1. Sondre Lerche- Phantom Punch
This is the album that finally lives up to his potential. I kept hearing a lot of hype about Norway's young pop prince, but I found his first few albums kind of boring. Phantom Punch has more edge than Faces Down or Two Way Monologue, and is an early contender for album of the year.
2. Patty Griffin- Children Running Through
I've got to give shout outs to Natalie and Donald Miller (author of Blue Like Jazz) for turning me on to Patty. She reminds me of a female Van Morrison in that her music spans country, jazz, blues, folk, and the like, but she manages to pull it off with grace. This is the CD that my mother and I can finally agree on.
3. Modest Mouse- We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
This album will not disappoint fans of the group's early work, even with the new guitarist in tow (ex-smith Johnny Marr). It is sure to continue to draw in legions of new fans as well, though perhaps not as many as "Float On" did. Unlike Patty Griffin, my mother will remain appalled, and refuse to recognize this crap as music.
4. The National- Boxer
I am pretty late to the game on discovering this amazing band's sound. Apparently, this is their fourth album. After listening to it once, I went out and bought their first three, and one of them is just as good, if not better, than this one. While the singer reminds me of a much more pleasant and bearable cross between the baritone guy from Crash Test Dummies and the guy from Interpol, the lyrics are actually poetic, and at times a bit shocking and/or hilarious in an understated kind of way. The inclusion of piano, violin, and trumpets over the drums, guitar, and bass at just the right times make this quintet's combinations irresistible. Get this one and Alligator if you haven't already, and I guarantee you'll be thanking me.
5. LCD Soundsystem- Sound of Silver
Fujiya and Miyagi- Transparent Things
The two standout dance/electronic flavored albums of the early 2007. The former is a bit more serious than the latter. Fujiya and Miyagi are this year's Hot Chip, crafting an infectious brand of Japanese Style Krautrock on tracks like "Ankle Injuries" and "Reebooks in Heaven". Track #4 on Sound of Silver, entitled "Someone Great", makes the whole album worth the price of admission. Both are guaranteed to lighten up and dance-ify your lame summer barbecue.
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