SFist Spencer's Top 15 Albums of 2007

15. Cary Brothers, "Who You Are":
I likened his latest effort to the perfect mix-tape; the reason being, is that in each song Cary Brothers has recreated the complexities of a relationship in his music through the use of well-rhymed lyrics, orchestrations and melodies. For me, it's usually the music that I connect with instantly, while the lyrics are an afterthought but Brother's lyrics stuck. Each song was created for a different stage in my "relationship" life.

14. Abra Moore, "On The Way":
I have been a fan since I was 15. This year, I was able to interview her for Phillyist and basically got my own private performance at her concert in Philadephia - one of the best nights of my life. Abra was so sweet, genuine and ridiculously talented. It also helped that I completely fell in love with her gentle folk album, On the Way.

13. Brandi Carlile, "The Story":
Wow. All I can say is wow. Brandi Carlile's voice is powerful, raw and very, very real. She kicks ass at performing and is a favorite at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. The juxtaposition of the lush cello accompaniment versus her raw vocals in her 2006 version of "Tragedy" sold me as a fan. The Story is emblazoned with Carlile's incredible talent that it seems that most music critics overlooked. I can't.

12. Beirut, "The Flying Club Cup":
Now I didn't really have too much of an emotional connection with this album except the fact I couldn't get the quirky gypsy-circus music out of my head. It became intoxicating for me; I couldn't get enough. After reading Sfist Emily's excellent interview with front man, Jason Poranski, I was hooked. Mostly, I'm pissed that I missed those two shows at Herbst Theatre. I won't miss the next time Beirut's in town.

11. Feist, "The Reminder":
She just makes me happy. I can't help it when I listen to her latest album, "The Reminder," though I would like to turn it into an EP with only six songs; only six. I never got sick of hearing "1234" on my iPod and for the months of October and November, it was on constant repeat. Out of all her songs, I love the Postal Service's remix of "Mushaboom" the most. I wasn't fortunate enough to see her live this year but will make it a high priority the next time she's in San Francisco.

10. Aqualung, "Memory Man":
The perfect mix between acoustic and electronic gave way to Matt Hale's creation of one world: a mix between futuristic space and relationship studies. I instantly responded to the ornate orchestrations with unorthodox sounds pitting itself against a piano and/or acoustic guitar. I heard brilliance in "The Lake" which instantly became one of the most listened tunes on my iPod. The haunting stripped-down melody at the beginning leads into the gorgeous chorus: a choral arrangement of beauty and insight. At once "Memory Man" was burned into my memory.

9. Arcade Fire, "Neon Bible":
By far, the best concert I have ever been to. It was, literally, mind-boggling. I have to confess that I wasn't a super-fan before walking into the doors of The Tower Theatre. Walking out, I was converted to the new Neon Bible religion. I finally understood the hype and genius of Arcade Fire. It was true. For those two hours I felt like I was actually apart of something bigger and better. After, of course, I couldn't stop playing their record.

8. Great Northern, "Trading Twilight for Daylight":
By now, there's no way ignoring Great Northern's debut release. They were in San Francisco several times, performing at Popscene earlier in the year and then recently at The Independent. They were listed #1 on Aaron Axelson's Top 10 of the year and featured on several other lists as well. Though the live show wasn't our favorite, we can't resist the catchy pop-hooks and Rachel Stolte's breathy vocals. Most records I tend to skip a few tracks, but this album every track has a well-deserved spot.

7. The Kin, "Rise & Fall":
Unexpected, unconventional and utterly amazing. The two brothers from Australia blew me away when, by chance, I checked out their show at World Cafe Live. The flawless blend between their vocals and the unconventional, organic-sounding drums was the perfect fit. When they came to San Francisco, I met them after the show and not only were they incredibly nice but completely genuine.

6. Ingrid Michaelson, "Girls & Boys":
I first heard Ingrid Michaelson's song, "Corner of Your Heart" on the season three finale of my favorite TV show, Grey's Anatomy. It was then, I knew, that her upcoming release, Girls & Boys would be one of my favorites. Disregarding the huge love affair I had between Michaelson and Grey's Anatomy, I fell in love with her clear and gorgeous vocal abilities and the intimacy portrayed in her music which she carried through to her live performance at the Fillmore. I congratulate Michaelson's ability to be successful without the aid of big-time record companies. I'll be watching to see what comes next.

5. Kate Havnevik, "Melankton":
Another Grey's Anatomy favorite (she's been featured a record six times), Kate Havnevik wrote "Unlike Me" for the season two finale. Continually being likened to Imogen Heap, this Icelandic beauty, is still completely unique and breathtaking (as a person and musician). Her luscious string soundscape against the edgy electronic sounds proved to be particularly alluring. I fell in love with "Timeless" and "New Day" and am looking forward to her next album as well. The live version of "Unlike Me" was absolutely breathtaking. A unique gem.

4. Duncan Sheik & Steven Sater, "Spring Awakening: The Original Broadway Cast Recording":
Though this officially came out in the middle of December 2006, we are adding it to our 2007 list because it played a big part in our "music" life this year. When we saw it in previews, I was blown away by the music and singers; they were young and fresh. We weren't completely bawled over by the plot's interplay between past and present and the direction but it didn't matter. Over the past year, I quickly learned every word to every song especially the vibrant, "The Song of Purple Summer." The music spoke to me (and apparently everyone else since it won the Tony for Best Musical this year). Look for it when it plays in San Francisco next fall and I'll see if I change my mind about the show when I see it again, with a new perspective, in NYC this February.

3. The Swell Season, "Once: Original Movie Soundtrack":
"If you want me/Satisfy me," sings Marketa Irglova in Once, the recently released motion picture film that featured Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglová, known as The Swell Season. After reading Sfist Krissy's descriptive review we knew we had to see it. Time passed, the CD was a distant memory and I quickly forgot. Last week, the film was released onto DVD and ended up in my Netflix queue. I sat down to watch just a few minutes while I ate dinner - two hours later, I was hooked. Since that moment, no other CD has been playing, not even Christmas music. Between the driving 5/4 time signature in "When Your Mind's Made Up" to the emotional discovery in "If You Want Me," these two musicians have been able to capture emotional truth without any pretense. I'm just kicking myself I didn't see this sooner.

2. Sara Bareilles, "Little Voice":
The best new voice of 2007. Period. Prior to the Aqualung show in February, I had never heard of Sara Bareilles. She opened her mouth and sang like an angel. I was completely mesmerized the entire thirty minute set. After she sang, "Gravity" - my favorite song of 2007 - I knew I had to find more about her. The next day I contacted her press agent and I was on the phone interviewing Bareilles for Phillyist. Lucky for me, the day after I moved to the Bay Area, she was co-headlining at the Great American Music Hall with Jon McLaughlin. She was able to play a longer set and this time with a full band. Now, this concert I knew every song off her newest record. The album is filled with several note-worthy songs including my second favorite, "Between the Lines" (though I haven't heard that live, yet). 42 days till her next concert in San Francisco. I'll be there.

1. Eskimo Joe, "Black Fingernails, Red Wine":
Back in September I reviewed Eskimo Joe's new CD and said, "Hands down, one of the best CD's of 2007." I'd like to change that quote to: "Hands down, the best CD of 2007." With long instrumental choruses, Eskimo Joe, is not afraid of creating a story instrumentally. This is why their music works. It's not just about the lyrics - each instrumental part is essential to creating the ultimate picture. We still think this Australian band is underplayed in America and seemingly missed by all of the major "Top Albums of 2007" lists, but that's okay. With the top spot in my iTunes' "Play Count" list, there is a reason: Eskimo Joe kicks some major ass.

Honorable Mentions:
Radiohead, "In Rainbows"
Barcelona, "Absolutes"
Oslo, "The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate"
Andrew Bird, "Armchair Apocrypha"
Mae, "Singularity"

All photos courtesy of amazon.com