Music of 2007

Unfortunately I never got the time to write up my favourite music of 2007. Now of course it’s April and no-one cares.

Top 10 Albums of 2007

10. Because of the Times Kings of Leon

More of the same from the Kings of Leon, and although drifting towards generic pop-rock the album still manages some good tracks

9. Arriving at Night Victor Bermon

A beautiful ambient electronic album, similar perhaps to DJ Koze et al.

8. Foley Room Amon Tobin

For the first time choosing a palette of originally-recorded samples, Tobin produces a richly textured groovy drum and bass sound.

7. Hope and Sorrow Wax Tailor

France’s answer to DJ Shadow, perhaps? Wax Tailor infuses film dialogue with some classic hip hop rhythms.

6. The Shepherd’s Dog Iron & Wine

Regrettably, I missed Iron & Wine when he and his band played at Oslo earlier this year. I had no idea he was playing, but then out on the town one night I saw the poster, looked down, read the date, and saw it took place two days prior. I was bummed for the rest of the week. In any case The Shepherd’s Dog brings a fuller sound to Sam Beams somewhat whispery singing style.

5. Alive Daft Punk

A mix of Daft Punk’s live show set they were playing in 2007. This compilation of Daft Punk’s best melodies and crescendos is let down by the mixing-in of crowd cheers, which severely limits its replayability.

4. Andorra Caribou

My favourite artist with a math PhD, is back with Andorra. Melody Day, She’s the One and Niobe are the stand out tracks for me. Niobe is a 8.5 minute wonder track with an amazing build up.

3. Strawberry Jam Animal Collective

I find it hard to put my finger on the Animal Collective. It’s primal, it’s raw, it’s happy.

2. Untrue Burial

I seem to have missed out on the entire dubstep genre until discovering Burial’s sublime Untrue. Dark, brooding sparse beats create a spacious soundspace to lose yourself in. Took me a few listens before I really fell head over heels for it, and it’s best experienced with a decent set of headphones.

1. In Rainbows Radiohead

It’d be pretty tough for Radiohead to do wrong in my books, but even if I try to maintain the most objective stance, I can’t help but be giddy over In Rainbows. For me at least, every track is golden and covers a broad musical and emotional spectrum. Having dished out for the boxset, I can say that the second CD is a let down however. – the B-sides that came out of prior albums were much better.

Best Australian Albums

Also enjoyed were…

Assorted Favourite Tracks

Favourite discoveries

Kaki King

Kaki King was introduced to me by the amazing Marine, and I’m very glad she did. King is makes some delightful instrumental guitar music. The style varies: some tracks are soft and melodic, others are jarring and reminiscent of experimental electronica. She has just brought out a new album in 2008, Dreaming of Revenge which is excellent as well. She also sounds great live, using live sampling and layering to produce the beautifully textured sound right in front of you.

Burial
As per #2 album, above.

5. April 2008

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