11. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (And Get Nice Bonus Disc)
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Why You Care: There are not that many things I love about Texas. Even the Real World Austin was on my shit list. But I do love me some Britt Daniel - especially since he decided the Northwest was the bomb-dot-com place to live, moving to Portland in 2006. Like Kill the Moonlight and Gimmie Fiction before it, Spoon's 2007 release was received with open arms by fans and critics alike. Every track on this record is excellent, and thoroughly enjoyable. One of my favorite records to listen to in a social atmosphere because I know I won't have to mess with my stereo dials; I can rock this one all the way through. Still trying to figure out whether ga ga ga ga ga is a reference to a chord progression or some simplistic joke the guys cooked up for us. Either way I love this album - a genuine delight.
Spoon - The Underdog
Spoon - Don't Make Me a Target
10. Mavis Staples - We'll Never Turn Back
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Why You Care: Sometimes I wish I grew up in the most amazing decade for music - the 1960s. My mom's first concert back then was The Beatles, my dad's was at the Hollywood Bowl - The Beach Boys, The Lovin' Spoonful and a man he though would certainly fail in the music industry, Neil Diamond. Constrastingly my first concert was Pearl Jam at Bumbershoot. A great experience to be sure, but Eddie Vedder isn't the same as John Lennon. "Daughter" can't touch "Can't Buy Me Love" or "No Reply" live. The Staple Singers were one group that makes me want to rev up the time machine again; their soulful r&b music took gospel music mainstream. The family group's lyrics touched upon the tribulations of African-Americans in this tumultuous era, and more significantly, offered an optimistic outlook for social change, and for unity. When Mavis Staples decided to rerecord several of these classics on We'll Never Turn Back, the result couldn't have been more powerful or well-timed. Although the Civil Rights Movement is past, there are still several inequalities faced by minorities in our society; prejudice is very much alive and prevalent. The material is timeless; transcending eras in both content and beauty.
Mavis Staples - We Shall Not Be Moved
9. Battles - Mirrored
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Why You Care: There is nothing out there quite like Battles - essentially instrumental, experimental rock at its best. I recently picked up an LP of Mirrored in the interest of hearing great tracks like "Leyendecker" and "Atlas" on vinyl; I remain in awe of Mirrored's ability to confuse and captivate at the same time. Although most critics may not have included this record in their top ten, I had to considered the amount of fascination I felt with this release. Each time I flip on "Race: In" I fall into some auditory trance, reemerging some time later to the finals beats of "Race: Out." A truly unique masterpiece.
Battles - Atlas
Battles - Tonto
8. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
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The Shins - Sleeping Lessons
7. The National - Boxer
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The National - Start a War
6. Via Audio - Presents
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Via Audio - Harder on Me
5. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
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Why You Care: Probably one of my most consistently played albums this year - mainly because I am obsessed with anything Ben Bridwell does or touches. He has this insane ability to strip away everything extraneous, entrancing the listener completely, making you feel as if each song is written for or about you alone. Ben has untraditionally poignant vocals that tug at your heartstring; his lyrics poetically cloud your thoughts. Another album I had to pick up on vinyl as well as cd, because its simply too beautiful to miss in any format. I love records that make me feel uncomfortable as well as euphoric - in tune with world as well as apart from it, and Cease to Begin is nothing short of miraculous in this respect.
Band of Horses - The General Specific
Band of Horses - Marry Song
4. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
Release Date: September 11 (Domino Recording Co.)
Why You Care: What can I say about this record that hasn't already been said? Its unlike anything you've ever heard or will hear - even from the band itself. It is the most accessible of AC's efforts, and yet refuses to capitulate any of the artistic integrity/creativity that has made their fans clamour for more. "Peacebone" was hands down the greatest experimental track of the year - I couldn't stop replaying it. Despite incredible internet leaks of this album, the band remained relatively unphased. They simply wanted their fans to enjoy the album by listening to it all the way through, from start to finish as intended. Talk about artistic dedication. You can tell AC makes music for the people, not for the monetary rewards. Music is not a job opportunity to them - its a way of life.
Animal Collective - Fireworks
Animal Collective - Number 1
3. Radiohead - In Rainbows
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Why You Care: New, self-released, Radiohead. Need I say more? The genius that is Thom Yorke, I would carry you around in my pocket if I could, just to break out those incredible vocals at parties and soirees. As I expressed earlier this year in my In Rainbows review, this album is by far the band's most beautiful release. That is to say it is the calmest, most melodic effort made on behalf of Radiohead, whose trademark sound usually revolves around haunting instrumentation and eerie, almost incomprehensible lyrics. Thats not to say In Rainbows isn't filled with these signatures, but there are a few delightfully unexpected differences in this recording. If you need proof listen to Weird Fishes/Arpeggi - one of Thom's most genuine love songs in, well.... ever. Also, KEXP listener's number one album of the year. (If you need even more convincing).
Radiohead - All I Need
Radiohead - Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
2. M.I.A. - Kala
Release Date:
Why You Care:
Lyrics like this --->
Men are like pearls / They look good with my curls / I string em to get the best necklace in the world
In the state of the world / All women wanna lay / But it's man's world so keep him at bay
You can f*ck a man, mack a man / Tell 'em that you're gay
Tell him real love ain't on BET
Sex is so cheap, I get it at KFC
When its meaningless, why they do R&B?
Beats like this ---->
M.I.A. - Big Branch
M.I.A. - Bird Flu
Most politically/socially charged dance album [a very difficult combination to execute] this year. The reigning queen of world hip-hop. More albums need to be made like this.
1. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
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