As you
may have already noticed, there is only one more day
until I go about taking a nice vacation from the
site. I'm not sure what I should tell you to
do in the meantime, but I trust that you will stay
productive and healthy with a variety of activities.
Though, if you do get a little bored then please
feel free to send some feedback or new ideas my way.
I'd really love to hear from you guys as to what you
like and/or hate about the site.
Here's
a little more of what I couldn't get out of my head
this year. Enjoy.
#10) The Most Serene Republic - Population
This is such a beautiful album. Every song from beginning to end not
only has some of the best boy/girl vocals that can be found anywhere, but
also numerous pop-enthused layers of instruments that make up the
far-from-standard arrangements. I think everyone should have this
record.
:The
Most Serene Republic - Sherry And Her Butterfly Net:
#09) Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Before Austin City Limits I was pretty much only mildly entertained with
this disc, and I had doubts about it sticking with me the whole year.
Then I saw most of it performed and it completely changed my opinion.
It was like out of nowhere the songs all made sense and sounded more full
and alive. If you listened once and then passed, I recommend going
back and giving it another shot or two.
:Arcade
Fire - Keep The Car Running:
#08) LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver
Was there actually anyone out there who managed to not find something on
this album worth their time? I think not. I mean, after all
James Murphy did make what is essentially the most accessible record of the
year, which despite what some would have you think, is far from a bad thing.
:LCD
Soundsystem - All My Friends:
#07) Land Of Talk - Applause Cheer Boo Hiss
Honestly, the only thing that bothered me about this record was that it only
had seven songs. Outside of that though, I thought that this was one
of the finer indie rock efforts that I've come across in a long time, not
just this year. You have to pick this up if you liked anything good
from the mid 90s.
:Land
Of Talk - Speak To Me Bones:
#06) Cloud Cult - Meaning Of 8
Who knew that Craig Minowa and Co. were capable being this good? Even
if you only listen to the gems that are Take Your Medicine, Chain
Reaction and Pretty Voice I think you could justify putting the
album on your list somewhere. Now, if only someone would figure out a
way to make environmentally safe vinyl.
:Cloud
Cult - Take Your Medicine:
Top 5 Performances Of 2007
1. St. Vincent at the Parish
2. Bjork at Austin City Limits
3. Annuals at SXSW (any of the four times I saw them)
4. Sage Francis/Buck 65/Alias at Emo's
5. Arcade Fire at Austin City Limits
I won't bother you with fond memories of this shows, as
that's just silly. However, I will go ahead and
beseech you to get out and make an effort to see these acts
at some point in the near future. I'm pretty sure it
will make your life a little better. Or something.
-
John Laird -
Unless
otherwise expressly stated, all text in this blog and any
related pages, including the blog's archives, is licensed by
John Laird under a
Creative Commons License.
