Favorite Albums - 2007

I thought I'd fill you in on what I thought was the cream of the crop last year. 11 albums that you might actually enjoy.

11. Birchville Cat Motel with Anla Courtis - "Three Sparkling Echoes"

Intense and delightful. Gentle with so much activity.

MPEG Stream: "First Sparkling Echo"


10. The Shins - "Wincing The Night Away"

Overlooked; these songs are dense and memorable in strange ways.

MPEG Stream: "Australia"

9. Radiohead - "In Rainbows"

Adult version of Radiohead turns out to be pretty darn remarkable.

MPEG Stream: "Bodysnatchers"

8. Machinefabriek - "Slaapzucht"

Collection of rarities is an evening delight of subtle sound.

MPEG Stream: "Slaapdronken"


7. Holy Fuck - Holy Fuck LP

You want to dance and rock? Nothing better out there.

MPEG Stream: "Lovely Allen"


6. The Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"

What’s not to like? Some of the best rock anthems of this short century.

MPEG Stream: "Keep The Car Running"

5. Stars Of The Lid - "And Their Refinement Of The Decline"

Breathing ocean of classical instruments. Sleep record of the year.

MPEG Stream: "Articulate Silences Part 1"

4. Grails - "Burning Off Impurities"

Poignant eastern sounds, western sensibilities. Powerful melodies, magical results.

MPEG Stream: "Soft Temple"

3. Iron and Wine - "The Shepherd's Dog"

With a full band this songwriter gets better with every record. So good.

MPEG Stream: "Pagan Angel And A Borrowed Car"

2. Panda Bear - "Person Pitch"

You know you love it the first time you hear it.

MPEG Stream: "Comfy In Nautica"


1. Battles - "Mirrored"

Most adventurous thing I heard all year. Unbelievable talents and hooks.

MPEG Stream: "Race: In"