2007 Recap Part One: The Best (and worst) in Music

It doesn't get covered near enough on my page but rest assured, my love of music is intense. I devour it. I don't think there is a spare moment in my brain where I don't have some music related thought.

I have an odd musical palette. I enjoy nearly all types and am open to probably everything. Of course I have favorite genres and artists and those that I loathe but I am generally open to pretty much anything.

So that said, We'll start with my Top 10 Best albums of 2007:

10)Britney Spears - Blackout Yes she is a train wreck but there is no denying the catchiness of this record. It's musically the best work she's done and arguably the best she ever will do at this point. It's impossible not to tap your foot.

9) Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War Nearly a perfect album. Melodically it's stellar. I just recently discovered Stars and have been voraciously listening to them ever since.

8) Straylight Run - The Needle The Space You've probably never heard of them but they take take emo and make it new again. I'm a sucker for bands with male and female singers and together they make beautiful music.

7) The Perishers - Victorious Recently thrust into the limelight with songs featured on Grey's Anatomy, The Perishers bring intense and emotional tunes that instantly connect with listeners. This album is packed with gorgeous tunes.

6) Feist - The Reminder I saw this gal a couple of years ago opening for Rilo Kiley. She stood on stage and gave us a magical performance with just her and her guitar. That magic continues into The Reminder. It's full of catchy songs. Try to get 1234 out of your head.

5) Alicia Keys - As I Am Alicia Keys is a
force. She just gets better and better with each album and As I Am is no exception. Her voice and lyrics are on perfect display here.

4) Rilo Kiley - Under The Black Light I can't even begin to discuss the love I have for Jenny Lewis and Rilo Kiley. She is a phenom worthy of mass praise and devotion. The fact they were shut out of any Grammy nominations is a crime. This album pushes them into the mainstream but fear not, they keep their indie cred intact.

3) Patty Griffin - Children Running Through She is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in the world today. Each song a story. Each album a journey and this is no exception. From beginning to end Patty Griffin delivers a work of deep emotion and art. I cannot stress enough how she is essential listening.

2) OneRepublic - Dreaming Out Loud I haven't stopped listening to this since I got my hands on it. Every single track is great. Beginning to end it's awesome. Lyrically, musically, productionly (i know that's not a word thanks.), perfection.

1) Hanson - The Walk A 70's rock throwback with gem after gem after gem of songs. It's weeks at a time that I have tunes from this disc in my head. They are best known for mmbop but they've put those days behind them with this release. It's my favorite album of the year and most assuredly worthy of more recognition than it's received.

Honorable Mention: Kanye West - Graduation, Alison Kraus/Robert Plant - Raising Sand, Kelly Clarkson - My December

Best Single of 2007
Kelly Clarkson - Sober I absolutely love this song. I listen to it frequently and it never gets old. It's unfortunate it didn't get much play. For all the smack about American Idol, they got it right the first time.

Honorable Mention: The Foo Fighters - The Pretender, Alicia Keys - No One, Rihanna - Umbrella, OneRepublic - Apologize

Best Podcast of 2007

Never Not Funny A consistently hilarious show staring Jimmy Pardo, Matt Belknap, and various comedic guest stars. You simply cannot go wrong with this show. You'll laugh till you hurt. You can also now get the entire 60+ episodes of Season One for just under $20. It's worth twice that to be honest.

Worst Album of 2007
Amy Winehouse - Back in Black I don't even wanna write about her. I am flabbergasted by the attention and praise this album gets. I understand it was technically released in late 2006 but its so bad it overshadowed any bad releases in 2007. Gross.

Moving on...

It's been a great year for music in my opinion. There were great albums in every aspect of the industry. It was tough to make my list. There were so many I wanted to include, although I realized that a few were from 2006.

Mainstream radio however continues to suck. With rare exceptions, it seems corporate control over radio is killing the industry. I hear new bands and music from the Internet. From MySpace or friends recommending them to me. So if you have any music or bands you think we should check out here at PCB. Just drop me an email at garon@popculturebeast.com. I'll be sure to give whatever you send my way a listen.

That's a wrap for music this time. All these albums are available in the Pop Culture Beast Store! Go shop! The 2007 recaps will continue with with my picks for the best and worst in TV, Books/Comics, Video Games, and early next year: Movies.