Spruce Lee's Year End List

Contributing Writer Review
I have done initial reviews on many of these albums, and it is interesting to notice how initial perspectives change, especially when considered on a spectrum. Anyhow heres a list of ten albums.

10. Lounge Legends, by France Gall:
I know this is no where near an '07 release, but it was new to me this year, and considering the retro feel of many of my picks it doesn't seem too out of place. Had it been released this year it would probably be my #1.



9. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, by Spoon:
I had hoped for more when this album came out, but i still can't deny how solid of an album it is.



8. Exit, by Shugo Tokumaru:
As with the Books most recent album, I long for the days of less singing and more atmosphere, but I'll still take this any day of the week.



7. You, You're a History of Rust, by Do Make Say Think:
As other instrumental rock/whatever bands seem to fade into the sunset, this album stands out all the more.



6. Throwing Tongues, by Navigator:
In the last two days this album has worked it's way from being no where on my radar, to number six. I wonder where it would be if i had waited until tomorrow to make this list.

Navigtor on Virb

5. Good Bad Not Evil, by Black Lips:
This album wont revolutionize much but it will electrify most anyone listening.



4. Invitation Songs, by The Cave Singers:
In a year with much for the eclectic and eccentric listener, it is nice to have a simple album with a defining voice, and to realize how good music can still be without all the frills.



3. 100 Days 100 Nights, by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings:
I have been listenning to the opening and closing tracks of this album on repeat for a while now, and the rest of the album is no slouch either.



1 & 2. Sound of Silver, by LCD Soundsystems & Boxer, by The National:
Because all lists are kind of trivial anyways i figure there's really no sense trying to rack my appreciative senses and decide which one of these should top my list, so both and neither do. But i might have to give a slight edge to LCD on account of their live performance at Thanksgiving Point.





-Spruce Lee

Year-End List Time!! Wooly Mammal's Top Ten

Contributing Writer Top 10!!!

While Mr. Thistle and Sassigrass are able to compile top 50's, I'm not sure if I've even listened to 50 albums from 2007. However, I have still managed to pass by some truly amazing music this year and here's a small list of whats stuck with me.

10. Big a Little a - gAame

For an album that's mostly drums, there sure is a lot of variety. Plus its nuts. In a good way.



9. Polysics - Karate House

Any band that can still write good songs after 8 LP's deserves to be on some sort of list.



8. Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

Remember when they played #1 on Conan O' Brien?



7. Dirty Projectors - Rise Above

I've never really gotten into Black Flag, but I'm glad Dave Longstreth did.



6. Shugo Tokumaru - Exit

Ai yi yi, another japanese band. A bit more poppy than his previous outings, but don't worry its not J-Pop. Shugo ROCKS!!!!



5. Adrian Orange and Her Band - S/T

How can you go wrong with an afro-beat/ dub/ dancehall album from Thanksgiving?



4. Castanets - In the Vines

Its haunting, in a safe comforting way. Westbound, Blue is one of the prettiest songs of the year.



3. Woelv - Tout Seul dans la Foret en Plein Jour, Avez-Vous Peur?

One of my favorite artists make her best album to date. Its dark and passionate, while still maintaining a sense of hope. I don't understand French.



2. Stag Hare - Ahspen

Ahspen feels more like a spiritual journey than just "music". Salt Lake City should be proud to have such inspiring art being made in our own backyard.

Stag Hare on Virb

1. Panda Bear - Person Pitch

It took me a while to get into this album, but now I cant escape. Ripping off Beach Boys harmonies has never sounded so good.



- Wooly Mammal