Top 10 Albums of 2007

1. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
You gotta hear The Shins newest album. "It'll change your life." Echoing the sentiment of what Sam from Garden State probably would have said, Wincing the Night Away is an indie rock epic. She has it right! The Shins have changed my life!

2. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
It is hard not to be ga-ga over the sixth release from the Austin quartet. Each track is crafted well, appealing to both indie and mainstream music lovers alike.

3. Feist - The Reminder
1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4 ... tell me that you love me more. I will! Leslie Feist never ceases to amaze with honest lyrics and thoughtful songs that genuinely make you feel good inside.

4. Okkervil River - The Stage Names
The Stage Names is folksy and poppy in all the right places. This release could be the soundtrack of your life if it were a movie ... maybe?

5. Kings of Leon - Because of the Times
Nashville rock n' rollers Kings of Leon reign supreme with their all out, balls-to-the-wall release, Because of the Times. It is a must have, especially if you like your music gritty, powerful, melodic and with plenty of spirit. Long live the kings!

6. The White Stripes - Icky Thump
The White Stripes return in typical fashion. Only Jack White can pull off a Mariachi band and Scottish bagpipes mixed with psychedelic riffs and create something worth listening to.

7. Foo Fighters - Echoes, Patience and Grace
For their latest album, the band called in Colour and the Shape producer Gil Norton. It shows. It is their best release since Colour and a throwback to what made them successful, no-holds-barred rock intertwined with laid back gems.

8. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
One of the most anticipated releases of 2007, Neon Bible lived up to the hype. It's dark theme and punchy melodies give it a "Phantom of the Opera" feel, while keeping the same sensibility that garnered praise in their first album, Funeral.

9. AA Bondy - American Hearts
Former front man of Verbena captures the spirit of America, while presenting awe-inspiring minimalist effort worthy of attention.

10. Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight
It may have not been their best, but certainly not worst. Jenny Lewis and the boys do not disappoint with this funk infused pop album.

Local pick (Northeast Texas) of the year:
Melba Toast - Trip the Light EP

Honorable mention:

Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Sea Wolf - Leaves In The River