Lynne Kiesling
2007 was the best music year I’ve had in a very, very long time. From a nostalgia perspective, you could argue that it’s the best year I’ve had in 24 years, because that was the last time I saw The Police play live, and in 2007 I saw them live again, several times. And they rocked. I’m very glad I saw them indoors, because while seeing them at Wrigley was wonderful and emotionally meaningful for me for several reasons (with some of my favorite people, walking distance from my house, Wrigley!, Stewart in a Cubs jersey), but I really loved the energy and vibe of the indoor shows, for a lot of reasons.
But 2007 was also a good year for new music. Two radio stations that play music to my taste do end-of-year countdowns: WOXY and KEXP in Seattle. My favorite album of the year was Boxer, by The National. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Well-composed music, lovely bass-voiced lead singer, intelligent but not ponderous lyrics, really fun and high quality live show. Boxer was also #1 on WOXY’s list and #3 on KEXP’s list (as well as being the favorite of my favorite bartender at my favorite local watering hole, and I love being able to go in there and talk tunes with him!).
Both countdowns also listed Feist high up, but I honestly couldn’t get as into her as I wanted to. Perhaps I need to revisit the CD. Same with Amy Winehouse, although I didn’t buy her CD.
Other stuff I bought in 2007 that I really love:
- Stewart Copeland, The Stewart Copeland Anthology
- Interpol, Our Love to Admire
- LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver
- Editors, An End Has a Start
- Hot Hot Heat, Happiness LTD.
- Manu Chao, La Radiolina
And other stuff that escapes my memory at the moment.
The single song that I enjoy the most from 2007, the one that I sing at the top of my lungs irrepressibly whenever I hear it, is “Let Me In” from Hot Hot Heat. They were also a fun live show.
The two bands that I didn’t explore in 2007 that I intend to in 2008 are Okkervil River and Gogol Bordello. Also St. Vincent; she opened for The National and was really impressive.
Time for more great music in 2008! What did you like in 2007?