My Year in Music (2007)

It's been a pretty good year for music, though I have not gotten out to see live music as much as I have in past years. Here's to hitting the road more in 2008, and learning about new music as readily as I have in '07.

Favorite Albums of 2007:
1. Wilco-Sky Blue Sky
Glad that they went back to the more alt-country side of things, though I DO like the noise jam/spacey stuff as well.

2. Radiohead- In Rainbows (for the music and the marketing)
Just genius from conception. I remember when their guitarist, Jonny Greenwood announced "We're finished recording the album, now we have to figure out what to do with it." They had no label at the time, and I thought-"Wow, what a position to be in (if you are Radiohead)." What a marketing move, and what an album to back it up. Arguably their best, but can't really beat out OK Computer, for me, due to nostalgia.

3. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss- Raising Sand
Some really smooth, soothing stuff. Plant in a relaxed setting along with one of the most beautiful voices around. A great pairing.

4. Feist- The Reminder
Solid album, sharp voice, interesting sounds.

5. Editors- The Back Room (released in 2005, but found it this year.)
These guys really bring it on this album. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to it this year-one of those "from beginning to end" albums.

Favorite Shows of 2007:
1. Tea Leaf Green | 8/17/07 | Malibu Inn | Malibu, CA
Last show w/ Ben. Ben's custom mike stand. Invasion>POGL (for the last time w/ Ben for me) & the Reservoir I called for. My whole family was there as well, and they had a great time (as they always do, but this was all of their first FULL TLG show!)

2. Rose Hill Drive | 4/19/07 | Smith's Old Bar | Atlanta, GA
Rock 'n' fucking Roll. These guys put on a hell of a show.

3. Dave Matthews Band/Allman Brothers | 9/8/07 | Piedmont Park | Atlanta, GA
Say what you want about DMB, but the Allman Bros. w/ Warren and good friends & girlfriend in the Park for some beers and good times! DMB put on a great show as well I thought.

4. The Trainwreks | 8/3/07 | Rafters | St. Simon's Island, GA
size=9]Was in town for a wedding, and we all went out after the rehearsal dinner. Great band, lap steel guitar, good times.

5. Tea Leaf Green | 1/13/07 | The Social | Orlando, FL
This was a one set opening gig for a reggae band that was booked last minute after the Galactic cancellation. The boys played one of the most high-energy sets I had seen in a while and really got the unexpecting crowd into it.

Some Favorite Songs in 2007:
Band of Horses-Is There a Ghost?
Amy Winehouse- You Know I'm No Good
Spoon-Cherry Bomb (Alternate Version)
Ray LaMontagne- How Come
Radiohead- 15 Steps
Wilco- Impossible Germany
Editors- Lights
Tea Leaf Green- Forgiven, Doin' It Over and Over Again, Slept Through Sunday
Trevor Garrod- Where the Forest Was