Before we turn off any self-styled audiophiles, we'd like to clarify that this is not an official top ten list of "off the radar albums in 2007." That contest isn't for another month. These are just ten of the best albums that we've personally come across in the last year. Chill out, get off your elitist high horse and enjoy the tuneage.
Robert Plant and Alison Kraus - Raising Sand.
This strange, ethereal bluegrass album pairs two of the more distinctive voices in modern music. Neither Led Zepplin nor Union Station factor very heavily in Raising Sand; songs switch from ponderous ballads that sound like the end of the world to faster, more energetic bluegrass that, despite its warmth, seems to keep its distance. While certain songs sound slightly directionless, Raising Sand remains a haunting, often beautiful album.
Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home
Trading away his electric guitar and harsh screams for only a beat up acoustic and country-esque vocals, Kensrue's solo debut captures the realities of growing up and being on the road. Please Come Home is a vast departure from Kensrue's main band, Thrice. His singing voice will certainly bring up comparisons to the late Johnny Cash. Songs such as "Pistol" with its added use of harmonica is able to adapt itself for country fans, but his raspy voice and relatable lyrics allow fans of Thrice to still feel connected to the music.
The Pipettes - We are the Pipettes.
This strange album, an amalgamation of late-seventies punk and mid-sixties doo-wop a la The Shangri-Las, was a rarity fusion that actually worked. Three young women from Brighton, England play upbeat, bass-heavy surfer rock for as long as the average listener can enjoy without feeling foolish, and for about thirty-seven minutes, that listener has a blast, every time.
Manchester Orchestra - I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child
While technically being released in 2005, Sony re-released this record in 2007; most major record stores now carry it. Touring alongside such bands as Brand New and Say Anything, lead singer Andy Hull and the rest of Manchester Orchestra created a rock album large enough to play alongside some of the biggest bands in the scene. Hull's vocals carry this record, as from the onset of the album it differentiates itself from its competition. "Alice and Interiors," one of the most lyrically brutal songs on the album, displays Hull's vocal range with a slick drumbeat in the background.
Iron and Wine - The Shepherd's Dog
Sam Beam makes crazy music that sounds like Deep Country written after a nuclear war. On a more deeply layered album than fans might be used to, Beam whispers about very pretty, honorable things over his folksy, semi-futuristic sounding guitar work, which itself fosters deep, dark thoughts. If Raising Sand was too damn down to earth and normal for you, check out The Shepherd's Dog.
Straylight Run - The Needles The Space
No band has faced harder luck this year than Straylight Run - as they released their second full-length to unfortunately little promotion, and were soon dropped off of their label. What their label did not understand was that Straylight Run created one of the most organic, evolved records released last year. Lead singer siblings John and Michelle Nolan prove to be one of the best unheard-of, one-two punch lyricists in the music industry. Straylight Run is able to move from the hard pounding bass beat of "Who Will Save Us Now," to the more laid back "This Is The End." Unfortunately, due to lack of promotion and availability, this record, which is one of the best of '07, is probably one most people have yet to hear.
Back Door Slam - Roll Away.
Channeling equal parts Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Roll Away is a solid hour of thumping, old school guitar mastery and classic rock... performed by a group of British teenagers. Lead singer/guitarist Davy Knowles sings like a forty-five-year old blues rocker, despite being about twenty. This album is loads of fun, but lacks depth at times.
A Day to Remember - For Those Who Have Heart
For fans of screaming vocals, fast-paced double bass, and the twang of pop punk, the newest addition to Victory Records, A Day To Remember, released one of the hardest hitting, catchiest albums this year. Lead singer Jeremy McKinnon mixes melodic pop with harsh squalls alongside heartfelt lyrics. For Those Who Have Heart is easily one of the most consistent albums released as every track has potential to be a major single if a certain record label would simply stop promoting one-dimensional gimmick bands (cough*Aiden*cough).
Oakley Hall - I'll Follow You.
The latest effort from the Brooklyn No Depression country band is taut and rocky, like the mellow soundtrack to a barn burning. I'll Follow You changes its sound from song to song, but maintains most of its cohesiveness with subtle musical cues that keep Hall from losing their direction mid-album. The energetic mostly-rock music was sparse and clean, and made a great accompaniment to late summer.
Metro Station - Metro Station
Finally coming out of the shadows of his more famous family members, sister Miley and father Billy Ray, Metro Station guitarist Trace Cyrus brings the biggest 10-track dance album released this year. Synth and bass dominate the speakers as the young kids in Metro Station merge catchy lyrics with slick dance beats. Metro Station plans on bringing their party to the masses on the "Really Really Ridiculously Good Looking Tour" alongside Cobra Starship this winter and in Buffalo next Thursday.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
