The Best Albums of 2007

It's list time again. Actually, it's probably past list time already, but my list is ready now, so now is when you get it. Like last year's list, this is in no particular order.

Wincing the Night Away by The Shins
I finished last years list by saying I expected the Shins' new album to be a mainstay of my listening for the upcoming year and indeed it was. My brother reminded me to make sure I included the album in the list because he was concerned that I had forgotten it was actually released in 2007. I didn't forget that fact nor would I let the little fact of a release date get in my way.

Reggae Hit L.A. by The Aggrolites
High energy ska/reggae and one of the best live shows I saw this year. It's clear that these guys love the music they're playing and they know the roots of the music well.

Lightning Dust by Lightning Dust
A side project by two members of Black Mountain. Amber Webber's voice haunts me.

Cease to Begin by Band of Horses
When I first heard this album I didn't think I liked it as much as Everything All The Time, my favourite album of last year. I wasn't sure if I even liked it at all. However, maybe it's just iPod laziness, but I find myself listening to it again and again.

100 Days, 100 Nights by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Do you like good music, that sweet soul music? Well, cats, this is the real deal.

Street Gospels by Bedouin Soundclash
A friend of mine wrote the band off as a little too college, but I like them. And maybe this album is a little too religified, but I like it as well.

The Shepherd's Dog by Iron & Wine
This is alt-country meets Ali Farka Toure. At least that's what it sounds like to me. The song Resurrection Fern is brilliant.

Gulag Orkestar by Beirut
This album came out in May '06? Whatever, I didn't hear it until early in '07. It makes me feel lost in an Eastern European carnival, which isn't a bad place to get lost, really.

Calligraffiti by Grand Analog
Honestly, I haven't even heard the majority of this album. But no matter, because the song Around This Town is super-awesome enough to merit a spot on the list.

Si, Para Usted: The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba by Various Artists
It's Cuban, it's revolutionary, and yes, it's funky. What's not to like?

Writer's Block by Peter Bjorn & John
Another 2006 release that I didn't hear until 2007 (I'm with it, just not that with it.) Just try and get the whistling part from Young Folks out of your head.

Ongiara by Great Lake Swimmers
My mancrush on Tony Dekker aside, this is a damn good album. It was my introduction to the band and spurred me to get their prior two albums; all three of them got a lot of my listening time in 2007. If I sort my iTunes list by play count, Great Lake Swimmers is at the top...against music that has been in there much longer. I know I said this list was in no order, but this was, hands down, my favourite album of the year. And it, along with the others, along with any new albums he may yet release, will be my among favourites in time to come. Sorry, I've apparently gone all fan-boy.

That's the list or at least that's all I can think of right now. But here are some honourable mentions:
Postcards & Daydreaming by Dan Mangan
La Radiolina by Manu Chao
Oh, My Darling by Basia Bulat
Skelliconnection by Chad VanGaalen
Studio One Rub-A-Dub by Various Artists
Dynamite Dancehall Style by Various Artists

A bunch of others too. It was a good year for music. But then, aren't they all? If you think I've left anything out (and I know you do, Pete, Sparky...) feel free to comment.