2007: Listen Up!
Education
Modest Mouse | We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Another great song from a phenomally talented band, with lines like, “Good old Nostradamus, he knew the whole damn time. There always be an East from West, and someone out there fighting”. I mean how could you miss?
Never Met a Man I Didn’t Like
Silkworm | Marquee Mark
A live version from one of my favorite bands of all time. I hope I can convince these guys to release all of their live records in the next year; it will be near the top of my New Year’s resolution list.
Peaches
The Stranglers | The Best of The Stranglers
Admittedly, this is a pretty sexist song, but I discovered it from the movie Sexy Beast, which if you have not seen it, you should. It will definitely change your good-guy opinion of Ben Kingsley if nothing else. This song is playing the first scene of the movie.
This Ain’t a Surfin’ Movie
Minus The Bear | Menos el Oso
My colleague at my old job, Ari, suggested I check out this band. I like the entire album, but this song always stuck out for me.
Bonus Track
Bad Brains | Bad Brains
I replaced a few misplaced CDs in my collection this year, and this usually hard-core DC band’s song kept being played. I love the last 45 seconds, and always wished I had seen them play live.
Ceremony
New Order | International: Best of New Order
I was back home in Pittsburgh for the first time in two years in October, and Grogan played me some old school tunes, this being one of them. May it bring back some of your new wave memories from high school as well.
Till the End of Time
Devotcka | Little Miss Sunshine Soundtrack
I really like this movie, and as I get older I tend to hear most of my new music from movie soundtracks. The lyrics and the use of a variety of instruments in this composition bring it all together, perhaps you will agree.
Let We Do We Own
Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars | Living Like a Refugee
I have become a big fan of this band, after my aunt introduced me to their sound. The album has reggae influences, but as you listen more it is a beat all its own. I am still upset I missed their show this summer in Prospect Park.
Assassinator
Eek-a-Mouse | The Best of
Love this guy, and the rolling bass throughout the song. You either are into this or you’re not, but I would listen to it a few times before hitting skip, if that is your first inclination.
Jazz
A Tribe Called Quest | The Low End Theory
The only hip hop song on this album which is unusual for me, and equally weird the absence of any jazz tunes, so this makes up for both. To play off the lyrics, “For all of my peoples, you know who you are, you don’t stop”.
Building Steam With A Grain of Salt
DJ Shadow | Endtroducing
I have been listening to more turntable music of late, but this song was always in my recently played list on my iPod. I loved to play this on Monday mornings on the subway before work. Also, this should make a good driving song, so those with cars will have to let me know.
So Many Ways
Mates of State | Bring It Back
Thanks to Andy Moore, I have been listening to this band, and have yet to be disappointed in what I have heard. So, give it a go, and delve deeper please.
Jah Is Mighty
Bob Marley & The Wailers | Complete Upsetter Collection
The last minute of this song is like a religious experience when the I-Threes and Bob sync up praising their god, Jah. Substitute your religious beliefs in and you will have one of the best songs for mass that you have ever heard.
Leave the Light On
Bottomless Pit | Hammer of the Gods
Now that Silkworm is no longer, this band will have to carry on the torch with two of the original members. This tune is an obvious memorial to their late drummer, and in my opinion a beautiful requiem.
All the best in 2008.