Album of the Year - 2007

Like finally, we're proud to bring you our 'Album of the Year' feature and after due consideration of the 'almosts', the 'leave it outs' and the 'must haves' we have compiled the following list for you - a list which communicates with our original reviews (where appropriate), the band's 'myspace' and Amazon's product link to give you full control of what we have listened to. So a year in which downloaded singles provided some eye brow lifting (a'la Roger Moore) inclusions in 2007's Christmas chart - I mean 'Wham's Last Christmas' where did that come from? Christmas 1984 that's when, I know 'cos I bought the 12" for a friend that Christmas and in my humble opinion the double-A side that it shared, 'Everything She Wants' was a better single. And finally, it's a pity that Radiohead's new album 'In Rainbows' escaped our clutches earlier last year, when it was released as a download only. But now with it being released proper on the cusp of the new year certainly deserves a mention, as it's being a crackin' album.

Anyway enough of me, check out the following and let us improve your lives with the following 'must haves' of 2007.

1) Whole Sky Monitor - Bland Bland Bland

T: Well, this one usurped us somewhat, coming in right at the death of Nelson and bagging the big prize from under the noses of our favourite Anglo-Irish boys. Thundering, boisterous beauty throughout, it's made me wonder whether John Parkes has been taking steroids this year...

N: Like stealing that last goal in the closing minute of the game, taking the title and the glory, Whole Sky Monitor proved John Parkes' experience as a musician and songwriter in the last weeks of this year. Quite astounding.

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2) Jetplane Landing - Backlash Cop

T: Most artists would struggle to make three incredible albums in a set of ten; somehow Jetplane Landing have proved the most consistently brilliant band of the decade by once again pulling out all the stops and releasing an absolute classic. Described by Atomicduster as sounding like a hybrid of Rage Against The Machine and the Climax Blues Band this time around, "Backlash Cop" continues the Jetplane trend of releasing albums that sound absolutely nothing like their previous long players, yet remain of the highest quality. Just awesome.

N: A band who seem almost like family. It's not that we had their firstborn or anything like that, but from years of involvement, JPL have certainly won our appreciation in how they have grown as artists whilst still waiting for the world to listen.

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3) Tunng - Good Arrows

N: It's warming to know instantly where you heard a band's album and this is one of those affairs. Tunng are remarkable songwriters, and those songs seem to get an unjustly low amount of airplay. Perhaps it's that their appreciation will mature with age, but right now Tunng should be the name on everyone's lips.

T: Boom boom. I almost expected you to do a Les Dawson style step forward as you said that last statement. Still, this is indeed a fine album, and while it may have divided a few of the group's fans, including a former writer of ours, I admire their vision, making the steps toward appealing to a more mainstream audience with their third offering, and it works beautifully, still maintaining that other-worldly sound that we know and love so well.

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4) Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

T: You know you're in the midst of greatness when such a seemingly understated album becomes something almost Godlike upon subsequent plays. Uncut magazine fell into this trap, editor Allan Jones being suitably underwhelmed when he reviewed it, yet "Neon Bible" still ended up extremely high in the same magazine's "Best Of" list at the end of the year. From the outset, the supremely intense "Black Mirror" sets the scene and classic track after classic track follows thereafter before the downbeat finale of "My Body Is a Cage" leaves you a little perplexed. Listening to "Neon Bible" is more than just using your ears - it's an experience too.

N: It's always a cliche when anyone describes anyone's work as "that difficult second album" and then goes on to enthuse about how remarkable that work is, including myself. But here, Arcade Fire have followed up 2004's "Funeral" with such a radiant light. "Neon Bible" was not just that light, but one whose depth was something else.

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5) Black Francis - Bluefinger

N: Now this was a cracker. Another of those "where and when" affairs, and in this case, "Captain Pasty" involved my bouncing around the room, quite literally, such was its energy. Take a listen and tell me I'm wrong.

T: But of course it's not just about that track, the rest of the album is equally frantic fun, and Frank, Black, Charles or whatever you want to call him has delivered his highest quality work since 1993's "Teenager Of The Year", and how. Inhabited by the spirit of Herman Brood, the former Pixies man leaves no let up throughout and "Bluefinger" frequently borders on genius.

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6) The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America

N: This album is one of those "Born In The USA" affairs in my mind, and one that should have been just as massive. "Boys And Girls..." reeks of the working man, sleeves pushed up, sweat on your brow. Eleven tracks that ooze rock 'n' roll songwriting at its best.

T: An album that would've probably been higher were it not for the fact that it "officially" came out in 2006, only making it this side of the pond earlier this year. Whether informed by The Boss or not - and it clearly is in places - this is just a beautiful album and you couldn't have put it better. And you say it should have been massive? Well they had some Massive Nights...

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7) Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II

T: Proof that you can still make huge, relevant music even when you're in your sixties! It took twenty odd years to finally complete and release it, but WHAT an album. Probably his best work in three decades, and it's not just the centrepiece of the eighteen minute epic "Ordinary People" either. Every track is a killer here and proves Young's status as one of the all time greats is richly deserved.

N: As recognisable as the headstock of Fender Stratocastor, Neil Young has the ability to write music that can change its leaning, whilst still remaining true to its roots. This album, although fairly new to myself, was easy to neck.

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8) Unkle - War Stories

T: Although Unkle have fallen off the critical radar somewhat of late, James Lavelle came storming back with an album of grandiose, eerie splendour. Infinitely listenable and fitting for any mood, it's quite possibly the pinnacle of Unkle's career. It's just a pity not enough people knew about it!

N: The first dance and electronica album to make our rundown, and it's certainly worthy of its placing. Be it chillout or dance, this album has the ability to set pulses racing or heads to slow down at the touch of its ethereal beauty.

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9) The White Stripes - Icky Thump

T: A brilliant about turn from Jack and Meg, who decided the way to go was to release an album with barely any songs that were commercial enough to put out as a single. Highlight for me was "Conquest" which was almost like a Bhangra version of "Rawhide".

N: Enlightened by Led Zeppelin, Jack White's musical approach I realised had become immediately recognisable, on hearing a track from this album as it was recently played on the radio. Although this isn't the first of this group's albums I have heard, the more I do, the more I am convinced that this is one of the great bands of our time.

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10) Ash - Twilight Of The Innocents

T: So how do Tim and co cope without Charlotte? Easy - they release one of their best albums with a whole bucketful of superbly crafted tunes.

N: Formed some 15 years previous, with this latest release they sound as vibrant as ever, not having lost any of their verve and spice. I would've thought that by this point I may've tired with the formula that the band had put together, but quite to the contary, this formula proves as bullet proof as ever and this new album is every bit as enjoyable as any they have released.

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11) The Sinister Cleaners - Shine

T: Like Neil Young’s “Chrome Dreams II”, The Sinister Cleaners’ debut album “Shine” has been over twenty years in the making, and again, like Shaky himself, the band eventually released a triumphantly bitter, often hilarious set of songs that proves that the words “artistic control” are vital in the world of great music. “Shine” marks John Parkes’ second appearance on our end of year top 20 and, with immediate firecrackers such as “Bastards” or “Goodbye Ms. Jones” coupled with the more moody numbers like the Bunnymen cap doffing of “I’ll Never Forget This” or the Ian Curtis like vocalising of “Complication Day”, it’s evident that Parkes has been one of the great overlooked songwriters of our time.

N: ...steroids or not, Parkes is certainly kicking off his bid for world domination in fine form. He can surely do no worse than the crack pots and chancers we now have running things. Oh and a great album by the way.

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12) Ray Davies - Working Man's Cafe

N: My copy of this album was one of those given away in the Sunday Times, a day prior to its official release of the 22nd October 2007. Pitted in some circles (namely Wikipedia) as the singers 2nd solo album, is a claim that's utterly ridiculous (as Tone has pointed out, if it were to be studio album, that would be a little different), but my rant aside this new album from the voice of the Kinks is a wonderful trip down a bygone time now vastly different from that, it is clear the singer remembers. His take on modern life, politics and a lot more is powerful, almost a 'Grumpy Old Men' set to music and a trip down a nostalgic 'memory lane'. 10 tracks were available on my copy, whilst the official version includes an additional 2.

T: Ok Nick, this is your baby, but from what you’ve played me, it sounds like Mr. Davies is well and truly living up to his Great British Icon status with beautifully painted stories of everyday folk…

N: Steady on there, it's beginning to sound like the Wombles!

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13) The Hours - Narcissus Road

T: I guess it’s inevitable that when you put two men of such an illustrious background together, you’re going to end up with a gem. Antony Genn (Elastica, Pulp) and Martin Slattery (Black Grape, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleroes) started out on the right note from the off, beginning the album with the mesmerising single “Ali In The Jungle”, and effortlessly rolling off some restrained but swanky numbers like the album’s gorgeous, lilting title track and the poignant “Icarus” before finishing in a smoky boozer with the heartbreaking “Let Me Breathe”. Throw in a sleeve designed by Damien Hirst and you’re pretty much onto a winner.

N: It's got to be said 'Narcissus Road' is certainly worthy of our heaped praise and with perhaps one of the strongest lead songs to grace any album, this supergroup x2 is a wonderful addition to the years music. If you haven't already discovered The Hours, then don't be late, you won't be frowned upon as you grace their steps.

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14) The Neutrinos - One Way Kiss

T: Dirty and sleazy, with a female fronted snarl that Siouxsie would be proud of, “One Way Kiss” could fool you into believing PJ Harvey has appeared in your front room and forced your head down to lick her boots. And on the strength of this album, both me and Nick will…

N: ...er, lick her boots? Either way, Tone is right this charged affair warrants its inclusion here. It's almost as if it charges the air around you as you listen, it's quite likely it will send you skin tingling and the hairs on the back of your neck..., you get the picture.

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15) Kate Nash - Made Of Bricks

T: I’m not a huge fan, I’ll admit, so being full of Christmas spirit (most of which Nick has poured down my throat before trying to convince me to put this one in) I thought I’d better let him do the talking here…mind you, she was fun at the Summer Sundae Weekender…

N: ...fun! I agree I'm not the usual fan or even the sort who might give this a second glance, but there's something about Ms. Nash and her delivery that deserves further investigation. Yeah, it's fun, the girl's keeping it real as she tells her audience that her certain someone is being a 'Dickhead' or even that she just "...wants yorkies", as she does in the latest single to be taken from the album 'Pumpkin Soup' (listen, not too carefully, it is there).

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16) Von Südenfed - Tromatic Reflexxions

T: It’s almost like Mark E Smith has gatecrashed your party and decided he wants to ruin your disco. Unfortunately for him, everyone’s jumped on the dancefloor and are still having a ball and there’s not a damn thing he can do to stop it.

N: The moment 'Fledermaus Can't Get It' hit the decks here in the office, I had to first take a second glance at what it was I was listening to. Yes it was Mark E Smith and yes it was a genius of sorts. So when this album hit our ears it was almost like overload, as a further 11 tracks were presented. Smith and Mouse On Mars have indeed perfected the disco concept, all we really need is John Travolta to squeeze into those threads and disco heaven will be with us again. Hey, wait a minute, how about 'Saturday Night Fever 2', but this time with Mark E Smith taking the place of the Bee Gees? It's got to work (and remember it was my idea).

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17) Muleskinner Jones - Alcohol Tobacco Raygun?

T: There was me thinking maybe Mr. Jones was a one trick pony whose only talent was to frighten children with his murder ballads and then he goes and pulls the champagne cork out and presents us with a batch of gutsy songs which, while still capable of mentally scarring the most level headed person you know, is testament to the fine craftsmanship of a true Atomicduster favourite.

N: Tone, Mr Jones still frightens children (hey he frightens me!). But 'trick', 'pony' and 'one' are certainly not words that are in his vocabulary. This album is like one of those hangover remedies you were told was good for you as you dragged your head out of the toilet for the thirteenth time. A.T.R. is a dirty, tarnished, yet valuable gem and that we've had the opportunity to witness this, is a quality I feel truly humbled by.

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18) Kings Of Leon - Because Of The Times

T: Not many bands can say their best album was their third one, but the Followills most certainly can. An excellent live band (though seemingly living in fear of their tour manager, I was astonished to witness in Doncaster earlier this year), the Kings put their obvious Creedence fanaticism to one side for a change and as a result, “Because Of The Times” is, most of the time, an atmospheric wonder, such as on opening gambit “Knocked Up” or classic single “On Call”, and at other times just a great big hulking rock album such as on “McFearless” or “Black Thumbnail”. Best of all though are the prettiest tunes “Ragoo” and the majestic beauty of album closer “Arizona”.


N: A band whose "southern roots' show through in their music, looking as they do like a bunch of hobos, but that's good, as is their music. I'll be honest and confess to not having heard much of what is on this album, but what I have certainly rattles my soul and on this occasion I bow to Tone's knowledge. Kings Of Leon have certainly earned their place at number 18.

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19) Good Shoes - Think Before You Speak

T: Witty observational humour in fourteen rampantly intoxicating numbers which get under your skin so easily you’ll think you’ve been possessed. Sometimes deadpan, sometimes as subtle as a sledgehammer to the back of your cranium, Good Shoes never let up and it would have been foolish to leave them off the list. Personal highlights are the hometown paranoia of “Morden” and the David Gedge like grumblings of “Blue Eyes”. And yea, we are aware of the irony of that last statement!

N: Hey, this is a bloody good album, any band who refers to a "...skinhead in a Burberry coat..." has gotta be pretty good. No wonder they had you so rattled.

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20) Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare

T: At the risk of being predictable, I don’t think you can deny that Alex Turner is one of the best young songwriters around at present and “Favourite Worst Nightmare” just goes to prove the point. Perhaps a little less commercial than “Whatever People Say I Am…”, the boys’ sophomore effort is heavier on rhythm, more intent in its vocal phrasing and the equal of its predecessor’s lyrical brilliance.

N: Well it could've easily gone so wrong when Arctic Monkeys went into the studio to record another 12 songs for this affair. Were they really the chancers that they had at first appeared? Or could it have been that they really did have talent (and why hadn't we entered them into the Eurovision years ago?). I was certainly a little cautious as I had pressed play the first time I had heard this album and miracle of miracles, Arctic Monkeys were really that valuable commodity they had at first hinted and it was a marvellous feeling. What do you have in store for us for 2008 boys?

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