The Check Out Lists of 2007
Posted December 20th, 2007 by david in Fun Stuff, RantsHey all! Look who finally remembered the password to login into the site! Who’s a big kid? ME! And I am ready to drop some year-end knowledge on y’all.
A lot of lists are making there way to interwebs, and I humbly offer one more for your reading pleasure. But I would never assume to be able to list the ‘Best of 2007’, for that is the way of pop culture snobs everywhere that only want to show off by saying they experienced the best that 2007 had to offer. Not me. Movies, Music, TV, Books, and Comics were all catch as catch can. (By my count, there are15 movies out right now that I haven’t seen and REALLY want to.)
What I am listing are the things I recommend you ‘Check Out’ as they may bring you a portion of the fun, joy, and memories that the items on this list brought to me. And I’ll also let you know which of the things I am looking forward to come 2008!
Music (in no particular order):
5. Interpol – ‘Our Love To Admire’
Lot of talk was thrown around about how Interpol is changing their sound and branching out as band. Yeah, I guess that’s true. But they are consistent in kicking ass. Moody, electric rock/pop that sounds like a slight more chipper Joy Division. Some say that they co-opted the sound from the band that would be New Order, but if they get a new generation (or Jeff) to discover JD, then by all means, co-opt. Because if Interpol’s songs didn’t crawl into your brain as effectively as they do, than what would they be?
Oh, right… they’d be the Killers. DAMN!!!
4. Patrick Wolf – The Magic Position
I discovered this guy from his last album, ‘Wind in the Wires’ – a fine collection of low key ballads that stayed in heavy rotation for many a months. But this new one is dynamite, kicking things off with so much more energy and vitality than he’s displayed in the past. A great pop record with some eccentric leanings.
3. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
When Arcade Fire’s debut ‘Funeral’ hit back in 2004, many an indie rock fans swooned and bowed at the alter of Wen Butler and co.’s brand of Canadian melancholy. It seemed there was no way people could over-hype them and no way they could match that level of reverence with their 2nd album. Well… they didn’t. And that’s ok, because Neon Bible still kicks the ass out of 90% of any other record released this year. And its also a fairly angry album. While the first record touched on the nervous twitter of a post-9/11 world, this new one cries foul at the state we’re in – with themes branching out from the individual to the institutional. An ambitious album that sometimes overstretches, but never bores.
2. Radiohead – In Rainbows
Yep, you could get it for free. Yep, it ‘changed the face of music distribution for ever and ever, amen.’ By the by, it’s also best thing they’ve done since OK Computer. If Radiohead of the last 10 years left feeling cold, give this one a shot. If you never like Radiohead, this won’t change you’re mind. If you’ve always been one of the faithful, you already have this.
1. The National - Boxer
One of my most favorite things to do is drive a long stretch of road at the dead of night. I acquired this love whilst making many a weekend trip between Leesburg and Harrisonburg while making g14’s first feature, ‘Stranger Than Paradise.’ There is something amazing about moving along an isolated stretch of road with just your thoughts. What the National does is put that in music form. The dissonant sounds of a rambling mind at 1am on an empty artery of the American landscape. Both intimate and epic at once… and honestly, my favorite album of 2007.
And the album that I am looking forward to in 2008? New Death Cab for Cutie in May AND Chris Walla’s solo debut in February. Seth Cohen is freaking out RIGHT NOW! It’s emotastic!
Okay… I’ll have more over the next few days as we count down to the end of year!
December 21st, 2007 at 12:32 am
I have none of this music…however for the most part D-train, you have never steered me wrong when it comes to music, with the lone exception of David Garza. For fuck sake, who pronounces David, Dav-eeeeeeeed.
That being said, I’ll add my favorite iTunes downloads of the past year…albums didn’t necessary come out in 07.
Wu-Tang - 8 Diagrams
Best thing they’ve done since Wu-Tang Forever…even better than some David Banner Gamma Ray shit. Rushing Elephants is the best hip-hop song this year. Sample it on iTunes.
The Black Dahlia Murders - Nocturnal
Weirdest album I downloaded…this album is about 35 mins long, and like Dragonforce, they F you in the A and P at the same time, but also F you in the ears with the fastest, nosiest album of this year.
Dimmu Borgir - The Serpentine Offering
This song is so epic and ridiculous and over the top that it is amazing. I picture a music video with my soon to be born son, taking his first baby steps to the first 1 minute of this song. Besides the name of the lead singer is Vortex…it must be awesome.
Mogwai - We’re No Here
Fucking Miami Vice. I was watching the movie when this song came on and was immediately pulled in. Fucking awesome. Michael Mann is the master of using contemporary music in films.
Ashes of the Wake; Sacrament - Lamb of God
Yes I took two here. Quite possibly the best metal band today. While I am well aware that metal is not everyones cup of tea, Lamb of God’s musicianship ranks with the best in any genre. If you can’t stand the singing, I recommend Ashes of the Wake, which is an instrumental ass kicking.
That is all.
December 21st, 2007 at 1:27 am
Okkervil River…The Stage Names. Check it out.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:34 am
Rock Band. Check it out. Who isn’t excited about an entire Who album in that fucking game?!?
December 21st, 2007 at 11:17 am
David, I believe we are music twins. And aside from my brother, you are the only person I know (aside from myself, of course) who truly appreciates Our Love to Admire. Yeah, I like some Joy Division and New Order, so what? Good music is good music regardless of what other good music it may evoke, so SUCK IT, HATERS. Oops, sorry. And In Rainbows is a fantastic album. I will hold Radiohead responsible for musical genius until the end of time even though I right now am impatiently awaiting my discbox set of the album. Apparently it shipped three weeks ago, but because of the Christmas season, the postal service is even less competent than usual.
Can I say too that Arcade Fire has subtly, yet quite firmly, won me over? I didn’t want to like them because they’re so under-the-radar, yet loved by the emo hipster too-cool music journalist set and seemed a touch too Springsteeny upon first listen. Bought the album anyway and, a few iPod shuffle rounds later, LOVE the band. Their sound is so layered and complex that I appreciate something new each listen.
Because I trust your judgment, Dave, I will now head over to iTunes to check out Patrick Wilson. Thanks for the advice and I’m looking forward to your top books and movies. Maybe television shows as well? Thanks bro!
Gavin, I wish I rocked as hard as you and your soon-to-be-born Lamb of God Superfan, but I just can’t. Do you like/approve of Tool? They, to me, F you in the A and P.
Everyone, sorry this post is so long. Well, not sorry enough not to post it, I guess. Skim it if you hate it so much!
December 21st, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Dave darling, don’t you mean the epic visualization of “Strangers in Paradise” that made you drive to & from Harrisonburg in the wee hours of the morning?
And is it Patrick Wolf, Wilson or Watson? Patrick Watson has some really out there weird stuff, but I appreciate that because he always keeps me guessing. The other two I will have to check out.
My favs for 07?
Young Galaxy - Swing your Heartache: this was my anthem…well still kind of is thanks to their lyrics and awesome melody
Yeasayer - 2080: this just gets in your head and you have to listen to it over & over again because it’s just that awesome
Um, I can’t think of any others at the moment. I’ll post when I do :)
December 21st, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Correction: It is, of course, Strangers In Paradise
Warning: Please do not blog when exhausted
And it is Patrick Wolf. Patrick Wilson is a Broadway actor who was in the original cast of The Full Monty among many others. He also, can be seen as Joe the Mormon in HBO’s Angels In America and will be playing the Night Owl in the upcoming Watchmen film.
I don’t know Patrick Watson… but I can only recommend he change his name to avoid further confusion. A humble proposal: “P Dub”
Really, that goes for any of them.
December 23rd, 2007 at 4:41 pm
I forgot to say that The Postal Service also are rumored to have an album coming out this year. That Ben is one busy guy!
Also, since I know you were all concerned about it, my In Rainbows discbox finally came and it ROCKS. Makes me wish I had a record player. If you didn’t know, it comes with two records as Radiohead are huge fans of vinyl.