My Favorite Albums of 2007

I decided to compile a list of my favorite albums of 2007. Sorry that this is almost a month late. I’ve loosely categorized my selections. Enjoy.

Best Camaro Rock Album
Year Long Disaster—Year Long Disaster
I saw these guys open for Clutch at a show in Boulder. They kind of remind me last year’s Best Camaro Rock Album winner, Priestess. The lead singer/guitarist is amazing. The album artwork is pretty cool too. If you want some dirty, Z-28 rock, this is what you need.


Best World Music Album
Iron & Wine—The Shepherd’s Dog
Usually this category is reserved for Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Seal. We have a surprise winner this year: Iron & Wine’s The Shepherd’s Dog. There is some amazing bongo/conga work on this one. Lots of percussion. Sam Beam wins the Rusted Root Golden Bongo Award for this effort.


Best Adult Contemporary/Mid-tempo Rock Album
Wilco—Sky Blue Sky

I love this album. It continues Wilco’s progression away from “indie” credibility and brings them closer to being the Fleetwood Mac of our generation (unless Midlake claims that title first). The title track of the album is one of Jeff Tweedy’s best songs since Far, Far Away.


Best Hip-Hop or Rap Album
Lifesavas—Gutterfly
If it’s Quannum, it’s usually great. These Portland wordsmiths have created an amazing concept album. I love it. Much better than Kanye or Jay-Z or DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince. Almost as good as Lyrics Born.




Best “Indie” Rock Album
Spoon-Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
I guess Spoon is still considered “indie” rock. I’m not sure. I really enjoy this record, from beginning to end. The Underdog is great enough to be my current cellphone ringtone. Blitzen Trapper’s Wild Mountain Nation ran a close second.



Best Metal Album
Orange Goblin—Healing Through Fire
This category was a close call. I really like High on Fire’s Death is this Communion, but the pure rock riffage of Healing Through Fire is amazing. The songs Ballad of Solomon Eagle and Hound’s Ditch are pummeling.




Best Overall Album
Sea Wolf—Leaves in the River
This category is for the album I liked best, regardless of genre. It’s the album that gets the most play on my iPod. Sea Wolf is the big winner; high fives all around. The song You’re A Wolf is genius. Thanks for being cool you LA dudes.



That’s it. I’m sorry if I offended anyone with my picks. I apologize if I left off your favorite album of 2007. Be well.