Simon's List

1. Radiohead - In Rainbows

2. Jesu - Conqueror

3. Burial - Untrue

4. The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

5. Deerhunter - Cryptograms

6. Les Savy Fav - Let’s Stay Friends

7. The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are Dark Horses

8. The Forms - The Forms

9. Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew - Spirit If

10. Grinderman - Grinderman

11. Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

12. Low - Drums & Guns

13. Shocking Pinks - Shocking Pinks

14. Band Of Horses - Cease To Begin

15. Cripple Black Phoenix - A Love Of Shared Disasters

16. Pelican - City Of Echoes

17. Thurston Moore - Trees Outside The Academy

18. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

19. The National - Boxer

20. Future Of The Left - Future Of Left

21. The Pony’s - Turn The Lights Out

22. Liars - Liars

23. Elliott Smith - New Moon

24. Dinosaur Jnr - Beyond

25. Panda Bear - Person Pitch

Lullaby's Albums of the Year

Sean's List

Honourable Mentions - Dungen - Tio Bitar, Devendra Banhart - Smokey Rolls DownThunder Canyon, Icarus Line - Black Lives at the Golden Coast, Bruce Springsteen - Magic, Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation, The Ponys - Turn the Lights Out, Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight, Dinosaur Jr - Beyond, Rufus Wainwright - Release the Stars, Kanye West - Graduation, Justice - +, Blonde Redhead - 23, Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare, Ghostface Killah - Big Doe Rehab, Baroness - Red Album, Kevin Drew - Spirit if.., Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81, Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.

21. Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover

The first record from Spencer Krug that i've come to like, truly impressive sophomore effort from his other band.

20. Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild

Eddie Vedder's first ever solo album and companion piece to Sean Penn's exceptional film, Into the Wild. I had listened to this quite alot before seeing the film. Even though the album was already quite impressive, when seeing the film the music is taken to a complete new level.

19. Battles - Mirrored

Battles have pretty much commericialized the term "math-rock" in the underground music scene this year. Some of the music created here is purely remarkable.

18. Black Lips - Good Bad Not Evil

For awhile there I really didn't think much of this album at all. Then one evening is just all clicked together. This is one great garage rock record.

17. Besnard Lakes....Are the Dark Horse

Dark and Gloomy yet has many pop sensiblities strewn across this excellent album.

16. Nicole Atkins - Neptune City

One late night I witnessed Nicole Atkins play the David Letterman show, very curious i researched her and got her debut album quick smart to be blown away straight away. A strong voice with a sound so lush.

15. Caribou - Andorra

A collection of excellent eclectic electronic pop songs from Dan Snaith.

14. Cass McCombs - Dropping the Writ

Probably my "new" favourite Singer/Songwriter artist of the year. While the songs are kept fairly simple, he executes them with such grandeur.

13. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

Constantly pushing the boundaries of modern pop music, the music might be a bit strange to the casual listener but that's because it's quite strange. Each listen brings something new to my ears which is always refreshing.

12. Liars - Liars

I spent most of 2006 trying to come to terms with Liars third album "Drum's Not Dead" no matter how many times i listened to it, nothing happened. Though everyone else i pretty much talked to said it was amazing. Sure it was intriguing but I struggled and still struggle to find that brilliance. More importantly Liars came out with their fourth album this year with a more "conventional" sound and boy is it fabulous. Dark sounds with a jagged edge. If pollution had a sound this would probably be it.

11. A Place to Bury Strangers - A Place to Bury Strangers

Some say it's practically like the second coming of Psychocandy, with saying that it's not too far away from the truth, this is an exceptional modern day ear shattering shoegaze noise record.

10. Les Savy Fav - Let's Stay Friends

Whenever someone says there is no good rock and roll around these days, I just tell them to listen to this record.

9. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

A grand sophomore effort, probably the best released this year. Without comparing it too Funeral, the album has remained as fresh as the day it was released. One incredible song after the next.

8. Belles Will Ring - Mood Pattern

My favourite Australian album of the year, another 60's neo-psychedelic group. Great record.

7. Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog

I was intrigued by this album from the very first time i heard it. Sam Beam steps up his game, not that he had to. Devil Never Sleeps rocks.

6. Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

My favourite modern day singer songwriter places it safe in 2007 with the release of just one album and e.p. Ryan ties several of his influences together upon the Tiger.

5. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

I've always been a casual Spoon fan, but my respect levels increased tenfold this year with the release of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, just simple effective songwriting.




4. Radiohead - In Rainbows

Another slice of Radiohead magic, took a little while to get used too, but when the transistion was made it delievered on many levels.

3. Deerhunter - Cryptograms

Nothing more can be said about how amazing this album really is. Creative, dark, atmospheric. One of the best of the decade.

2. Okkervil River - The Stage Names.

The Stage Names for me is one of the most evocative albums of the year. With Sheff's fine songwriting he has nine incredible songs to add to the Okkervil River canon.

1. The National - Boxer

This one grows and continues to grow, it was a pretty great feeling when this one struck a chord with me as not only did it evoke much admiration from me, it got itself to the number one place in my annual top albums list and 2007 wasn't an easy year to perform such a task. The songs are dark, broody and ominous. Ada is something special.

Top 51 Tracks of 2007.











1. Okkervil River - Our Life is Not a Movie But Maybe

I said to myself along time ago that this track would probably be placed here, I guess i never changed my mind.

2. The National - Mistaken By Strangers

The drums, the words, the chorus, the energy, the mood.

3. Rilo Kiley - Dreamworld

This song almost takes my breath away, too good.

4. Patrick Wolf - Overture

A Sea of orchestrations inhabit this track, strong opener.

5. Devendra Banhart - Seahorse

Someone said earlier this year, shortest 8 minute song ever, they were right, pure awesome.

6. Spoon - Don't You Evah

You can't pass that groove and simplistic guitar playing.

7. Ryan Adams - Everybody Knows

Loved it first time I heard it.

8. Deerhunter - Spring Hall Convert

Epic songwriting/structuring

9. Radiohead - House of Cards

Hard decision but this one seems to click with me alot.

10. Iron and Wine - Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car

Perfect introduction to the new Iron and Wine sound.



11. Arcade Fire - Black Mirror

Neon Bible is just a platter to choose from, so i mean how do you choose? I went this option as it was the first track to really grow on me earlier this year.

12. Eddie Vedder - Hard Sun

Terrific song from Vedder, turns out to be a cover, still just as good.

13. Modest Mouse - Florida

Loved driving along to this song, so rocking, great guitar work.

14. LCD Soundsystem - Someone Great

Lovely track, quite saddening at the same time.

15. Belles Will Ring - Older Younger

Another band making great retro style 60's pop music, love it.

16. The Good, the Bad and the Queen - Herculean

Heard this track late 06 at a mates place, it instantly reminded me of the Beta Band for some reason, great song.

17. Air - Mer du Japon

Air magic.

18. Battles - Atlas

This track gets the Marc Bolan tag alot, but that's probably why I dig it, that beat is so glam.

19. Animal Collective - Cuckoo Cuckoo

Really liked this one, love the piano intro descending into pure madness.



20. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Berlin

Rock and Roll motherfucker!

21. Paul McCartney - Mr Bellamy

My highlight from the album, i also just read recently that Paul invited Thom Yorke to play on this track, though Thom had to decline, saying his skills werent quite up to scratch.

22. A Place to Bury Strangers - My Weakness

Oh so many great tracks to choose from, the intro is just awesome.

23. Dinosaur Jr - Back to Your Heart

Lou sings this one, it always resonated with me, loved hearing it live.

24. Wilco - Impossible Germany

Dug it the first time round, still dig it just as much.

25. Feist - My Moon My Man

Apparently this song is even more popular then 1,2,3,4 these days, still it's massivly catchy and awesome.

26. Les Savy Fav - Brace Yourself

Great song from a Great record

27. Queens of the Stone Age - Make it Wit Chu

I was hooked when i heard this song back on the Desert Sessions, being released as a Queens tracks surprised me a little, still a badass as anything.

28. Cass McCoombs - Crick In My Neck

Just one of the many great songs from Dropping the Writ

29. Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan

A really good album, this one should hit you immediately.



30. The Ponys - Double Vision

Loved it the moment i heard it, and loved it even more when it appeared in Entourage.

31. Nicole Atkins - Party's Over

Song after song, it was tough choosing but i felt this was a great end to the album and excellent song.

32. Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation

This song could have been written back in the 70's in the hills of Laurel Canyon, totally awesome.

33. Blonde Redhead - Publisher

This is just like one of those tracks you hear a fair few times and then from out of nowhere just smacks your right on the nose.

34. Menomena - Evil Bee

Took me awhile to come around on these guys, but this track just had it all.

35. The Panics - Sundowner

I saw this track live earlier this year and it blew me away, after i heard this song no other song mattered for the rest of the night. A great close to Cruel Guards.

36. Ghostface Killah - Yolanda's House

Instant standout track from Ghost's 2007 effort.

37. Besnard Lakes - Disaster

Possibly one of the best opening songs to an album this year.

38. The Field - A Paw in My Face

Catchy mood electronica.

39. Icarus Line - Vintage Gardens

This album totally took me by surprise, great return and this song was just one amongst so many great songs.

40. Yeasayer - 2080

Just caught this track towards the end of the year, should get massive attention in 2008, rad tune.

41. Dungen - Svart är Himlen

2 minutes of fist pumping swedish psyche rock, awesome drumming.

42. Caribou - Melody Day

Just charming.

43. Grinderman - No Pussy Blues

You pretty much know what you're getting with this song just from the title alone but damn that feedback continues the excellence.

44. Arctic Monkeys - 505

Really enjoyed Favourite Worst Nightmare, a hell of a lot more then i did their debut, pretty rocking record but this track finalises the album in such great fashion taking the band off into a new direction.

45. The Soulsavers - Kingdom of Rain

I was never sold on this album, but i was quite intrigued by their sound flying gospel influences on their sleeves, Lanegan's dry vocals are quite prominent here and as the chorus imerges the song has you sold.

46. Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere

I ummed and argghed over checking out Magic, but i'm sure glad i did, there are plenty better songs on the album but this is a pretty great rock song and a good representation of the album.

47. The Polyphonic Spree - Light to Follow

This song stuck out quite prominently, each time i gave Fragile Army a spin, just had the quirkiness the other songs lacked.

48. Midnight Juggernauts - Into the Galaxy

Wasnt a huge fan of the album, but once i heard this track i couldnt stop listening, so catchy.

49. Fountains of Wayne - Traffic and Weather

The record accumulated a few good reviews, so i decided to check out the record, not really my thing apart from a few really great pop tunes, this one was one of the better pop songs of the year.

50. Rooney - I Should've Been After You

Really dug their sound from the debut record, but this album wasn't much to talk about, this song is great though, pure pop.

51. Interpol - Mammoth

As much as I dig this band, the album was quite ordinary, though a few really cool tracks this one was always really enjoyable for me.

2007 Editor Lists

Sean

Favourite New Band to Emerge

I'd have to say A Place to Bury Strangers, solid debut album.

Favourite New Discovery

That's a tough question as so many bands I was kind of familiar with all released great albums i.e Spoon, Iron and Wine, The National. In the way of brand new discoveries i'd say Deerhunter.

Disapppointing album of the year

Definitely Interpol, I expected big from these guys and they didn't quite deliver.

Album that suprised you?

Possibly Sunset Rubdown, I wasn't really too keen on Spencer Krug's adventures until I took a chance on giving Random Spirit Lover a spin.

Favourite Music Publication

No real favourites, more just a collection of a few.

Musicomh
Largeheartedboy (more of a link site)
Pitchfork
Drowned in Sound
Audio Overflow
Popmatters
Stylus (R.i.P)

Most Overrated Album/Band of the year

Tough question, even if the quality of material this year was fairly exceptional the media, blogs and publication's still managed too find away to blow everything out of proportion. LCD Soundsystem, Feist, Of Montreal, Panda Bear, Battles etc.


Most Unnoticed Album/Band of the year

Australia wise, easily Belles will Ring and Internationally, Cass McCoombs and Nicole Atkins.

How many 2007 albums did you purchase this year?

Inside the year: 18.

Record shop that gave you the most pleasure this year?

Toss up between JB hifi (as usual) and Rockinghorse (Brisbane) was quite swell.

Best moment in music this year?

Probably at Dinosaur Jr, when Lou Barlow handed me one of his picks that he had dropped between songs, nice.

Most listened to song/album of the year

Not sure song wise, album wise Kanye West - Graduation

Album you think everyone should hear/own

Animal Collective, only because the sound is now and probably the future.

Best sophomore effort for the year

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible, pretty great return.

Your musical journey this year?

Pretty Interesting year, started off fairly slow with some big releases and all at once a few months in records just started popping up left right and centre, things i'd heard of before and things i knew i just had to try out, pure craziness. 2007 also saw the so called "indie" genre come full circle, with many acts fully establishing themselves whether it be in headling slots at big festivals too reaching a more commerical audience. The death of Oink brought alot of attention about which was quite sad, such a great site.

Best reunion

Dinosaur Jr for my money, solid record and live show, Jesus and the Marychain also.

Worst reunion

Well on record a toss up between the Stooges and Smashing Pumpkins.

Best Music DVD/Film

Control was astounding and Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten is must.

Best Band/Artist Bio/Auto grapy

I checked a bit of Slash's autobio out, wasnt bad and i purchased Bob Dylans Chronicles, so i should get to that soon as possible.

Albums you tried to get into, but just couldnt

Quite a few this year: Burial, Panda Bear, Of Montreal, No Age and Dirty Projectors. Hopefully with time they will all click.














Simon


Favourite New Band to Emerge

I’ve not been impressed with any new bands this year to be honest. Cripple Black Phoenix would have to be the pick of them, I would say.

Favourite New Discovery

Definitely Deerhunter. They’d have to be the most diverse indie band I’ve heard in quite some time and it’s not just from album to album, but in particular their album “Cryptograms” itself. It has so many different song structures and different sounds that you have to ask yourself “is this really the same band creating these songs?”

Disappointing albums of the year

Definitely Pelican’s “City Of Echoes”. Although it has some of the band’s finest material on it, as an album, it really lacks the killer punch. The rhythm section just doesn’t seem right, which is disappointing. I was expecting a bit more from Interpol, too. I didn’t want them to make that rubbish album that most bands due when they sign to a major label, and although “Our Love To Admire” isn’t rubbish, it’s the band’s worst collection of songs yet.

Album that surprised you?

Jesu’s “Conqueror”. Although Justin Broadrick’s previous works have impressed me, “Conqueror” is such an amazing collection of songs. It’s definitely amongst the finest releases I’ve listened to this year.

Favourite Music Publication

To be honest, I’ve given up on publications for the minute. NME is an absolute disgrace and has succumbed to the business side of the evil music industry, while other publications are just too expensive for my shallow pockets (someone‘s a tight-arse). I read Pitchfork, although it’s not my favourite publication. I feel too many people read too much into what critics say, rather
than judging for themselves what’s good and what’s not, so I’d rather stay clear of that kind of stuff and make up my own opinion.

Most Overrated Album/Band of the year

I don’t mean to sound arrogant here, but I guess you have to be rated to be overrated, right? I guess The Klaxons miss the boat on this occasion. Way too many British bands get recognition they simple don’t deserve. Personally, I moved to England hoping to get a better feel for music, but a lot of people over here love band’s that the rest of the world simply don‘t! Band’s like the Klaxons, Reverend And The Makers, Kaiser Chiefs and basically all of this new wave British material is best used for a coffee coasters and not much else! Seriously, it’s a worry, this lack of ability within the modern music scene.

Most Unnoticed Album/Band of the year

It has to be Burial. I’ve been following this guy thanks to a mate of mine who got me onto his self-titled debut early last year. “Untrue” is definitely one of the albums of the year, but I think it’ll go largely unnoticed due to the embryonic nature of the genre that this album represents.

How many 2007 albums did you purchase this year?

To be honest, I’ve downloaded a lot this year, as logistically, I’m not that well set-up, so my laptop is my new best friend. I’ve bought about 60, though. I’m on an average of 130 plus every other year.

Record shop that gave you the most pleasure this year?

I got a lot from JB Hi-Fi whilst I was in Sydney and Melbourne. Although it’s a franchise, just like HMV and the like, they offer good prices and the staff are very friendly, unlike some of those elitist wankers who work in independent record shops.

Best moment in music this year?

Radiohead announcing the release of “In Rainbows” and the overall concept they took to release it. A great idea and touch of genius from one of the world’s best bands. Also, the fact that Morrissey is suing the NME for that misconstrued piece they conspired. Not that he needs financial compensation, but for the principal of the matter, I hope he bleeds those shit-stirring fuckers for every penny and after paying his lawyer, donating the rest of the money to some anti-racist charity. I could see Morrissey doing something like that!

Most listened to song/album of the year

Song: Pelican’s ‘Far From The Fields’. This is definitely one of the best songs the bands has written to date. Sums them up in nutshell, really.

Album: Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” it took me four listens before it really hit me, but now it’s home and on repeat. Same could probably go for Burial’s “Untrue”, and Jesu’s “Conqueror” which are always constantly getting a spin.

Album you think everyone should hear/own

For a modern lesson in talented musicians Deerhunter’s“Cryptograms” is a must.

Best sophomore effort for the year

Although Deerhunter‘s “Cryptograms” was a sophomore release, no one really got into them based on their first release, so in this case I’d have to say The Arcade Fire’s “Neon Bible”. What a band. There’s no sophomore nerves with this album. It’s truly special, despite what people think. I think a lot of fans are quiet put off by this band’s popularity, but to be honest, don’t let that rubbish persuade you against the true ability and strength of a band and their music. You
can’t go past amazing pieces of work and The Arcade Fire produce it. No doubt.

Your musical journey this year?

Definitely moving over to the UK has effected me for the fact that I now download music instead of buying it. There’s pros and cons towards this stance, but I truly believe I wouldn’t of heard half of the albums I have if it weren’t for the internet. I was strongly opposed to internet downloading, but when you go down to the local record shop and see albums for 15 quid, then your mind quickly changes and I’m no exception. Fuck the likes of HMV taking your money.

Fight against it and soon enough they will die a slow death. As for new bands. I’ve been very disappointed in comparison with previous years. It’s certainly been a year for digging the older material. I think the industry realises the lack of good music, too, and this is the reason why so many bands are reforming. That and for the chance to make more money, too, of course.

I’ve also been turned off by live shows, somewhat, due to the idiocy that flows through the doors of particular shows. In future I will indeed be choosing very carefully which gigs I attend. This is not an elitist stance, by the way. I just don’t like beer being spilt over me or getting the music drowned out by a conversation that’s totally irrelevant to the show itself. It’s true; as music becomes more popular, shows attract the moronic element of society. It’s ironic because people use to attend a show to escape the likes these people, but it’s turned full circle now, unfortunately.. Dig out your plan b, people.

Best reunion

Although, I haven’t seen The Jesus & Mary Chain, I think it’s a good thing they’re back together. So much depends on the live show, so we’ll have to see with that one. Dinosaur Jr are the only band that have released a solid album and have continued on with their ear-splitting
live show, so in my books, Mr Mascis, Mr. Barlow and Murph are the winners!

Worst reunion

The Smashing Pumpkins. Merely a money making scheme this and although “Zeitgeist” isn’t the worst album, I think the release of it was a total lack of respect for James Iha. The old material live is a perfect example of why Billy Corgan should have let sleeping dogs lie.


Best Music DVD/Film

“Control”. Such a great representation of a great band.

Best Band/Artist Bio/Autobiography

I’ve not read too many artist bio this years, but “The Music, Myths, and Misbehavior of Primal Scream” was quite insightful and interesting and was very accurate
due to the writer [Kris Needs] having close ties with the band itself.

Albums you tried to get into, but just couldn’t

I would have to say Blonde Redhead’s “23”. Their music in general, - in my opinion -, is good but I can’t get into any of their albums as a whole. “23” continues in much the same vein for me.