Notable releases of 2007

Here's some music from last year that stuck out for me in some way. I don't want to say "best" because I didn't devote enough time to sorting them all out, but these I like.

Once Soundtrack by Glen Hansard (of the Frames) and Markéta Irglová A top pick for me. Hansard's voice is something like Matthew Good's, but the music is more accessible. I immediately took to these songs as they appeared in the movie, especially with the storyline adding meaning behind the lyrics. And the style of the film is so candid it felt more like watching a documentary.

---

Two Gallants by Two Gallants The eponymous release is usually reserved for the first, but the SF Bay area Two Gallants decided to self title their third LP. It's a little strange for me because this album fails to represent their scope of talent. We played "Despite What You've Been Told" on air Wednesday, since I think it's the strongest song on the album, but I feel like this album lacks the energy that The Throes and What the Toll Tells deliver.

---

Guns Babes Lemonade by Muscles Hey Muscles I love you, I wanna have your babies!

---

Kala by M.I.A. Winner for the most time spent in my car stereo. I'm still not sure if it's pronounced Mia or M-I-A, but the off-beat lyrics and bizarre production had my hooked by the second listen.

---

Pocket Symphony by Air This was my first exposure to the French duo, but the chill acoustic / ambient / pop blend instantly got my attention. This is ambient done right. It's active and inspired, creates that cushy floating atmosphere, and it avoids boring droning. The vocals are also very welcome.

---

Human Like a House by The Finches Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs (occasionally accompanied by one or two of her "dear friends") is The Finches. Her 2005 EP release Six Songs is the most adorable album I've ever heard. 2007's Human Like a House very similar in style, but didn't bring the magic as much as Six Songs did. Riggs admits to knowing only a handful of chords, but her endearing voice and songs of love for family and friends still have a big place in my heart.

---

Ongiara by Great Lake Swimmers Something about singer and songwriter Tony Dekker's voice seems to give all of this group's songs an air of hopeful longing, no matter how upbeat the folky melodies may be. Ongiara has an overall happier mood to it than their 2005 release (and a favorite of mine) Bodies and Minds, but still manages to be haunting and beautiful as well. This could soon become a favorite also.

---

23 by Blonde Redhead Dreamy electrodance. I think this is the common favorite between the three of us. For lack of any ideas, I'll take from Wikipedia. "The band admitted that until they reached the mixing stage they were unsure what direction the album was taking." How about that.

---

Dance Party in the Balkans by Alaska in Winter The album isn't exactly what its title describes, since it only slightly borrows from the Balkan style. It is not going to fill the Beirut-sized hole in my heart created by The Flying Club Cup. However this group brings out their own style of downtempo dance music heavily laced with piano riffs and trumpets and brought to life by... chanting I guess.

And these guys:
Forest Fire
Wakey!Wakey!

-fr