said...

HA! Steptoe & Son!

Lookin' forward to the movie list!

Tex said...

Ted you are a riot. Stephen if it doesn't have c&w next to it...Ted has no idea. Glad to see you mention the ACL festival! I've attended the last 3 years...the last 2 with Soxonthebeach off SG. I live 3 blocks from where the festival is held.

on another note...don't know if you saw but you and Ted are glorified on SG now. I just want to know what kind of trash ya got on Renton to pull that off ;)

Ted D said...

Stephen, we made the show! And if you promise not to tell what you've got on Renton I'll do the same.

Redbeard76 said...

We made the big time! Sort of... but hey, I'm in the same section as Curt Schilling's blog. What a surreal feeling, knowing that there may have been a chance that Red or Denton have seen this site. Someday Tex, you too will make the list too.

I know I've strayed from focus on Red Sox in the off season as this blog has evolved from initially being a game journal, but I think it's better this way, as I'm pulling from all kinds of diverse influences. But I promise you, the reader, there will be much in store for 2008. I won't let it go to my head I'm sure. I might not blog everyday, but at least once a week if all goes well.

Ted D said...

Not let it go to your head? I'm thinking about pulling a you know who and mass spamming every blog I can find that I made the SG roll call. Kidding.

I like the diverseness of your blog, man. I'm too muddleheaded to get too far off the Sox or my family.

Tex said...

oh look at you two blah blahblah
it musta been all that blogpimping you done or large amounts of beer was sent. ;)

\Someday Tex, you too will make the list too./
but i want it NOW.

sheesh kelly, you, ted, cyn and even cousin steve is linked. ::cries silently::

Redbeard76 said...

Honestly, I have no idea how it happened, I didn't do anything except be my own charming self. I'm just as surprised as all y'alls are.

C&W - is that country and western?

Ted D said...

C & W is country western, Stephen but I'm not a big fan. I actually love U2, Springsteen, and The Eagles.

Tex is crazy, as I'm sure you are aware. ;)

Tex said...

Crazzzzzzzzzzy Crazzzzzzzy for feeling this lonely!!! Im cRaZyyyyyyy...CraZY for feeling this bluuuuuueeeeee!!

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