RockTransferProtocol » RTP07 Top 10: FrazerJames

RTP07 Top 10: FrazerJames

I’ll admit I thought this would be easier than it was. Easier in large part due to my accusation that 07 was a year of musical regression. That said, there is no doubt that the year featured some of what will be my favorite albums of all time. For me, there just happened to be fewer of them than in the past. The hard part ended up being the ranking. My choices:

10: Feist - The Reminder

This one was kind of inescapable. Really I loved it but it couldn’t and never will conjure the feelings I link to Fiona Apple’s When the Pawn. Unfair comparison, I know, but one I can’t help but foster.

9: Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover

An album I couldn’t have cared less about when it was released. I put it on my iPod like I do with every new album and never specifically listened to it. But somehow it always was the culprit whenever I was listening to a random playlist and a song caught my interest. It’s still gets better with subsequent listens.

8: St. Vincent -Marry Me

This was one of my most anticipated albums of the year after happening on a few pre-release songs in the spring. The full album didn’t disappoint. Her style is unique in a way that, to me, is indescribable. Oh wait… Awesome. There’s one.

7: Beirut - The Flying Club Cup

There’s nary a time that this album seems inappropriate for the occasion. As long as that occasion features open minds. It may be one of the harder albums for the average listener to come to grips with but try putting it on in the background during dinner. It’s also good for when you want to feel like you’re on vacation which may be the best recommendation I’ve ever given an album.

6: Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

I’ve been disappointed with these guys ever since the live performance at the 2005 Lollapalooza. I was bored to tears at that show and I didn’t want to like this album. But goddamn it’s good. They seem to get better with every album which, I would guess, is what every band would like to accomplish yet so few do.

5: Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills

I really enjoyed their first album in the most accidental of ways. It somehow just kept playing. This one I was much more direct with. Their sound makes me think they were this ridiculously good 80’s rock band that was never discovered. Happy thoughts are tied to these songs for me and it somehow makes me feel nostalgic.

4: Vampire Weekend - Blue CD-R

There was some debate on whether this album should be considered as a candidate for this years list due to the fact that it won’t be released until next year (and with different tracks for that matter). While some have obviously omitted it I feel differently. Next year when thinking of the first time I fell in love with essentially every song on the album I’ll be thinking of 2007 and not 2008. It will be a shame if the forthcoming album isn’t a big hit for them with all the hype they have received. Not to mention that their songs just happen to be that good.

3: Peter Bjorn and John - Writer’s Block

The best example of the dilemma in the previous spot is Writer’s Block. I first heard this late last year and it feels like an old friend now. It may have been my number one last year but instead it’s one of the best albums of the past two years. Still high praise for an album full of songs that should have been whistled to.

2: Radiohead - In Rainbows

I can barely believe I have them at two. What a comeback for them. Their best since Kid A and that’s saying a lot. Still, Radiohead will never be the same for me as it was in the 90’s. Back then it was like seeing magic for the first time. Now I’ve come to expect it from them. Even their sub par product is better than most band’s best.

1: Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Ten years ago Arcade Fire would have been Radiohead and Neon Bible would have been OK Computer and I would have been 20. I remember that year well because it was so Radiohead-centric. Ok Computer became something I would try to get my kids to listen to in the future that they would undoubtedly scoff at. That’s exactly how I feel about this album. It’s a masterpiece and my kids will hate it until they get to be 19 or so. Kids are so stupid.