Listen!

This post was inspired by MiniJonB, who posted a list over the course of five days of his top five cds released in 2007. I like reading about what people are listening to, so on the off chance that some of you do too I decided to post my top 6 for 2007. MiniJonB bravely does Top 5's, even though he doesn't care for odd numbers or the asymetrical. So, I am doing a Top 6! Well, and also I couldn't narrow it down anymore :-) I am not very adept at talking about why I like the music that I like. I don't know enough about the actual structure of what I am listening to to make intelligent comments on instrumentation or use of various cord structures or how something is derived from some earlier piece. Therefore, I can't really defend my choices or anything. I will just list what I have most enjoyed listening to among this past year's releases. And you can always click on the links if you want to find out more.

1. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible. I love these guys. Their lyrics are fascinating and passionate. They bring so much energy to everything they play! Plus, there live show is not to be missed.

2. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. I'm not sure what to say besides this makes me happy when I listen to it. It is beautiful, lively, and seems hopeful somehow.

3. Radiohead - In Rainbows. It seems like with Radiohead you either love them or hate them. I love them. To me, they are musical geniuses. They released this cd themselves and you know the story...digital downloads were made available for absolutely free (you could choose what you wanted to pay for it actually). They will be releasing it as part of a pricey box set and isn't like anyone in Radiohead is ever going to be broke, but still! It was pretty damn cool. Plus, the songs are amazing.

4. Wilco - Sky Blue Sky. I am a huge Wilco fan. I love Jeff Tweedy's voice and they are the closest thing to country that I will ever adore.

5. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga. Folk music for those who don't necessarily think of themselves as folk music fans. Conor Oberst's voice is so rich and expressive. I can't help but fall in love with everything he puts out.

6. The Bird and the Bee - The Bird and the Bee. Light, fun, and surprising. Another one that makes me feel good when I put it on. I like their sense of humor. (You should also check out their recent EP Please Clap Your Hands...have you heard "The Polite Dance Song"? Very funny and fun.

Let me close with a song that, yes, makes me laugh. I don't really like the way "gay" is used by the kids now for someone or something that is just lame. Still this song with all the hipster cliches tickles me. It is the break up song of here and now. Katy Perry may sound like those other girl singers going around, but I think she may be a little different. Listen if you are curious...or if you know it already and dig it, man.