We realize that you've probably seen far too many "Best and Worst" of 2007 lists and "What to Look For in 2008" by now, but in an effort to be really hip, here is a list of who your very own Vermont Cynic considers some of the best and worst musical acts of '07… and who to keep an eye out for in '08.
Graduation, Kanye West Who would have thought to sample 70's German krautrock band Can on a hip hop album? Kanye mixes some of the most unexpected tracks with his innovative style. Graduation is proof that Kanye is more than willing to work outside the boundaries that his hip hop contemporaries have so rigidly safeguarded.
The Reminder, Feist Not all of us are for the spill-your-heart-out-in-a-song-whose-lyrics-may-very-well-be-from-a-diary-entry but Feist's The Reminder has a little something for even the most unexpected indie rock listener. A guitar and a wholly beautiful voice, The Reminder serves as, err, reminder that anyone who ever said chicks can't rock should probably shove it.
Person Pitch, Panda Bear Picture this: watching the perfect sunrise in a foreign country - preferably Portugal, home to Person Pitch's Noah Lennox aka Panda Bear. That's what this album sounds like and we think that's pretty good. Panda Bear - also member of experimental rock group Animal Collective - has created an album of epically stellar proportions.
Kala, M.I.A. Okay, so, if you've read almost any best-albums-of-2007 lists then you've definitely come across this one. But, hopefully you already own it - or have at least heard it. There are a lot of us who can't stand those overly political song lyrics, but Kala is so badass that that probably won't even faze you.
In Rainbows, Radiohead Not to be a broken record but if you've read almost any best-albums-of-2007 lists then you've definitely come across this one. Sorry, but it's true. We're pretty convinced at this point that Radiohead just won't let us down. In Rainbows rules.
And the WORST SINGLES: "This is Why I'm Hot" - Mims You know, it really sucks when an MC raps over one of the better beats of the year but then lands himself on the All-Knowing Vermont Cynic's Worst Singles of 2007. And you know why he screwed himself over? Well, it happened when he started singing: "this is why I'm hot/ this is why I'm hot/ this is why, this is why, this is why I'm hot." Seriously, this is why you're not.
"Bubbly" - Colbie Caillat Where Feist succeeded in creating an album in which she spills her guts in an unmushy sort of way, Colbie Caillat has failed. Miserably. At least the guitar chords are pretty. Sort of.
"Party Like a Rock Star" - Shop Boyz As bad as this one might be, "Party Like a Rock Star" is actually kind of funny. The best part is when they shout out "t-t-totally duuuude!" - but we're pretty sure the Shop Boyz weren't going for any sort of comedic value. Oh, and - if we hear one more "Party Like a Rock Star" ringtone, we're not really sure what's going to happen to us.
"Rockstar" - Nickelback "I want a new tour bus full of old guitars/ My own star on Hollywood Boulevard/ Somewhere between Cher and/ James Dean is fine for me." Dream big, Nickelback.
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