For me, the year 2007 had some very enjoyable moments in music. Established indie bands delivered new albums; exciting new bands burst on to the scene; and I took a trip back in time and discovered "gem" albums from the late '60s and '70s.
In a year that saw a wealth of ridiculousness in Top 40 pop music, the ever more popular sounds of independent label artists provided a much needed tonic.
Check out any album on the list below for a refreshing musical take on the year 2007.
10.
Arcade Fire, "Neon Bible" (Merge) — It wasn't until I saw a live performance that this album clicked for me. A Hungarian orchestra, a pipe organ, a hurdy-gurdy and a choir find places on the album, which gives their album "Funeral" a run for its money. Standout tracks: "Keep the Car Running," "Intervention."
9.
Beirut, "The Flying Club Cup" (Ba Da Bing!/4AD) — Zach Condon (AKA Beirut, with help from Owen Pallett of the band Final Fantasy on string arrangements) still dabbles in Eastern European musical styles, but this time he's throwing a variety of new sources into the mix. Fans of Andrew Bird should pay attention. Standout tracks: "Cliquot," "Nantes."
8.
Arthur & Yu, "In Camera" (Hardly Art) — Arthur & Yu are the inaugural band on Hardly Art, the new label from Jonathan Poneman, founder of Sub Pop Records. The songs are sweet and simple, and the voices of Sonya Westcott and Grant Olsen blend together in a delightful way. Standout tracks: "Afterglow," "Absurd Heroes Manifestos."
7.
Peter Bjorn and John, "Writer's Block" (Wichita/V2, released overseas in 2006; in the U.S. in 2007) — PB&J hail from Sweden but there is nothing cold about this album. Songs contain poppy guitars and lovely lyrics; romantic ideas and dancey beats. Standout tracks: "Young Folks," "Objects of My Affections."
6.
The Sea & Cake, "Everybody" (Thrill Jockey) — This Chicago band has been around since the mid-'90s. Sam Prekop and Archer Prewitt, both having had well-regarded solo releases, make up the heart of the band. "Everybody" captures their jazzy, dancey, airy pop sound perfectly. Standout tracks: "Too Strong," "Left On."
5.
Of Montreal, "Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?" (Polyvinyl) — Kevin Barnes' personal experiences dealing with depression color this album more than earlier releases. Lyrics highlight Barnes' struggle — "Chemicals, don't strangle my pen/Chemicals, don't make me sick again/I'm always so dubious of your intent/Like I can't afford to replace what you've spent" — within a catchy, melodic, sing-along way. Literary references also make an appearance. Standout tracks: "Gronlandic Edit," "Labyrinthian Pomp."
4.
The Shins, "Wincing the Night Away" (Sub Pop Records) — This album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Charts, highest ever for a Sub Pop band, finally giving the Shins the recognition they deserve. Typical of James Mercer's writings, the album is full of lovely lyrics and Mercer's beautiful way of describing ordinariness. Standout tracks: "Turn on Me," "Australia," "Girl Sailor."
3.
Animal Collective, "Strawberry Jam" (Domino Records) — The eighth full-length release from Avey Tare, Panda Bear and company. The songs are rhythmic and driving, building to a fabulous release that is soothing, but at times aggressive in a passion-must-be-released sort of way. Standout tracks: "Peacebone," "Reverend Green," "Derek."
2.
Jens Lekman, "Night Falls Over Kortedala" (Secretly Canadian) — This Swedish popster uses his songs to tell humorous and clever stories. Many songs are set to doo-woppy beats interspersed with dreamy moments. Standout tracks: "A Postcard to Nina," "Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo."
1.
Panda Bear, "Person Pitch" (Paw Tracks) — If everyone described this as their favorite album, the world would be a much more beautiful place. Very poppy, at times noisy, but always making the listener feel as if enveloped in a warm embrace. Standout tracks: "Carrots," "Bros."
Honorable "Gems" Mentions — Magna Carta, "Songs From Wasties Orchard" (1971); Fresh Maggots, self-titled (1971); Kevin Ayers, "Joy of a Toy" (1969); National Health, "Of Queues and Cures" (1978).
Melissa Julius is a Sunday News staff member. E-mail her at mjulius@lnpnews.com.
