It’s time to finally let some “best of 2007” lists out into the wild. So, here’s my totally subjective and unscientific roundup of the albums that most hit home in 2007.
100 Days 100 Nights – Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings:
This, along with The Budos Band II are the standout albums of the so-called “Motown Revival.” Solid songcraft, great sound and strong arrangements make this a really rewarding album for lovers of 60s soul.
Basement Bhangra РDJ Rekha: Bhangra is a fusion of Punjabi folk music and modern techno/house styles. The genre is developing a wide following and this album is one of the most consistently high quality collections I’ve heard.
Re: Pasolini РStefano Battaglia: High-concept, philosophically-driven Jazz is a risky venture. For the most part, this album succeeds in its audacious bid to musically interpret not just Pasolini’s visual art, but the history, geography and theology that informed it. Complex and challenging music that does not yield it’s beauty easily.
Fantastic Playroom – New Young Pony Club: 80s electro-pop is a dish best served with lashings of humour and irony. Thankfully both are present on this fun disc.
Live At Jazz Standard Volume Two РRussell Malone: A live set that confirms Malone’s standing as one the hottest and funkiest jazz guitarists working today. Best Jazz and best Guitar-Oriented album of the year.
Time Control РHiromi’s Sonicbloom: Piano prodigy Hiromi Uehara is coming into her own as a writer and band leader with this inventive fusion release. The best playing I’ve heard from David Fiuczynski on guitar.
Aman Iman – Tinariwen: Electric blues filtered through Saharan Touareg folk sounds like an impossible fusion of styles. But, this album pulls it off to stunning effect with a collection of song that are both rebellious and poignant.
La Radiolina РManu Chao: I’ll admit that this album didn’t thrill me at first. But after a few listenings, the Latin heart beating under these mostly rock and punk tunes started to reveal itself. “La Vida Tombola” is my song of the year.
BBreathing Under Water РAnoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale: This jazzy/world/pop album is a little hard to pin down but easy to enjoy. In every way it’s a very modern album of Indian music.
CCareful What You Wish For – Jonatha Brooke:“>areful What You Wish For – Jonatha Brooke: Ridicoulsy talented singer/songwriter Jonatha Brooke is back with yet another solid collection of songs. The feel this time is a little grungier and a touch more urban but that stellar voice still shines through. Best Rock/Pop album of the year.
And here’s some honourable mentions,
This Meets That – John Scofield“>This Meets That – John Scofield
Sensualidad – Aubade
Playground – Manu Katche“>Playground – Manu Katche
Anthem – Christian Scott“>Anthem – Christian Scott
Sideways – Jacob Young“>Sideways – Jacob Young
