10~
Delta Spirit
Ode to Sunshine [Amazon] [iTunes]
Delta Spirit are still relatively unknown and, as such, Ode to Sunshine hasn't been finding its way on many year-end lists. This album is a solid effort, though (there isn't a single bad song on the thing), and I am completely convinced that Delta Spirit will be reaching quite a few more ears in '08.
Crucial Cut: "Trashcan" [MP3]
9~
Baroness
Red Album [Amazon]
After a promising start with 2003's First and 2005's Second, Baroness are suddenly making waves in the music industry. They are favored by the indie-rock-leaning likes of Pitchfork and Stereogum-- the kind of endorsements that are priceless in the short term but may ultimately lead to a severe backlash. These guys are the real deal though, and with a little luck could very well become the next 'big thing' in metal.
Crucial Cut: "Wanderlust" [MP3]
8~
High On Fire
Death is this Communion [Amazon]
Though overall it falls just short of the bar set by 2005's Blessed Black Wings, Death Is This Communion was the year's strongest 'conventional' metal record. Not to belittle High On Fire-- I mean 'conventional' only as a way of distinguishing them from the quite unconventional likes of Om or Torche. Death is this Communion does have and edge on Blessed Black Wings in a few areas, though. The album's tone is more varied, Matt Pike's vocal performance is stronger and more self-assured, and drummer Des Kensel gets a few opportunities to shine as well, including his very own track, "Headhunter."
Crucial Cut: "Fury Whip" [MP3]
7~
LCD Soundsystem
Sound of Silver [Amazon] [iTunes]
It takes a special dance record to really make an impact on me. The New Deal's self-titled 2001 release was one of those records. So too, is LCD Soundsystem's sophomore effort, Sound of Silver. Besides nine solid tunes, Sound of Silver-- much like The New Deal-- features live drums, guitar, piano, bass, percussion, vocals... well, you get the idea. Dance stalwarts Daft Punk and newcomers Justice have their place, to be sure, but in the world of dance music, nothing tops a solid record of original songs performed by instrumentalists.
Crucial Cut: "All My Friends" [MP3]
6~
Radiohead
In Rainbows [Amazon]
The best part about Radiohead's In Rainbows was its absence of the typical 6-month hype-fest that surrounds traditional album releases. Most big name releases are over-hyped, over-marketed, and generally shoved down our throats, and it was refreshing that In Rainbows saw its release only ten days after the world first learned of its existence. Expectations were shattered and the music itself was allowed to do the talking, making for a very enjoyable listen.
Crucial Cut: "Bodysnatchers" [MP3]
5~
Torche
In Return [Amazon] [iTunes]
Torche will destroy you with their bomb string. Read my review.
Crucial Cut: "In Return" [MP3]
4~
Om
Pilgrimage [Amazon]
'Art music', as awkward a phrase that may be, is the best way to describe Om. Equal parts heavy metal and heady metal, Pilgrimage finds Om reaching new levels of subtlety, musicianship, and intellect.
Crucial Cut: "Bhimas' Theme" [MP3]
3~
Jesu
Conqueror [Amazon]
Jesu's Conqueror accompanied me on many late-night subway journeys early this year. Hearing this album now calls to mind memories of those frigid winter evenings, my breath visible as I paced about the subway platform deep in the heart of Brooklyn, making footprints in the fresh snowfall and listening to Justin Broaderick's haunting, sorrowful shoegaze.
Crucial Cut: "Transfigure" [MP3]
2~
Arcade Fire
Neon Bible [Amazon]
The consensus seems to be that Neon Bible doesn't live up to Arcade Fire's 2004 debut Funeral, but I prefer the former. Neon Bible is simultaneously epic, dark, foreboding, grandiose, intimate-- in short, a masterpiece. Arcade Fire are honest and sincere, if perhaps a bit preachy, and they're more endearing than a child.
Crucial Cut: "My Body is a Cage" [MP3]
1~
Witchcraft
The Alchemist [Amazon]
Timeless rock n' roll. Doesn't get much better than this. Read my review at The Tripwire.
Crucial Cut: "The Alchemist" [MP3]
December 21, 2007
Crustake Gerf's Best of 2007
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8 hollers:
Damn!...........I completely forgot about "Pilgrimage"......good call on that one........
Solid list! I have two comments though.
1) Radiohead: I am a Radiohead fan. I've always liked them. But I really feel that In Rainbows, while very good, was not great. This album is on too many year-end Top 10 lists, and I feel it's only there because of the marketing method (or lack thereof) and "pay as you wish" pricing. Shouldn't a Top 10 list be about, you know, the MUSIC and not the marketing scheme?
2) Arcade Fire: REALLY??? HOW DARE YOU???? (minus 1 cred point for Crustcake!)
-VN
nice, i had some non-metal ish stuff i was considering but the internal struggle of bearded dirtbag vs. white belted hipster persuaded my pop picks to surrender to defeat
Yeah, I failed to address that In Rainbows is great musically as well. Not groundbreaking like Kid A but certainly up there with some of Radiohead's best work.
"minus 1 cred point for Crustcake!"
Or plus one. Depends on who you ask. I mean, have you heard them? Have you seen them?
I gotta agree with vince on Arcade Fire.......The second my girlfriend said that she was having a "girls night out" to go see them.....they lost all credibility in my book...not that they had much to begin with. Still a good list though! I think between the 2 of you guys you pretty much covered all my bases.....except for Electric Wizard! Oh well.....I can't ask for everything..... can I?....
Yeah, Electric Wizard's Witchcult Today also deserves a nod, as does Blonde Redhead's 23, The National's Boxer, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists' Living with the Living, and Big Business and Neurosis of course.
It's been a pretty good year!
damn good year! cheers to ya'll
Excellent list! Given to the Rising and Witchcult Today both deserve mention as well, but I'm glad to see Baroness and HoF here! Seeing non-metal indie stuff and loving Radiohead makes me wanna check out LCD Soundsystem...just couldn't get into "All My Friends" the other week...
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