Scott Harrison - 2007 Review

Top 10 Albums of 2007

10. Rogue Wave - Asleep at Heaven's Gate

An album in a similar vein to Band of Horses, but not quite as good. The first half of the album is an absolute belter. Unfortunately it dips a little in the last third before finishing on a high note. Well worth investigating for the first half alone..
Key track: Harmonium

9. Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice

Now, Minus the Bear are my band that "take a little listening before you get it" On first listen it all sounds a little drab, like there's not much worth paying attention to. Give it time, however & you'll start to see the hooks. Once you get it, you'll see that this album (much like their previous 2) is pure genius. Best way to describe it would be a slightly harder, heavier version of Death Cab for Cutie. Oh, and if you get the chance, make sure you see them live. prepare to be blown away...
Key Track: Knights

8. Two Gallants - Two Gallants

This San Fransiscan duo showed a lot of promise on their previous 2 efforts, but lacked consistency IMHO. On this, their third full-length, they've finally nailed it. They make much more noise than 2 people should be capable of, and again, you really really should catch them live. Cross the White Stripes with a bit of Dylan, sprinkle in a bit of Johnny Cash and you're close.
Key track: The Hand That Held Me Down

7. Editors - An End Has A Start

Hmmmm Editors, Editors.. I just didn't get them first time around. Even when this album came out I only really liked Smokers.. Then I saw them at T in the Park. Oh. My. God. Since then I haven't been able to get enough of this. Pure brilliance from start to finish.
Key Track: Escape The Nest

6. The Gaslight Anthem - Sink or Swim

Exploding on to the radar with just days to go before the deadline for year-end list - this just could not be ignored. Gritty, from-the-streets punk rock from NJ will inevitably draw (worthy) comparisons to Bruce, while also being accused of following in the footsteps of The Hold Steady. However, the punkier side of this band i think will set them apart from the rest. I bet this is the album Brandon et al had in mind when they dreamed up "Sam's Town". Whichever way you look at it, or whichever way you hear about them, you can take your synth-rock, your art-wank and your nu-rave and cram 'em all up your arse. This is rock and fucking roll.
Key track: 1930

5. Biffy Clyro - Puzzle

2007 - The year of the Biffy. I, like so many other people, only discovered Biffy this year. Not necessarily a bad thing. If I'd have been in it from the beginning, I don't think I would have been quite so blown away by this album. From first listen, I was hooked. Think Idlewild circa 100 Broken windows & you're somewhere close. There's too many reasons to list here why this album is as good as it is. Just do yourself a favour and go get it.
Key track: Get Fucked Stud

4. Okkervil River - The Stage Names

"Brilliantly expansive alt-freakcountry songs" - anon
I don't think there's any other way to describe this album. Far catchier & easier to get into than their previous efforts, most notably 2005's Black Sheep Boy. Also contains the track of the year in "Plus Ones". The album is a collection of songs that illustrate the point that "intelligent" music doesn't have to be obtuse. The lyrics will have you smiling to yourself on the bus, the melodies will have you dancing along, and I defy you to put this album on in the car and not sing along.
Key track: Plus Ones

3. Matt Nathanson - Some Mad Hope

Matt Nathanson to me is what Radiohead is to Olly. It really didn't matter what this album was actually like, it was gonna get a look in at this stage of the year regardless. Remeber last year - a live album in the top 10? Yeah, that was him.. Now, as far as I'm concerned this is his finest piece of work to date. Wonderfully crafted songs, beautiful melodies and amazingly heartfelt lyrics. The only thing stopping this from being top of the pile (and it was in consideration for a while) is the slight disappointment that the recorded material just isn't quite as good as him live.. Still an amazing collection of songs though.
Key track: Come On Get Higher

2. The Hold Steady - Boys & Girls in America

Ok, Ok, so it actually came out October last year but it didn't get an "official" UK release until January of this year. (Since all 3 of their albums didn't get an official release until this year, I was tempted to put all 3 in this list... that good) Carrying on in the Springsteen theme, but throwing in a very modern twist to the lyrics. These are stories of overgrown teenagers and thirtysomethings struggling to let go of their youth. Hell, they've said they only started the band so they could get together 3 nights a week to drink beers together. The songs are catchy as all hell. Best live band on the planet to boot.
Key track: Chips Ahoy

1. Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

This album grabs you from the opening moment of the opening track & doesn't let go until the very end. Not a note out of place on the whole thing. I have a funny feeling this is going to be added to my list of "flawless" albums. You know, those albums that are just perfection from start to finish. Not the ones that magazines tell you are flawless, but your own personal list. Words don't do it justice.
Key Track: Is There A Ghost

Top 10 Tracks of 2007

Tegan & Sara - Hop a Plane
Band of Horses - Is There A Ghost
Rogue Wave - Harmonium
Babyshambles - Baddie's Boogie
Black Lips - Cold Hands
The Wheat Pool - Emily Carr
Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere
The Shins - Australia
Biffy Clyro - Get Fucked Stud

1. Okkervil River - Plus Ones

Take a bunch of songs you know that have numbers in the title. Add a number & write a story around it. put it to one of the catchiest tunes of the year. Result? Magic. Songwriting just doesn't get any better than this.

2007’s "What The Fuck Is All The Fuss About - I Just Don't Get It" Award

Radiohead - In Rainbows

The way I see it, when a movie is pretty shit it goes straight to DVD. When music is pretty shit, It goes straight to promotional download or cheapie CD. Am I the only person on the planet that thinks Radiohead sound like fingernails scraping down a blackboard? Ok so they "revolutionised" the music industry. Ummmmm, well actually, they didn't. The Crimea gave their new album away totally for free. AND it was better than this. Olly - you mentioned last year Thom Yorke farting on record? It seems your wish has been granted...