Music is a weird thing. As much as we’re always trying to find the next big thing, trying to push the boundaries, it is impossible to avoid reverting to what we know. When compiling this list, I had a lot of trouble. I thought to myself, “what did I listen to a lot this year?” And after struggling with that answer, I realized that most of what I listened to did not, in fact, hit the market in 2007.
You see, I guess I’m a little set in my ways. No matter what fun new record comes out, if it doesn’t stick with me, I tend to put it off to the side and listen to something I’m more familiar with. This year I consistently listened to Paolo Nutini, The Format, The Hush Sound, My Chemical Romance, Amy Winehouse, Pepper, Meg and Dia and others. The common denominator between those artists: their latest efforts arrived in 2006. Maybe I’m just always a year behind, but unlike my peers here on PopZap!, my list does not have more than five albums, and does not include the likes of The White Stripes, Arcade Fire or Matthew Good. Oddly, next year around this time, it just might. I’ve got to quit living in the past!
So here it is, Tim’s Top 5 of 2007. I look at this list not from a critical standpoint, but from one where I say “do I have a good time when I listen to this record?” If the answer is yes then the record belongs on the list; even if that means being chastised for including some of the more “trendy” artists.
ONE: Bend Sinister – Bend Sinister (EP)
For most of you, this is an EP that you’ve probably never heard, by a band that you may have never heard of outside of this very site. I hope that after reading about them here, that all changes. Not only was this my favorite record this year (even if it is only five songs), Bend Sinister was my favorite band this year, and is now amongst my favorites of all time. Considering that they managed to hook me on only a sample of what they can do, you can imagine my anticipation for their next full length. In a year of strong releases all around, a practical unknown is my number one. Listen to them for yourselves and you’ll understand why.
Danceoff-tastic:
1. “Time Breaks Down”
2. “Juliana”
TWO: Jackson Jackson – The Fire is on the Bird
Earlier this year I had the privilege of interviewing and, in turn, spending a weekend with the boys of The Cat Empire at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Sitting cross-legged on the grass at the wrap up/after party, I found myself having a conversation with their singer, Harry James Angus, about how sad it is that there are people that segregate their musical tastes to one or two genres. Once Harry determined that I was indeed open-minded, he told me about a little side project he’s got going with producer/composer Jan Skubiszewski called Jackson Jackson. Upon hearing “Eliza” I was hooked, but the rest of the album took a little while to grow on me, but once it did, boy did it ever. This album is a part of me, an extension of Tim Jones. I know it front to back to front and back again, and so does everyone else I’ve introduced it to. It is weird. It is funky. It will take time to hook you, but give it that time. Once you’re hooked, you’re in for the long run. Best of all, Jackson Jackson is slated to have a new album in 2008. I, for one, am counting down the days.
Turn-tabley goodness:
1. “Eliza”
2. “Waxed World”
3. “The Future is the Past”
4. “A Hole in the Garden”
5. “Grab A Gun”
6. “Down To the River”
THREE: Mika – Life in Cartoon Motion
Somewhere right around here is where the chastising will likely begin, but you know what? I don’t give a shoot. Mika’s debut was exciting, refreshing and most importantly, fun as hell. His songs are as good as they are catchy and will have even the meatiest of men singing in their falsetto. The wit and humor in Mika’s songs keep them upbeat in both terms of rhythm and topic. With a comfortable amount of creativity and enough acknowledgment to those who came before him, the effeminate British boy let’s loose with one of the best listen-through albums of 2007. And he’s modest. Good on ya, Mika.
For your sweet tooth:
1. “Grace Kelly”
2. “Lollipop”
3. “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)”
4. “Love Today”
FOUR: Fall Out Boy – Infinity on High
I’m really digging myself a grave here, but as with Life in Cartoon Motion, I really like this socially-accepted-therefore-not-cool-to-like-if-you-are-supposed-to-be-an-industry-
insider-because-it’s-not-hip-to-enjoy-what-everyone-else-enjoys album. There isn’t much to be said about this record; if you are a fan of it, you know why it’s good. If you aren’t, my opinion isn’t going to change that. It is pretty sweet, however, that the first single was pretty much an anthem giving the middle finger to all the fan boys accusing them of selling out. Take that, hipsters!
Songs you aren’t too cool for:
1. “This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race”
2. “Thnks fr th Mmrs”
3. “Hum Hallelujah”
FIVE: Bedouin Soundclash – Street Gospels
Prior to September, I didn’t know much about Bedouin Soundclash. I could tell you that they were Canadian, and kind of reggae. That was the just of my personal Bedouin wiki. That all changed when I was asked if I wanted to sit down with the trio to delve deeper into what makes them tick. Wanting to actually know what I was talking about, I listened to Street Gospels relentlessly. I don’t know if it was because I force fed it to myself, or because I truly love the record, but either way this is one disc that made my 2007 listening season a little bit brighter.
Can-regg:
1. “Walls Fall Down”
2. “Hush”
3. “Bells of 59”
So there you have it; my short and sweet take on the year that was. It may not be the definitive list, but I can assure you that I have fun when I listen to all these albums. And if you can’t have fun doing something you enjoy, then why bother doing it at all?
We have many minds here at Pop Zap, check out how the rest of our brain goo works here:
Curty B gives his lowdown on all things 2007, Nick's financially draining end of the year, and Adam's list of compulsive fours.
