2007 Reviewed: Brits, Tango, Music to Drink Beer to (and possibly makeout to) & More
The New Year is nearly here so that means it’s time to review the big happenings of 2007. And since this is a music blog, that means music happenings (as it relates to my life of course) of 2007. I’m always torn on what to share here b/c I am more, how shall I put it, “mainstream” than my counterparts on NWmusicblog and probably its readers too. And I say “mainstream” in the sense that I mostly rely on KEXP for the music I listen to. However KEXP isn’t very mainstream in the larger scheme of radio. So I don’t really know where I’m going with that… Ok, here goes…
Oh, and I’m not going to do a top 10 or anything, god forbid I rank anything b/c all below are #1s in my book.
Let’s start with the easiest…
Best Summertime Music: Tim Armstrong – A Poet’s Life. I heard it for the first time on a third date with a guy. He had the CD playing while we were on our way to
Luckiest moment of 2007: That would be, hands down, my one golden ticket to the Beastie Boys at the Croc. I still can’t believe I was there. These veterans played old and new and their charisma and energy were off the charts. It was a show I’ll never forget.
Best Wintertime Music: (aka best album that most people fussed about aka best album to makeout to): Wilco – Sky Blue Sky. I really wanted to write a blog about it when this album first released but I just never got around to it. I like to equate this album to old school Wilco doing what they do best. Gone is the experimental sounds of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot which I think most people missed. Don’t get me wrong, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was amazing but sometimes you want something familiar, warm & cozy and that’s what you get with Sky Blue Sky. No pushing the envelope here. Just the Wilco we know so well and love. Runner Up: Beirut — The Flying Club Cup. Their unique sound is something to appreciate. Sort of a mix of Devotchka and The National … mrlevitan also mentioned Jeff Buckley when he took a listen. They are a great accompaniment when you are in a mellow mood.
Took The Most Listens Before I Got The Aha Moment: Spoon – GaGaGaGaGa. Kevin, Matt and I– all love Spoon, new, old, doesn’t matter, it’s all good. I remember I was so excited that Ga+5 was streaming prior to the album hitting the shelves. I raced to the spoon site to check it out. And to my dismay, I just didn’t get it. It felt ultra adult contemporary, sort of, um mountain music, ick. But I didn’t give up. I persevered saw Spoon at the capitol hill party then later on at the showbox and finally the music stuck. I now listen to GaGaGaGaGa with great enjoyment.
Most Plays In the IPod: The Fratellis – Costello Music. Am I allowed to categorize this as the quintessential Scottish pop music? They are the perfect driving music, work out music, dance around the house music. I don’t know who even turned me onto them. It was definitely not their ipod hit but whoever sent me the MP3s, thank you!
Favorite Female Artist: This is tie between Amy Winehouse – Back to Black and Lily Allen – Alright, Still. I think both these ladies came in second and third in the rotation of the most plays. Upon first listen of both, I was hooked. Both had 2 very different sounds that I wasn’t accustomed to listening to. Plus Lily Allen’s lyrics are priceless. She’s easily summed up some things that I would have loved to have said to a couple of guys from my past.
Favorite Live Show: LCD Soundsystem at
Second Favorite Live Show: Gotan Project at Stubbs BBQ in
Really No Category but Other Favorites: White Stripes — Icky Thump, Interpol — Our Love to Admire, The Shins — Wincing the Night Away. Thank god the Shins changed it up for their latest. I loved their first album. Bored with the second but their 3rd definitely stood out from the pack and evolved them to the next level in their careers. As for the White Stripes & Interpol, just good’ol rockin’ music. Need I say more?
Most Missed: The Black Keys. When are you coming back to
Happiest I Missed: Bumbershoot. I stayed away from
Best People Watching: Capitol Hill Block Party. Will I go back next year? Only for daytime shows, come night, I’m out of there.
In a nutshell, that’s the music I’ve enjoyed over the past year. I know there’s more but it’s late and if I think of anything else, I’ll add it on.
Great list, Julie.
Here’re a few of my recent faves:
MIA – I know you don’t like, Julie, but she’s entertaining and fun and if you’re lucky, you can get up on stage and dance
Band of Horses – sweet, syrupy lyrics but they can get away with it.
Flight of the Conchords EP (SubPop) – funny, I only wish they had the Cheer Up Murray song on it.
Ween – La Cucaracha. I didn’t get Ween at first, I thought it sounded like they were making it up as they went along one drunken night, and there are a lot of sexist songs, but then I loved it like I love all my other Ween babies.
I agree, good list, although I think I’m biased toward your taste but here’s a few I didn’t see…
Minus the Bear, Planet of Ice. Saw those guys a couple times years ago and it’s nice to see another local band getting their props. The album shows how much they have grown and great to listen to while driving in bad traffic.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, 100 Days 100 Nights. Had the pleasure of running sound for them recently and it was fantastic. Super nice crew and one hell of a show. She is a true soul, blues diva and her experience shows.
Gorillaz, D-Sides. The remixes are great and the familiarity with the music makes the stripped down versions of the songs even better. My personal fav is the Stanton Warriors Remix of Feel Good Inc on the second disc..
You know, I feel I really missed out on seeing Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I read the review of their show on 3 imaginary girls, and it sounded truly amazing. I did get to hear them on KEXP playing live at the Triple Door last week on my way home from work but that’s just not the same (not even close). Lucky you not only got to see the show but participate too!