Top Albums of 2007
As much as it breaks my heart to leave albums by long-time favorite bands Radiohead, the White Stripes and Wilco off this list, I have to do it because: 1.) I haven't listened to Radiohead enough 2.)The White Stripes' release was subpar for them and 3.) Wilco's album, while deserving, got bumped for newer fare. So without further ado, here they are:

Honorable Mentions (non-full length releases)

In the Attic of the Universe by The Antlers
I'm very excited to see more from this band. Or at least from Peter Silberman who is barely of drinking age but has already made some really incredible music. Check out The Universe is Going to Catch You, the thematic centerpiece of this EP.

Live From the Pretty Parlor by Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground
Very rarely do I hear something new that sounds so completely different than anything else I've heard. I've only been able to verbalize that this band sounds like Jamiroquai, fronting the Boston Pops.

10.) Boxer by The National
In all honesty, this album made my list solely on the fact that I only discovered this band this year and their best album Alligator came out in 2005. Still Fake Empire is quite possibly the best song released this year, and there is plenty of other musical poetry here to keep you listening.
Start with these: Fake Empire, Green Gloves

9.) Mirrored by Battles
Listening to this album is like playing a really intense videogame. On speed.
Start with these: Race In, Ddiamondd, Rainbow

8.) Friend and Foe by Menomena
This is the only album on the list that I can say I don't think I listened to enough for how good it is. Just very creative alt rock replete with lots of new surprises that emerge with each listen. This is definitely the album on this list most likely to have been under-rated.
Start with these: Muscle'n Flo, Air Aid, Boyscout'n

7.) Heaven by Mobius Band
Probably the purest 'Pop' album you'll find here. I stumbled upon this randomly and my initial pedestrian interest in them was born out of 80's nostalgia-inducing Hallie, which could be featured in a John Hughes movie. I was pleasantly surprised to find there was more here than meets the eye. Or maybe I was just nostalgic for Transformers catchphrases.
Start with these: Hallie, A Hint of Blood, Black Spot

6.) Some Loud Thunder by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Saying this album isn't is good as their debut album, while a true statement, is similar to saying that The Godfather 2 wasn't as good as the original. While their debut album hit the mark on every track (it is quite possibly my album of the DECADE), this one misses its mark at times, especially in the middle. There is still plenty to listen to though, and when they do hit the mark they do it in such a unique and amazing way.
Start with these: Emily Jean Stock, Yankee Go Home, Five Easy Pieces

5.) Person Pitch by Panda Bear
The Beach Boys, on acid. And I don't meant the Beach Boys taking acid, as I'm pretty sure they did that, and their music still sounded like, well the Beach Boys. But if you were to take acid and listen to the Beach Boys, I think it might sound like this album. I can't say first hand.
Start with these: Comfy In Nautica, Bros

4.) We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank by Modest Mouse
It's Isaac Brock, what the hell did you expect?
Start with these: Dashboard, Missed the Boat, Steam Engenius, Spitting Venom

3.) Neon Bible by Arcade Fire
Damn this band is on FIRE. Wait, thats a horrible opening. I'll try again. After The Funeral this 'bible' gave them new life. That is even worse. One more try. Arcade Fire is brilliant and if you don't like them I don't want to be your friend. That will do.
Start with these: Neon Bible, Intervention, Ocean of Noise, No Cars Go

2.) Writer's Block by Peter Bjorn and John
What a nice surprise this album was. An absolutely perfectly produced indie album. Discover this band if you haven't already.
Start with these: Objects of My Affection, Young Folks, Amsterdam, Chills

1.) Random Spirit Lover by Sunset Rubdown
Cue the superlatives counter. I can't discuss this album without raving, perhaps at time in hyperbolic ways. This is the only band to make this years list after charting last year, and this release is a MAJOR step forward for them. Featuring new levels of production, and the addition of female vocals, it is reminiscent of Modest Mouse's Good News For People Who Love Bad News which made them listen-able to an audience outside indie-philes. I have never in my life listened to an album that so consistenly makes the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up. How Spencer Krug managed to polish his normally disturbed, morbid lyrics and dress them up so regal defies logic. This album sounds triumphant, and triumphant it is. The very best of 2007.
Start with these: The Mending of the Gown, Up On Your Leopard, Upon the End of Your Feral Days, The Courtesan Has Sung, For the Pier (and Dead Shimmering), The Taming of the Hands That Came Back to Life, Setting Vs. Rising, Hell, just get the whole damn album...