Easy Tiger – Ryan Adams
Erin Kourkounis, News EditorThe songs on Ryan Adams’ fourth solo album vary from the upbeat folk jam “Pearls on a String” to the deeply tragic track 13, “I Taught Myself How To Grow Old.” His songs emit authenticity. They are so straight-from-the-soul that this guy has to have written these songs from first-hand experience. Emotion like that isn’t just made up.
Ocean’s Thirteen Soundtrack – David Holmes
C.J. LeMaster, Online Editor
One can argue that the “Ocean’s” movies give the modern-day heist a face-lift of sophistication. Most of that comes from David Holmes’ compositions, which fit solidly in the realm of fusion jazz and anchor the film trilogy with style. Take Puccio Roelens’ cover of the Arthur Lyman classic “Caravan” and some of the other Debussy-like interpolations found on the disc
and you’re instantly transported to the late ’60s, minus the cheese factor that George S. Clinton infused into his Austin Powers film scores. Would it have been any more unbelievable to witness Clooney and Co. take down casino after casino without these signature sounds? Perhaps not, but it wouldn’t have been half as fun either.
Sky Blue Sky – Wilco
Nathan Gregory, Managing Editor
It may not have been album of the year, but “Sky Blue Sky” quickly turned into my personal favorite release of 2007. After
years of a revolving-cast line-up, frontman Jeff Tweedy has surrounded himself with brilliant musicians whose talents alone
easily make this version of Wilco the best one so far. Tweedy’s introspective lyrics and catchy, if not a tad sorrowful, melodies
combine to make “Sky Blue Sky” an incredibly strong, cohesive recording. Perhaps the most impressive trait Tweedy’s co-horts show is their ability to restrain themselves when necessary. As a jazz guitarist, Nels Cline probably could’ve strutted his stuff a lot more, but he respects his duty to serve each song, and he seems to do so effortlessly.
Tweedy admitted himself in an interview with Pitchfork that “Sky Blue Sky” was his favorite Wilco album, and with songs like “Leave Me (Like You Found Me)” and “Impossible Germany,” who can blame him?
Self-Titled – Taylor Swift
Melissa Meador, Sports Editor
Finally we have a teenage girl who has learned the art of actually writing and playing her own songs. While Swift tackles issues beyond her 18 years of understanding, her debut is a refreshing break from all the bubble-gum pop most females her age tend to release. With a little maturity, her sophomore album should cement her status among country’s best.
Our Love To Admire – Interpol
Tyler Stewart, Editor in Chief
While nowhere close to Interpol’s best, the band’s third studio release still fares as one of the best albums of 2007. This is due in most part by the band’s natural ability to fuse hypnotic guitar rhythms with strict drum beats and lead singer Paul Banks’
haunting-yet-fervent vocals.
Many of the band’s earlier sounds emanate through songs like “Pioneer to the Falls,” “No I in Threesome” and “Rest My Chemistry,” while listeners are treated to something new with “Mammoth” and “The Heinrich Maneuver,” the latter of which is the most mainstream and equally forgettable track on the album. Yet still, Interpol continues to show its potential as one of the best mainstream bands of the 21st Century, giving hope to rock fans who have endured the now-overwhelming amount of mundane garbage that has been thrown at them from major labels for the past few years.
Icky Thump – The White Stripes
Matt Watson, Opinion Editor
While I don’t prefer a lot of new rock, the increasingly popular White Stripes provide a classic rock feeling with a touch of uniqueness. The duo was particularly liberal with their creativity and weirdness, if you will, in this album. The lyrics appear thoughtful, such as the first track’s theme on immigration.
Mescalito – Ryan Bingham
David Breland, Entertainment Editor
If Ryan Bingham would have been born about 30 years earlier we would mention him in the same breath as Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. This tough, wiry guy from Southwest Texas is the real deal when it comes to songwriting and thank God he has come along.
Bingham’s songs are vignettes into a life lived hard, fast and fueled by whiskey and speed – all from a guy in his mid-twenties.
At first, listening to his albums you picture a sixty-something year old troubadour who has seen every stage between Tuscon and Tucumcari and has lived just as hard.
The song “Southside of Heaven” is one of my new favorites and it’s probably one of the best written songs I’ve ever heard.
Bingham is only now beginning to step into the spotlight outside of his native Texas and is already making big waves in the music industry.
For those spoonfed easy-listening Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews tunes, Bingham gets drunk and beats the hell out of both those guys all the while showing the two how to really play an acoustic guitar.
If you’re feeling like Jack Daniels for breakfast instead of “banana pancakes” Bingham will be right beside you at the bar.
Chase This Light – Jimmy Eat World
Andrew Le, Chief Designer
Jimmy Eat World has come a long way since its alternative rock beginnings. It’s not often that a band is able to pump out a decent album after a decade of touring, but “Chase This Light” does not disappoint. While many consider “Static Prevails”
their greatest achievement, they should take a minute away from their hipster high-horse and give the new album a listen.