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Thanks to everyone who participated! Congratulations to Veronica Glidden, Winner of the iPod Touch and 89 Downloads. Compliments of 89.3 The Current and Popular Front! |
Picks from the Current staff
Jim Ed Poole, HostThe Morning Show
1. Lucy Kaplansky - "Over the Hills"
2. Southern Culture on the Skids - "Countrypolitan Favorites"
3. John Lee Hooker - "Hooker (boxed set)"
4. Los Straight Jackets - "Rock En Espanol, Vol. One"
5. Roxanne Potvin, Sue Foley and Deborah Coleman - "Time Bomb"
6. Various artists - "Anchored In Love: A Tribute to June Carter Cash"
7. Adrienne Young - "Room to Grow"
8. Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands - "The Golden West"
9. Pink Martini - "Hey Eugene!"
10. Emmylou Harris - "Songbird"
Dale Connelly, Host
The Morning Show
Mavis Staples - "We'll Never Turn Back"
Ry Cooder - "My Name is Buddy"
Steve Earle - "Washington Square Serenade"
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - "Raising Sand"
Ladysmith Black Mambazo - "Long Way to Freedom"
Patty Griffin - "Children Running Through"
Willy Mason - "If the Ocean Gets Rough"
Pink Martini - "Hey Eugene!"
Loudon Wainwright III - "Strange Weirdos"
Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem - "Big Old Life"
Barb Abney, Host
Afghan Whigs – "Unbreakable: A Retrospective"
Given the opportunity to hear two songs worth of new material, I couldn't have been more excited! I get goosebumps every time I listen to the segue from "Crime Scene pt. 1" into "Faded". Though I'll admit being disappointed that "Milez Is Ded" or anything from Bigtop Halloween wasn't included here.
Ani Difranco – "Canon"
This is one of those collections that is meant to be listened to in a single setting. You can follow along chronologically with her career and enjoy the re-recordings she has done of a handful of her most popular tunes.
Brother Ali – "The Undisputed Truth"
"Truth Is" is one of the most infectious songs ever! You can dance to it and you can order a second helping at dinner with the line ".. dammit, I'm back to demand we get more.
Cloud Cult – "The Meaning Of 8"
While I have been a fan of this band for quite some time, it was a great pleasure to take my kids to their CD release show earlier this year. My daughter danced like mad and my son loved the live on-stage painting. When you find music that the whole family can agree on that DOESN'T come from a cartoon character, it's a cause to celebrate. I can't possibly count the number of times that I have hit the "replay" button on "Pretty Voice."
Jarvis Cocker – "Jarvis"
The Pulp frontman FINALLY released his solo album this year. The highlight for me is the tune "Black Magic" which has a great sample from the Tommy James & The Shondells song "Crimson In Clover.
LCD Soundsystem - "Sound Of Silver"
James Murphy is back again! This was one of those records that can get you through even the worst commute with a smile on your face! The show at Roy Wilkins was AWESOME!
Minus The Bear - "Planet Ice"
When Karate split up I never thought that I would find another band that could fill that "rockin' while chillin'" void. Done.
Moon Maan - "Self-Titled"
I first learned about this band through the Summer's Kiss site a couple of years ago. Of course, I knew who Rick McCollum was from his time in The Afghan Whigs, so I was really looking forward to hearing the record. I swear "Chain Yr Soul" sounds like the Whigs tune that never was. Love it!
The National - "The Boxer"
So thrilled to see that these guys are finally getting their due! This is the album that I have recommended more than any other this year.
Tegan & Sara - "The Con"
I've had at least a dozen people tell me that for whatever reason, they didn't want to like this album but couldn't stop listening to it because it's so catchy. Perhaps the best harmonies ever!
Steve Seel, Host
Andrew Bird, "Armchair Apocrypha"
This guy, my friends, is what sonic and songwriterly innovation is about in the 21st century. Nobody at the moment has managed to synthesize genuine schooled musical talent, technological trickery, and a fabulously weird and unique writing and singing point of view in the way that Mr. Bird has, and if that weren't enough, 1) the songs themselves are catchy and entertaining as hell, and 2) he brought a veritable cavalcade of Twin Cities musicians along this time, including percussive kindred-spirit Dosh, Jeremy Ylvisaker, Haley Bonar and others. Intimate, epic, lovely, weird, gorgeous. Picking this one for top honors was easy for me.
The National, "Boxer"
There are two primary bands of the A-list indie-rock scene right now who address "how a world that's gone mad is affecting us on a personal level": Arcade Fire and The National. The former's approach is grand, martial, and banner-waving; this band's is dusky and hidden in dark apartments and bars. But while the Arcade Fire are a brilliant band, I'll take this one -- because somehow the only-inches-away intimacy of Matt Berninger's voice (most of the time -- except when he's screaming like he's having his arm sawed off) more effectively conveys the resigned, confused, beaten-down, "war-and-capitalism-have-won-so-let's-get-drunk-and-tell-each-other-childhood-secrets" ethos of the decade we're living in. Seriously: while many have already proclaimed Arcade Fire "band of the decade," I'm holding my bets until 2010. 2005's "Alligator" put them on the way to truly grabbing that ribbon, and this disc has put them several notches closer.
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, "Raising Sand"
Stunningly gorgeous, aided by the element of pure surprise. And can producer T. Bone Burnett screw anything up? While Rick Rubin may be the career-revitalizer, this man is the alchemist.
John Vanderslice, "Emerald City"
More harrowing and completely bracing stuff from a guy who somehow hails from Florida, this time with reflections on 9/11 and war and peace.
Augie March, "Moo, You Bloody Choir"
Boy, this is getting to be quite the indie-rock-heavy list. Except these guys aren't. Australians who create a folky-twangy mix of Jeff Buckley, Travis and "Six Months In A Leaky Boat"-era Split Enz, and you've never heard them. Which is an incredible shame.
Bon Iver, "For Emma, Forever Ago"
This one almost didn't make it in time to qualify, landing in our inbox here at the very tail end of the year (thanks to a Pitchfork-created firestorm that cleared the shelves of the artist's entire CD stock). Justin Vernon's surprising sonic hybrid of Shins, Iron & Wine and even TV On the Radio (!) among about twelve other things was almost too refreshing to be believed, and it's DIY to the core.
Iron & Wine, "The Shepherd's Dog"
Speaking of which, Sam Beam, the '00s lo-fi king, went and got all hi-fi on us for his latest. And rather than killing his music, it just changed it -- largely because that silky, mesmerizing voice of his remained constant. Most Hypnotic Song of the Year: "Boy With A Coin" (which, yes, appeared first on the EP of the same name, but here it's comingled with 11 other songs of complimentary beauty).
Okkervil River, "The Stage Names"
Okay, this really is a shamelessly indie-rock list after all. One of the biggest surprises of the year, and Will Sheff gets Best Vocal Performance in my book for "Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe.".
"Vicious Vicious, "Parade"
It takes a bit of audacity to name your record after another significant local CD of the same name, but the decision was clearly the right one, since it's hard to imagine the disc having any other title. Pop music that reaches for the clouds, and then floats away on one. Deliriously good.
St. Vincent, "Marry Me"
Clearly, sexism is not dead, since there was plenty of "Holy cow, listen to how she shreds that guitar!" with the Beggars Banquet debut from the woman born Annie Clark. She does play a mean, almost avant garde axe a la Gary Lucas or Fred Frith, but it's her singing, songwriting and arranging that make up the whole searing package."
I'm trusting that Arcade Fire, Spoon, The Shins and Wilco are covered elsewhere. My personal Honorable Mentions, which are really far better than the term "honorable mention" affords: Rickie Lee Jones, "The Sermon On Exposition Boulevard;" Tegan & Sara, "The Con;" Cloud Cult, "The Meaning of 8;" The Sea & Cake, "Everybody;" The Veils, "Nux Vomica;" Metric, "Grow Up And Blow Away;" Son Volt, "The Search."
Mary Lucia, Host
(in order of best hair)"
Albert Hammond Jr. - "Yours to Keep"
The Redwalls - "The Redwalls"
Arctic Monkeys - "Favorite Worst Nightmare"
The Fratelli's - "Costello Music"
Little Man - "Soulful Automatic"
Spoon - "Ga Ga Ga Ga"
The View - "Hats off to the Buskers"
Annuals - "Be He Me"
The Cribs - "Mens Needs"
John Doe - "A Year in the Wilderness"
Mark Wheat, Host
1. Atmosphere - Sunshine - "Sad Clown Bad Summer 9"
2. Iron & Wine - House by the Sea - "The Shepherd's Dog"
3. Peter Bjorn And John - Young Folks - "Writer's Block"
4. Cloud Cult - Pretty Voice - "The Meaning of 8"
5. Arcade Fire - Keep The Car Running - "Neon Bible"
6. Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent - "Favourite Worst Nightmare"
7. The Fiery Furnaces - Ex-Guru - "Widow City"
8. Modest Mouse - Fire It Up - "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank"
9. LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum - "Sound Of Silver"
10. Brother Ali - Uncle Sam Damn - "The Undisputed Truth"
At the start of the year I predicted that it would be the year that the album died. Did it? I can still argue both ways. But it would be hard for me to vote for a list of albums, I am declaring the album dead...to me!
So I struck upon the idea of creating my own Album of the Year, a playlist, Mostly made from tracks that happen to be on the albums that I think were the best, but in a few cases just great songs that represent the year (#3).
They are not in order of best at the top, instead I tried to sequence it so that it makes sense as an album, conforming to some of the 'rules' of this now defunct art form, #3 is the big hit single and #7 the best track!
It was a great year...almost worthy of a double album and if it had a title it would be; "Strong Sophmore" (See # 5,6 & 9)
Jill Riley, Host
Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"
The White Stripes - "Icky Thump"
LCD Soundsystem - "Sound of Silver"
Rilo Kiley - "Under The Blacklight"
Brother Ali - "The Undisputed Truth"
Cloud Cult - "The Meaning of 8"
M.I.A. – Kala"
The Pipettes - "We Are The Pipettes"
They Might Be Giants - "The Else"
Bill DeVille, Host
10 albums in 2007 that I really enjoyed (list changes at the drop of a hat)
Mavis Staples - "We'll Never Turn Back"
We'll Never Turn Back ... the years best album, also it's most important...Should be a Grammy winner.
Peter Bjorn&John - "Writers Block"
This CD easily had more on my collective i-pod&CD players in 2007&Young Folks isn't even my favorite song on the CD!
Okkervil River - "The Stage Names"
Track 1 "Our Life is a Not a Movie or Maybe" turned me into a true-believer in this album. Will Sheff is an amazingly gifted singer and songwriter. This band really emerged in 2007 with this album about being in a band.
A Band of Bees – "Octopus"
It would take at least 8 arms to grab all of influences in their one of a kind sound.
John Doe – "A Year in the Wilderness"
Maybe the best music he has recorded since X!
Black Lips – "Good Bad Not Evil"
This CD sucked me in on the 1st notes of the 1st tune and never lets up. They totally sound like a garage band in 1966. Roky Erickson would LOVE these guys!
Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
I had a hunch Wilco's latest would be an "experimental electronica" album. Boy was I wrong! Jeff Tweedy's songs are very direct without the symbolism of past albums. My new guitar hero is Wilco's newest member, Nels Cline.
Iron&Wine – "The Shepherds Dog"
Sam Beam raised the bar with the bar with this album. It's full of his gentle soulful vocals surrounded by the warmth of organ, pedal steel, stand-up bass, and some gorgeous acoustic guitar.
LCD Soundsystem – "Sound of Silver"
Wow, James Murphy out did himself with this one. He proved he is more than a wise-guy ranter with songs like "Someone Great"&"New York I Love You But Your Bringing Me Down."
Blitzen Trapper – "Wild Mountain Nation"
I love these lo-fi slackers! They would make the late Jerry Garcia and even the Flaming Lips proud!"
Also dug releases by: Antibalas, Manu Chao, Fog, Brother Ali, Ben Weaver, Arcade Fire, Band of Horses, Dr. Dog, Sharon Jones&the Dap-Kings, The National, Robert Plant&Alison Krauss, Steve Earle, White Stripes, Bettye Lavette, Lucinda Williams, Jason Isbell, Heavy Trash, Cloud Cult, Walker Kong, Southern Culture on the Skids, and Andrew Bird.
Tony Lopez, Host
Ten Standout Albums from Foreign-Born Artists
1. Manu Chao (France) - "La Radiolina"
2. Ibrahim Ferrer (Cuba) - "Mi Sueño"
3. Jose Gonzalez (Sweden) - "In Our Nature"
4. Jens Lekman (Sweden) - "Night Falls Over Kortedala"
5. M.I.A. (England/Sri Lanka) - "Kala"
6. Henri Salvador (France) - "Révérence"
7. Tinariwen (North Africa) - "Aman Iman"
8. Daby Toure (Mauritania) - "Stereo Spirit"
9. Caetano Veloso (Brazil) - "Cé"
10. Zap Mama (Zaire) - "Supermoon"
Ellen Lynde, Host
No order, except how they appeared on the list:
New Pornographers - "Challengers"
Stars - "In Our Bedroom After The War"
Romantica - "America"
Jarvis Cocker - "Jarvis"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Is Is"
Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
Michael Franti And Spearhead - "Yell Fire!"
Zap Mama - "Supermoon"
Manu Chao - "La Radiolina"
Cloud Cult - "The Meaning of 8"
Danny Sigelman, Host
Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
White Stripes - "Icky Thump"
Fog - "Ditherer"
Devendra Banhart - "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon"
Robert Wyatt - "Comicopera"
Dugen - "Tio Bitar"
Animal Collective - "Strawberry Jam"
Brother Ali - "The Undsiputed Truth"
Deerhoof - "Friend Opportunity"
Liars - "Liars"
Mac Wilson, Host
1. Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"
All the anticipation and hyperbole was justified. No other record felt quite so powerful, meaningful, and essential for 2007, with most of these songs already sounding like standards. Ladies and gentlemen, the Arcade Fire: we are all witnesses to the premier rock act of our time.
2. Radiohead - "In Rainbows"
Downloading and listening to this for the first time at 3:15 in the morning (knowing that thousands more were doing the exact same thing at the same time) made for one of my most exciting musical moments of the year. Radiohead focuses on the finest elements of their signature sound, crafting a sparse and haunting (and even rocking!) record that I frankly think is their best since OK Computer.
3. M.I.A. - "Kala"
M.I.A. is a polarizing figure, and Kala continued the trend: one of the year's most divisive yet diverse albums. M.I.A.'s sucker-punch libretto wasn't afraid to make uncomfortable observations or ask the tough questions, all of it backed up by an ever-inventive palette of beats and flourishes."
4. Jens Lekman - "Night Falls over Kortedala"
It's appropriate that Lekman and M.I.A. appear next to each other: clever wordsmiths who are also redefining the use of musical sampling (their album titles are even oddly similar). Lekman has the rare gift of being able to turn the mundane into something both funny and tear-jerking at the same time. Kortedala is merely Lekman's latest addition to what is becoming one of the best oeuvres in indie pop.
5. LCD Soundsystem - "Sound of Silver"
Riveting dance music about aging, irresponsible hipsters and the ways they mirror American foreign policy. Every keyboard blip and James Murphy syllable is here for a reason, making for a deep and consistently rewarding listen.
6. Spoon - "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
Only these guys could make an record this sonically dense and lyrically cryptic and still make it sound like it was thrown together in the studio one afternoon. It was also the year's top 2am album -- i.e., the one whose songs wouldn't stop cycling through your head as you tried to get to sleep.
7. Of Montreal - "Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?"
Beneath the kooky soundscapes, Kevin Barnes has spun some genuinely affecting and melancholic portraits of depression and disconnect.
8. John Vanderslice - "Emerald City"
A haunting collection of sketches about life in modern America, with ruminations on vengeance, immigration, and the "9/11 Truth Movement." Pretty grim stuff, but Vanderslice's compelling melodies are what makes it stick.
9. Walker Kong - "Deliver Us from People"
In the words of Bill DeVille, "more hooks than a tackle box!" What more needs to be said?.
10. Stars - "In Our Bedroom after the War"
A few clunkers, but the emotion and sincerity was just enough to put it over the top. Amy Millan's voice is so lovely and enthralling, you're practically yelling at your radio when Torquil Campbell stands her up in "Personal"."
Honorable mentions go to Georgie James' "Places", Suzanne Vega's "Beauty & Crime", the Shins' "Wincing the Night Away", the Go! Team's "Proof of Youth", Elliott Smith's posthumous compilation "New Moon", and of course Sloan's stellar "Never Hear the End of It"; it was initially released in Canada in fall of 2006, so it didn't seem right including it here,"
Jacquie Fuller, Host
I won't pretend to be a musichead. Rather, I'm a music simpleton. I require melody. I am irrevocably confused by bands like XiuXiu and Deerhoof. I like punk in theory, but not so much in practice. I think Dungen is cool, but I prefer songs I can sing to ... in English.
I can't, therefore - in good faith - construct any sort of definitive top ten list. Let's call it, instead, Ten Albums I Like, Not in Any Order Other than Alphabetical, from 2007. And if you like music that surprises and delights-but doesn't perplex-this may be the list for you.
Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"
This album is scary. Where Funeral was seeped in longing and nostalgia, Neon Bible is all immediacy. The lyrics are clunky ("mirror, mirror, on the wall / tell me where them bombs will fall") and don't reach the emotive heights of Funeral, but I blame-or credit-that sense of urgency. When the world is falling apart, there ain't no time for pretty words. Win Butler is oratorical-a fire and brimstone preacher, a messiah going bonkers in the temple-and he's just convinced enough by his own madness that we're convinced, too. My only complaint-they should've ended with "No Cars Go." All that darkness demands a little light, and as soon as we get it, it's snatched away. This is what the end of the world sounds like.
Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
Like a solitary, interstate drive at night. Sweet, soulful, visceral. A little bit of Shins meets Antony & the Johnsons meets Iron & Wine. This is beautiful, shimmering stuff. Self-released and hard to find, but look for Bon Iver on Jagjaguwar in early '08. And listen for me to mispronounce it.
The Clientele - "God Save the Clientele"
I've always loved this band, and Alasdair Maclean's breathy vocals. But they were always my bedtime band-my Ambien-until this album. Dare I say they actually rock on a few tracks? They do. Do I hear Delta blues? I think so! "Bookshop Cassanova," is one of the sexiest come-ons I've heard in a good while. "Isn't Life Strange" makes me cry like a baby.
Feist - "The Reminder"
Solid and sophisticated. Feist feels fully fleshed out on this one. It's commercially-friendly, but her salty voice and freight-train harmonies give it just enough edge to sound delightfully unfamiliar. Probably the only artist you and your mom share in common.
Jens Lekman - "Night Falls Over Kortedala"
Many, many years ago, when I was full of teen angst, I wanted Lloyd Cole to be my boyfriend. Now that I'm older and more optimistic, I'd prefer a Jens Lekman. Like Cole, Lekman is a crooner. But where Cole is all brood and swagger, sample-happy Lekman creates fun, tender pop songs that glitter like Christmas felt. Lyrically, the comparisons to Jonathan Richman or the Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merrit are spot-on-he gives love and loss the poignant/comedic treatment. Just, please, don't call him quirky.
New Pornographers - "Challengers"
Pitchfork thinks the New Pornographers are tired. And on a logical level, I know this isn't the band's best effort. Nonetheless, it's been in heavy rotation in my car for at least a month now. It's typical New Pornographers-Neko's cooing, A.C. Newman's recognizable riffs, Danny Bejar sounding like a drag queen's impersonation of Al Stewart-but familiarity doesn't always breed contempt. Sometimes it makes for good pop.
Okkervil River - "The Stage Names"
I love when English majors make music. Bonus points if they studied creative writing. This album is everything you love about indie rock: rollicking good fun and knife-in-the-chest anguish. The last track, "John Allyn Smith Sails," is of the latter category: a tribute to poet John Berryman, documenting his fatal leap off the Washington Avenue bridge, with a heart-wrenching nod to The Beach Boys' "Sloop John B." Ouch.
Spoon - "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
Spoon is the band that never lets me down. If you-like me-can't decide between A Series of Sneaks-era minimalism and the nostalgia-tinged pop of Girls Can Tell, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is for you. You get everything from specters ("The Ghost in You Lingers" is crystalline and downright brilliant) to Spector ("Your Got Yr Cherry Bomb"), and some delightfully hard-to-pin stuff in-between. Some said-early on-that this album was Spoon's weakest. I wouldn't call it their strongest, but I'd bet next week's paycheck that those same folks now can't get "Japanese Cig Case" out of their heads.
St. Vincent - "Marry Me"
I want to be the beautiful, tragic heroine in a James Bond movie, and I want "All My Stars Aligned" on the soundtrack. Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is weird and lovely, and refreshingly grown-up. Her voice ranges from a girlish (but not girly) mew all the way to a full-throttle, Gloria-Swanson-scary crescendo. Recommended when Feist starts to sound a little too VH-1 for your taste.
Sunset Rubdown - "Random Spirit Lover"
You know your chubby little brother who sits in his room and gets high and/or writes sci-fi poetry and/or plays video games and/or listens to Captain Beefheart? If you're lucky, he'll grow up to be Sunset Rubdown's Spencer Krug. Part poet, part kid brother, part imp, Krug is a wizard who leads you through a dark forest in search of a very elusive spirit: melody. As soon as you spot it, it's gone again. Remember that movie with David Bowie, Labyrinth? If this album were a movie, it would be that one."
Ali Lozoff, Marketing Manager
The Current
I find that it's often a single track that seals the deal for me in terms of "favorite" releases, but every now and again an entire album blows me away and reminds me of the days of laying on my bed, holding the sleeve of my favorite record, and listening to each side repeatedly. For me, that album this year is "Sky Blue Sky". There's a story told here and it holds my attention the entire time. For some of the others on this list, either one particular song or one particular moment made it stand out for me, marking it as one of my favorites of the year. Taste, moods, circumstances all change, but being transported to a specific moment, often at a concert, is what cements these releases in my mind and heart this year.
Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
For every single song on the record, as well as the amazing cover photography by Manuel Presti. Plus both Minnesota shows this fall were outstanding.
The Shins - Wincing the Night Away"
One of the records I anticipated the most this year. The entire record didn't hold up for me on repeated listening, but there are a few awesome sing-along moments that make this shine for me.
MIA - "Kala"
Well anything that samples "Straight to Hell" is going to make my list, but even aside from that this album is infectious, danceable and brilliant in it's hybridization of global rhythms and modern dance beats.
Lily Allen - "Alright, Still..."
Just couldn't get away from this record this year. Upbeat sounds with dark lyrics are always a favorite, and Lily's fresh take on school girl sass always charms me.
Elliott Smith - "New Moon"
Though all of these songs have been recorded and released over a decade ago, they are as fresh, timely, poignant and appealing as anything else out there. Nothing makes a melancholy mood better than singing along with Elliott.
Cloud Cult - "The Meaning of 8"
Brother Ali - "The Undisputed Truth"
The Owls - "Daughters and Suns"
It was another good year for local music. These three releases are completely different from each other, but they each found distinct places in my heart and head this year. The passionate and often painful poetry of Cloud Cult, coupled with jangly guitars and poppy hooks, is infectious and moving. Seeing Brother Ali perform "Truth Is" to a packed room at SXSW was a personal highlight, and the raw anger and energy in that song continues to inspire me. The new record by the Owls is wistful and whimsical and utterly delightful, and the sweetness in the vocals brightens even the gloomiest of days."
Derrick Stevens, Production Coordinator
1. Brother Ali - "The Undisputed Truth"
2. Spoon - "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
3. Dan Wilson - "Free Life"
4. Sia - "Lady Croissant"
5. Common - "Finding Forever"
6. The New Pornographers - "Challengers"
7. Rilo Kiley - "Under The Blacklight"
8. Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
9. The Bird And The Bee - "Please Clap Your Hands EP"
10. Raul Midon - "A World Within A World"
Melanie Walker, Music Director
The Current
1. The National - "The Boxer"
2. Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"
3. Nas - "Hip Hop Is Dead"
4. The Young Knives - "Voices Of Animals & Men"
5. Radiohead - "In Rainbows"
6. Andrew Bird - "Armchair Apocrypha"
7. LCD Soundsystem - "Sound Of Silver"
8. The White Stripes - "Icky Thump"
9. The Cinematic Orchestra - "Ma Fleur"
10. Amy Winehouse - "Back To Black"
David Safar, Assistant Music Director
The Current
In no paricular order
Art Brut - "It's A Bit Complicated"
Jens Lekman - "Night Falls Over Kortedala"
Fiery Furnaces - "Widow City"
Fog - "Ditherer"
The Young Knives - "Voices Of Animals And Men"
Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"
Radiohead - "In Rainbows"
Jarvis Cocker - "Jarvis"
EL-P - "I'll Sleep When You're Dead"
The Ponys - "Turn The Lights Out"
Mike Pengra, Producer
The Morning Show
Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
Steve Earle - "Washington Square Serenade"
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - "Raising Sand"
Patty Griffin - "Children Running Through"
Jonah Smith - "(self titled)"
Brandi Carlile - "The Story"
Suzanne Vega - "Beauty and Crime"
Over the Rhine - "The Trumpet Child"
Dan Wilson - "Free Life"
Storyhill - "Storyhill"
Nikki Tundel, Reporter
The Current
I have a habit of taking albums I like and playing them over and over and over until I need to put them on hiatus. I don't know what the end-all, be-all albums of 2007 are. But here are some of the releases I passionately overplayed during the last 12 months."
The Fratellis - "Costello Music"
The Avett Brothers – "Emotionalism"
The National – "Boxer"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Baby 81"
Amy Winehouse - "Back To Black"
Spoon - "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
Vicious Vicious – "Parade"
Bruce Springsteen – "Magic"
Dan Wilson – "Free Life"
Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"
Christina Schmitt, Sr. Communications Specialist
1. Arcade Fire - "Neon Bible"
2. The Hives - "Black and White Album"
3. LCD Soundsystem - "Sound of Silver"
4. Dinosaur Jr - "Beyond"
5. The Noisettes - "What's The Time Mr. Wolf?"
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Is Is"
7. Jose Gonzalez - "In Our Nature"
8. Nas - "Hip Hop Is Dead"
9. The Black Lips - "Los Valientes del Mundo Nuevo"
10. PJ Harvey - "White Chalk"
Steve Nelson, Program Director
The Current
Andrew Bird - "Armchair Apocrypha"
Brother Ali - "The Undisputed Truth"
Cloud Cult - "The Meaning of 8"
Feist - "The Reminder"
LCD Soundsystem - "Sound of Silver"
Okkervil River - "The Stage Names"
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - "100 Days, 100 Nights"
The White Stripes - "Icky Thump"
Tullycraft - "Every Scene Needs A Center"
Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
Lindsay Kimball, Music Assistant
1. Feist - "The Reminder"
2. New Pornographers - "Challengers"
3. Rilo Kiley - "Under The Blacklight"
4. The Glad Version - "Make Islands"
5. Cloud Cult - "The Meaning of 8"
6. Maria Taylor - "Lynn Teeter Flower"
7. Bloc Party - "A Weekend In The City"
8. Bon Iver - "For Emma, Forever Ago"
9. Iron & Wine - "Shepard's Boy"
10. Stars - "In Our Bedroom After The War"
Top 10 Fave Local Releases:
1. The Glad Version - "Make Islands"
2. Dance Band - "Is It Moving Yet?"
3. Romantica - "America"
4. Friends Like These - "I Hate You: Vol. 1"
5. Brother Ali - "The Undisputed Truth"
6. Ice Palace - "Bright Leaf Left"
7. V/A - "Twin Town High Vol. 9"
8. Vicious Vicious - "Parade"
9. The Alarmists - "The Ghost And The Hired Gun"
10. James Buckley Trio - "Stitches"
Big Trouble needs to release a record, so I can add them to this list.
Michael Wells, Web Producer
In no particular order
Modest Mouse - "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank"
Black Francis - "Bluefinger"
Cloud Cult - "The Meaning of 8"
Dinosaur Jr - "Beyond"
Iron & Wine - "The Shepherd's Dog"
PJ Harvey - "White Chalk"
St. Vincent - "Marry Me"
The White Stripes - "Icky Thump"
The Young Knives - "Voices Of Animals And Men"
Kevin Drew - "Spirit If..."
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