Sunday, December 30, 2007
A+E, Music
The sounds of 2007
Ten of the year’s best CDs
Jack White of the White Stripes
CREDIT: Jeff Gentner/Getty Images
By Hal Horowitz
Choosing an end-of-year Top 10 is like picking a favorite presidential candidate 12 months before the election—the field keeps changing and continued exposure alters your opinion. It’s a shape shifting exercise that never feels complete, even after the list is finalized.
Ultimately, the rundown should withstand scrutiny a few years after the fact, something that’s impossible to gauge now, but impacts the compilation of it. Without further reflection, though, here’s the list (in alphabetical order):
The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker: “Kaboom!”
Old school veteran Walker just needed the right songs and band to prove that even in his mid-60s, he’s still got the stuff. Enter the Dynamites, eight pieces of hardcore, deep-fried Southern funk that provide the match for this volatile singer.
Fountains of Wayne: “Traffic and Weather”
The snarkiest band ever to have a hit single couldn’t duplicate the phenomenon of “Stacy’s Mom,” but continues to be the finest and funniest power pop act on a major label. The lyrical edge of the album’s 14 minor classics is matched by sharp, spicy musical hooks.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings: “100 Days, 100 Nights”
Retro soul that so impressed Amy Winehouse, she hired the NYC-based, Memphis-drenched band for her touring outfit. But they sound better supporting Jones’ more authentic, pleading style.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss: “Raising Sand”
This improbable duo released one of the year’s most iridescent folk gems. Both singers push outside their comfort zones to produce darkly laced, often ominous music that’s emotional, powerful and unpredictable.
Chuck Prophet: “Soap and Water”
It’s been a long, strange trip since Prophet’s days as co-leader of West Coast paisley underground veterans Green on Red, but this set of quirky, funny and smart soul-Americana best captures the indescribably poetic and eclectic sound he has been crafting for nearly 20 years.
Southern Culture on the Skids: “Countrypolitan Favorites”
This proudly trash twanging trio connect with American covers and even cross the ocean to include songs from the UK’s T.Rex, the Kinks and the Who. Ultimately, they all sound like garage/surf/country/swamp Southern Culture on the Skids originals, a tribute to the band’s idiosyncratic Southern roots.
White Stripes: “Icky Thump”
A reinvigorated Jack White returns from his successful Raconteurs side project and continues to redefine blues/garage punk. His strangulated voice played over raw power chords and Meg’s muscular thump remains startlingly intense and nothing jumped out of car speakers with more prickly punch than the title track.
Richard Thompson: “Sweet Warrior”
The UK veteran singer-songwriter’s most political and electrifying album in years once again unites his picturesque, detailed story telling lyrics with terse guitar work that remains as exhilarating as it is distinctive.
Lucinda Williams: “West”
Her first album in five years is another slice of confessional singer-songwriter roots/folk/country with shimmering, emotionally riveting tunes that get under your skin and stay there.
Amy Winehouse: “Back to Black”
The very definition of “loose cannon,” Winehouse’s album remains a retro/contemporary soul/pop crackerjack. She’s got the pipes, the songs and the sound to be a contender, but only if her life doesn’t spiral out of control first. SP