2008 Woodie Awards
7 for '07: Best albums of the year
Music Review
John Larsen
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Entertainment
As 2008 looms on the horizon, music fans of the world have begun compiling what we in the biz call "End of the Year Lists." Best debut albums, most danceable remixes, saddest ballads and the grand daddy of them all, the best albums of the year.
2007 was an amazing year for music. Picking the very best is nearly impossible, but I'll give it a shot. So here it is, seven for '07:
7 Justice's "+" - I'm not usually a fan of any sort of techno music, but Justice drew me in with innovative, enjoyable beats that don't go stale, no matter how many times you hear them. Be sure to check out the music video for their Michael Jackson tribute song, "D.A.N.C.E."
6 Cloud Cult's "The Meaning of 8" - A concept album based on Karl Jung's theories on the number 8 is perhaps one of the most offbeat concepts I've ever heard of, but it works, and it definitely fits Cloud Cult's strange, experimental rock styling. Besides, any band that compares Jesus to He-Man is okay in my book.
5 Andrew Bird's "Armchair Apocrypha" - Andrew Bird, if you don't already know, is an experimental violinist with a knack for witty, sometimes macabre, observations about the way the world and its people work. This, in conjunction with his unrivaled brilliance in both lyric and songwriting, makes Bird one of the greatest musical talents today. His 2007 offering is an utterly beautiful album worth a listen or 10.
4 LCD Soundsystem's "Sound of Silver" - As a whole, "Sound of Silver" is an amazing release. The songs are masterfully put together individually, but the true genius is the way they complement one another, flowing from danceable electronic beats to depressing revelations about life and death, all fitting with one another flawlessly.
3 Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" - Arcade Fire is epic. It's the only word to describe their sprawling walls of audible beauty, full of complex layers of violin, horns, drums, and keyboards. Add on top of Arcade Fire's musical genius their intelligent lyrics, which include provocative, thoughtful tunes about Joe Simpson, personal insecurities, and the fall of human faith, and you have one of the best albums of the decade.
2007 was an amazing year for music. Picking the very best is nearly impossible, but I'll give it a shot. So here it is, seven for '07:
7 Justice's "+" - I'm not usually a fan of any sort of techno music, but Justice drew me in with innovative, enjoyable beats that don't go stale, no matter how many times you hear them. Be sure to check out the music video for their Michael Jackson tribute song, "D.A.N.C.E."
6 Cloud Cult's "The Meaning of 8" - A concept album based on Karl Jung's theories on the number 8 is perhaps one of the most offbeat concepts I've ever heard of, but it works, and it definitely fits Cloud Cult's strange, experimental rock styling. Besides, any band that compares Jesus to He-Man is okay in my book.
5 Andrew Bird's "Armchair Apocrypha" - Andrew Bird, if you don't already know, is an experimental violinist with a knack for witty, sometimes macabre, observations about the way the world and its people work. This, in conjunction with his unrivaled brilliance in both lyric and songwriting, makes Bird one of the greatest musical talents today. His 2007 offering is an utterly beautiful album worth a listen or 10.
4 LCD Soundsystem's "Sound of Silver" - As a whole, "Sound of Silver" is an amazing release. The songs are masterfully put together individually, but the true genius is the way they complement one another, flowing from danceable electronic beats to depressing revelations about life and death, all fitting with one another flawlessly.
3 Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" - Arcade Fire is epic. It's the only word to describe their sprawling walls of audible beauty, full of complex layers of violin, horns, drums, and keyboards. Add on top of Arcade Fire's musical genius their intelligent lyrics, which include provocative, thoughtful tunes about Joe Simpson, personal insecurities, and the fall of human faith, and you have one of the best albums of the decade.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 4
eirik
posted 12/09/07 @ 4:44 AM PST
Ok list, but where is Modest Mouse ... ?
Jason
posted 12/18/07 @ 10:43 AM PST
I love Arcade Fire, but their best album is Funeral, not Neon Bible
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