More Like A Top 20 Albums of 2007

As James Murphy says in "Us vs Them," the time has come, the time has come today.

Most major sites have already released their top albums of the year and with that has come countless forums battling it out over who did what wrong and who did what right. I drunkly and rightfully commented on Spin's list, which I still remain adamant about its bullshit.

Before I post the list that appeared in The Recorder last week, I would like to say that while this list reflects what Ed and I believe are the best of the year, this list will certainly change in our minds over time. Not to say that we're wrong right now (although we very well could be), but albums from 2007 are growing on me and...doing the opposite of growing on me the more I listen to them. A perfect example is LCD Soundsystem's Sound of Silver, which I believe should be a bit higher. And I also believe Lupe Fiasco's The Cool will be taking Pharoahe Monch's spot by week's end (in my mind). So without further ado, the list.

1. Kanye West - Graduation
Kanye’s newest album was our hands-down number one of the year. With an amazing mix of style, no one song on this album is bad.

2. Radiohead - In Rainbows
In Rainbows redefined how music is released and purchased. Not only did Radiohead fuck over every record label, they made their best album in years.

3. Chromeo - Fancy Footwork
The NYC via Montreal-based duo tore up the dance floors and my earphones with their electrofunk tracks this year. This album made every party in the summer of 2007 that much better.

4. The National - Boxer
2005’s Alligator was the band’s jump into popularity, but it was Boxer that kept them there. Interpol, one of The National’s contemporaries, is currently wishing their release this year sounded half as good.

5. Tegan and Sara - The Con
There’s not a bad thing that can be said about this twin sister duo. While The Con was not as easily accessible compared So Jealous, the creativity on this one grew on you quickly.

6. White Williams - Smoke
White Williams showed up kind of late this year, but his album was so damn catchy it cracked the Top 10 with ease. This electro pop release is all Williams, as he does vocals, mans the laptop and keys.

7. Justice - †

These French dance enthusiasts have made an album Daft Punk could be jealous of. For the rest of us, it’s an essential party record.

8. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
This shit got nominated for a Grammy, are you kidding me? James Murphy slays. This dance, punk, disco, whatever album is essential. Cop it if you haven’t yet.

9. Feist - The Reminder
Mostly known for her role in indie-powerhouse Broken Social Scene, Feist has wandered off by herself and made an extremely catchy album that has even caught Apple’s attention enough for her own iPod commercial spot.


10. Jamie T - Panic Prevention
Mike Skinner meets the Artic Monkeys equals someone who is apparently more capable of putting out a solid album this year. This genre-jumping 21-year-old was one of the best newcomers this year.

11. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
Picking up where Chutes Too Narrow left off, The Shins continue to make outstanding rock albums that Zach Braff can’t get enough of.

12. Ratatat - Ratatat Remixes Volume 2
While most Ratatat’s original material is purely instrumentals, their remixes mash together vocals from one track and beats from another. Most of them are genius and all of them are free.

13. Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City
The band had a tough act to follow with Silent Alarm and while some people were skeptical of A Weekend, it turned out to be the most logical step for Bloc Party.

14. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
Band of Horses kind of popped out of nowhere with a fall release, but received good press from just about everywhere. It was well deserved considering their album was brilliant.



15. Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
Despite the fact that she became crazy in the last couple months does not change the fact that America fell in love with her when her album hit shores in March. Cross your fingers that the loveable, miserable R&B singer will come back to us for another try.

16. Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future
The hype train was at full steam with Myths and most of it checked out. This act may or may not have launched the debated genre of “new rave,” but either way their blend of punk and electronic music was a staple this year.

17. The Good the Bad and the Queen - Self-Titled
The Good, The Bad and the Queen would have been in Radiohead’s spot if they hadn’t released In Rainbows. It has the same lowkey rock smarts, but without the electric vibes.


18. M.I.A. - Kala
Mathangi Arulpragasam aka M.I.A. dropped another big record out of England this year, with her grungy, funk-laced pop songs that make Lady Sovereign look ever worse than she already is.

19. Against Me! - New Wave
This list needed some punk and Against Me! put out this year’s best punk album, no question. With a mix of political ideas and folky undertones, Against Me! stands out from any other band in their genre.

20. Pharoahe Monch - Desire
Common’s album was alright. Talib’s had its moments. Brother Ali had a solid outing. Jay-Z pretty much dropped the ball, again. Instead Monch steps up to be this year’s unlikely hero to the genre of hip-hop.



Look for our podcast on our 2007 'awards' like Best Single tomorrow or Thursday