See Part 1, songs 26-50.
Here's my top songs from 11-25. There are still a few songs I had to link to the UK iTunes store due to them not being available in the US. Please feel free to comment on this list! 1-10 will be up soon... enjoy!
11. Spoon – The Underdog
Why: This had a classic feel to the song, one that will live on for years to come. The message is genuine and the appeal was undeniable. I imagined this song as a pseudo Billy Joel creation; a blast from the past, which had yet to be discovered.
12. Pinback - Good To Sea
Why: I would have thrown "Devil You Know" on this list, but "Good To Sea" immediately caught my attention when I bought this album. Not that "Devil You Know" couldn't fit on this list but more or less just showed Pinback's evolvement and growth in their music style. This peppiness of this track reminded me of something that could have been on my favorite Pinback album, Summer in Abaddon.
13. The Cribs – Womans Needs
Why: The Cribs were one of my favorite bands this year, and this song gave me every reason I needed to mark it so high. I loved the lyrics "See those guys, they think they're so clever. Catch them outside, women's needs, whatever." I also enjoyed the harmonizing on the refrains, accompanied with mirrored guitar strumming. Great simple lyrics, and carefree style.
14. Editors – Bones
Why: I enjoy any band who can pull what Editors did in "Bones". What had me the most in this song was the breakdown approximately 3:09 into the song. The drums, the strung-out guitar and the vocal ambience all pulled this one together to make for a fantastic song, one that could be used to wake me up and continue to appreciate Editors fantastic work in An End Has A Start.
15. Nine Black Alps – Bitter End
Why: "Bitter End" fits perfectly into a modern day classic rock mix. This is an interesting step for Nine Black Alps, whose style is much different that this particular song, whose style is a bit harder in general. As an opener for Lover/Hate, the refreshing loftiness left me immediately satisfied with my expectations of their follow up to Everything Is.
16. The Rakes – The World Was A Mess But His Hair Was Perfect
Why: Most impressing was that even after the full five minutes of this song, the beat and guitar riffs didn't wear me out. This song has the catchiest first 30 seconds of any song I've listened to this year and even though the same notes are revolved throughout the whole song, it never grows tired. Kudos to the long, descriptive song title; we need more of those.
17. Interpol - No I In Threesome
Why: The message is entertaining, and Interpol does what they're best at in this song: long, well-versed songs inspired by their dark side. This is one of those songs that has such passion felt throughout. The shining moment for this song is the change of pace at about 2:33.
18. Shout Out Louds - Hard Rain
Why: I enjoy songs that have a good thing going and extend itself just for that fact. The electric keyboard, the rhythmic pace and the guitar use all had me sold on my first listen through. The vocals of Adam Olenius don't do as much for this song as the guitar work and keyboard tandem did for me.
19. Travis – Closer
Why: Perhaps Travis' biggest song yet. This is also the most earnest love song he's written on The Boy With No Name. Nice slow movement to the song and I enjoyed the folk guitar style concurrent throughout the duration of the song.
20. The Kooks – She Moves In Her Own Way
Why: This reminds me of something that was written so naturally as it's been played on Inside In Inside Out. Lighthearted and smooth, this song sticks like nothing else the Kooks have done to date. Plain old guitar and singing by themselves hasn't been done this well in 2007 by anyone else.
21. Interpol – Pace Is The Trick
Why: I know what you're thinking, and yes, two songs from Interpol in the top 25. "Pace Is The Trick" is my favorite to date from the band and has been made even more accessible to fans by means of the propelling guitar diddy throughout the whole song. The refrain particularly caught me attention when Paul Banks sings "... See How I Stun". I also loved the off-beat drum work at about 2:45 into the song.
22. Spoon - Don’t Make Me A Target
Why: This is the opener for Spoon's stunning album and is placed fittingly so. The first time I played this in a car with someone else listening, they swore they heard this song before. Well the truth is, they didn't, this song is just recreating the beauty of that which is rock. The raw guitars, the "cool kid" feeling of Britt Daniel's singing style all play a part of what makes this song so likeable.
23. Peter Bjorn And John – Up Against The Wall
Why: I listened to this album quite a few times, and most of it seemed someone dull to me, besides their ever popular "Young Folks" and "Let's Call It Off". But once this song hit me, it hit hard. The extended breakdown and chiming of uncountable elements mixing in at the songs end was something I hadn't heard all year from anyone. Possible the contrast from the rest of the album made this song strike me so hard, but nevertheless, the mood of it all caught up with me and pulled me in.
24. The National – Guest Room
Why: Matt Berninger's well-worn, know-what-it-feels-like singing style stifled me here. The passion when he sings "We can't stay here, we can't stay this well" is more heartfelt that anything I've heard all year. The lyrics, "They'll find us here, here in the guest room, where we throw money at each other and cry" is sung just as passionate as the accompanied guitar. This song will undoubtedly stick with me through the next year.
25. Mark Ronson – Just
Why: Its been fun looking at what Radiohead has done, and even more fun listening to remixes of their prior songs and seeing albums spurring left and right including redone song verstions such as this one to even reggae covers. Mark Ronson showed up everywhere in 2007 and has been highly acclaimed, making his mark on the music world in 2007. I may have enjoyed this version of "Just" almost, if not just as much as Radiohead's original version. Saxaphone!
All song titles are linked to the US iTunes store (and a few to the UK store since they are not available in the US right now).
26. Future of Forestry – Twilight
Why: The melodic fluidity of this is absolute and pure. There are many fans who have been waiting for their full length release and this song, although featured of their 2006 EP, this was worth carrying over to their 2007 release.
27. Air Traffic – No More Running Away
Why: There's an earnest way Chris Wall sings, and the music follows right along. "No More Running Away" builds up to the perfect amount. I couldn't get anough of the rhythm and piano in this song.
28. Bloc Party – Sunday
Why: Everyone knows Bloc Party, particularly in the UK, where this London-based techno-rock group started their following. Sunday's lyrics of hangovers and melodrama following a hard night out is the least important reason I picked this song.
29. Field Music – A House Is Not A Home
Why: This song reminds me so much of The Beatles: the guitar, the vocals, the horn section, etc. There are too many things I relish when listening to this. A crowd-pleasing, casual favorite I've used throughout the year.
30. Angels & Airwaves – Everything’s Magic
Why: I enjoyed their first album and the same went for this one too. Before the album came out, "Everything's Magic" was AVA's first single, and is still my favorite from this album. Who doesn't like a song with clapping in it?
31. The Cinematics – A Strange Education
Why: The Cinematics shocked me when I saw them at the TLA on South Street in Philly. Opening up for Mute Math, the Cinematics proved they could just as well be a headliner. "A Strange Education" has that off-kilter UK rock feel, emblazoned with a city rock glaze. Lots of energy in this song.
32. Keane – The Night Sky
Why: I believe this is Keane's best effort yet, closely competing with "We Might As Well Be Strangers". And what could be better that this song was sold to support a cause? Just as Keane has done in the past, I love the subtle piano and keyboard in this song.
33. Film School – Two Kinds
Why: Film School is one of a kind, and "Two Kinds" is one of the most outstanding songs they have done to date. The synthesized strings with a solid steady beat, mixed with a simple guitar diddy had me done in on first listen.
34. Anberlin – The Haunting
Why: Anbelin has proved to be one of the most popular pop-punk groups out there. With their release of their B-sides this year, the album as a whole wasn't anything lavish, but "The Haunting" was their star track, and for a reason. This easily fits into my top three Anberlin songs.
35. Radiohead – All I Need
Why: What Radiohead does the best is manipulate every sound exactly the way they want to. With the deep synth, sound effects and passionate lyrics Yorke sings "You're All I Need", the total package hits home here.
36. Athlete – Hurricane
Why: The lyrics are somewhat mundane in this song, but are catchy as can be. Combine this with a few catchy hooks and you have Athlete's first successful single from Beyond the Neighbourhood.
37. Wilco – Either Way
Why: Wilco hasn't always been my favorite band. I had trouble getting into Memaid Avenue, and several other of ther earlier works. Once Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, I was sucked in and there was no return. Sky Blue Sky's incredibly well done soft rock approach stuck with me throughout 2007. "Either Way", the album's opener, was one of the main reasons for this.
38. The Cribs – I’ve Tried Everything
Why: The Cribs just don't care about what anyone thinks, and that's why I love listening to these guys. "I've Tried Everything" shows the lighter side of the band, moving more towards their constant comparisons to The Strokes.
39. Motion City Soundtrack – Hello Helicopter
Why: There are way too many songs I could have picked to put on this list, but the constant refrain of "Hello Helicopter" was just too friendly to pass over. Motion City Soundtrack had a phenomenal year, one most bands could only dream of and this song could be one of five on their album, I could have put in its place, only this one keeps coming back to haunt me
40. Maps – To The Sky
Why: As far as self-produced "bedroom" albums go, James Chapman is on the top of the list for 2007 successes. "To The Sky" is one of those uplifting, electronic synced songs that can set your day straight.
41. Nightmare of You – I Was Never a Normal Boy
Why: Brandon Reily, formerly of Movielife, makes it known in his songs of his socially pathetic misdemenor, his odd nuances and overall self-illed diagnoses. "I Was Never A Normal Boy" sums all of this, with the NYC based groups happy-go-lucky attitude as "Living is so easy, with blindfolds on your eyes" is the basis for this song.
42. Days Away – I’m Sorry I Told You All My Problems
Why: Days Away is like the Band of Horses of lowly punk/folk music. Having seen them at one of the smallest shows I've ever been at this past year, I loved the earnest way the band members wave at you when you come to their shows. The same carries through with their songs. This song is the highlight of this year's EP, Ear Candy For The Headphone Trippers.
43. Travis – Big Chair
Why: Travis has done it once, and conintues to follow through time and time again. Enough has been said about this band. If you want to read more about one of Scottland's most beloved bands, go to wikipedia.
44. Jimmy Eat World - Dizzy
Why: "Dizzy" rekindled the old feelings I had when I listened to Jimmy Eat World. I was over "Big Casino" in no time, but this song stuck around longer than I anticipated.
45. Spoon – Finer Feelings
Why: There's no shortage of words to describe this album and the songs within it. Finer Feelings has clapping, an urban rhythm and soul background and a bassline that moves with lively appeal. I especially liked the 'live' effect thrown into this song.
46. Seabear – I Sing I Swim
Why: "I Sing I Swim" I dance, I cry could have been the extended name of this song since it withholds so many emotions. Seabear's pronounced indie style of music could be copied over and over again. It really is one of the best indie-rock songs I've heard this year.
47. Minus The Bear – Knights
Why: MTB has a way of hitting these quick, off-key notes that I just love. "Knights" is just that, quick-witted, upbeat and catchy as anything. I've enjoyed going back through their catalogue this year and have managed to find many more great songs just like this one.
48. Surrogate – 15
Why: Indie/folk may describe the style heard here the most. It was tough not to include other songs from this album, but I really enjoyed Chris Keene's vocals, which are so subtle and powerful, it may blow your mind. Great pickup by Tooth & Nail Records this year.
49. Earlimart – Nevermind The Phonecalls
Why: If you enjoy Elliot Smith, this is right up that same alley. Smith's fans have been lingering since his death, and although Earlimart doesn't cover all of the bases, they've done an impressive job at moving to the front of their class.
50. The Mohawk Lodge – Wear ‘Em Out
Why: This song got me purely by the up and down guitar changes. I enjoyed their guitar sound as well as the down to earth, "I don't seem to care about anything" vocal style coupled with the "oh, oh ooohohohoh!s" at the end of the song.
Honorable Mention
51. The Starting Line – Island
52. Modest Mouse – Dashboard
53. Kate Tucker & the Sons of Sweden – Everything Went Down
54. The Raveonettes – Dead Sound
55. Mae – Just Let Go
56. Bear Colony – Hospital Rooms Aren’t For Lovers
57. Eddie Vedder – No Ceiling
58. Anberlin – Dismantle, Repair
59. The Hoosiers – Good bye Mr A
60. Sea Wolf – You’re A Wolf
61. Siberian – Wolf and Crane
62. Idiot Pilot – Retina And The Sky
63. Thirteen Senses – A Lot Of Silence Here
64. The Cinematics - Break
