On The Bandwagon

Nearly time for the big ol' wind-down that is the summer break. Since all the cool bloggers post end of year lists, I figured I'd keep with tradition and post my own. Musically, as far as 2007 went I think it was more important on a personal level, than overall. This year I discovered a swag of artists that I've come to love, heard some interesting new sounds, lauded some and loathed others. I've cringed as I watched the ongoing exploitation of the music industry and the manufacture of stars. I realised that I love americana and bluegrass, and loving something new is always exciting.

So... 10 albums that made this year a winner, in no particular order

Levon Helm - Dirt Farmer
Solo work from the former singer from The Band. You can FEEL this music.

The Phoenix Foundation - Happy Ending
Sam Flynn Scott and Luke Buda and co come back for their 3rd winning album. Possibly their best.

Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch
Former Drive By Trucker's solo album is part rock, part country, part awesome.

J Dilla and Busta Rhymes - Dillagence
I love J Dilla, I never really got into Busta. This changed my mind, its a winner.

Pharaohe Monch - Desire
Hailed by Critics, ignored by a lot of fans. YOU WASTED YOUR MONEY ON CLIPSE FOOL'S

Talib Kweli and Madlib - Liberation
I nearly shit myself with excitement when this dropped in January. Talib AND Madlib on a release. Oh HELL yeah.

Radiohead - In Rainbows
Not quite the return to form it was hailed to be, this album is the evolution of Radioheads experimentation rejoining with their song writing sensibilities. It is awesome.

Mad Caddies - Keep It Going
Ska's finest, still making top notch albums.

Iron and Wine - The Shepard's Dog
Coming to NZ in March, I can't wait!

Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild
So underrated, Eddie's Solo effort, and the soundtrack to Sean Penn's movie is memorable, haunting, striking and just fantastic.

Overall I felt that this year lacked for decent hip hop releases, but other than that wasn't too bad.
Any that I've missed?