Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Top 10 for 2007

Each year it is harder and harder to pick the Top 10 records of the year. It actually becomes harder and harder to find ten releases that actually kick my ass. My first inclination was to include the new Wilco and Radiohead and Robert Pollard releases. But despite liking these releases, none of them really kicked my ass the way the new M.I.A. or Spoon or Jamie T did.

But I am compelled to compile such a list in memory of the late, great Greg Dwinell, founder of eggBert Records, who passed away in 2003. He got me to start compiling a best-of list when he approached me to contribute to his Circle of Friends year-end wrap up in the early 1990s. Don’t remember when, and don’t have copies now. But they probably contained a lot of “grunge” at that point.

Greg is missed.

Also, since it is the time of year to think of others. Visit the West Memphis 3 website and do what you can to help these three guys get the justice that has been denied them. And support Capistrano Valley High School instructor James Corbett who is being persecuted by a student for simply encouraging young adults to question the answers and think for themselves.

So, without further ado, here is my Top 10 for 2007.

1. M.I.A. – Kala
2. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
3. Bright Eyes – Cassadega
4. White Stripes – Icky Thump
5. Lightning Dust
6. The Grindermen
7. Jamie T – Panic Prevention
8. The Shins – Wincing the Night Away
9. Steve Earle – Washington Square Serenade
10. The New Pornographers – Challengers