I saw something in your eyes and I wanted it for myself
Spence's Top Ten Albums of 2007A VH1 special, airing now
1. Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City - Nothing on this earth speaks to me like Bloc Party. Bloc Party came to me when I first moved to Seattle and has fissured itself with who I am and how I operate. Not only does the music make extraordinary strides in experimentalism and musical adventurism, but the lyrics penned by Kele Okereke, truly take a stand and do not flinch at the crazy world we all experience. Especially, for those of us twenty-somethings trying earnestly to gather the mess about us and make it all right.
2. The Perishers - Victorious - I don't know about you, but I like mellowing out music. This band does that and much more. The sweet sounds coming from this simple foursome develop a landscape of hopefulness, tragedy and truth.
3. Interpol - Our Love To Admire - This album nearly relates to me as Bloc Party's "Weekend." Where it shines is it's hurtful, honesty that tells things straight. The soaring guitar and ominous vocals make for a great listen. Don't be frightened by song titles such as, "No I in Threesome" or "Rest My Chemistry." This album will keep your head nodding while driving, waiting to get out of your car and dance on the hood.
4. The Rosebuds - Night of the Furies - All I know about this duo is that they are amazing. This album jumped into my rotation early in the year after hearing it on KEXP and wanting to learn more. Both singers balance each other perfectly and the variation from 80's pop to 90's altern-rock make this album a joyride. I can't express how important it is for you to get to know this band. Marvelous work. The entire CD, from start to finish.
5. The Killers - Sam's Town - This album moved to the top of the list after hearing the song, "Read My Mind." The album is flawless. There is a cohesive sense of direction that The Killers hadn't had on previous material. I think the melodies are enchanting, despite not particularly being a fan of the lead singers 'over-the-top' crowing. Overall, a masterful piece of music.
6. Dave Gahan - Hourglass - I have always been a greater fan of the sum of Depeche Mode's parts, than their parts alone. This go around, however, is a little bit different. Dave perfectly masters what I think of my type of music. This music is the kind I enjoy hearing at any moment of the day, it's the type of music that I continue to try to perfect in my own pursuits as a musician. Electronic, raw, rock, alternative, raunchy synth. And yet the album starts off with the sweet songbird "Saw Something," which is the title of this blog (Thanks Dave). His ability to move around sounds and tap into his own weakness makes this album an enjoyable listen. Check out the bonus remixes for real electro-rock.
7. Editors - An End Has A Start - At first listen you think, hey what happened to Interpol? But after a second go around you realize this band means business. I just want to thank Coldplay, because so many better bands have surfaced after they made it cool to be big, emotional, crafty songsters. The album is tight from the start to the finish. For a disc that has so many hot songs, it was hard to ignore. Truly beautiful music mixing rough and rugged with heart wrenching.
8. Mika - Life In Cartoon Motion - You know this singer. You also know that you love him! This album is so wacky fun that it was on my ipod for a lot of the summer. Big Girls You Are Beautiful is a stand out, along with Billy Brown. This guy gets away with some wicked piano playing as well, which I am obviously appreciative of. A musician with talents that actually make many of us other wanna-be's feel bad about ourselves, but at the same time appreciate the fact that at least there is someone out there who can rock like this. Hot stuff.
9. Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future - Ok, Ok, I know...this album was not released in 2007. It is actually from '06. However, I only recently purchased this album and have found that I LOVE THEM! I like how they sound like Bloc Party but with a little more British Attitude. The music is solid and the foreplay between distorted guitars and electronica blends well. Who knows? With more time on my shuffle, this album could have ranked higher for the year.
10. Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad - Yes, this is the only album that doesn't mix with the others. But let me assure you, she plays nice. The thing about Rihanna, is that her melodies and tracks are too catchy to ignore. The smash singles that have come from this album prove the point. The other great thing about this album is that it mixes it up. She's hot, that's undeniable and her voice is sexy. I love to dance to her music and that means that she has got something that others didn't (sorry Britney).
HONORABLE MENTION: The honorable mention award for 2007 goes to Arcade Fire - Neon Bible. What can I say? Rocking Hippie Psychodelic rock. At first I had a hard time understanding the singer. But now that I've become accustomed to the soft vibrancy of his pipes, I really enjoy their music. The backdrop is the real victory here. Not to fond of the background singer. She mostly distracts from the rest for me. But all in all, love this album. This band knows how to take you on a journey from the onset.
posted by Spence-a-lick @ 10:01 AM
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