Top 10 Albums of 2007
10. Maximo Park – Our Earthly Pleasures
First single ‘Our Velocity’ was bigger and more frantic than anything on Maximo Park’s 2005 debut – and suggested singer Paul Smith just couldn’t sit still. The rest of ‘Our Earthy Pleasures’ is somewhat more reflective, with Smith’s heartfelt lyrics and vocals at its core. Maybe he just needed a good rest.
9. Cold War Kids – Robbers & Cowards
Stripped down and lo-fi, Cold War Kids at first seem nothing out of the ordinary. But, driven by passionate vocals and a bluesy nonchalance, the Americans are one of 2007’s most vibrant newcomers. ‘Hang Me Out To Dry’, with its somehow minimalist yet forceful bassline, will still sound fresh in 3007.
8. The Cribs – Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever
The Cribs came to life this year after three or four years knocking around the indie underground. The title of this, their third album, seems to suggest they couldn’t give a toss but there is fire in the bellies of the Jarman brothers. With Franz’s Alex Kapranos twiddling the knobs in the studio, ‘Men’s Needs…’ is The Cribs most focused effort but they remain lovingly awkward and angular.
7. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
It was always a puzzle how a debut ostensibly about a relative’s death could sound so life-affirming. This year, Arcade Fire have looked out at the world – and aren’t sure they like what they see. ‘Neon Bible’ turns our post-9/11 world into something approaching the end of the world. Live is where they come to life and their scruffy act is always a pleasure to experience.
6. The Pigeon Detectives – Wait For Me
One for the kids – but this 26-year-old loves it. It’s a simple – and admittedly unoriginal – formula: two-minute songs, hurtling on at a fair lick over a handful of chords and trying to pack in as much in as possible. Pogo-tastic and one for the lads.
5. Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Arctic Monkeys have hurdled the ‘awkward second album’ obstacle with ease. Another barnstorming album from the Sheffield boys. Unlike their near-perfect debut, there are one or two wobbles here but in tracks like ‘505’, frontman Alex Turner hints at a wider lyrical and musical repertoire to come.
4. Kings of Leon – Because Of The Times
Once derided as merely The Strokes-after-a-night-on-Jack Daniels, Kings of Leon do improve with age. Their third album, and their best, is bigger and bolder than its predecessors. Maybe it’s all that touring with U2.
3. Editors – An End Has A Start
They may have been pigeon-holed as “Boy Division” but Editors are more than just a poor imitation of Ian Curtis’ post-punk legends. After last year’s slew of poor second albums (Razorlight, The Killers, anyone?), it was a welcome relief that “An End…” saw Editors progress from the spiky anxiousness of their debut to a warmer, more rounded and more emotional sound.
2. The Enemy – We’ll Live And Die In These Towns
Don’t judge a book by its cover. On the surface, the urchins from ‘Cov’ may seem like chavs clumsily singing about dossing around watching Richard & Judy. Scratch the surface, however, and there is a soul to this band that is a pleasure to discover. Older and wiser than they appear – and one of the year’s most fulfilling surprises as a result.
1. Interpol – Our Love To Admire
As usual with Interpol, it took a while to get to grips with this, the band’s third album. Singer Paul Banks is as commanding as ever and, backed by shimmering guitar and throbbing bass, when ‘Our Love…’ does grab hold of you, it just doesn’t let you go. And nor should you want it to.
Top 10 Tracks of 2007
10. The White Stripes – Icky Thump
9. Arctic Monkeys – 505
8. Interpol – Mammoth
7. Editors – The Racing Rats
6. The Little Ones – Lovers Who Uncover
5. Klaxons – Golden Skans
4. Reverend and the Makers – Heavyweight Champion of the World
3. Cold War Kids – Hang Me Out To Dry
2. The Twang – Either Way
1. The Enemy – We’ll Live and Die in These Towns
From the haunting yet proud brass section at the start, to Tom Clarke’s resigned lyrics of “haggard old women with cheap perfume”, this is probably as close as this generation is going to get to “That’s Entertainment”. A band with a big heart and hopefully a big future.
2007's It's Good But Not That Good
Bloc Party – A Weekend In The City
So over-rated. At best, an average follow-up to “Silent Album”, a debut that was packed with promise and one that glided effortlessly from spiky indie-pop to affecting melancholy. This goes from clunky to apeing Snow Patrol.
2007's Emperor's New Clothes
Kate Nash – Made of Bricks
Music for little girls.
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