The 20 best albums of 2007: #20-16
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The Chanticleer brings you the 20 best albums of 2007.
20: Shocking Pinks - Shocking Pinks
I don't really know what disco-punk is. I know very little of New Zealand outside of Lord of the Rings and Flight of the Conchords. But I do know that both are associated with Shocking Pinks, who released its best record in 2007. The record veers from moments of ethereal pop to those of sheer destitude. But never is it uneven for the sake of experimentation. A couple of listens and you don't know whether to feel bouncy or solemn. Such emotional ambiguity is a sign of a good artist, if nothing else.
-Kevin Jeffers
19. Avett Brothers - Emotionalism
The Avett Brothers seem to have secured their status as one of the most influential alt-country bands of this decade. Emotionalism harps on homegrown charm and harmonic vocals. It's a more polished effort, and that's not a bad thing. Keeping true to their bluegrass roots, the rudimentary banjo and simple lyrical prose of their 5th studio release from the North Carolina trio, Emotionalism creates a gentle atmospheric whirl of the "grass of yesteryear," while easing us into the future of the alt-country genre -- a melding of traditional folk sounds not limited to lap steels. Or banjos.
-Natalie Dempster
18. Thee Ohsees - Sucks Blood
John Dwyer (Coachwhips, Yikes) heads in a different direction than his typical thrash-rock with this set of songs from his new group. With a heavy emphasis on reverb and female vocals, Sucks Blood sounds absolutely lush in production. With plenty of hooks, Thee Ohsees (formerly OCS) prove to be a hit-machine for Dwyer. For the nastier side of Dwyer, check out Yikes' Whoa Comas/Blood Bomb, also released this year.
-Matthew L. Reese
17. Deerhunter - Cryptograms
Deerhunter, from Atlanta, makes a compelling debut for Kranky records in Cryptograms. With a mix of ambient tracks and haunting experimental rock songs, Bradford Cox (lead singer/writer) shows himself to be a figure to watch in the coming years. Never mind the slightly disconcerting personal ballyhoo that Pitchfork seems intent on posting about them (see articles concerning Cox's blog), Deerhunter is the real deal.
-Matthew L. Reese
16. Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
There may not be a less fitting album title to come out this year than Writer's Block, as PB&J has produced a quintessential Swedish pop record. The most fun song to come out in the last two years is "Young Folks," with a whistle-filled verse that would put Andy Griffith to shame. "Up Against the Wall" is perhaps as beautiful a piece of simple melodies and chords as anything I've heard in a while. It's this year's album equivalent to the perfect date movie. Call it the Jerry Maguire of our list.
-Kevin Jeffers
-- The 20 best albums of 2007: #15-11
-- The 20 best albums of 2007: #10-6
-- The 20 best albums of 2007: #5-1
20: Shocking Pinks - Shocking Pinks
I don't really know what disco-punk is. I know very little of New Zealand outside of Lord of the Rings and Flight of the Conchords. But I do know that both are associated with Shocking Pinks, who released its best record in 2007. The record veers from moments of ethereal pop to those of sheer destitude. But never is it uneven for the sake of experimentation. A couple of listens and you don't know whether to feel bouncy or solemn. Such emotional ambiguity is a sign of a good artist, if nothing else.
-Kevin Jeffers
19. Avett Brothers - Emotionalism
The Avett Brothers seem to have secured their status as one of the most influential alt-country bands of this decade. Emotionalism harps on homegrown charm and harmonic vocals. It's a more polished effort, and that's not a bad thing. Keeping true to their bluegrass roots, the rudimentary banjo and simple lyrical prose of their 5th studio release from the North Carolina trio, Emotionalism creates a gentle atmospheric whirl of the "grass of yesteryear," while easing us into the future of the alt-country genre -- a melding of traditional folk sounds not limited to lap steels. Or banjos.
-Natalie Dempster
18. Thee Ohsees - Sucks Blood
John Dwyer (Coachwhips, Yikes) heads in a different direction than his typical thrash-rock with this set of songs from his new group. With a heavy emphasis on reverb and female vocals, Sucks Blood sounds absolutely lush in production. With plenty of hooks, Thee Ohsees (formerly OCS) prove to be a hit-machine for Dwyer. For the nastier side of Dwyer, check out Yikes' Whoa Comas/Blood Bomb, also released this year.
-Matthew L. Reese
17. Deerhunter - Cryptograms
Deerhunter, from Atlanta, makes a compelling debut for Kranky records in Cryptograms. With a mix of ambient tracks and haunting experimental rock songs, Bradford Cox (lead singer/writer) shows himself to be a figure to watch in the coming years. Never mind the slightly disconcerting personal ballyhoo that Pitchfork seems intent on posting about them (see articles concerning Cox's blog), Deerhunter is the real deal.
-Matthew L. Reese
16. Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
There may not be a less fitting album title to come out this year than Writer's Block, as PB&J has produced a quintessential Swedish pop record. The most fun song to come out in the last two years is "Young Folks," with a whistle-filled verse that would put Andy Griffith to shame. "Up Against the Wall" is perhaps as beautiful a piece of simple melodies and chords as anything I've heard in a while. It's this year's album equivalent to the perfect date movie. Call it the Jerry Maguire of our list.
-Kevin Jeffers
-- The 20 best albums of 2007: #15-11
-- The 20 best albums of 2007: #10-6
-- The 20 best albums of 2007: #5-1
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Aaron
posted 12/09/07 @ 4:54 PM CST
2 records were overlooked here
nine inch nails-the year zero
dinosaur jr- beyond
Post a Comment