2007 has been a very good year in music. Amongst another things it’s seen the brief return of The Afghan Whigs (2 newly recorded additions to their retrospective, ‘Unbreakable’), as well as a splendid debut from Rick McCollum’s post Whigs outfit ‘Moon Maan’, the announcement of a March 2008 release from Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan’s Gutter Twins project, Modest Mouse returned with Johnny Marr, a brilliant return to form from Queens of the Stone Age and an exceptional record from Chris Goss and Jordie White’s ‘weird rock’ outfit, Goon Moon.Here’s the Adventures In Stereo top 10 of 2007.
1. “Era Vulgaris”, Queens of the Stone Age
Following the departure of Nick Oliveri 2005’s Lullabies to Paralyse was a bit hit and miss. However, “Era Vulgaris” sees the vitality and energy missing from their previous outing restored. The album just gets better and better on repeated listens.
Download the MP3: “3’s & 7’s”, Live in Berlin, May 6th 2007.
2. “The Velvet Rut”, Paul Curreri
The Velvet Rut’ is Paul Curreri’s fifth album, and despite sounding very different to his previous work, there is something very very familiar in its sound. It’s a very fine album filled with memoirs and characters. You might not get it first time around, but keep listening. When it all falls into place, you’ll find yourself submerged — a brilliant piece of work from an artist who deserves more exposure.
3. “Because of the Times”, Kings of Leon
Consistently inspired and without a doubt their best effort yet. Each track on Because of the Times is toe tapping catchy, powerful and just plain awesome. This was the surprise album of 2007.
4. “It’s Not How Far You Fall, It’s The Way You Land”, Soulsavers
At times this is an unsettling and almost uncomfortable listening experience (the rumbling screams and yells within the incredible “Paper Money”, which literally send shivers down the spine). The music is richly textured … steeped in soul, gospel and blues.
5. “We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank”, Modest Mouse
Following the success of 2004’s “Good News For People Who Love Bad News” and the departure of their inspired guitarist, Modest Mouse recruited ex-Smiths man Johnny Marr for the follow-up. Marr liked the bad so much that he became a permanent member … and the result? the very brilliant “We Were Dead …. “
6. “Licker’s Last Leg”, Goon Moon
Weird rock from Chris Goss and Jordie White. Goon Moon’s mini debut, “I Got A Brand New Egg Layin’ Machine”, was an intriguing introduction to Goss & White’s new project, but their full length debut is a very weird psychadelic adventure.
7. “Cassadaga”, Bright Eyes
Splendid 6th from Oberst & Co. Warm and lacking in the posturing of much of their previous work, Cassadaga is the band’s fullest and most developed recording yet. Musically it’s more ambitious and mature … quite possibly Bright Eyes’ masterpiece.
8. “Moon Maan”, Moon Maan
Excellent debut from (ex-Afghan Whigs guitarist) Rick McCollum’s new outfit. At times the music and delivery brings to mind the highlights of his old band, but that’s likely the soul influence.
9. “Easy Tiger”, Ryan Adams
So, Ryan Adam’s most positively received album since 2000’s “Heartbreaker” is a safe sounding affair. That’s no disaster when there’s tracks as good as “Goodnight Rose”, “Two”, “Tears of Gold” and “The Sun Always Sets”. On first listen there’s the obvious stand-outs, but after repeated listens the real beauty of the album surfaces.
Download the MP3: “Goodnight Rose”, Live at the Michigan Theater, September 22nd 2007.
10. “Libertad”, Velvet Revolver
Scott, Slash, Duff, Matt and Dave return for a second outing as Velvet Revolver. Velvet Revolver may not be raising the benchmark for rock music the way Queens of the Stone Age have been doing since their debut in 1998, however, there is no question that they are playing to their strengths. Although lacking the power and energy that “Contraband” was soaked in, “Libertad” is another fine adventure in rock n’ roll.
There’s no doubt there’s been great records released in 2007 that haven’t been mentioned, so here are the 15 just under the top 10 radar:
11. “Civilians”, Joe Henry
12. ”In Rainbows”, Radiohead
13. “Boxer”, The National
14. “Are The Dark Horse”, The Besnard Lakes
15. “Neon Bible”, Arcade Fire
16. “The Shepherd’s Dog”, Iron & Wine
17. “The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter”, Josh Ritter
18. “Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon”, Devendra Banhart
19. “The Hair The TV The Baby & The Band”, Imperial Teen
20. “Icky Thump”, The White Stripes
21. “The Reminder”, Feist
22. “Robbers & Cowards”, Cold War Kids
23. “The Flying Club Cup”, Beirut
24. “Like love Lust And The Open Halls of the Soul”, Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter
25. “Ultra Payloaded”, Satellite Party
Filed under: welcome | Tags: Adventures in Stereo, Revival, Soulsavers, welcome
Welcome to ‘Adventures In Stereo‘: a place for music. A place for people to share their thoughts on artists, albums, songs … heck, whatever.
I’ve been meaning to set up a music blog for a long time … but things always got in the way (most recently, Season 2 of Supernatural). However, I thought I should really get doing something while I can be bothered. So, here it is.
I’ll be doing as much as I possibly can to make this site interesting. A track of the week — not an officially released track, cause I don’t want to be getting myself in any trouble, but a live track or what many refer to as an ROIO (Recording Of Independant Origin).
I’m currently sifting through my best 10 albums of 2007 and I’ll post my list in the next few days. Heck, I’m planning on doing a bunch of stuff that I hope will make ‘Adventures In Stereo‘ a nice little place to visit once in a while.
Until the party really gets started, here’s what I consider to be the track of the year …
