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Ian's Best of 2007!

Article posted on Jan 13, 2008 by Ian Lashbrook

By: Ian Lashbrook 

Wow, what a year. I took over as music editor for this site last December and so far, it's been a whole lot of fun, so a big thank you to the staff and all the users who make this site what it is. I've also learned a lot about my likes and dislikes and seen some interesting things emerge out of the music scene this past year. My buddy Brent will be glad to know that I discovered that I really can enjoy ska/reggae styled bands and it was nice to see these bands get so much attention in 2007. This list really surprises me when I look at it and I can honestly say that working for punkbands.com has definately altered my tastes for the better. Here's to a great 2008!

Best Records of the Year:

1. Big D and the Kids Table - Strictly Rude

 

Absolutely great record that helps to bring ska back into the spotlight. Excellently produced and packed with not only great hooks and music, but with honest lyrics which really help to pull the whole record together.

 

 

 

 

2. Circa Survive - On Letting Go

 

These guys only got marginally better with this release, but there wasn't much to improve upon. It was one of my most anticipated releases and it didn't disappoint.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Tim Armstrong - A Poet's Life

 

Completely caught me off guard. Every time I hear this record, I feel like I should be on a beach drinking Corona and listening to music through an old AM radio. The production and Tim's slurred vocals fit this record perfectly. How has this not made more "Best of..." lists?

 

 

 

 

4. The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour

 

One of my favorite bands continues to put out amazing material. Once again, John K. Samson pens some amazing lyrics and stories while the rest of the band complements them beautifully. See my review for a more through dissection of the record.

 

 

 

 

5. Comeback Kid - Broadcasting...

 

One of only two "heavy" records to make my list and this one is certainly worthy. Massive songs that build and then crash down with such authority that they are impossible to ignore. Add a new vocalist with a darker, throatier sound and you have one of the best bands in hardcore. Again, if you want more of my thoughts, see my review.

 

 

 

 

6. Brain Failure/Big D and the Kid's Table - Beijing to Boston

 

Another one I wasn't expecting. Not only does Brain Failure execute some excellent punk rock on their half of the split, but they also bring Dickey Barret's snarl onboard for a few tunes. Priceless! Big D showcases more of their punk side with their half and they do it amazingly well, especially for a band which also released an almost completely straight-ahead ska record. This is probably the best split full-length I've ever heard.

 

 

 

7. Bedouin Soundclash - Street Gospels

 

Everyone I play this album for loves it; frat dudes, punk kids, preppy gals, stoners, you name it. Bedouin has a wonderfully unique sound and the grooves are flawless. The strength of this record is definitely in the songwriting and those goddamn beats!

 

 

 

 

8. Chuck Ragan - Feast or Famine

 

I take the studio record mostly because of one thing; the studio rendition of "The Boat." This and Los Feliz were neck and neck and I love the live version, but the haunting slide guitar and backing vocals on the studio rendition put Feast or Famine on top. Excellent record from a fantastic musician and person. Talking to him about this record was the highlight of my journalistic year.

 

 

 

 

9. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga

 

Yeah, yeah, yeah, you either love him or hate him, but for me, this record delivers. The great instrumentation and variation of LIFTED, paired with a bit of the delicate sounds from I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning really add up to a phenomenal record. The M. Ward cameo on "Soul Singer in the Session Band" sealed the deal for me.

 

 

 

 

10. Modern Life is War - Midnight in America

 

My other "heavy" record. The band might have slowed the tempos a bit, but they picked up the intensity level (if that was even possible) and decided to work with one of the best producers in independent rock, J. Robbins. What comes out of all of this is a swagger-filled, finger-pointing record that simply leaves you breathless. Also see my review for more thoughts on this record.

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention:

Chuck Ragan - Los Feliz

Crime in Stereo - Is Dead

The Snake The Cross The Crown - Cotton Teeth

Lifetime - Lifetime

Dear and the Headlights - Small Steps, Heavy Hooves

 

Best EPs of the Year:

Building the State - Faces in the Architecture

The Dangerous Summer - If You Could Only Keep Me Alive

The Paper Moons - S/T

 

Worst Records of the Year:

The Aggrolites - Reggae Hit L.A.

I really don't get the buzz around this band. The lyrics are repetitive, the keyboards are simply annoying and it pretty much sucks.

The Almost - Southern Weather

Overproduced to the detriment of the album. See my review for the thorough lashing.

The Ataris - Welcome the Night

Not what anyone expected, and then no one liked it. No wonder Kris Roe's gone back to touring acoustic and playing some of his older records front to back.

Secondhand Serenade - Awake

Chris Carraba is the only man who can pull this kind of shit off. I'm sure it's sold thousands of copies and I'm sure they were all to fourteen year old girls.

Paramore - Riot!

Yeah, same reasons as everyone else.

 

Disappointments of the Year:

The Chariot - The Fiancée

Just a bit too rock n roll for my taste. I like my Chariot chaotic and fucked up, not more thought out and calmer.

Thrice - The Alchemy Index

Some points on this record are simply amazing, but a lot of it left me scratching my head, especially the Fire portion. I really hope the next two EPs are better

The Color Fred - Bend to Break

I loved Breaking Pangaea, so I was hoping that Fred leaving Taking Back Sunday and doing his own thing would bring some of that vibe back...no such luck.

Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home

Simply put, this record is bland and way too short.

Olympia - Emergencies

Formed from the ashes of Fairweather, I had such high hopes. But these guys turned in a dark, hard rock version of their former selves and it just didn't feel right to me.

 

Best Music DVD of the Year:

The Sound of Animals Fighting - We Must Become the Change We Want to See

 

Biggest Revelations:

It Prevails

Dear and the Headlights

Ruiner

The Snake The Cross The Crown

Underminded

A Wilhelm Scream

500 Miles to Memphis

 

Most Anticipated for 2008:

Counting Crows (commence mocking now!)

City and Colour (I've actually already heard it and it's amazing)

Thrice (I think they can, I think they can, I think they can...)