The best music of (my) year
Here are the 2007 albums that made my eyes widen, drained my iPod battery and produced the most "you have to listen to this" conversations with friends. Hey, I didn't listen to every album released last year (and if you did, you really need to get out more). So I'm not claiming this list is comprehensive. I'm just claiming it'll turn you on to some great music.
Thanks for reading, and I'll see you on the other side.
Years from now, people may look back at Radiohead's brash marketing move - they offered their CD online for a pay-what-you-want price - and mark that as the moment the music industry died. It forced people to debate how much art is worth and proved that, even when put music out for free download, people will still buy something (if it's good). And I'm pretty sure Radiohead doesn't know how to release a bad album (give "Amnesiac" another try. You'll come around). What people don't realize is that Radiohead's ingenious strategy was based in hipster guilt. Moments after the album was released, the question became "How much did you pay?" creating a line that separated the "real" Radiohead fans and the ones that only know the words to "Karma Police." This was more than just an album. It was a statement about the world, about art, and about the music industry. And we all listened, because after all the business talk, the album was just another example of how this UK band continues to be one of the best.
Because the Times"">Kings of Leon, "Because the Times"
It's been a while, but rock and swagger are finally friends again, thanks to the Kings and their non-conformist album that opened with the seven-minute "Knocked Up." It's the Album that Rock Needed.
Neon Bible"">Arcade Fire, "Neon Bible"
This Montreal band is the epitome of what you want in an indie band: innovative, intelligent and apathetic towards the industry (which sounds like more like a soul-sucking beast with each passing day). With the inclusion of various instruments (including a mandolin intro on "Keep the Car Running"), they create a swelling musical atmosphere that's unrivaled.
Graduation"">Kanye West, "Graduation"
The third effort from the Chi-town hip-hop artist is his best yet, stripping the irritating skits and adding even more groove to his beats. He's one of the few artists that can successfully cross the bridge between hip-hop and pop, and make a slick and trendy album that includes samples of Daft Punk in his hit "Stronger." West is a commodity and his albums are like culture status symbols. It's too bad Kanye still can't get no love at awards shows (if he doesn't get a Grammy, I may freak out with him).
Where "Kingdom Come" looked at the aftermath of success, "American Gangster" looks at the process, the chase, of getting to the top. It's thanks to the Denzel Washington film that inspired the rapper to return to the studio to spit lyrics that are about the movie, but can easily be construed to relate back to Jay's past. In this, he's made an album that's completely revealing but, in the end, reveals nothing at all.
One of the few albums that I listened to as a whole and constantly had on repeat. It's an album of nuances: soft piano beginnings, Matt Berninger's subdued and engaging voice, and lyrics like "You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends" that get stuck in your head for days. With each listen, you're surprised by something new in the album. I can't wait for their next one.
Scene of the Crime"">Bettye LaVette, "Scene of the Crime"
The world may need love, but great soul music requires pain. Years and years of pain. It was 35 years ago that LaVette was brought into a studio with the hope of being the next great soul singer. But her album was shelved, and she was doomed to roam the country hitting hotel bars just to make a living. Now, she's a Grammy-nominated singer who is garnering unanimous praise. Her gravely voice sounds as it should, beat up, but defiant. And it's not everyday a singer can be backed up by the Drive-By Truckers.