It’s the end of 2007 as we know it and I feel fine…
Pop Rock Candy Albums of the year:
The Black and White Album The Hives
Big riffs. Amazingly loud guitars. Ole Miss cheerleaders. Huh? America’s favorite Swedes find their inner-Queen in Oxford, and it’s the Queen of “Sheer Heart Attack” and “Another One Bites The Dust.” It rocks, it rolls, it dances—absolutely brilliant. “T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.” is a must-listen! One of two amazing albums pumped out by Dennis Harring and company. I can’t wait to see what happens in Oxford in 2008…. The official Pop Rock Candy Best Album of 2007.
Emotionalism The Avett Brothers
Their best collection of songs to date, especially the lead track, “Die Die Die.” They are the bluegrass The Who–see them live now!
American Gangster Jay-Z
Hove proves why he is the God of Rap as he dips deep into his 1970s soul records and creates listening gold. The Marvin Gaye sampled “American Dreamin” is Jay-Z at the top of his game, which is what American Gangster is all about.
The Scene Of The Crime Bettye Lavette
An underrated soul diva returns to Muscle Shoals with the Drive By Truckers doing their best Swampers imitation. Willie Nelson’s “Somebody Pick Up My Pieces” has never sounded better. Trucker Patterson Hood produced as only a child of Muscle Shoals could.
Cease To Begin Band of Horses
Just as last year’s “Everything All The Time” was my favorite record of that year, Band of Horses may have actually topped themselves with this release. “Is There A Ghost” is by far the best single of 2007–pure sonic beauty.
As I Am Alica Keys
More songs in the Alicia Keys of life. The heir apparent to the throne of Wonder keeps it going with another personal song cycle. There is a reason that “No One” has been played ad nauseum–it is wonderful.
Easy Tiger Ryan Adams (and The Cardinals)
Finally, Ryan Adams makes an album on par with “Heartbreaker” or “Gold.” Finally.
Wagonmaster Porter Wagoner
Country treasure Porter Wagoner makes one of the best albums of his career under the direction of Marty Stewart. The result is brilliant and not pretentious. Thank you Marty Stewart for doing this before Porter died.
How You Sell Soul To A Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul? Public Enemy
The most prolific rap group of all time drops one of the best of their career. Flava Flav, your reality TV career and other sins are all forgiven.
The Big Doe Rehab Ghostface Killah, Graduation Kanye West
Two more essential rap records of 2007. Sure, you’ve heard MCs sample Rare Earth’s “Celebrate” before, but not with the ferocity of the Wu Tang’s most vibrant statesman. And Kanye delivers just like expected.
Other 2007 Albums of Note:
Magic Bruce Springsteen (and the E Street Band)
Sound of Silver LCD Soundsystem
Writer’s Block Peter Bjorn and John
Living With The Living Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Cassadaga Bright Eyes
23 Blonde Redhead
In Rainbows Radiohead
Country Ghetto JJ Grey and Mofro
Sky Blue Sky Wilco
Best Song:
My Morning Jacket’s Jim James’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “Going to Acapulco,” from the “I’m Not There” soundtrack and amply backed by Calexico.
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Our Mission statement is simple: “…I agreed that what really matters is what you like, not what you are like… Books, records, films — these things matter. Call me shallow but it’s the f*@kin’ truth.” Rob from High Fidelity
THE MILE-HIGH-FIVE-CLUB
Paul Thorn
Tupelo native Paul Thorn returns to town Thursday night with a show at the Lyric Theater. His new video,A Long Way From Tupelo, is currently playing on GAC and a limited edition of his album of the same name will be available at the show. For more information, go to http://www.paulthorn.com/
1. First, I have to say, Bluebell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. I try keep it down to one heaping bowl full a week since it's full of saturated fats and I'm a 43 year old trying to keep up the image of a front man. BUT, sometimes I'm weak and I backslide.
2. My Six Million Dollar Man Pinball machine. I finally got it fixed and have been playing it a lot. My 4 year old is learning how to play it so we get to play it together.
3. Saturday mornings, I get up and watch Kay Bain. I've been a loyal WTVA viewer for many years but I get a little upset because they've cut Kay down to just being on once a week. I love Kay Bain. You know, my coffee just tastes better with Kay Bain.
4. I've recently thrown out my old socks. I went to Wal-mart and bought a 12-pack of brand new white socks. I got them all for about eight bucks so I've been really happy about that.
5. My 14 year old daughter, Kit has become a facination. I've always been all about my daughter but now she's coming out with this Aretha Franklin style, powerful voice and I've just been amazed. I love listening to her sing.The Greatest Albums Of All Time (Some of the…)
December 27, 2007 at 8:50 pm
best. line. evah:
“More songs in the Alicia Keys of life.”