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| From | Randall J Paske <rpaske@kc.rr.com> |
| Subject | Top 20 of 2007 |
| Date | Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:41:24 -0600 |
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For a number of reasons, I was further behind on 2007 releases than I
have been in other years since the turn of the century. Ordinarily I
would try to rank a top 20 and then I would play all those selections
again to make sure I got the order right. This year, all I can do is
post a hastily arranged top 10 and bunch the next 10 together. So,
let's see . . .
THE TOP TEN
1. Bruce Springsteen - Magic
I never would have predicted this. I've never had Springsteen on my
list before at all, but this is a terrific album.
2. Idlewild - Make Another World
Not their pinnacle, but still great.
3. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights
Still love the debut most of all, but this is great.
4. The High Strung - Get the Guests
I'm surprised the High Strung don't get more mention here, but I'm
as guilty as anyone for not bringing them up. Superb Detroit
power-pop, and a terrific live band.
5. The New Pornographers - Challengers
Docked a few points, as usual, because I can't stand Dan Bejar's
voice. Thank god he only sings a couple of songs. Love the rest.
6. Buffalo Tom - Three Easy Pieces
A great return from a much-missed band.
7. The Autumn Defense - The Autumn Defense
The soft-rock side project of Wilco's John Stirratt and Pat Sansone,
once again outshining the main band for me. And I'm not a soft-rock guy.
8. The Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder
Another great return--I've never liked them as much as on this album.
9. The Stems - Heads Up
Speaking of great returns--! Awesome to have them back.
10. Emma Pollock - Watch the Fireworks
Excellent debut from the former Delgado.
THE NEXT TEN (not in order):
The Bank Holidays - As a Film
Recommended if you like vocal harmonies, Belle & Sebastian, New
Pornographers, Shins.
http://www.myspace.com/thebankholidays
Crowded House - Time on Earth
Ray Davies - Working Man's Cafe
The Dollyrots - Because I'm Awesome
Adam Franklin - Bolts of Melody
Grand Champeen - Dial T for This
Maximo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures
The Owls - Daughters and Suns
Recommended if you like the Hang-Ups, Belle & Sebastian, the Autumn Defense
http://www.myspace.com/theowlsband
The Singles - Start Again
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
HONORABLE MENTION:
Elizabeth Cook, Kelly Willis, Spoon (a case of diminishing
returns--"Girls Can Tell" was my #2 of 2001, and they've slipped a
little each time since then)
SONG OF THE YEAR NOT FROM ANY OF THE ABOVE RECORDS:
Robbie Fulks - "I Like Being Left Alone" (from "Revenge"). My new theme song.
I HAD THIS AT NUMBER 4 LAST YEAR (2006):
Sloan - Never Hear the End of It
APOLOGIES TO THOSE I BOUGHT BUT HAVE YET TO HEAR:
Superdrag, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Graham Parker, The
Undertones, The Icicles, and many more
MORE APOLOGIES: I CAN'T BELIEVE I DON'T HAVE THESE YET!!!!!:
The Cynics, The Breakup Society, The Resonars, The Riff Randells, The
Epoxies, Airiel, The Broken West
My list could have been drastically different if I'd just kept up!
Randy
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