RTP07- Mark’s Top 10
Some great stuff came out this year, but I really didn’t have a clear-cut favorite. Any of these rankings could move up or down a spot or two depending on the day, but here’s where they are as of this very second:
The Magic Numbers- Those the Brokes
The world needs more great pop bands like the Magic Numbers. Nothing fancy here, just heartfelt songs with great harmonies. Even on the songs that I don’t love, the lead guitar and harmonies just SOUND so good that I don’t really mind. And they let the girls sing more on this one, which is fun.
Tegan and Sara- The Con
Each album gets weirder and weirder, but they somehow manage to invent new time signatures and still sound catchy.
Laura Veirs- Saltbreakers
This was a really pleasant surprise this year. I had no expectations on my first listen and came away really impressed with Ms. Veirs. The title track, in particular, is killer diller.
Rilo Kiley- Under the Black Light
If you don’t like what you’re hearing on this album, wait 3 minutes, it’ll change. Definitely the best bi-lingual rock/country/disco release of the year.
Feist- The Reminder
Love her voice, love her guitar work, love her live show, love that video, love this album. Can’t wait for the next one.
The Shins- Wincing the Night Away
The first three (full) tracks are about as good as you could possibly hope for from any album in any year. There’s a bit of a lull in the middle, but the album-closing “A Comet Appears” makes sure the whole thing ends on a high note.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists- Living With the Living
But Ted, how do you REALLY feel about the current administration?
Super political, angry, and like every else he’s done, Ted Leo rocks you within an inch of your life. Not my favorite TL/Rx album, but still real real good, and “Sons of Cain” was my favorite song of the year.
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova- Once (soundtrack)
I was a little underwhelmed with the Frames release this year- The Cost, then I saw Once and realized Glen Hansard was saving up all his good stuff for the soundtrack. And I’m cool with that. I don’t care for Marketa’s two songs too much, but everything else is brilliant in a really sweet, un-self-conscious (not a word), Irish way.
Rogue Wave- Asleep at Heaven’s Gate
This one was a grower, but I’m pretty obsessed with it right now. These guys aren’t afraid to play around in the studio, but they also know when to quit and not mess up a great song. When I first listened to this one I had a hard time distinguishing the songs from one another, but now I really enjoy how well they all work together. Lyric of the year: “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for, I’ll let you know if I see any more.”
Band of Horses- Cease to Begin
I’m still not sure how Band of Horses managed to do away with a lot of what made their first record great and still makes something this good. Everything All the Time relied heavily on a ton of reverb on the vocals, and really dramatic arrangements. This time around everything is a lot more straightforward, which should help them escape the My Morning Jacket comparisons, while still making for happytime in my ears. There’s also a really pretty ballad called “Detlef Schrempf.” How can you not like that? Way to punch the sophomore slump in neck, horsies.
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Mark,
I fell for the Magic #s record after my first couple listens, but then got sick of it. Interesting make-up to that band, but the singer’s voice is an acquired taste.
I Those the Brokes, but didn’t it come out in 2006?
The version I bought from iTunes has it tagged as 2007, but I did just find a 2006 release date on Allmusic. I think it’s a U.K. vs. U.S. issue. But I didn’t get it until this year, and USA is #1, so I’m calling it 2007.