The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit

OK, so we’ve reviewed what I believe to be the standout albums from the year that was. The second part of my year-end review reviews some of the best songs of the year. You likely wouldn’t have heard any of these songs on radio (at least not terrestrial radio). In fact, I couldn’t pick out any of this year’s most popular radio songs if my life depended on it.

Note – I tried to find official videos for these songs, but in some cases I could only find live versions (some better than others).

The Best of the Best (Songs)

“Melody Day”, Caribou (Andorra) – This track opens the very excellent Andorra like a fresh breeze from the mid-’60s. I would swear this was produced by Phil Spector in his prime, what with its heavy use of reverb, jangly guitars, and a soaring chorus. Sure there’s nothing terribly original here, apart from introducing more modern electronic elements into the mix, but a good song is a good song.

“Mutiny, I Promise You”, The New Pornographers (Challengers) – The Pornographers’ latest album has been taking a beating from a lot of fans since it came out, but I can’t see how anyone who likes the group wouldn’t think this song is a winner. And for the record, I really enjoy Challengers.

Read on Daddy-O…

Compiling Best of/Worst of music lists is always a risky endeavor. Inevitably you’ll have a bunch of people who are upset because this band or that song was either left off, placed too highly, or included at all. Luckily for me I don’t give a crap what anyone else thinks. That being said, I am including the caveat that I am only one man and simply don’t have as much time to listen to and absorb music as I used to, so I readily admit that I probably missed out on a lot of good stuff this year.

As far as what to include – I didn’t want to include so many albums/songs from 2007 as to render this list useless, but I didn’t want to overlook anything either.

The Best of the Best (Albums)

Field Music, Tones of Town – This is my favorite album of the year in a landslide. I am a sucker for intelligent Britpop, and this is first-rate stuff. Superb harmonies, clever arrangements, and tight performances elevate this far above Field Music’s debut album. So of course it figures that the band is now broken up (or on hiatus).

Minus the Bear, Planet of Ice – A big debt of gratitude is owed to the AV Club for this discovery. They posted a clip of “Knights,” and I was hooked instantly. Call it indie rock, math rock, or whatever you want – this is 21st century prog rock, and it is a beautiful thing. A few minor gripes aside (vocals tend to be too even-keeled, drags a bit in some places) this is the best rock album of the year.

Read on Daddy-O…