Another List?

Here it is, the end of another year, meaning it's time for end of the year lists! Holla! I watched the Barbara Walters "10 Most Fascinating People" special last night (JK Rowling was numero uno- good call)in honor of this special time of year, and I feel like making a list of my own.

So here they are, my top 10 albums of 2007, in semi-particular order:

But first, the Honorable mentions:

- Eilen Jewell- Letters from Sinners and Saints Kind of crazy considering I only got this album about a week ago, but I saw her live (amazing) and I'm convinced more people need to listen to this kind of music. I think it's impossible to keep a smile from your face when faced with this sort of happy-go-lucky, fast paced country that would make sense in a bar as much as anyplace else. Highlights: Heartache Boulevard, Too Hot to Sleep, Rich Man's World
- The New Pornograpers- Challengers This album came out in August, and I've actually only listened to it a few times all the way through, hence the honorable mention place. The New Po's are so reliable with their particular brand of power-pop (Neko Case and an awesome drummer are HUGE help)that I can only imagine I'll eventually love Challengers as much as Twin Cinema & Electric Version. Highlights so far: Myriad Harbour, Challengers.
- The Format- Dog Problems Yea, so this came out in 2006, so I'm leaving it out of the list proper, but it's been a big part of 2007 for me. I think this album is some solid pop songwriting, and the production on this thing is insane. Anything that sounds like a carnival is ok with me, and this album definitely has that feel. It's also one of those semi-rare records that actually feels cohesive, instead of just a collection of songs. Highlights: Time Bomb, Dog Problems, Dead End Song.

Now for the really good stuff:

10. Leslie and the Badgers- Leslie and the Badgers This may have been released in 2006, but it's hard to tell these days, especially when it's a self-released album, and I only got it in September. Anyway, this country/folk rock debut is so awesome my mom stole it from my cd case. Highlights: The Torture, Old Timers, and My Tears are Wasted on You.

9. Bright Eyes- Cassadaga Truth be told, I only like about 1/2 of Mr. Obert's latest album, but the first 8 songs or so are so awesome, that he makes it one here anyway. This effort is a lot more accessible than past Bright Eyes records, which I actually love, although it leaves the last few, more traditional B.E. songs feeling lackluster, and well boring. Anyway, just listen up to track 9 or so, then shut it off. Highlights: Classic Cars (Gillian Welch sings on this one!), If the Brakeman Turns My Way, Make A Plan to Love Me

8. Rilo Kiley- Under the Blacklight Love them, like the album. It's a bit less focused and way more produced than past albums, but still has that special something that makes them more interesting than most other pop-rock bands out there. Highlights: Silver Lining, Breakin' Up, The Angels Hung Around

7. Amy Winehouse- Back to Black Everyone knows this one. It will probably win album of the year, along with a couple other grammys. Love the old school, motown feel. Hate the cocaine addiction. My Highlights: Rehab, Tears Dry on their Own, Love is a Losing Game.

6. Brandi Carlile- The Story Basically, sign me up for anything T Bone Burnett is involved in. His production is a big part of what makes this album a success for me, aside from Brandi's killer voice. This is a pop folk crossover album that is powerful, accessible, and brings a perfect blend of intimacy and arena-big sounds. Sweet. Highlights: The Story, Have You Ever, Cannonball.

5. Alicia Keys- As I Am Ok, so maybe I only bought this album like 2 days ago. So sue me. I LOVE it. And frankly, the first single No One is good enough on its own. It's hot. Highlights: Go Ahead, No One, Tell You Something.

4. Tegan and Sara- The Con Darker than their past records, The Con is a grown up version of T&S (more words per song!), but it's every bit as much crunchy poppy fun as their older stuff. Highlights: The Con, Hop A Plane, Are You Ten Years Ago

3. Tori Amos- American Doll Posse
I've never been particularly well-versed in Tori, but this concept album is supafly. Over the course of the album, Tori switches between 6 alteregos, which produces radically different, but somehow related songs at every turn. Adult piano pop at its quirky best. Highlights: Big Wheel, Teenage Hustling, Programmable Soda

2. Feist- The Reminder I almost put this down a bit lower on the list, but then I rememberes that despite her appearing on about a million ipod commercials etc, this album still kicks butt. It all seems a bit familiar as she draws from pop, country, folk, and other music traditions, but she belends them to make a sound that is completely unique, bouncy and a whole lot of fun. I love Feist. So sue me. Highlights: My Man My Moon, Past in Present, Honey Honey.

And finally:

1. St. Vincent- Marry Me Well, I already wrote a whole post about how awesome Miss Annie Clark is, so I'll just say: this is the best album of the year. Hands down. Equal parts moody and optimistic, pop and art, this album makes sense a song at a time, or all the way through. It's pretty much perfect. Highlights: Jesus Saves, I Spend, All My Stars Aligned, Apocalypse Song, Landmines. Ok, so the whole album.