24. DJ Format & Mr. Thing - Holy Shit - DJ Format cracked the top 5 of the Timmys in 2005 with his old-school heavy album, If You Can't Join 'Em, Beat 'Em. He's back with fellow turntablist Mr. Thing, both who apparently have been collecting religious music from thrift shops around the globe. They blend them together here in one long mix that's suprisingly funky and psychedelic considering the source material. This is crate digging at its best, bringing lost relics back to life in a form that's funky and fun.

YouTube: DJ Format- The Hit Song (not on this album)

23. Arctic Monkeys - Favorite Worst Nightmare - The pride and joy of Sheffield are quickly back with their second album (their debut hit 18 on my list in 2006). No sophomore slump here, this album continues with the sharp lyrics and punchy rhythms of the first, while move forward slightly. It didn't change the world, but gave notice that this band isn't going away anytime soon.

YouTube: Arctic Monkeys- Brainstorm
YouTube: Arctic Monkeys- Teddy Picker

22. Josh Ritter- The Historical Conquests Of - People don't throw around the phrase "the new Dylan" the way they once did, but it wouldn't be out of line if that phrased was tossed in Mr. Ritter's direction from time to time. He crams a lot of words into a small space when he needs to and on this latest effort, he uses catchy rock and a truckload of instruments to create a collection of smart songs that often sound like they could have been from anytime in the last 40 years.

YouTube: Josh Ritter- To The Dogs Or Whoever (Live)
YouTube: Josh Ritter- Mind's Eye (Live)

20. White Stripes - Icky Thump - After some time away with The Raconteurs, ol' Jack White is back with his "sister" for their sixth album. And it's another really good effort, solid from start to finish. The expanded sonic vocabulary of Elephant continues here. Horns and bagpipes are just a few of the goodies embellishing the standard guitar and bass. Some of the Led Zeppelinisms that The Raconteurs explored come to play here (well, Meg's no Bonham by any stretch, but some of the guitar lines and vocal turns remind one of classic Zeppelin). There are few bands whose sixth album is this solid.

YouTube: White Stripes- You Don't Know What Love Is
YouTube: White Stripes- Conquest

19. Battles - Mirrored - I wonder what to say of Battles as it could be that anyone interested in this type of music has already heard it- this is strict, indie rock geek stuff. At times jazz fusion, post-punk and math rock, this isn't for everyone- it comes close to being a little too artsy for its own good. But it stops short of that line by solid playing of these musicians- when they lock in, they create a groove as tight as anyone. If you don't mind that groove being far left of center, Battles may be worth checking out.

YouTube: Battles- Atlas
YouTube: Battles- Tonto

18. Feist - The Reminder - "1, 2, 3, 4/bet she gets discounts at the Apple Store /kinda glad she sold that song/more people will know her before too long" Yeah, it's the girl dancing around in the iPod Nano commercial, but (Leslie) Feist is more than the most unlikely pitchwoman of 2007. Her prior album, Let It Die (not counting the interim odds and end collection, Open Season) was a smart and eclectic mix of songs and this is no exception. Soft and jazzy at times, fun and rollicking at others, Feist is quickly putting her name on the list of artists to pay attention to. And if appearing on an iPod commercial speeds that process up a little, I've got no beef with that.

YouTube: Feist- I Feel It All (Live on Jimmy Kimmel on a bus)
YouTube: Feist- 1234 (Live on Later...with Jools Holland)
YouTube: Feist- 1234 (Live on Letterman)
YouTube: Feist- My Moon My Man

17. Deerhunter - Cryptograms - Well, I guess if you stare at that album cover at the left long enough you would get a good idea of what Deerhunter sounds like: hypnotic, odd, spacey, more than a little psychedelic, out there. At times blissed-out and ethereal, ideal for staring at the sky, and at others, groove driven and guitar-laden, perfect for driving. That the two switch back and forth may mean it's appropriate for neither, but their is definitely a time and place for this album in the lives of the more adventurous listener.

YouTube: Deerhunter- Strange Lights
YouTube: Deerhunter- Lake Somerset

16. Dr. Dog - We All Belong - Dr. Dog hails from Philadelphia and are in a lot of ways that bar band you hope you would stumble upon- classic rock influenced, good soundtrack for hoisting a few back to. The Band, The Beach Boys and The Beatles are obvious influences, but I also hear Guided By Voices (well, maybe if GBV was a little less low-fi). There's a distinct laid-back feel throughout and it suits the material well- nice poppy rock that entertains and relaxes.

YouTube: Dr. Dog- My Old Ways

15. The Earlies - The Enemy Chorus - This albums begins with almost two minutes of bleeping, charging keyboards before the vocals come in, and once they do, both The Beta Band and Flaming Lips come to mind. At the 4 minute mark, the horns come in and the Sgt. Pepper/Pet Sounds influences make themselves known. These influences remain throughout, and if those bands appeal to you and you don't mind a heaping handful of electronic effects, this one may be worth your time to check out.

YouTube: The Earlies- Enemy Chorus (Live at Greenman Festival)

14. Andrew Bird - Armchair Apochrypha - Seriously, could there be more animal names represented in this year's list? Anyway, I feel like Andrew Bird is taunting me with how much he whistles on this record- I can't whistle, never could. That aside, this is one really good album- melodic, inventive, both familiar and new. I mean, if there's whistling, it's likely to be catchy- you can't whistle a tune if it's not catchy, can you? Bird's primary instrument is violin, and there's plenty of that as well. There's a very NPR-type vibe going on here, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Alternative rock for intellectuals, perhaps?

YouTube: Andrew Bird- Imitosis

13. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights - I wonder how many of the folks that scooped up Any Winehouse's 2006 release Back To Black realize that Amy borrowed Sharon Jones' backing band. Ms. Winehouse had a fine album, but as soon as Sharon belts out her first notes, you know this is real deal, old school soul. The album cover looks like it could have been put out by Stax in the late 60's and the music backs it up. This is very retro, but without sounding like a copy- were the recording quality not so good, you'd think this was 40 years old. When you're talking soul, that's a real good thing.

YouTube: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings- 100 Days, 100 Nights YouTube: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings- Let The Knock (Live)

12. Pharoahe Monch - Desire - Released eight years after his debut album, Pharoahe Monch's Desire quickly asserts that it was well worth the wait. Gospel, rock, soul, you name it- stylistic influence abound and he uses actual singers and choruses to great effect. The lyrics are intelligent and inspirational without being sappy- his call "to keep pushing" comes off as genuine and a message from someone who's been doing a lot of pushing himself. That he gives equal time to a male vocalist, female vocalist and the Tower of Power horns is a tribute to Monch's desire to put the song before his own ego. His take on Public Enemy's "Welcome To The Terrordome" is a funky horn-led amendment to the original and also an indication of where Pharoahe stands lyrically- more about prose than hos. Rap still suffers from being a singles based format, but efforts like this could change that- let's hope we don't have to wait eight years for his next one. If it takes that long to make it this good, though, I'll be there to pick it up in 2015 on whatever form we're buying music in then...

YouTube: Pharoahe Monch- Push
YouTube: Pharoahe Monch- Body Baby

11. Eleni Mandell - Miracle Of Five - Doing this list and seeking out new music each year, every now and again I have a "why didn't I know about this person years ago" moment. I had one big time with Eleni Mandell- this is the first I've heard of her and it's album number six. I've batted around "could have been from any time in the past 40 years" a few times- a lot of these tracks could have been from any time in the past 80 years. Torchy at times, sweet at others, jazzy almost throughout, her rich voice warms up her clever lyrics and melds well with the clarinet, drums, piano, vibes, harp and more that pop up from track to track- a Tom Waits comparison is not out of line but doesn't tell the full story. This album was a really pleasant surprise and is sending me out to check out her earlier efforts.

YouTube: Eleni Mandell- My Twin>
YouTube: Eleni Mandell- Girls

10. Architecture In Helsinki - In Case We Die -Remember Shriekback? That's who this band remind me most of, but since most people don't remember them, Talking Heads will work as well. Architecture In Helsinki (from Australia, which kind of gives you a hint to how off beat they are) is jumpy, twitchy New Wave inspired pop that chirps, skitters, bounces and otherwise dances along and entertains throughout. Synths, tubas, drums, xylophones are among the many instruments the eight members play. I also hear moments that remind me of the spirit of the B-52s and Poi Dog Pondering (the dancy middle period), if not exactly their music. This one has been given less than favorable marks in other reviews but it's my peppy, perky diamond in the rough.

YouTube: Architecture In Helsinki- Heart It Races
YouTube: Architecture In Helsinki- Hold Music
YouTube: Architecture In Helsinki- Debbie
YouTube: Dr. Dog Cover Heart It Races (just audio)

9. Caribou - Andorra - Caribou is that rare animal (sorry) that relies mostly on electronics and synths but doesn't really sound like they do. Essentially one man (Dan Snaith), this album harkens back to the lighter, stars in the eyes side of 60's psych without being derivative. Also unlike most one-man electronic acts, the emphasis is on creating short, catchy songs. Light and breezy but also an album that will stick in your head.

YouTube: Caribou- Melody Day
YouTube: Caribou- She's The One

8. The New Pornographers - Challengers - On their fourth album, The New Pornographers bring more of their ornate power-pop to the table, but I'd say this one is more of a grower than their previous efforts. Some of the hooks and harmonies stick with you from the beginning, but many become endearing only after repeat listenings. Neko Case's vocals give the songs she takes the lead on a great warmth, and the other vocalists add the right color to the proceedings. If I held off on finishing this list, I could see this album move up one place each additional time I listened to it before the list was completed.

YouTube: New Pornographers- Challengers
YouTube: New Pornographers- My Rights Versus Yours (Live on Letterman)

7. M.I.A. - Kala - M.I.A.'s debut was #8 on my list in 2005, so it would stand to reason that I think both albums are solid but this one may be just a tad better. And I'll back that statement up. While she ultimately cranks up the same reggae/hip-hop/dance/brazilian/african/world/indian hybrid she did on her debut, she refines it a bit more and expands a little- doing a straight cover of a Bollywood track ("Jimmy") and quoting the Modern Lovers lyrically ("Roadrunner" references on "Bamboo Banger") and the Clash musically ("Straight To Hell" on "Paper Planes"). Not a major step forward, but when your style is already miles ahead of what most of your contemporaries are doing, you don't need to put the pedal to the floor. M.I.A. has proved the debut was not a fluke- her next move could be pretty exciting.

YouTube: M.I.A.- Boyz
YouTube: M.I.A.- Paper Planes
YouTube: M.I.A.- Jimmy
YouTube: M.I.A.- Bird Flu

6. The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible - Funeral started off as the little record that could, then the next thing you know The Arcade Fire are sharing the stage with Bowie and Springsteen. The celebrity fandom and critical praise is well-deserved, as the songs and playing of their debut full-length stood out as a unique album, not merely just a strong debut. Onto the difficult second album- it was once said "You have your entire lifetime to make your first album, but only 12 months to make the second". This is a challenge that has stumped many bands (The Strokes, I'm looking in your direction) and while this isn't a major departure from the debut, it's definitely not a step backwards. I don't think the songs as quite as sharp here, but there's improvement in both the playing and the production. I'm filing this one under the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" category and I wait impatiently to see what they'll do next.

YouTube: Arcade Fire- Neon Bible (Live in an elevator)
YouTube: Arcade Fire- Keep The Car Running (Live on Jonathan Ross)
YouTube: Foo Fighters cover Keep TheCar Running

5. The National - Boxer - I think I've done pretty well in avoiding the terms "literary" and "cinematic" in describing most of the albums thus far- but here comes The National to put an end to that. When you think each song could be turned into either a short story, independent film or both, you know you have something special, and The National do that on almost every track. The lyrics are extremely literary (there it is again) and the well-thought instrumentation gives each track a cinematic (there's the other one) quality. Matt Berninger's deep vocals add to the mood and serves as the thread which holds all these separate tales together. Another album that makes me anxious for the next one.

You Tube: The National- Apartment Story
YouTube: The National- Mistaken for Strangers
YouTube: The National- Slow Show
YouTube: The National- Fake Empire (Live on Letterman)

4. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand - Well, not only didn't I see this coming, I re-read the release schedule a few times when I saw this one appear. "THAT Robert Plant with THAT Alison Krauss? Really? Huh. I gotta hear that." Wow, does this work. T-Bone Burnett's production and song choices are impeccable, giving the record variety and consistency at the same time. Marc Ribot's guitar is often reminiscent of his work with Tom Waits and often serves as a third voice. But speaking of voices, the real stars here are the voices of Plant and Krauss. Krauss is at turns sweet, soft, soaring or moaning- whatever the mood of the song dictates, she's on it. Plant really steals the show though, and not the way he did with that one band he was in way back when. He voice is soft and mellow at spots, menacing in others and filling in with harmonies nicely. Some folks go on and on about voices being "instruments" - these two use theirs exceptionally well together. Plant has single-handedly given me hope for all artists whom I feel their best days are well behind them.

YouTube: Robert Plant, Alison Krauss and T-Bone Burnett on Charlie Rose
YouTube: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss- Gone Gone Gone (Baby Done Gone)

3. Panda Bear - Person Pitch - Alright, I used up all my usual "literary" and "cinematic" references in one shot, here's where I do the same with Pet Sounds. The Beach Boys' classic is likely my all-time favorite record so albums that sound like it are definitely up my alley. Panda Bear (known to his mama as Noah Lennox) is a founding member of Animal Collective (see #35 above). Their off-beat/experimental/folk nature carries over to Panda's solo work, but his love for Brian Wilson come to the fore. On these seven tracks (two over 12 minutes), P.B. channels Wilson but in a very otherworldly way. Listening to this record, I first thought of Pet Sounds as being covered by cavemen, and then later in the same song, as being covered by an advanced race of aliens. I think both are appropriate comparisons, this both an advanced and remedial take on a classic sound. This is definitely an acquired taste record, proceed with caution. Adventurous listeners, dive on in.

YouTube: Panda Bear- Comfy In Nautica
YouTube: Panda Bear- Bros (Edit)

2. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Well, this must be the year for sixth albums, as here's the sixth from Austin, Texas based Spoon. I guess you could call their overall sound alternative power pop, and they add dashes of Motown and soul to the proceedings here, leading to their best album to date. Their songs have always been sharp, but they're refined even further here and have more range of emotion than on previous records. The first two tracks are classic Spoon, and the third "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" has Motown written all over it, from the driving rhythm section to the horn section. "Underdog" sounds like previous Spoon efforts to start, but then picks up more instruments and gets a full horn section after the chorus. I've read comparisons of Spoon to Wilco, which makes sense but doesn't tell the whole story. The bands are quite similar in how they stake claim in a very straight ahead rock/pop territory, but then experiment with the form. Oddly, the Texas based Spoon lacks some of the twang that Wilco has/had, and adds a little more of a bass groove to the proceedings. In my opinion, the best album by a band who keeps making better records.

YouTube: Spoon - The Underdog
YouTube: Spoon- The Ghost of You Lingers

1. LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver - Just as rap suffers from the "great as singles, rough in album form" dilemma, so does electronic music, at least that you can file under the "popular music" heading. LCD Soundsystem is trying to put an end to that- their debut in 2005 worked well from to start to finish, and this record, the follow up, does it a hundred times better. I think part of the key is to have fewer songs- there's only 9 here- and make the ones you have longer and better. Another is to vary the styles- there's pure disco, new wave, krautrock and variations of them all throughout this album. Finally, for me, it comes back to the songs themselves- if you don't have the tunes, well, it's hard to have a good record. From the Eno/Bowie sound of opening "Get Innocuous!", the jittery, minimalist "Time To Get Away", the wry,electro-funk of "North American Scum", the dreamy-but-heartbreaking "Someone Great", to the "Baba O' Riley" meets indie rock "All My Friends", the first five songs come at you like a greatest hits record. The next four tracks are no slouches, either, including the quiet/loud/quiet closer "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down". This album surpasses the electronic/dance tag and is just a great album, period.

YouTube: LCD Soundsystem- All My Friends
YouTube: LCD Soundsystem: Someone Great
YouTube: LCD Soundsystem- North American Scum
YouTube: Franz Ferdinand's Cover of All My Friends