Songs I Like in 2007, Part I

I tried doing this last year but gave up after getting a C&D for a contraband file. C'est la vie du blogeur, I guess. I've been more careful about what I share, but even this list isn't the way I would want it. For one, LCD Soundsystem should really have something here and I'd rather post a different Andrew Bird track.

1. Kiss Kiss - Machines [mp3]
One of the newest bands I'm most excited about is Kiss Kiss thanks to their solid debut Reality Vs. The Optimist. "Machines" showcases a sliver of the variety this young band can accomplish. Even if none of the individual elements seem altogether original, the way they come together keeps me listening. We caught them at Knitting Factory last week and they blew our ear drums away. A big chaotic sound, they need to be playing bigger rooms with a large passionate crowd. Lots of strings and a Balkaneque time signature infiltrate much of their songs.

2. Hutch & Kathy - A Minutes Decision [mp3]
What if The Thermals sounded like a folk band? Imagine Hutch without the distortion and hand him a harmonica. Well, they were. Back in the day, [post-9/11], [2002 to be exact], Hutch and Kathy released Hutch & Kathy. If you're a fan of their later incarnation, I recommend tracking down this release. While simplistic at times, it's a catchy little collection and stands on it's own.

3. Menomena - Boyscout'n [mp3]
I wonder if the whistles in this song are canned. I like whistling. Andrew Bird is on this list somewhere too. Oh there he is. Number 6. No whistling in that song though. It's all here in this Menomena gem.

4. Ghost Stories - Secret Life of the Union Part I [mp3]
These ghost stories aren't very scary. They're the Casper of ghost stories. This is a sweet song composed of soft vocals, bouncy guitars, hand claps, and glockenspiel. BOO!

5. Cloud Cult - Pretty Voice [mp3]
Sure Cloud Cult's latest release lacks the killer opening six tracks that kicked Happy Hippo over nearly every other release in 2005, but this is still a great album. Craig Minowa has a pretty voice. I think he named it after hearing his own voice.

6. Andrew Bird - Heretics [mp3]
I really wanted to post a different song off this release, but here's the sanctioned track anyway. Labels do that because leaks really kill album sales, especially if you're playing MSG like Mr. Bird here. Anyway, this track is pretty good. It's better than at least 85% of the songs I listen to. Damn pestering publicists.

7. Future Clouds and Radar - Drugstore Bust [mp3]
This song came to me via a publicist. But for once it didn't suck. It's catchy as all hell, like that "That Thing You Do Song" song, but this one sounds a bit like Elvis Costello.

8. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Emily Jean Stock [mp3]
I don't understand what the title means. I never do with this band. Did they read some graffiti on the wall in the recording studio? Speaking of song titles and recording studios, I'm pissed off "Graceful Retreat" was renamed "Some Loud Thunder" and then Alec made it sound like I own $1 earphones. WTF Alec? "Emily Jean Stock" is the first song on the album that sounds like it was recorded on some actual equipment, even if I had to rename it in iTunes as "Non-Binding Resolution #1." Makes more sense.

9. Of Montreal - Requiem for O.M.M. 2 [United State of Electronica Remix] [mp3]
I love United State of Electronica and everything they touch. This song was a useful gateway into Of Montreal. U.S.E. still brings the hardier partier crowd.

10. Amon Tobin - Esther's [Yousendit]
This song kicks ass. It makes me want to heist a bank, but not your local credit union... one of those skyscraper banks in the movies with the vault on the 65th floor. This is what I'd hear as I repelled down the black glass surface.