My own top 10 albums of 2007
A lot of env-econ readers ask me*, what sort of music should I be listening to? In a way of an answer here are my top 10 albums of 2007.
My method is to review the top 50 albums as rated by No Depression critics and readers, determine which albums I purchased, listened to and liked. I list these albums in the order of their appearance on the critic's/reader's lists (comments in parentheses):
- Wilco - Sky Blue Sky (I'm addicted to painkillers in honor of Tweedy)
- Patty Griffin - Children Running Through (Patty makes me cry)
- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - Magic (I'm trying to get my kids to say "that's the boss" when they hear his rasp)
- Steve Earle - Washington Square Serenade (a NYC computer album, but still, it's Steve Earle)
- Sarah Borges & the Broke Singles - Diamonds in the Dark ("I want to live my life in stereo" gives me heartache)
- Son Volt - The Search (I can't seem to figure out how to browse the website without hearing the album, not always a bad thing, but what if I'm listening to 10,000 Maniacs - MTV Unplugged [don't ask] on the stereo**? ... without muting my compter)
- Scott Miller - Reconstruction (didn't make the ND list, but this live album will get you from Boone to Wilkesboro in about 5 minutes)
Honorable Mention: Possum Jenkins, Giant Bear, Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, High School Musical 2 Soundtrack
Not to brag, he says braggingly, but I had a big music year -- saw Wilco (Charlotte), Patty (Asheville), Son Volt (Asheville) and Scott Miller (Asheville [solo, opening for Patty], Asheville and Johnson City).
*No env-econ readers ever ask me this, but any off-topic post that begins with these 8 words is suddenly on-topic. Also, can you ever listen to Fleetwood Mac's Tusk without picturing Tim Haab in the USC Marching Band?
**Do we still call CD players "stereos"?
I know I should've never told you that.
Always been a big Bruce fan, but not sure Magic is his best work. Hannah Montana rocks.
Posted by: Tim Haab | December 28, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Springsteen's best work? Of course not! But still, what else is a mid-40s guy going to include in his top 10 of 2007 list.
I'm spinning [?] The Rising right now. Also, not his best work, but jeez ...
Posted by: John Whitehead | December 28, 2007 at 10:24 AM
I'd put KT Tunstall in there...but that's just me--a late 30's guy with rapidly graying hair.
Posted by: Tim Haab | December 28, 2007 at 12:10 PM
That's not ten. I'm not sure I can trust your quantitative work ever again.
Posted by: greg c | December 28, 2007 at 01:11 PM
Not on the "No depression" list, probably because it's depressing, but:
Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur:
All John Lennon's song's sung by the likes of Jack Johnson, Corrine Bailey Rae, U2, Aerosmtih, Ben Harper, Avril Lavigne, Green Day, REM, Christina Aguilera....
Ok, so there are all covers and it doesn't count, but it's pretty good.
Release date: 06.12.07
Posted by: Lynne L. | December 29, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Lynne: Anything and everything is eligible on the env-econ critics list. Is that your vote for album of the year?
Greg: I can't keep score during pickup basketball either.
Posted by: John Whitehead | December 29, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Given your affection (implied at least) for Steve Earle I'm a little bummed out that Chris Knight's The Trailer Tapes didn't make the cut.
Posted by: Kiel Stone | December 29, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Late I know, but my vote goes to to Radiohead's In Rainbows. Best money I spent this year. Ok I downloaded it for free. It was legal this time I swear!
And I was at the Wilco concert in Charlotte too. My first live Wilco experience. I was not disappointed.
Posted by: Jeb | January 02, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Jeb,
Sorry I missed you. I was on the second row, you must've been way, way in the back.
Posted by: John Whitehead | January 07, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Sadly I was. Up top in the balcony actually. But it was still a lot of fun.
Posted by: Jeb | January 07, 2008 at 07:59 PM