Don't Dream, It's Over

I like to think of "year in reviews" as funerary processions with really, really good music. 2007 saw nearly zilch in the popular- but-interesting music department - please! I was always taught never to expect anything if I didn't want to be disappointed. Either way, I kept an account of some of the best songs, albums and artists that I greatly enjoyed/discovered this past year; a very formal accounting of it, might I add: it's something I like to call "iTunes." The "Pocket Symphony" folder I created on my computer has been slowly overflowing, as well.

"Pocket Symphony!?" you ask, "Isn't that the name of the most recent Air alb...?" Yeah, yeah. Oh, you Francophiles!

Onward...

10. Alex Cortiz

It's somewhat difficult to write about an artist of whom you know almost no biographical information, gender, birthplace, influences, etc. Christ, he/she doesn't even have a Myspace page (gasp!). What Alex Cortiz does have is an album, however; a lounge album that surpasses all lounge albums. Never boring and disgustingly sensual and smooth. Not smooth jazz smooth, but smooth as in silk sheets and dark chocolate. Magnifico is a mysterious grin, a fiery stare from across the room or a weekend getaway to Brazil. It's lounge music that makes you want to do anything but lounge!

Download suggestions: "Barfly," "Glamourgirl," "My Favourite Moment"

9. Daniel Agust

I posted a review several months ago about ex-GusGus member Mr. Agust. There is not much more to say about him and his stellar album Swallowed a Star except I absolutely implore you to check it out.

From Eclectriciti:

"Delightfully dark and symphonically beautiful, Daniel Agust - ex GusGus member - takes his new album "Swallowed a Star," through fits of rapture and majesty. Punctuated with orchestral melodies, the album shines a light on a new, and exciting side of electronica."

Download Suggestions: "Nobody Else," "Sparks Will Fly," "If You Leave Me Now"

8. Veil Veil Vanish

(see last post)

From Eclectriciti:

"Perhaps one of my favourite new bands to come on the scene; post-punk, shoegazer and ultimately fabulous. Veil Veil Vanish imparts a certain darkness to the bright, sunny state from which they hail: California. Throbbing guitars, and broodingly impactful vocals by Keven Tecon."



Download suggestions: "What Will You Say Tonight," "Shadows Dripping Like Honey Kissing," "All Hands in Prayer"

7. Worm is Green

Doesn't it seem as if the world has become bedeviled by Icelandic musicians? I don't know about you, but I think this is certain. It began with Bjork, Sigur Ros and has slowly evolved into Worm is Green. Not that there is anything wrong with this, don't get me wrong. Automagic is pretty and peculiar; no sign of any glaciers with this group.

Download suggestions: "Army of Them," "Electron John"

6. Cut Copy

Interestingly enough, this group sits right above Daft Punk on my playlists. Alphabetically speaking, of course. Zing!

From Eclectriciti:

"What do you get when you mix Daft Punk and The Cure? Interestingly, you get the sharp electro band Cut Copy. "Bright Like Neon Love" is a perfect introduction for the electro neophyte. This band spices its music with hints of funk, electro and new wave, reminiscent of Daft Punk with a bit more guitar and Aussie accents."



Download suggestions: "Saturdays," "A Dream," "Hearts on Fire," "Autobahn Music Box," "Going Nowhere"

5. Studio

From Eclectriciti:

"More Swedes in the news! Presumably the most "exotic" of the bands listed, Studio is, as one individual described them, a Swedish duo who does "afro-prog -disco- yacht rock." Personally, I am unfamiliar with either term, but it is somehow befitting of the duo. I would describe this group as a harder Kula Shaker - an amalgam of African/Indian sounds and rhythms and alternative rock. At first glance, it doesn't seem like it would be appealing to you, does it? Trust me on this one. Take a ride through Studio's extrinsic exploration.

Oh, look at me. I alliterated."

Download suggestions: "West Side," "Self-Service" - "Indo"

4. Richard Hawley

Though not newly discovered this past year, Mr. Hawley released Lady's Bridge this past August - well, October for us Americans -and blew fans away once again with his consolatory melodies and deep, sonorous vocals. UK born Hawley takes his listeners through hope, gloom and even parts of Nashville with his infamous usage of the lap steel guitar. Nothing compares.

Download suggestions: "The Ocean," "Valentine," "Run For Me," "The Only Road"

3. Colder

Channeling a little bit of the breathiness of T Rex's Marc Bolan, the sizzling synths of Depeche Mode, and sexy, dub-like guitar work of The Cure and Joy Division, Colder's Marc Nguyen Tan - a native of France - is a graphic designer turned DJ/musician (not to mention famously remixing "Clean" on Depeche Mode's Singles 81-04 album). His music is nothing less than arousing and has clean, sensuous rhythm for days. Great for the post-punk crowds and just as good for electroheads.

Download suggestions: "To The Music," "Silicone Sexy," "Tonight"

2. Air

Speaking of Air, I just...sort of decided to put their album Pocket Symphony at numero due on my list. Kidding. I actually really adored this album, and if I may be so audacious, think it is perhaps their best. I was very much tickled at the fact that legendary Jarvis Cocker fronted "One Hell of a Party," and found their instrumentals ("Space Maker," specifically) to be some of the most simply magnificent pieces the French duo have thought up. I will always be a fan of Air, and I am sure millions can say the same, as well.

Download suggestions: "Once Upon a Time," Space Maker," "Playground Love," "Run"

1. Dave Gahan

I know you know. I do. I know you know that I was going to make Dave Gahan's Hourglass number one on this list. Sure. I must admit to you all now, though: I swear I didn't do it because it's Dave Gahan - the almighty Dave Gahan for whom I stood on-line for 10 hours for with no sleep prior just to meet; for whom I spent countless dollars on concert tickets, and CDs to see the group with which he performs (well, they happen to be my favourite); for whom I...well, wait. I'm not doing too well on this "just because he's Dave Gahan" case of mine, am I? Well, regardless of what you may think, this album was my most revered, and with good reason, too. Gahan created tracks that would make Gore or Wilder jealous. Dark, depraved and often times literally beautiful, Hourglass is everything a Dave Gahan album should be; everything we expected of him. "Miracles," I tell ya. Miracles.

Download suggestions: "Kingdom," "Deeper and Deeper," "Miracles," "Use You," "Saw Something"