Why do I feel like 2007 albums came out in 2006?

So the skinny is that I have some albums that I enjoyed in this year of our Lord, 2007. Apparently I am 'old hat' and will repeat some of the albums already presented on this illustrious 'blog-fest' Just call me "old hat mc-repeat". There are, in fact, a couple sweeties that I indulged in from the past but have been brought to my life this year so I figured..'why not blog that trash?' 

So let's begin... short disclaimer/self high-five... this is my first experience blogging. I know that is sad and arguably considered odd being that blogs have been in existence for some time... but pretty much this is my first time, I am losing my virginity in the form of a computerized manuscript and I hope I last longer then anticipated. 

But seriously, let's hit it.

(In no particular order)

1. Getting this out of the way because it is obvious... 'Boxer' : The National. If 'Alligator' wasn't heaven-sent enough those beautiful Nattiboys did it again, and rocked me hard. I love the album from front to end. Indulging in the lyrics, the musical craftsmanship, and overall quality I can't get enough. Much like a band I will talk about later, they seem to have mastered making music that sounds 'simple' to play, but is in fact very difficult to create and complex. I love the drumming in almost every song, very tasteful, perfect, and solid. Also, Matt Berninger's voice pretty much stirs my loins in every song. Though my favorite song is constantly changing, I must admit that I still get nuts when I hear that beautiful open bass whole-note dropped at the beginning of 'Guest Room'. Throw me in prison with The National for a long time.

2. Um, a band that I have been completely locked in on over the last four years... props to Joseph D. and Jared B.... is Spoon, and I really enjoyed 'Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga.' I know the title of the album is suspect to lame-hood, but the content of the album is great. I really did/do enjoy it more then 'Gimmie Fiction' and I would say it is my third favorite behind 'A Series of Sneaks' and 'Girls Can Tell.' I loved the album from start to finish, and really dig the last track "Black Like Me." Spoon is one of those bands, to me (like The National), that make simple sounding music that is very very difficult to produce, and master. Britt Daniels continues to amaze me at his song writing abilities, and for those people out there that have created a bias against Spoon because more main-stream critics have given them good reviews... get over your "anti-popular garbage," and indulge in their brilliance.

3. 'Keep No Score' : Sleeping at Last 

Yeah this album came out in 2006... yeah these guys could be considered predictable in what they are going to produce... but I listened to this album, this year, with open ears and have found a beautiful piece that is more ambitious and imaginative then their first record: 'Ghosts'. It really is solid 

4. 'Cross' : Justice

I am sorry but these guys (minus 3-4 tracks) really do sound like Daft Punk, a lot... but that is why they kick me in the joy ride. I love the album. I haven't loved a 'euro-pop-techno-dance' record this much since being shown the Daft Punk light. It makes me wanna thrust my hips onto the dance floor, and dance until exhaustion. They're cool

5. 'Neon Bible' : The Arcade Fire

I like The Arcade Fire. I think it was a good follow up to an amazing first album. I think people are too critical of this album and didn't give it a chance from the get go. They do a great job of doing what they do... and yes, Dave Watson, it was indeed an amazing-amazing live show (and I didn't doubt it for a second). They breath good life into a world full of bad rock and folk music.

6. 'Attack Decay Sustain Release' : Simian Mobile Disco

My first exposure to Simian Mobile Disco... and I say 'why not?' I think the album is pretty diggity-dank and the first track is one of my favorite first tracks (I know that is a bold statement). It really gets me juiced and grooving. I think for those who have written them off as euro-techy-ravehead-poopy... give them another shot, and for those extremely in love... watch out. They do, in my opinion, borderline 'rave-grindmylegtothebone' music, but I can't help but enjoy them and what they do. Good dance grooves. Good music

7. 'Nothing's Okay' : The Everybodyfields

Picked this up a little bit ago and I recommend it. A very bluegrass/folk-rock infusion of some western twang and good ole' 'Americana'... and dark at times (which is good). I love the female vocals. Silky smooth and awesome tone. They write good tunes and are an enjoyable listen. I would like to see them live. They seem pretty fresh.

8. 'Fancy Footwork' : Chromeo

Wow. I know these guys are not serious... i think ha ha... but they have written a sweet album and I find it gyrating. I love the synths, vox box, Prince influence, and horrible lyrics ha ha. I love the title track: 'fancy footwork' and believe that people are missing out on fun, not too serious, well created/produced tunes. If Chromeo is playing, I will show you my fancy footwork, that I am not that shy, and that I believe in the two step. Thank you P (and Simon, and whoever posted these guys on the box)

9. 'Ears Like Golden Bats' : My Teenage Stride

Jdarling... thanks for this album. Bane already expressed his joy on this one, and I accord. I dig this album and go through spurts of not being able to stop listening to it. It is delicious and nutritious. 

10. 'A Love Supreme' : John Coltrane

This has been one of my prized gems from this last year. I am not a huge 'jazz guy', but for the sake of my musical appreciation and drum playing I have decided to invest more listening into the jazz greats (Coltrane being one of them). I received this album as a gift and was told to turn off the lights, light a candle, listen to it, and it will set me free... well, maybe they just said that it was one of the best jazz albums and I should check it out... and maybe I wanted you all to believe that I was kind of like Opie in Almost Famous... um tangent... anyways, I loved this album and see why so many rave about its splendor. Coltrane is mind blowing, along with all of his musical counterparts. The drumming is luscious, and the rest of the instrumentation ain't to shabby as well ha. I know nothing I will say here hasn't already been said, but I will say this. Minus a 20/20 special on tv, I have never heard anyone speak in 'tongues.' Some may believe this worshipful voice is bull, some may believe it is a 'spiritual gift', some may believe it still goes on, and some may fake it... I for one believe that you hear a form of tongues in the expression of Coltrane's saxophone playing. It is no hidden truth that Cotrane wrote this album as a psalm for his personal faith in God/Christ, and especially on track 1 (Acknowledgment) I believe his sax sounds more like a voice then an instrument. It really is amazing. He plays like a soulful southern gospel singer... except he is not singing... it really does sound like a foreign language vs. actual instrumentation. It is pretty cool. This is just one little thing that stuck out to me while listening to this album. I suggest everyone listening to it, and listening to the way that man blows his reed.... Johnny Magic Fingers. I am ashamed that I have neglected free-form jazz for so long. I need more...

Soooooo if you made it through my mumbo-jumbo I thank thee and hope you enjoyed it. 

A couple other albums I have enjoyed and are still investing time into are:

Pharoahe Monch's 'Desire'

Common's 'Finding Forever'

Radiohead's 'In Rainbows '

Thanks for letting me get on my soap box for a little tic. Hope everyone here had a wonderful Holiday and I look forward to reading more opinions and suggestions (and criticisms... boo-yah).... pardon any bad grammar or spelling ha ha