So I don't have a complete 2007 list, but can I still put in a vote for Arcade Fire's Neon Bible as number one? I'm where you were at a few months ago (rockin' it hard), but I certainly can't foresee losing any interest in it .... I listened to that Okkervil River on myspace yesterday: sign me up, that's good stuff!

Here's my Always-A-Year-Too-Late 2006 Best-of List

1. The Hold Steady -- Boys and Girls in America

Also my nomination for best live show of '07 -- they make we want to walk around and drink some more, what else can you ask for?

2. Fred Eaglesmith -- Milly's Cafe

What, nobody else put this on their list? His studio albums are finally starting to capture some of the sound of his live shows -- look out.

3. Glossary -- For What I Don't Become

Shows you how far out of the loop I am, I just realized *yesterday* that they released a new album this year, which will unfortunately have to make my year-too-late list next year.

4. Neko Case -- Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

Such a clear and powerful voice and yet these songs remain brilliantly (and maddeningly) elusive.

5. Bruce Springsteen -- We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

Perhaps this album just seems so good in comparison to his absymal 2005 offering, Devils and Dust. Or maybe since he hasn't really written a great song, lyrically, in about ten years, covers are the way to go.

6. Richard Buckner -- Meadow

Somehow his albums are always greater than the sum of their parts, this one included.

7. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins -- Rabbit Fur Coat

Great songs with just the right amount of old-timey feel.

8. Damien Jurado -- Now That I'm in Your Shadow

Grim stuff, as always, but entirely compelling

9. The Pernice Brothers -- Live A Little

Not exactly the style of music I usually listen to, but I can't stop putting these guys in the changer

10. Magnolia Electric Company -- Fading Trails

If they ever played for more than 45 minutes Jason Molina and crew would be in the running for live show of the year.

And a singles list - A.K.A. 11 Songs Which Might Make Me Consider Getting an I-Pod, 'Cuz it Would Be Pretty Cool to Stroll Around Town With These Tunes In My Ears

1. Son Volt -- "Tear Stained Eye"

2. Arcade Fire -- "Windowsill"

3. Portastatic -- "I Wanna Know Girls"

4. Ryan Adams -- "Halloweenhead"

5. The National -- "Mr. November"

6. Bob Dylan -- "Standing in the Doorway"

7. The White Stripes -- "Hotel Yorba"

8. The Hold Steady -- "Party Pit"

9. Magnolia Electric Company -- "Don't This Look Like the Dark"

10. Lucinda Williams -- "I Envy the Wind"

11. Lucero -- "Nights Like These"

2007 | site by itscalledlove.com