The 20 Most Glass-Raising Albums of 2007
Break out the bourbon, tequila, vodka, or whatever the hell else you want in your glass and raise it to all of the albums on our annual list of the best music of 2007. We've got more contributors this year (which means a wider scope of music) and something for just about everyone. So drink it all in...we'll start at the bottom of the list and move our way up:
20.
The Tough Alliance
A New Chance
Outrageously catchy electro-pop album from the Swedish duo that could put some folks off for reasons entirely bull shit. The Contributors Morris pushed this album onto the list.
19.
Beirut
The Flying Club Cup
Though not the accomplishment of Zach Condon's debut, Gulag Orkestar, this sophomore album makes our list on the strength of the Lawson siblings. It appears some of those that helped Beirut's debut album breach the top ten last year were not as impressed with this offering.
18.
Arcade Fire
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire's second album didn't show up high on any of our lists, but it did sneak onto a lot of them. Though many of us would admit that this pales in comparison to the accomplishment that was Funeral, it didn't need to be overlooked, either.
17.
Kings of Leon
Because of the Times
Propelled by contributor Scott Meddock's #4 ranking (!), Kings of Leon shows up on our list surprisingly. A solid musical contribution to 2007, to be sure, Because of the Times is worthy of mention.
16.
Modest Mouse
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Isaac Brock and co. came back in 2007 with a mouthful of a title and a relief of an album which managed to appease both the radio-friendly ears of the masses ("Dashboard") and the indie rock hipsters that helped them get where they are.
15.
Figurines
When the Deer Wore Blue
Awkwardly passed over by the very sites that praised their debut album, When the Deer Wore Blue must have the Figurines wondering where they went wrong. Not at BlueKitchen.net, my friends, where the textured sounds and significant album feel of this second outing wasn't lost on us. It's still not Skeleton, but there's much to offer.
14.
Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew
Spirit If...
A high ranking by Meddock again shoots Kevin Drew's debut solo album up the list into surprising territory.
13.
Of Montreal
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Though the title, for some odd reason, makes me think of "Ghostbusters" ("Are you the Key Master? Are you the Gate Keeper?"), Of Montreal's 2007 output solidified them as one of the most interesting bands working. Not always the cup of tea everyone's craving...but always something.
12.
Panda Bear
Person Pitch
A divisive album in these parts as some of us thought this album was sheer brilliance, some of us thought it was a solid companion piece to the Animal Collective catalog. The complex beauty of Bros is undeniable, however.
11.
Besnard Lakes
The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse
Hauntingly beautiful, this album wraps you up like an unusual blanket that you don't want off of you. Listen in a dim room with candles...not on a freeway in rush hour.
