50- Britney Spears: Blackout

This list sure starts out with a real stunner…I mean, it’s not like there were albums more deserving of this list compared to “Blackout.” It’s the first album she’s released since 2003’s In The Zone. Remember that album? No? There’s probably a good reason for that. This one doesn’t seem to be much better, except for the fact that she uses more vocal effects than T-Pain and as one reviewer wrote (and I LOVE it) "If a blow-up sex doll could sing, this is what she'd sound like. In terms of studio trickery, Paris Hilton’s album was practically 'unplugged' compared to this."

49- Dropkick Murphys- The Meanest of Times

I used to be a real fan of DMs, but they’re albums are all pretty much the same. You’ll see a few songs talking about how awesome Boston is, a couple songs about the plight of the working class, and they’ll all have a touch of Celtic flavor to it. Perhaps deserving a spot in the top 50, but highly uninteresting to anyone already familiar with their past catalogue.

48- Mavis Staples: We’ll Never Turn Back

While I can’t say I particularly like this album, I can safely say its not bad and I respect it. The few songs I’ve heard all were pretty good, and I think a few of them were covers. Not much to say about this. Moving on…

47- Band of Horses- Cease to Begin

I really like this band. I picked up their first album early this year and this one towards the end of the year. Highly recommended for those who enjoy “Indie” music with soft and powerful melody and well crafted music. These guys are really strong musicians as well as songwriters, however I will admit to thinking halfway through that I’d rather have a new My Morning Jacket album.

46- Fall Out Boy- Infinity on High

The list of why this album should not be featured could stretch longer than this already too-long post of mine. Not only is this a weak album by a weaker band, but its an album where ideas have stretched so thin that they even took a few ideas from Panic! At The Disco, a band who already ripped off the Fall Out Boy sound. What results is exactly what you’d think, a band trying so hard that they actually come across as a bad version of their imitators. Also Jay-Z does a guest spot, which other than his 2 albums with R Kelly, could be considered the low point in his career.

45- Foo Fighters- Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace

Despite the fact that I can’t really find a Foo Fighters album I entirely dislike, this album puts many of the previous ones to shame. Not as overly ambitious as the last double-album and far better than the One by One a few years back, this might rank with The Colour and the Shape as the best the Foo Fighters have to offer.

44- Peter Bjorn and John- Writer’s Block

Harmless indie music for harmless indie kids. Moving on.

43- Smashing Pumpkins- Zeitgeist

This album might rank as one of the biggest disappointments of the year. I would like to say I saw it coming, I definitely had a good feeling about it as it approached but I knew I shouldn’t get my hopes up. Zeitgeist is a decent album, not good by the Pumpkins’ previous standards but far better than anything Billy Corgan has done since the last Pumpkins album. It’s a mixed bag o’ treats, but not that bad. I’d say this would obviously be a must for a Smashing Pumpkins fan, but isn’t likely to convert those unfamiliar with their work.

42- Wilco: Sky Blue Sky

Wilco has been described to me by a friend as the best band I don’t listen to. I used to have “A Ghost is Born” awhile ago, but I don’t now. Didn’t even know this album came out. Don’t care. Good times.

41- Of Montreal- Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer?

Definitely in my top 10 for this year, although it was stiff competition. This album is great, however it is not like anything else Of Montreal has created. If you’re a fan of the old school psychedelic-Beach Boys knockoff, you won’t find any of it here. Full of songs you won’t be able to get out of your head, this album (coupled with the EP they shortly released after putting out Hissing Fauna) is probably my favorite Of Montreal album and still receives quite a few plays even after having this album for over a year (I got the leaked version but technically the album was released in 2007).

40- Amy Winehouse: Back to Black

Oh, the little crack addicted jewish brits make the cutest music. Not my thing, but I approve as a whole.

39- Dr Dog: We all Belong

I was recommended this by 2 people and I’ve not listened to it yet…oops

38- Imperial Teen- The Hair the TV the Baby and the Band

Read #39

37- Down: Over the Under

It’s a very pissed off southern sludge/groove metal album. If that sounds bad to you, steer clear. If that sounds reasonable, then you might like this album. While not my favorite metal release, this was not too bad and was better than I had expected.

36- Alicia Keys- As I Am

Despite this also not being my thing, I think Alicia Keys does have a nice voice and her songs are pleasant enough before people overplay them.

35- Feist- The Reminder

Just like Rilo Kiley, Feist takes a big step in the wrong direction with this album. Also, if I have to hear 1234 again I’m going to beat up a kitten. Or something to that effect.

34- Chris Brown – Exclusive

Stupid music for the easily fooled masses. Don’t bother.

33- Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price- Last of the Breed

I haven’t heard this album, or knew that any of these guys were still alive (except Willie) but this could be awesome. If I hear it, I’ll let you know.

32- Maroon 5- It won’t be soon before long

It won’t be soon before I turn this album off. A step up from an album I hated. Good job, boys.

31- Kings of Leon- Because of the Times

I’ve always kinda liked this band, this album I think was a good progression for them. Not outstanding but worth a listen.

WOW if you’ve made it this far, you’re awesome. I can tell my writing’s running thin already, so let’s see if this works.

30- Youssou N’Dour: Rokku Mi Rokka

Yeah, I actually can say I heard about this guy…but that was during my metalcore phase this year so I didn’t actually hear him. I might give him a try in the new year

29- Mary J Blige- Growing Pains

While I have to say that I support the fact she usually has a positive message attached to her songs, I also have to say that she’s been writing and putting out the same type of album with the same type of music for awhile. Pretty soon people are gonna get sick of it, and I think I already have.

28- The Apples In Stereo: New Magnetic Wonder

A great album for anyone who wished Beatles-style pop music was still all the rage. While I was hesitant about it before listening, I must say that I really enjoy what the Apples have to offer with this album. While some of the songs do come across as filler, I have to respect his use of a entirely new, non-Pythagorean, musical scale (even if it sounds real strange).

27- Lil Wayne- Da Drought

Probably because Lil Wayne’s 3^rd album “Tha Carter III” didn’t come out this year as expected, Rolling Stone needed to give the extremely overhyped rapper some credit for at least being able to stay in people’s minds. Considering all his raps are about the same things (there are only so many words for “weed” or “smoking”) and he calls himself the “Greatest Rapper Alive” despite not having 1 classic rap album under his belt, Lil Wayne definitely would win my vote for the most overrated rapper of the year.

26- Miranda Lambert- Crazy Ex girlfriend

Now this album I didn’t even give a chance. Supposedly its good and supposedly it’s “refreshing” to some, but I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot poll.

25- Linkin Park: Minutes to Midnight

Every 2+ years this lame excuse for a band puts out less than 40 minutes of complete and utter bullshit and everyone eats it up. I’m sick of it. I will admit that I bought their first album back when I was a young child who didn’t know any better, but fortunately I’ve found my way and realize what complete crap this really is. Only Linkin Park could take more than 2 years, with the best equipment money can buy as well as one of the best living producers in the world (Rick Rubin) and still churn out awful music. The fact that it is so high on this list not only makes me fear for Rolling Stone’s writers, but the public in general.

24- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss- Raising Sand

I’ve heard only 2 songs from this album and from that I was pretty impressed with it. I definitely was far more interested in the Led Zeppelin reunion this year though. I think this is something I’d come back to and listen to more but I’m this far so I’m not gonna stop.

23- 1990s- Cookies

I heard in the review that they had “family tree” connections to Franz Ferdinand. It’s truly a surprise I never listened to this before…yeah…just shocking…

22- Paul McCartney- Memory Almost Full

He recorded this for the Starbucks record label. For Starbucks. Gives me one more reason not to drink coffee : D

Yes, I used a text smile, too bad.

21- Nine Inch Nails- Year Zero

While a far cry from The Downward Spiral or even the earliest of his works, Year Zero does mark a positive return to form for Trent Reznor. Problem is I find Nine Inch Nails only moderately interesting at best, so while I did listen to this album maybe twice I really haven’t had the urge to put it on again. It’s aiight.

20 and 19- Melissa Etheridge and Devendra Bernhardt

Didn’t hear either one so I’m skipping it.

18- Lucinda Williams – West

While I’ve never been a huge fan of hers, not my kind of music usually, this album did stick out quite a bit. Bill Frisell was a perfect choice to play guitar with Williams and it’s good to see such talented musicians placed so high on this list.

17- White Stripes- Icky Thump

Despite being a band who seemed popular only because everyone thought they were cool, the White Stripes have been putting out really good albums for the past few years. This one is not as strong as their last but is still a good time and worth a listen.

16 and 15 and 14- Les Savy Fav, Common, and Gogol Bordello

Both artists recommended to me multiple times, and while I can say I’ve heard Common, I have no comment on his last album nor Les Savy Fav and whatever the fuck that is. Ditto Gogol Bordello

13- Lily Allen- Alright Still

Although I probably haven’t heard more than 3 songs from her, she seems almost entirely forgettable. If she stays around, good for her, but I probably won’t hear her name for awhile.

12- Bright Eyes- Cassadaga

While I can’t say this is the best Bright Eyes album, I will admit to this being the one I was most interested in during my first listen. I love the first song and think its among the best he’s had, and it serves as the perfect introduction to the album. While not always consistent (like many of his albums) this is worth at least a look at and features enough competent instrumentation to please those perturbed by his irritating voice.

11- John Fogerty- Revival

For me, this album should’ve been called, “Yeah, that’s right, I’m still alive.”

The 2007 Super-Overrated “Underground/Indie” albums of the year

10- Spoon: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

And

9- Against Me!- New Wave

Both these bands are good. I can safely say that I enjoyed both albums and they were significant and positive steps for each band. However, I also kinda hate how everyone LOVES them (especially Spoon). Stop it.

8- Rilo Kiley- Under the Blacklight

While I kinda liked this album, I didn’t really find it that special. Then a few fans of theirs told me about their previous album, and when I checked it out, it was sooooo much better. So while not a bad album, definitely not deserving of a spot so high on the list.

7- LCD Soundsystem- The sound of silver

Great time. While I can’t say it has that much replay value, it is definitely worth a few listens. I’d also recommend the first album, which was also really good.

6- Radiohead- In Rainbows

I did pay for this album. I paid a dollar for this because I figured the idea was really cool. While I always have been and am still on the fence about Radiohead, I did think this was  a really cool album especially after my hatred of Hail to the Thief.

Wow, these reviews have gotten kinda short. Whatever.

5- Kanye West- Graduation

While I too loved the fact Daft Punk was being played on the radio, this was at quite the price. While he definitely had a better album than 50 Cent, this is an incredibly boring rap album. The first two albums were awesome and featured a lot more originality in Kanye’s writing and the production on Graduation just seems tired. Some songs, such as the first single “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” are still pretty great while not being outstanding. Worth it for a rap fan or those who don’t really know too much about rap but want to get a bit of a flavor for Kanye, but not really the best and I’d recommend quite a few others before this.

4- Arcade Fire- Neon Bible

When I first got this album, I thought it was awesome and I listened to it a lot. However, by the end of this year and when I started writing this, I really had forgotten it was even released this year. While I would recommend this to most folks, I have definitely played through it a couple times too many and don’t see much reason to listen again.

3- Jay-Z- American Gangster

After the disappointments by both 50 Cent and Kanye (and to some extent, the new Wu Tang), it was good to see a rap album like American Gangster become popular. While still a very commercial album, the focus really is more on the lyrics and less and less on the chorus and the beat. The first song released off the album was “Blue Magic,” which was a song that sounds almost like a more updated Rakim with its simplier but infectious beat and surprisingly effective lyrics. Only problem with that song, and most of the album, are the kinda shitty people who guest on the album. No one needs to hear Pharrell Williams sing, and except for a great Nas verse and a surprisingly cool Lil Wayne verse, they all should’ve just left it up to Jay-Z, who delivers his best performance maybe since his first album “Reasonable Doubt.”

2- Bruce Springsteen- Magic

“Magic” really is anything but, as Springsteen doesn’t really tread any new ground and relies on old tricks to keep him moving. While this does not mean it’s a bad album, because its not, it does mean that its not something that really needs to be made and unless you are an avid fan of the Boss or the man himself (or I guess a member of his band) it really is not an album that needs to be picked up. I have enough respect for him, or rather for some who listen to him, to be cool with all the new releases…but I can’t see myself owning any of his music. Maybe I’m un-American or something for that, but fuck it.

1- M.I.A- Kala

Hey, was your reaction “what the flying fuck?” or was that just me? While I liked her last album and this one seemed pretty good, I can’t really say that she did anything for me on this last album. I know there are some who adore M.I.A but I can only say that its not for me and I will respectfully disagree.

SO

Here’s the fun part

I made a quick list of albums I liked that weren’t included on this list just to check out

Then I also made 2 mixes for you guys to download

One is the best of 07 mix I made with some songs I liked over the year

One is the best album of 2007

Links below the list and explanations n’ shit

Dillinger Escape Plan- Ire Works

Their best album, hands down. Part experimental, part commercial, part traditional Dillinger-insanity.

Dream Theater- Systematic Chaos

While not the most groundbreaking album, this might go down as one of the most balanced Dream Theater albums ever. Definitely not for everyone, but exactly what a fan would be looking for.

Coheed and Cambria- No World for Tomorrow

Also their best album, but unfortunately has some filler towards the end. Overall though, this is the best sound this band has had. Ever.

Behold…The Arctopus- Skullgrid

A huge contender for the best album of 2007. 40 Minutes of absolutely unbelievable instrumental technical death metal. A must for any guitarist or drummer, or any musician who wants to maybe loose control of their brains for a little less than an hour.

Between the Buried and Me- Colors

Scary, beautiful, brilliant. This 60 minute composition (split into 8 movements) changes genres with such grace without losing underlying Metalcore aspect of the band.

Hella- There is no 666 in outer space

While one of the worst Hella albums, I discovered the band through this and its pretty crazy. This album has a few good cuts, but if you like it at all you should check out the previous albums which were done as an instrumental drum/guitar duo.

The Shins- Wincing the night away

Definitely the worst Shins album thus far, and it might’ve been in 2006, but its still great. Check them out if you haven’t before (or if you’ve only heard them in Garden State).

A Day to Remember- For Those Who Have Heart

Probably the only band an Every Time I Die fan and a Fall Out Boy fan could listen to together. While, just like the aforementioned bands, it gets old after awhile, this was a cool release and definitely one of the better in the genre this year.

The Good The Bad and the Queen- The Good The Bad and The Queen

Worth checking out, obviously if you’re into Blur or the Gorillaz and I think anyone who likes British rock/pop should give it a shot.

Tomahawk- Anonymous

I have to have Mike Patton on here somewhere and on this album from what seems to be his most prolific project since Mr. Bungle, he takes the creep factor to a new level. Basing most of the music on traditional Native American music and knocking down the band to a three piece definitely gave Patton new room to spread his absolutely demented singing styles and it’s a powerhouse of a freakout.

Symphony X- Paradise Lost

While I’m less and less into progressive metal as the days seem to go by, this album was probably (other than Dream Theater) the best in the genre. Much like Dream Theater, Symphony X didn’t really expand on their sound more than they refined and produced it better, but that’s probably what they wanted to do in the first place.

Say Anything- In Defense of the Genre

Considering its mostly emo-ness, I tried to hide the fact I liked the first Say Anything album so much. This album, however, I have no problem enjoying. While the songs aren’t as catchy as the first album’s, they are more subtle (perhaps b/c he had 2 discs to expand on his thoughts) and more subversive as well as actually trying out new styles of music. A good defense for the genre.

Blotted Science- The machinations of dementia

While a horrible defense for its genre, Blotted Science’s album was a tour de force of “LOOK AT ME I CAN PLAY FASTER THAN YOU” guitar and pummeling drums. For those who like the genre and no one else!

Aesop Rock- None Shall Pass

Lyrically this might be his worst album in awhile, but no one can deny he has got some better producers (including himself) than in the past. Worth checking out for rap fans who don’t mind rereading the lyrics

Busdriver- RoadKillOvercoat

Probably the rap album of the year. Combining the articulation and verbosity of Aesop Rock with the wittiness and creativity of MF Doom helped make Busdriver’s lyrics stand out to me quite a bit this year. What makes the album though is the absolutely crazy production used throughout, a great ride and fantastic for fans of experimental rap.

Dance Gavin Dance- Downtown Battle Mountain    

Considering I hated the first EP, this album was fantastic. I actually got a chance to meet and play with these guys when they came to Rochester, and now that they have a new (and hopefully sober) singer I think they might be huge. Definitely miles ahead of the others who play this kind of music.

The Fall of Troy- Manipulator

Considering “Doppleganger”, the last album, was one of the best of 2005 I had high hopes for Manipulator. I really hated a lot of it at first, unable to really see why they had started playing songs that were so incredibly different from Doppleganger. However, after a few listens I now think Manipulator might be better, and it is a constantly challenging album that is incredibly rewarding.

The Diablo Swing Orchestra- The Butcher Ballroom

iTunes says this was released in 2007, so I’m putting it on here. I think it’s actually 2006 though. Goes from metal/swing jazz to opera to classical to almost Nightwish sounding metal, absolutely fantastic.

Lupe Fiasco- The Cool

Another contender for the best rap album of the year, however it is inconsistent at times. Lupe’s still one of the best out these days.

Dethklok- The Dethalbum

If you’ve never seen Metalocalypse, you probably won’t understand. If you have, you probably have this album.

Battles- Mirrored

A very close contender for the best album of the year, some of the most exciting experimental music I’ve ever heard. Nothing sounds like this, people can only try.

Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam

Took me a lot of convincing to download the album, but now its become my favorite Animal Collective album. Too weird for most, but perfect for those willing to take a chance.

07 mix (should be about 2 cds long)

* denotes a song that is “heavier” or perhaps not for those who do not enjoy louder music. I understand the concern but for those who enjoy that kind of music, this was a great  year.

1- Animal Collective- “Peacebone” from Strawberry Jam

2- Battles- “Race: In” from Mirrored

3- Band of Horses- “Is there a ghost” from Cease to Begin

4- Dethklok- “Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle” from Dethalbum

5- Porcupine Tree- “Nil Recurring” from the Nil Recurring/Fear of a Blank Planet CD and EP

6- Bright Eyes- “Four Winds” from Cassadaga

7- A Day To Remember- “The Danger in Starting a Fire” from For Those Who Have Heart *

8- The Apples in Stereo- “Energy” from New Magnetic Wonder

9- Shameless Self Promotion

10-Shameless Self Promotion

11- Dance Gavin Dance- “Lemon Meringue Tie” from Downtown Battle Mountain *

12- Hella- “The Ungratefull Dead” from There is no 666 in outer space *

13- * Symphony X- “Domination Game” from Paradise Lost *

14- The Fall of Troy- “Semi-Fiction” from Manipulator *

15- The Sound of Animals Fighting- “Act I: Chasing Sons” from The Tiger and the Duke (not from 2007 but required listening if only due to the extreme insanity)

16- White Stripes- “Conquest” from Icky Thump

17- Diablo Swing Orchestra- “Balrog Boogie” from The Butcher’s Ballroom

18- Busdriver- “Casting Agents and Cowgirls”

19- Marcus Miller- “Blast” from Free

20- Behold…The Arctopus- “Skullgrid” from Skullgrid *

21- Behold…The Artcopus- “Canada” from Skullgrid *

22- Between the Buried and Me- “Son of Nothing” from Colors

23- Of Montreal-“The Past is a Grotesque Animal” from Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer?

24- Of Montreal- “Suffer for Fashion” from Hissing Fauna Are You The Destroyer?

25- Jay-Z- “Blue Magic” from American Gangster

26- Lupe Fiasco- “Dumb it Down” from The Cool

27- Say Anything- “That is Why” from In Defense of the Genre

28- The Dillinger Escape Plan- “Black Bubblegum” from Ire Works

29- The Dillinger Escape Plan- “Fix Your Face” from Ire Works *

30- Dream Theater- “The Dark Eternal Night” from Systematic Chaos *

31- Dream Theater- “In The Presence of Enemies Part 1” from Systematic Chaos *

Yeah, I probably could’ve picked other songs or other artists…but tough. Here it is, don’t tell ANYONE 

:- P

Just download the .zip

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ET2JGLN4

Now, the best album of the year

I just found out about these guys in July, and ever since then they’ve been one of my favorite bands.

You probably know who it is if you’ve talked to me recently, but The Dear Hunter’s latest album is the best album of the year.

Act II: The Meaning of, And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading

First off, the band’s albums are like Coheed’s in that they are all part of the same story. The Dear Hunter plans to have a 6 act/album story and last year they released Act I. While Act I was recorded only by the writer/singer/main instrumentalist Casey Crescenzo, a former member of The Receiving End of Sirens.

The story itself isn’t necessarily needed to like the album, but a quick review of story (as far as I understand) on this album would be the main character’s mother dying and him leaving his place of birth (near the Lake and the River). He goes into a larger town and finds himself in a sleazy motel/brothel/bad-place. He falls in love with Ms. Leading (the name’s a bit much, I understand), a…uh… “woman of the night” if you will. It’s about his struggles with falling in love with someone who clearly wouldn’t be the best choice, as well as a few other things that’ll probably be expanded upon in the next Act.

Sound emo? Well, you might get that impression at first, but the band plays through more genres and do it all so well that the listener doesn’t mind. From the rocking Procession to the epic Lake and the River (with a complete Pink Floyd rockout instrumental section) to the burlesque of the Oracles on the Delphi Express, the album is fantastic. While I will admit a couple of the songs towards the end fall a bit short, this album was definitely the one I listened to the most.

So, I want you guys to listen to it. All of it. For free.

Please don’t tell anyone. I’d feel horrible. I really want these guys to do well.

Why am I doing it? Well, because if you’re like me, you’ll download the album and love The Dear Hunter. I bought this album after illegally downloading it because I respected it so much and I bought the first album too because (while its not as good as act II) the band needs to be supported. I’m uploading it because I think its worth it to try and get this band some more fans that they desperately deserve.

So here it is, download the zip of it:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=329Q4LQC

The Dear Hunter- Act II: The Meaning of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading

Tracklist

1-      The Death and The Berth

2-      The Procession

3-      The Lake and the River

4-      The Oracles on the Delphi Express

5-      The Church and The Dime

6-      The Bitter Suite 1 and 2: Meeting Ms. Leading and Through The Dime

7-      The Bitter Suite 3: Embrace

8-      Smiling Swine

9-      Evicted

10-  Blood of the Rose

11-  Red Hands

12-  Where the Road Parts

13-  Dear Ms. Leading

14-  Black Sandy Beaches

15-  Vital Vessels Vindicate

 HOORAY