Our Lady of Perpetual Hell

“Ten Best This of 2007″, “100 Best That of 2007″, “50 Greatest Whatzits of 2007″, “Top 25 Thingees of 2007″. Whatever. All we’re gonna try to tellya about are the songs that were our favourites this year. Mebbe they weren’t the “best” or the “biggest”, but they were the ones that grabbed us by the throat and gave us a good throttling. In my case, f’r'instance, they’re the songs I habitually hit the Replay button after in the Tib on those long commutes to and from work this year. “Oh, let’s hear that one again,” I’d say to myself. “Why, that’s an excellent idea!” I’d reply. And stab the button.

It ain’t the royal We, either. I’ve asked three friends to join me in this little endeavour. Out of all the songs they listened to in 2007, I asked each to give me a list of their ten favourites. A song didn’t hafta be released in 2007 to qualify–they just need to have heard it for the first time in 2007. I am trying to decide how much you need to know about today’s guests on the show… Lemme see…

one is a secret agent…	one is a prince…	and one is a ladies’ escort…

Which one is Chris? Who is Craig? Is that one Aaron? You draw your own conclusions about who is who. I ain’t tellin’. (They can fight amongst themselves over who gets the shoe phone and who does the ‘do and who wears the truss.) I worked with Craig and Aaron at a software development company in Salt Lake (Aaron tested the good code Craig wrote and the crappy code I wrote) and, while I was there, Chris’ occasional live-texting of the World Juniors hockey tourneys (which, of course, we didn’t get on tv down south) and his daily blogging fed me precious tastes of home from 2000 miles away. Our song lists are after the jump… c’mon…

Each of the lists will be ordered as per its author. You will notice that some of my picks have been posted here before. Can’t help that. Didn’t plan ahead of time, Constant Reader, to hide my favourite songs from you until the end of the year. And, despite the lack of scrollbars, the mixes are scrollable–just click in the songlist and drag your mouse up or down to see the songs that aren’t immediately visible. Click on the song title in each list’s description section to download it. I have also provided links to buy the albums. Hope you find some new music here that you like! (And big thanks from me to Aaron, Chris, and Craig.)

Carla’s Ten (plus 2 bonus tracks!)

My list is surprising to me because although two of my favourite bands released albums this year—Imperial Teen’s The Hair The TV The Baby & The Band and The New Pornographers’ Challengers—neither release is represented here in my list. My initial excitement over Challengers waned, although I do still believe that there are some really good tracks on it, it doesn’t approach the brilliance of last year’s Twin Cinema. And, right from the get-go, Imperial Teen’s long-awaited followup to 2002’s fabulous On left me feeling pretty empty. I’m glad I only discovered the band last year… If I’d been waiting a whole five years for this release, the disappointment would be devastating. And the album that I regard as my favourite of 2007 is by a band that it took me a good year to come around to… My friend Chris—one of today’s special guests and AKA cy ‘round here—sent me a buncha home-built CDs in the summer of 2006 and one of the disks he gave me was a Spoon compilation. He said he thought this was one of the best bands going and I’d never even heard of ‘em before. And so I listened. And pondered. And listened. And scratched my head. And listened. And it wasn’t until Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga was released this year that the proverbial penny dropped and I finally heard what Chris had heard long before (‘they’re the best US band out there right now, and have been for a while’)… this is an incredible band. I could hear that in the new release and I could hear it in the older stuff I’d been listening to over the previous year. GaX5 turned out to be easily my favourite album that came out in a year when both my beloved Imperial Teen and The New Pornographers released new albums. So I think Spoon has now claimed the title of Carla’s Favourite Band. For now, at least.

So. Here we go… And draw no conclusions about favouritism from the ordering of my list: it is nothing more than alphabetical.

“Energy”, on New Magnetic Wonder (2007) by The Apples in Stereo - Dunno where or how I found it (a friend’s recommendation? hit-or-miss eMusic browsing?), but this song by The Apples in Stereo never fails to bring a huge smile to my face whenever I hear it. I love how the vocals just kinda lazily soar over the jangle and donk of the guitars and drums.

“Laisse tomber les filles”, on Chick Habit EP (1995) by April March - I dunno if I noticed it when I saw Grindhouse in the theatre, but the chunka-chunka-chunka of the guitars, the waow-waow-waow of the horns and the irresistably catchy melody sure caught my ear when I rented it on DVD months later. Tarantino chose it to play over the closing credits and he plays both English and French versions of March’s cover of French 60s pop king Serge Gainsbourg’s tune. I prefer the French one, even though I have no fuggin’ idea what she’s singing; I sing along with the title lyrics which are repeated twice at the beginning of the chorus and then the rest of it is all “blah blah blah”. Seriously. That’s exactly what I sing. “Laisse tomber les filles, laisse tomber les filles, blaaah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!” And then I laugh at the ridiculousnicity of moi.

“Atlas”, on Mirrored (2007) by Battles - This song took my breath away the first time I heard it. I’ve never heard anything quite like it. And, to be honest, I don’t quite know what to make of it–I just know that I love it in an almost unruly way. What the song means, I dunno. But, then, I was never very good at math.

“Dr Strangeluv”, on 23 (2007) by Blonde Redhead - Girly vocals twirling, swirling around the tentpole of the guitar and drums. Does that make any sense to anyone but me? Picture a maypole. Yeah? Yeah. And the whole album is strong as an ox—not a bad track on it.

“Not Even Stevie Nicks…”, on Feast Of Wire (2003) by Calexico - Another one of those mystery acquisitions. I bought the CD second-hand at Sonic Boom in Tronna. Dunno why. I don’t think I had anything by them before then. But I popped it into the car stereo on the drive home that weekend and I think the disk has stayed in the car ever since. This song starts out so spare and creeps up on you. And it’s great to sing along to—the way the melody dips and swings, I practise making my voice break in that country-music-heartache way when I hold the whole notes.

“Daft Punk is Playing at My House”, on LCD Soundsystem (2005) by LCD Soundsystem - The first time I heard this, my car stereo was cranked and the opening notes just about knocked me into the back seat. Seems to me the song must perforce be played that way. I’d like to have LCD Soundsystem playing at my house.

“Fais Do-Do”, on Skimming the Skum (2007) by Lefties Soul Connection - This was something I found while browsing eMusic. Never even heard of ‘em before. Sampled it and found a totally unexpected sound and promptly downloaded the whole shebang. Love that keyboard!

“Sugar Assault Me Now”, on The Return to Form Black Magick Party (2007) by Pop Levi - Must confess I’ve tried other Pop Levi tracks and don’t like any of ‘em. But this one is one chugging, whooping bastard of a tune!

“Break and Enter”, on Music For the Jilted Generation (1994) by The Prodigy - Look—I am a total noob when it comes to the electronic genre. Dance music? Feh. I always dismissed it and turned to my Hüsker Dü or The Flesh Eaters instead. I mean, I. Am. Not. A. Dancer. Well, this year began my education in electronic (thanks to Professor Aaron), and this 13-year-old song by The Prodigy is one that epitomizes what I like so far in the genre… that almost-outta-control feeling here in the sound of breaking glass and screams, reined in by the steady rhythm… it’s like barely contained chaos.

“The Underdog”, on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007) by Spoon - So many good tracks on this album, it’s hard to pick just one (so, as you’ll see, I’m gonna pick two!)… I love the lighthearted tone of the song despite the fact that it’s a warning, and the hook of those horns is what put it over the top for me. There’s a fun single-shot single-take video, to boot.

…and an extra coupla selections because I simply cannot take any of the aforementioned songs offa the list but these two desperately need to be on it too (and it’s my blog so’s I get to do whatever I wanna):

“Black Like Me”, also on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007) by Spoon - The sense of longing and disappointment in this song is one that is so familiar to me. I have felt it my whole life, I think. I have been known to cry during this song. From time to time. (Note that there’s a 30-second silence at the end of this track. It’s like that on the album.)

“Khaleegi Stomp”, on Impossible Broadcasting (2004), by Transglobal Underground – Like a few other tracks on this list, this was the first song I ever heard by this band and it immediately made me keen to hear more by them. Worldbeat fusion laid over irresistible rhythm–TU was easily one of my happiest musical discoveries this past year, and this song was the starting point! Woohah!!

Chris’ Fifteen

“You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb”, on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007) by Spoon - Song of the summer. Best Motown redux since “Town Called Malice” (look, correct me if i’m wrong. Please. I feel old)

“Tonight I Have to Leave It”, on Our Ill Wills (2007) by Shout Out Louds. Best Cure song in 20 years.

“A Postcard to Nina”, on Night Falls Over Kortedala (2007) by Jens Lekman - The greatest storyteller in our little corner delivers the story of the year. God, this makes me laugh everytime.

“John Allyn Smith Sails”, on The Stage Names (2007) by Okkervil River - This is my No. 1 record of the year. Great suicide song. Great song.

“Reckoner”, on In Rainbows (2007) by Radiohead - Had a hard time picking one. Great, great, great record and gets better with each listen.

“Dr Stangeluv”, on 23 by Blonde Redhead (2007) - Spooky, almost-goth skittering. Really good tune, really good record that finds a groove and never gets outta it.

“Paper Planes”, on Kala (2007) by M.I.A. - For such a politically astute figure, she sure can party. Another summer song.

“Back to Black”, on Back to Black (2007) by Amy Winehouse. There are probably better tunes, but when i heard this about a year ago, i thought the hairs on the back of my neck were going to elope. Shirley Bassey lives!

“Running the World”, a downloadable single somewhere at his MySpace page and, allegedly a hidden track on Jarvis (2006) by Jarvis Cocker - Singalongs are great. I’ll be there next time he’s in time, just to join in the chorus.

“I Believe” on Attack Decay Sustain Release (2007) by Simian Mobile Disco - Pretty good. Latecomer for me, i’m throwing it on here ‘cause i have good feeling about it. so sue me.

“North American Scum”, on Sound of Silver (2007) by LCD Soundsystem - Another one to sing out loud to - outstanding song, outstanding record

“D.A.N.C.E.”, on (2007) by Justice - well, by now, (as I write this) Carla’s listened to three or four tunes on it and she’s ready for a cold shower. Heavy! Heavy! Heavy !!!!!!!!!! Beat fantastic!!!!!!!!!!

“Devastation”, on The Besnard Lakes Are The Dead Horse (2007) by The Besnard Lakes - More of the indy-weeny in me likes this (and look at the list - might as well have the tag stamped on me head). Just love the power gee-tar and the riff that never ends.

“Mistaken for Strangers”, on Boxer (2007) by The National - The only time Boxer got out of the first gear. Pity, because a couple more like this and who knows what happens.

“You! Me! Dancing!”, on Sticking Fingers Into Sockets EP (2007) by Los Campesinos! - One of those “if only i knew then that i know now” tunes and moments. I mean, dancing! what a concept!

…that was Chris’ A-List. But he’s just a boy who can’t say “no” (to a good tune), so here’s his B-List:

“Rehab”, on Back to Black (2007) by Amy Winehouse

“Black Like Me”, on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007) by Spoon

“Your Arms Around Me”, on Night Falls Over Kortedala (2007) by Jens Lekman

“I Still Remember”, on A Weekend in the City (2007) by Bloc Party

“23″, on 23 (2007) by Blonde Redhead

“Unless It’s Kicks”, on The Stage Names (2007) by Okkervil River

“Room With a View”, on The Hair The TV The Baby & The Band (2007) by Imperial Teen

“Down on the Ground”, on Krankenhaus EP (2007) by British Sea Power - Could put anything from that EP here … what the hell? make an album, fellas!!!!!

“Almost Ready”, on Beyond (2007) by Dinosaur Jr

“Drug Punk Lady”, on Freak Show Disco (2006) by T-Rek

“DVNO”, on (2007) by Justice

“Someone Great”, on Sound of Silver (2007) by LCD Soundsystem

“I’m Sorry But I’m Beginning To Hate Your Face”, on Insound & CMJ Present Let’s Get Digital 3 compilation (2007) by Eagle*Seagull

“In the Mausoleum”, on The Flying Club Cup (2007) by Beirut

“The Past is a Grotesque Animal”, on Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (2007) by Of Montreal - My favourite record of the year up until June … which goes to show … i dunno.

“Golden Skans”, on Myths of the Near Future (2007) by Klaxons

Craig’s List (of Ten)

My 10 best songs - in no particular order…

“God Only Knows”, on Guilt By Association (Various Artists, 2007) by Petra Hayden - Stumbled upon Petra one day when I was browsing on yahoo. They had her version of “Don’t Stop Believing” featured and I found this track on her website. Love this song anyway and anyone that has sung with Jane Wiedlin is good in my book.

“Toxic”, on Version (2007) by Mark Ronson (feat. Tiggers) - A track from my favorite album of the year, Version. Mark Ronson was the Producer for Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black and Lily Allen’s Alright, Still albums. This track is a super cool version of Britney “white trash” Spears‘ “Toxic”.

“I’m Gay”, on The Great Burrito Extortion Case (2006) by Bowling for Soup - I think this album came out in 2006, although I didn’t pick up on it until 2007. Also one of my favorite albums, The Great Burrito Extortion Case features “I’m Gay”, a reclaiming of the word to be happy. This song is a perfect description of what Bowling for Soup is all about. “Don’t hate us cuz we’re happy!”

“The Sweet Escape”, on The Sweet Escape (2006) by Gwen Stefani (Feat. Akon) - One of my favorite sugary sweet pop tunes. I love Gwen (and No Doubt), and this song just makes me tap my toes and bob my head when it comes on. Plus, the addition of Akon is great.

“I Don’t Wanna be in Love (Dance Floor Anthem)”, on Good Morning Revival (2007) by Good Charlotte - Another album that I didn’t pick up right away, in fact I just got it last week. Good Charlotte is one of my favorite bands ever and this album is growing on me. The boys seem to be breaking free of their angst and are thinking that life might be okay after all. “Good Morning Revival” is great from top to bottom, but this is one of my favorite tracks from it.

“Back to Black”, on Back to Black (2007) by Amy Winehouse – Okay, she is a mess but I love the sound of her tunes. I am really into the Motown redux sound that Mark Ronson and Amy have brought to the mainstream, and the strong beat and vocals of Back to Black are just what I love.

“U + Ur Hand”, on I’m Not Dead (2006) by P!nk - P!nk rocks!!! This track sounds like a throw back to Pat Benatar with strong, sassy lyrics and a you don’t stand a chance mentality. Plus P!nk is hot…

“Potential Breakup Song”, on Insomniatic (2007) by Aly & AJ - I know you guys haven’t heard this one, but as father of a pre-teen girl I find that I listen to Radio Disney more often than anything else these days. And you know - some of it isn’t too bad. Aly & AJ are one of the better groups, and this song is actually pretty cool.

“Cupid’s Chokehold”, on The Papercut Chronicles (2005) by Gym Class Heroes (feat. Patric Stump) – Ahhh, this one brought back some memories of when I was young and my sisters loved Supertramp. I remember them listening to Breakfast in America and “Long Way Home”, so when this came on for the first time I fell in love with it. The lyrics are intentionally sappy, but it is a load of fun.

“Smile”, on Alright, Still (2006) by Lily Allen - Actually downloaded this song when it was featured at the free track of the week. Good Ska sound and she has a great voice.

Aaron’s Umpteen

(I think Aaron got side-tracked with pre-Christmas hoohaw and so we’re gonna go ahead and publish his list even though he hasn’t finished his comments about the tracks he chose. If he does finish it, I will update this. In any case, we do have all the songs for you, so mebbe you will be able to figure out why he chose each one when you listen!)

“Atlas”, on Mirrored (2007) by Battles - The thundering beat and layers of sound. Images of an army of munchkins cheerfully marching to battle. If it were only longer…

“In Particular”, on Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons (2000) by Blonde Redhead - I’ve heard this song a hundred times . Reminds me of the high points and light-hearted, fun moments in my last relationship.

“Go Forth And Die”, on The Dethalbum (2007) by Dethklok - A song about the downside of the higher education experience and life after school. The most “metal” Dethklok tune IMO.

“Business Time”, on Distant Future EP (2007) by Flight of the Conchords - Cracks me up everytime I listen to it. Reminds of a couple of humdrum relationships that went on for far too long.

“We Share Our Mother’s Health”, on Silent Shout (2006) by The Knife

“Like A Pen”, on Silent Shout (2006) by The Knife

“Time To Get Away”, on Sound of Silver (2007) by LCD Soundsystem

“North American Scum”, on Sound of Silver (2007) by LCD Soundsystem

“Someone Great”, on Sound of Silver (2007) by LCD Soundsystem

“The Great Satan Remix” downloadable single (2007) by Ministry

“Pure”, on Deeperworlds (2007) by Mystical Sun

“All I Need”, on In Rainbows (2007) by Radiohead

“My Little Japanese Cigarette Case”, on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007) by Spoon

“Back In Your Head”, on The Con () by Tegan and Sara

“Maps”, on Fever to Tell (2003) by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

(There are about a zillion links in this post. Please let me know if you find a broken one and I will fix it. Thx!)