When I review a new release, I also give the album a score based on the quality of each individual track and the album as a whole. Sure it’s only February, but it’s never too soon to start tracking the Top Albums of 2007. The list will be up 20 soon enough, but for now here are the 10 best albums I’ve heard so far this year (Note: To be eligible for this list the album needs to be released in the U.S. between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2007):
1. Menomena Friend and Foe (Barsuk)
2. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars)
3. Youth Group Casino Twilight Dogs (Anti-)
4. The Bird and the Bee The Bird and the Bee (Metro Blue/Blue Note)
5. The Shins Wincing the Night Away (Sub Pop)
6. VietNam VietNam (Kemado)
7. Rob Crow Living Well (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
8. Sarah Shannon City Morning Song (Minty Fresh)
9. Nas Hip Hop Is Dead (Def Jam)
10. Smoke or Fire This Sinking Ship (Fat Wreck Chords)
Alright, I already gave The Shins two chances, do they deserve a third?
I wonder what it will be like to watch Garden State in 10 years? I doubt anyone will be able to look back at the indie tastemaking of the early 00s with much pride. We could have all been dancing to Missy Elliott, you know.
To appreciate this latest and the last Shins albums, you need to listen to them at least 4 times. The fifth listen will be the watershed moment. Though that moment is a little more exciting on Chutes Too Narrow than Wincing the Night Away.
Are you for real, or is this some sort of clever indie trick?
It may be clever, yes, but it’s also quite real.
Can’t we just listen to The Motors’ original “Dancing the Night Away” 800 times instead!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFJeNtlfjaU