TOP 3 RECORDS OF 2007

Subtle - For Hero: For Fool – (Lex)
After a stunning series of 12” and an absolutely beautiful debut album, A New White, Subtle overcame a series of misfortunes, including a tour van accident that left band member Dax Pierson paralyzed, to release this sophomore album.  Combining hip-hop, electronic, rock and even elements of jazz, For Hero: For Fool, is where it all musically comes together with Dose One’s abstract poetry to make the most challenging and brilliant album of the 2006.

The Tragically Hip - World Container – (Universal)
In a year of forgettable hipster bands not many noticed that The Hip released their best and most straight-forward album in years.  World Container is instantly memorable, with catchy melodies and smart, self-aware lyrics that are miles ahead of most bands.  Yet in the race to be "indie-r than thou" this one was ignored by the blogs and the other tastemakers who only want to be ahead of the crowd.

Cadence Weapon – Breaking Kayfabe – (Upper Class)
Although it technically came out late in 2005 this album wasn’t known to me until it became an unlikely chart champion here at CFUV in January.  It hasn’t left my CD player since.  Breaking Kayfabe is the best, most promising debut album of the year and simultaneously the best hip-hop record of ’06 because of his excellent wordplay, the in-your-face references to his hometown of Edmonton and the wonderful beats that are more than the usual hip-hop fare.  (Big kudos for the Silent Hill sample as well!)

MOST UNDER-RATED RECORDS OF 2007

The Drones – Gala Mill – (ATP)
On this album from this Aussie combo the expand the rockin’ bluesy swagger of their 2005 release (Wait Long By The River and The Bodies Of Your Enemies Will Float By) into a more concise, cohesive collection of songs that are danged impressive.

MOST OVER-RATED RECORD OF 2007

The Knife – Silent Shout – (Mute)
You’ve been fooled, hipsters!

BEST LOCAL RELEASE OF 2007

Various – Aaargh! Annual Year One – (Aaargh!)
Since it’s hard to pick only one local band with the wealth of great music this city has to offer, I think this compilation best speaks to the quality of musicians in this city, featuring tracks by Run Chico
Fiona from The DronesRun, Away Ri’o, Himalayan Bear, Immaculate Machine and many more that make Victoria an underrated music scene.

BEST PERSONAL C/C RADIO MOMENT OF 2007.

In-studio performances by Julie Doiron, Shotgun & Jaybird, Andre Ethier and Kinski gave me the fuzzy feeling that only campus radio can give but the highlight of the year for me was catching an impromptu performance by David Cross during CMJ week in New York in November.  That man is a genius.

MOST ANTICIPATED RECORD FOR 2008

The new Why? record is tops on my list.  Elephant Eyelash was one of the best records of 2005 and I’ve been salivating for new stuff ever since.  Check out his remix of Danielson’s “Did I Step On Your Trumpet” for only a hint of the twisted pop genius that this man possesses.