Top Albums of 2007: 10-1

10. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Lifeline - This album might have the best production of the year for one simple reason. It was made completely with analog equipment in only a week. No computers or Pro tools, the programs that allows producers to help Britney sing, Rhianna "hit" a certain note, or Cher sound like a cyborg. The result is an album with a warm, classic sound that can't be replicated by modern digital methods. It isn't BHIC's best album, but it is a welcome alternative to the Nickelback and Hinders out there.

9. Okkervil River - The Stage Names - The sound of this album could possibly described as a mix of Spoon and the Kings of Leon (two bands on this list), with an extra helping of agony and heartache. Fortunately, the music steered clear of emo territory, and the album delivers solid passionate music.

8. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga - Everyone rips on the title of this album, but I like it. One more "Ga" would have been excessive though. The solid, churning rhythm section of Spoon provide the base for the pomp and swagger of the guitar, vocals and other musical flourishes. Listen to this before heading out on the town to boost your feelings of self importance.

7. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver - I don't know what it is about this album, but it has really grown on me. The beats and melodies in each song are woven together extremely well and only the end of "Us V Them" is grating. "North American Scum" sounds like a glorious mixture of David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Fatboy Slim.

6. Feist - The Reminder - Unless you have somehow avoided listening to TV commercials or VH1 this year, you will know her song "1234". If you like the song, you will likely enjoy this album. If you don't like the song, there is still a good chance that you will like this album. The songs are quite diverse in style and pace with upbeat pop/rock, lovely ballads, and a crazily ecstatic cover of Nina Simone's Sea Lion Woman. I find myself selecting this album on my Ipod more than I consciously would expect.

5. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away - I have heard and read mixed reviews about this album, but The Shins have received so much post "Garden State" and "Chutes Too Narrow" hype that I think it was impossible to meet the expectations for this album. Yet, I still think it is a damn fine album, and if you like their past work, you will enjoy this album too.

4. The National - Boxer - Singer Matt Beringer's baritone provides a melancholy mood, and adds additional depth to the complexity of the songs, which feature subtle layers of horns, strings, and piano. The songs are well crafted, revealing a band that is extremely comfortable with their craft and knows exactly the sound they want to create. An very rewarding album.

3. Kings of Leon - Because of the Times - This album flat out rocks. KoL picked up a few things while opening for U2's Vertigo tour. They have expanded the range of their sound, but still have the fast paced drumming and catchy guitar riffs as their previous albums. You feel like you should be drinking Jack Daniels while listening to this album. And that is a good thing.

2. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible - This album is strangely uplifting. The lyrics are full of fear and paranoia and the music loaded with tension, however, an undercurrent of jubilation and vitality runs throughout the album...kind of like a Radiohead album...

1. Radiohead - In Rainbows - This was the best five pounds I spent all year. As you have likely heard, Radiohead released this album on their own via their website. Fans were allowed to choose how much they wanted to pay for the album. Of course, new bands don't have the power or fanbase to skip the record labels and (mass) release an album on their own, but Radiohead are in a position where they no longer need the label execs. Plus, they received more advertising pulling such a "stunt" than they would have otherwise received. As intelligent as their music.