Recently Played: Tilly and the Wall - You and I Misbehaving
Album Of The Year (2007)
I should be writing a mini essay about the Rational Unified Process and Extreme Programming right now. Instead, I thought it a good time to publish, in reverse order, the albums that have formed a soundtrack to my year.
Only albums that have been released this year are included in this list. Those that didn’t make the top ten are listed at the bottom in alphabetical order. Elliott Smith’s New Moon is a notable omission from this list - chiefly because much of the material had previously been unofficially released. Similarly, any compilations, re-issues or ‘best of’s were not considered for inclusion here.
From the top 10, I have been lucky enough to see eight of these bands live this year. That probably suggests that by seeing them live, I have looked more favourably upon the studio albums. Who knows what goes on…?
Voila…
Saltbreakers
Favourite Track: Pink Light
Before Emma introduced me to Regina Spektor, I was largely unable to draw emotion from female vocalists. Since then however, I’ve been formally hooked on the female tone.
Laura Veirs is kooky - her dresses are cool, her glasses are cool and as for her music?.. Wow. Saltbreakers will mainly be remembered for providing a haunting backdrop as I waited for night buses outside The Grotton Hotel.
Easy Tiger
Favourite Track: Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
There is a delicacy about the tracks on this album that really gets under my skin. If you manage to look beyond Halloween Head, there is some beautiful Americana music to discover here. It feels like a mash up of everything that Ryan has previously released. Oh, and of course:
“Ryan Adams brings people together.”
Good Arrows
Favourite Tracks: Bullets, Bricks
AltFolk-AntiFolk-Alternative whatever. This is my favourite Tunng album. The track titling is sweet, the sound effects subtle and the lyrics consistently quirky.
We like quirky lyrics at [the large organisation that is...] ThisIsHope.co.uk.
Andorra
Favourite Track: Melody Day
I only got my hands on a copy of Andorra a couple of months ago so it’s still sinking in. That said, there is no doubt that this album will become a long term favourite.
Interweaving melodies couple with calming vocals to create an album of real beauty. Had it been released in the early part of the year, it would be much higher on this list.
Fill Up The Room
Favourite Track: Apple
Walking through Nottingham in the rain singing aloud to (Even If You Die In The) Ocean is one of the happiest moments of my year. Fill Up The Room is a culmination of all the tour EPs and albums that the band have been dishing out at live shows over the past three years.
It’s intriguing to consider the progression between 2004’s Every Night and their recent material. The jangly guitars and neat melodies are still present and correct but there is something all-together more mature and progressive about this album.
In Rainbows
Favourite Track: Jigsaw Falling Into Place
How much did you pay?! Blah Blah. I downloaded In Rainbows illegally via a torrent because the official site was far too slow on the day of release.
It’s a Radiohead album and it’s wonderful. What else would you expect? If I had to produce a Radiohead league table, In Rainbows would come third, being beaten only by Kid A and OK Computer.
Essential.
Night Falls Over Kortedala
Favourite Track: A Postcard To Nina
“Oh God, what have I done? I came to Berlin to have some fun”
It’s just SOOOO me. Special music is music that can make you feel involved. Something that connects with your personality, your traits or your ideas. Night Falls Over Kortedela ticks all of these boxes.
“So I call up Lisa, because Lisa’s my only friend.”
Armchair Apocrypha
Favourite Track: Heretics
Armchair Apocrypha on an early morning train to Birmingham. Armchair Apocrypha by Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Armchair Apocrypha everywhere. I love the casual voice, the imagery, the music, everything. Too cool.
Anything but hear the voice…
Cassadaga
Favourite Track: I Must Belong Somewhere
Conor Oberst is god. Or something. Cassadaga is mind blowing. Especially if you listen to it obsessively for the best part of a year. Also: How can anyone not like an album that comes with a Spectral Decoder? Like anything he releases, it’s an instant album of the year. Clairaudients (Kill Or Be Killed) is possibly the saddest opening track of his career.
“Corporate or colonial, the movement is unstoppable. . .”
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Favourite Track: Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse
“I’M IN A CRISIS. I NEED HELP FROM ABOVE!” - Tom & Irja in the back of a taxi on Oxford Road.
Everything on this album is relevant to my year. Falling asleep on buses. Lying on bedroom floors, Missing every other step as I scale the stairs of the C&E department. Being myself. Being other people. Escalators. Love.
This is the essence of brilliance. Find something cooler. You can’t. QED
B.C. Camplight - Blink of a Nihilist
Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
Eugene McGuinness - The Early Learnings Of Eugene McGuinness
The Good Life - Help Wanted Nights
Jesse Malin - Glitter In The Gutter
Loney, Dear - Loney, Noir
Lucky Soul - The Great Unwanted
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
The National - Boxer
Nedelle - The Locksmith Cometh
Papercuts - Can’t Go Back
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position
Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight
The Shins - Wincing The Night Away
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War
St. Vincent - Marry Me
Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
The Thrills - Teenager
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
1st December, 2007 at 11:41 pm :
I’ve probably missed things off that I didn’t mean to.
It would be interesting if other people posted in the comments here detailing some of their favourite albums from 2007. This is a formal request…
2nd December, 2007 at 9:44 am :
The clock on your website is different from mine because it says that I last visited at 9:27 but it’s only 9:24.
Last year you wanted a top 3 albums and I am going to correct those first, to:
1. Ys by Joanna Newsom
2. He Poos Clouds by Final Fantasy
3. Yellow House by Grizzly Bear
that is also a top 3 of what i have enjoyed this year that has not been released this year (except andrew bird) and also 3 of my top 5 albums ever probably. Last year the only one of those I mentioned was Ys. I hadn’t even heard he poos clouds and yellow house hadn’t quite settled in.
This year (in alphabetical order)[favourite songs]
1. Andrew Bird - Armchair Apocrypha [Scythian Empire](this is top in not alphabetical order too)
2. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam [Reverend Green, Chores]
3. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup [Cliquot] (mostly because of Owen Pallett)
4. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga [Middleman]
5. Grizzly Bear - Friend EP [Granny Diner, Deep Blue Sea, Shift acoustic](yes it’s an EP, but it’s really long)
6. Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortedala [Postcard to Nina (particularly the version on Kalendervägen 113.D which is a bonus or something)
7. Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers [Don't Lose Yourself, Drink Deep]
8. Loney Dear - Loney Noir [they all sound the same]
9. Panda Bear - Person Pitch [Bros]
10. Tunng - Good Arrows [Bullets]
I have seen all of these people live except Jens Lekman, but I’m seeing him on Wednesday. That is pleasing.
2nd December, 2007 at 9:49 am :
ahah. you can see how long that took me now. Also I forgot honourable mentions which are:
Duke Special - Songs from the Deep Forest
Serafina Steer - Cheap Demo Bad Science
Sleeping States - There the Open Spaces
Efterklang - Parades
Nedelle - The Locksmith Cometh
Patrick Wolf - The Magic Position
The Shins - Wincing the Night away
2nd December, 2007 at 9:50 am :
And also. Obviously New Moon would be the top, by miles and miles, if it were allowed.
2nd December, 2007 at 11:12 am :
Ah, you were quick. I do not have the Friend EP by GB. I think you may have sent it to me once but I cannot find it anywhere now. HINT. Why isn’t the Avril Lavigne album in your list Arabella?!
GIRLFRIEND is undoubtedly the song of the year.
Here are a couple of albums that I missed and have enjoyed this year:
Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity
Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter
Yes, TIH time seems to be misaligned with the regular world. I am still not sure why this is, I don’t think it used to be.. it’s as though the server time is speeding up.
[link=http://www.thisishope.co.uk/info.php]Official TIH time.[/link]
2nd December, 2007 at 12:56 pm :
Here is my list of favourite albums for the year:
2nd December, 2007 at 12:58 pm :
I was quite stunned to click on ‘2007′ to find how little was actually listed there. Sadly, I do not have as many as the 30 albums listed above by Tzom above to judge. In fact, I have une total grande of two albums, neither of which I have paid for. For this reason, I shall abstain from having an opinion.
2nd December, 2007 at 1:38 pm :
You probably already know Dave but In Rainbows is being released as a traditional CD at the end of the year. [link=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rainbows-Radiohead/dp/B000YIXBVI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&
qid=1196601857&sr=8-1]Link To Amazon[/link]
What Chris? You are trying to tell me you didn’t love the new Kaiser Chiefs album? Blah! I don’t believe you.
I was going to compile a list of the worst albums of 2007 but then I realised I could just paste the track list for the Now 68 Compilation.. Newton Faulkner even makes an appearance.
1. Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
2. Take That - Rule The World
3. Kylie Minogue - 2 Hearts
4. Mark Ronson Feat. Amy Winehouse - Valerie
5. Sugababes - About You Now
6. Kanye West - Stronger
7. Craig David - Hot Stuff (Let’s Dance)
8. Sean Kingston - Beautiful Girls
9. Shayne Ward - No U Hang Up
10. Timbaland Feat. D.O.E & Keri Hilson - The Way I Are
11. Britney Spears - Gimme More
12. Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive
13. Girls Aloud - Sexy! No No No…
14. Robyn With Kleerup - With Every Heartbeat
15. Enrique Iglesias - Tired Of Being Sorry
16. Groove Armada - Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control)
17. Se:Sa Feat. Sharon Phillips - Like This Like That
18. Ida Corr Vs Fedde Le Grand - Let Me Think About It
19. Axwell Feat. Max’C - I Found U
20. Freaks - The Creeps (Get On The Dancefloor)
21. Peter Gelderblom - Waiting 4
22. David Guetta Feat. Chris Willis & Joachim Garraud - Love Is Gone
1. Plain White T’s - Hey There Delilah
2. James Blunt - 1973
3. Newton Faulkner - Dream Catch Me
4. The Hoosiers - Worried About Ray
5. Scouting For Girls - She’s So Lovely
6. Feist - 1234
7. Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight
8. Avril Lavigne - When You’re Gone
9. Mcfly - The Heart Never Lies
10. Amy Macdonald - Mr Rock & Roll
11. KT Tunstall - Hold On
12. The Killers Feat. Lou Reed - Tranquilize
13. Stereophonics - It Means Nothing
14. Peter, Bjorn & John Feat. Victoria Bergsman - Young Folks
15. Freemasons Feat. Bailey Tzuke - Uninvited
16. MIKA - Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)
17. Amy Winehouse - Tears Dry On Their Own
18. Jennifer Lopez - Do It Well
19. Fergie - Big Girls Don’t Cry
20. Akon - Don’t Matter
21. Nicole Scherzinger Feat. Will.I.Am - Baby Love
22. Westlife - Home
2nd December, 2007 at 1:54 pm :
What new Kaiser Chiefs album? :realy:
Oh well, I’m sure if I’d bothered to listen to it I would be able to include
Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad
but I haven’t so I can’t. And
X Factor 2007, Best Of - Various Artists
hasn’t been released yet.
I must admit tho, some of the songs on that Now 68 are very good, especially the 1st, 4th and 9th ones on that first cd. Gotta love! are you still my friend
2nd December, 2007 at 2:09 pm :
You are pushing it…
2nd December, 2007 at 3:15 pm :
Likewise, I would include Marc-André Hamelin - Alkan: Concerto For Solo Piano, Etc, Kathryn Scott - Smetana, any of the new Beethoven piano or violin concerto performances released this year, or any one of many CD’s with Valery Gergiev conducting whichever orchestra he feels is suitable, but I have only heard excerpts of these.
As far as bad records of the year go, perhaps anything that has been on the playlist of any channel above 10 on Freeview could be added - this includes The ?hits, TMF or anything associated with any of the C4 network of Channels promoting the travesty to music that is anything associated with T4.
2nd December, 2007 at 3:21 pm :
Having had my above rant, surely nothing could be much worse than these:
[link=http://frunkie.com/TheLouvinBrothers/WorstAlbumCoversEver1.pdf]http://frunkie.com/TheLouvinBrothers/WorstAlbumCoversEver1.pdf[/link]
Truly a miracle of hilarity.
2nd December, 2007 at 9:23 pm :
Ahh I really want to do my top 10 but I really should finish my essay. For some reason I just had the urge to post about how great Heartbreaker is. I’ve put it on now because I was feeling a bit stressed and I’d forgotten just how good it is. :kcornllor:
Also, I just noticed there’s a link to my livejournal on the front page. I’m kinda honoured my ramblings are worth a link to. Lol :shockedlikekatesmith:
To be young (is to be sad, is to be high)…
2nd December, 2007 at 10:33 pm :
Ahhh, Push It. Push It Real Good.
Also, hello
FVB…if only my middle name started with a ‘V’.
3rd December, 2007 at 12:51 am :
hello Fiona Vera Brindle : )
When you’re young, you get sad and you get high.
OMG I <3 Livejournal (…) I will look forward to your musical top 10 Kate from Manchester (that makes this sound like Blind Date with Cilla Black).
3rd December, 2007 at 11:33 pm :
Yum yum. I do like to indulge in some cheese before going to bed. Strange habit, I know. Does anyone else ever do this? Mine’s extra mature cheddar…:lol:
4th December, 2007 at 11:42 am :
I was talking [very briefly] to David last night about the differences between the people I have made at university and friends I have met elsewhere.
It seems that we both decided that the friendships we have from university will not be as long lasting as others. This is probably just because we haven’t met the ‘right’ people at the ‘right’ times. Then again, I imagine that someone like Mr Bottomley, Mr Harding or Miss Kershaw would have made good friends whichever university they had been to and whatever situations they had experienced. I think it stems from a greater desire to do so.
I also find it interesting that my friendship with Chris transcends anything we have in common. Because we don’t have anything obvious in common. In fact, had I first come across Chris within a university/halls of residence environment, the likelihood of me ever being friends with him would be very very low.
\"Meeting people is easy.\"
Meeting a person is hard.
4th December, 2007 at 11:50 am :
To drag this thread [kicking and screaming] back onto topic, here are some albums that have proved a little disappointing:
The Crimea - Secrets Of The Witching Hour
Paul McCartney - Memory Almost Full
Rufus Wainwright - Release The Stars
Voxtrot - S/T
13th December, 2007 at 5:10 pm :
You joke but there are a few songs from Now 68 that I would listen to all of my own accord.
13th December, 2007 at 7:37 pm :
Yey!
16th December, 2007 at 9:29 pm :
On another note, a single to buy (on Wednesday if you must ask) is
When You Believe - Leon Jackson
I think we have another Christmas no. 1 on our hands, at least I hope so.
17th December, 2007 at 12:38 am :
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4th February, 2008 at 6:07 pm :
Have a listen to Ruarri Joseph - Tales Of Grime And Grit. Its my favourite album of the year. Excellent.
4th February, 2008 at 6:22 pm :
[The international standard for \"Hello\"]
Thank you for your comment. I will make a note to listen to Ruarri this week, if only because he has a peculiar name.