10. Tracey Thorn - Out of the Woods
Over the past year 'Out of the Woods' has proved that it's place on the 2007 top ten was indeed well earned. The album as a whole still has the occasional misstep however certain numbers have remained on constant iPod play. 'Falling off a Log' has grown into quite a favorite and offers the following empathetic lyric; "Little pictures on your telephone/to remind that you're not alone." 'Woods' remains the perfect soundtrack for a late night walk.
9. Lucinda Williams - West
'West' has retained it's swagger and charm. It's a lengthy affair all told but it's broken hearted poetry looms large. In fact, the record is never more powerful than when it's set beside Lucinda's recent offering 'Little Honey,' which incidentally will not be making an appearance on this year's top ten.
8. P.J. Harvey - White Chalk
Polly Jean crafted a wonderfully dark collection of somber ballads with 'White Chalk.' The album would have kept Emily Dickinson in Kleenex for several months and it's for this reason that I've only been able to visit it from time to time.
The diverse nature of M.I.A.'s second album makes for a bewildering listen. The songs belong together like an international gang of rabid dogs. I have rode with this menacing bunch on buses and allowed them on occasion into my home but they must be restrained as they have a tendency to leave their mark.
6. Blonde Redhead - 23
An ideal album for late night driving along shadowy country lanes. If you don't happen to find yourself tearing along dark back roads on a regular basis though, you'll probably find little use for this album.
An ideal album for late night driving along shadowy country lanes. If you don't happen to find yourself tearing along dark back roads on a regular basis though, you'll probably find little use for this album.
5. AIR - Pocket Symphony
The French Air-men certainly earned their stripes back and 'Symphony' demands frequent after hours spins.
The French Air-men certainly earned their stripes back and 'Symphony' demands frequent after hours spins.
4. Battles - Mirrored
There's a very strong chance that all but a couple of the tracks from last year's fourth entry have been completely ignored. The math-rock density of this album greatly overpowers my desire to hear it.
There's a very strong chance that all but a couple of the tracks from last year's fourth entry have been completely ignored. The math-rock density of this album greatly overpowers my desire to hear it.
3. Arctic Monkeys - Favorite Worst Nightmare
'Nightmare' still packs a wallop but Alex Turner moved to the Shadow Puppets this year in order to release The Age of Understatement which suggests that the Sheffield youngster has a great deal to say irrespective of the lineup.
'Nightmare' still packs a wallop but Alex Turner moved to the Shadow Puppets this year in order to release The Age of Understatement which suggests that the Sheffield youngster has a great deal to say irrespective of the lineup.
2. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
There are a handful of tunes on 'Bible' that I'll turn to in an hour of need but I must confess I find little call for the Fire on a regular basis.
There are a handful of tunes on 'Bible' that I'll turn to in an hour of need but I must confess I find little call for the Fire on a regular basis.
1. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup'The Flying Club Cup' is still the ideal coffee and croissant record. You need only your lover, the paper, and this wondrous album for a splendid start to any Sunday morning. Zach and his troupe of bemused minstrels penned a splendid collection whose autumnal joie de vivre remains the 2007 peak.
In conclusion, there are a good few entries that have not fared well. It's rather a dark compilation actually. I should rather have found Tord Gustavsen Trio's 'Being There,' Amiina's debut, Do Make Say Think's 'You, You're a History in Rust,' The Field's 'From Here We Go Sublime,' Art Brut's 'It's a Bit Complicated,' and Burial' 'Untrue' represented but live and learn I suppose. Beware beloved albums of 2008, your time on heavy rotation may be short.
- Slappy
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