Moorgard’s Albums of 2007

When I was a snotty record store employee (instead of a snotty game designer), I used to make up lists of what I considered to be the best albums of each year. It’s one of the things record store people are best at… like sneering.

These days I don’t pretend to be the authority on which music is best, but I can at least post some of the records I listened to a lot this year. The following appear in no particular order.

Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog – A bit of a different sound from previous efforts, reminiscent of Not Drowning, Waving. But the core of Sam Beam’s work remains: great, incredibly moving songs.

PJ Harvey – White Chalk – PJ focuses on piano instead of guitar, but the results are as intense as ever. Still one of the most influential artists in rock.

She Wants Revenge – This Is Forever – Sounds a bit more produced than their debut album, but the gritty sex, drugs, and beats are still there. These are the songs I’d write if I had halfway decent recording equipment.

The Shins – Wincing the Night Away – Pretty much a perfect pop record. What other band can get you humming along to a tune about losing a limb?

Crowded House – Time on Earth - My favorite of their efforts remains Temple of Low Men, but it’s great to have (most of) the band back.

Joe Henry – Civilians – Madonna’s brother-in-law never fails to deliver the goods. Like all his records, this one is meant to be listened to in a smoke-filled room with whiskey in hand.

The Crystal Method – Drive – As advertised, a great disc for playing in the car. I know this isn’t hardcore enough for some techno fans, but these guys know how to back up their beats with catchy melodies.

Blonde Redhead – 23 – Simply one of my favorite bands. Offbeat songs that get into your head with two unique vocalists.

Wire – Read & Burn 03 – One of the all-time-great bands, constantly reinventing themselves. I’m happy to say that this EP is more song-oriented than the previous entries in this series. I look forward to more.

Interpol – Our Love to Admire – Took a while to grow on me, but then a lot of good records take time. It’s worth the investment.

Editors – An End Has a Start – A more accessible version of Interpol, but every bit as solid a record. Narrowly edges out the previous entry for the Ian Curtis award.

Suzanne Vega – Beauty & Crimes – I’ve been a fan since her first record (that’s before “Luka”) and have seen her live several times. One show, I swear she looked right into my eyes for most of the show. True story.

Band of Horses – Cease to Begin – I think this is a stronger record than their previous effort. Something about this whole album is just transcendent. Absolutely moving.

Rufus Wainwright – Release the Stars – One of today’s greatest cabaret singers, with songs ranging from personal and touching to uproarious and fun. I still need to pick up his Judy Garland record.

I know I could list more, but that’s what was handy on my “play these discs a lot” shelf. If I file the discs away too soon, they get lost in my collection. Ask Shwayder to inventory my CD library sometime.