Media Review

Emotional Punk - Top Ten 2007
Heather Galbraith

I would never be so presumptuous to call this list “The BEST of 2007”; I mean have I listened to EVERY album released this year? No. These albums are simply the CDs that I personally could not have lived without this past year. The genres vary so I find it difficult to “rank” them therefore the “ranking” is kind of arbitrary until you reach the top 3. I hope y’all have a fantastic holiday season, see you in 2008!


10.) The Dear Hunter - Act II - The Meaning of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading – I just (very) recently got my hands on this CD which greatly saddens me since it was release in May! I have not been able to have the whole album sink in yet, but from what I have grasped thus far this album is a kaleidoscope sounds that merge seamlessly into tracks that are comparable to musical poetry. I am sure my appreciation for this album will only continue to develop over the next few weeks.


9.) Circa Survive – On Letting Go – No other album this year helped me drift, dream and disconnect like On Letting Go. There is something eerie and strangely reassuring rooted in all the tracks on this album. If I feel think having some deeper than myself thoughts I throw this record on and completely space out, not many albums can produce such glorious detachment.


8.) Minus The Bear – Planet Of Ice – Forget Mozart! This CD was my musical companion to multiple study sessions this year. It was almost as if I hoped the intellect on this album would somehow transfer into my brain and reconstruct the firing of ineffective synapses. I cannot say my grades necessary correlate with my enjoyment of this album but I can contend this release is incredibly smart.


7.) Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World For Tomorrow – I have been a Coheed fan for awhile and I just can’t get enough of this band. In many ways they can do no wrong in my eyes. C&C can always get my blood pumping and I love that they continue to playfully push limits and tweak their sound. Regardless of your take on where this album falls within the epic story Sanchez has created, No World For Tomorrow showcases amazing guitar work, Sanchez’s signature vocals and perfectly unites pop and progressive rock. I am truly sad this leg of C&C journey has come to an end.


6.) The Starting Line – Direction – “AWwww Break Down!” Every time I here that first line of “Direction” my spirits instantly rise and rocking-out ensues. What is it about a good pop-punk album? Its like you can’t fight it- the songs are just so infectious. TSL hit us with their most mature album to date this year. It’s an album filled with huge choruses, high-energy and positivity that also displays Kenny Vasoli’s growth as a songwriter. I just want to pitch TSL’s cheeks and give them the “I remember when you were this big” look- but they would probably hate that.


5.) Tegan & Sara – The Con – The twins from Canada have out done themselves. The Con was a huge surprise for me this year. The songs are powerful, emotional and raw. I was never a huge fan of Tegan and Sara however I have gained a new appreciation for the duo with this release. I don’t know if it was the influence of Christopher Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) or the fact that the Quin’s continue to mature and push their sound to new levels but something clicked for me. I can now fully declare I am a Tegan and Sara fan and the girls aren’t conning anyone with this album.


4.) Kenna – Make Sure They See My Face - Sometimes I just wanna dance… I was psychotically obsessed with Kenna’s snyth-pop 2003 release New Sacred Cow. I feverishly awaited a follow-up and years came and went with nothing. When I heard MSTSMF was going to be released this year I pre-ordered it months in advance. Although I did not take to this album as fast as I did New Sacred Cow, I still think Kenna is one of the most underrated musical talents out there. I can’t help but blast this album in my car poppin’ my shoulders the whole time. So if you foolishly think Ethiopia only produces long distance runners be prepared to adjust your thinking.


3.) The Honorary Title- Scream & Light Up The Sky – I reviewed this album this year so if you desire for a long-winded rationale of why I enjoyed this release feel free to read it. In short, sincere/introspective lyrics, beautiful blending of instruments and fantastically haunting lead vocals. Thanks THT.


2.) Say Anything- In Defense of a Genre – 2 discs, 20+ guest appearances, and sounds that range from a Broadway musical to head bobbin hip-hop this release literally has a little something for everyone. Max Bemis’s crude, introspective and over-exposing style of song writing is a personal favorite. He is willing to put it all out there with no apologies which I love. This ambitious double disc release is not only impressive because of the synthesis of sounds and sheer number of (good) tracks; but also because it displays the band’s utter devotion to overcome personal obstacles / setbacks by its completion. SA is not only defending the genre but transcending the genre. They are pushing expectations of the genre to new heights and forcing naysayers take notice.


1.) Dear and the Headlights- Small Steps, Heavy Hooves – This album has been in my car all year. I simply don’t grow tired of it. It doesn’t matter my mood, or my destination, or the time of day there is always a track on this CD that provides the perfect soundtrack. The band’s talent is not limited to one particular “type” of music, DATH dances in and out of various genres (rock, folk, pop, indie) with effortless ease. I am not ashamed to say that the emotion embedded within this album has engendered tears, smiles, personal reflection and violent toe-tapping. DATH music is rich, full and intelligently constructed (if you haven’t caught on GO GET THIS CD!) furthermore, I was fortunate to catch DATH this year live and the performance only enhanced my growing admiration for the band. They are my #1 of 2007 without a second thought!

Honorable Mention:

Steel Train – Trampoline
Maritime - Heresy And The Hotel Choir
An Angle - The Truth Is That You Are Alive
John Ralston - Sorry Vampire
Emery – I’m Only A Man
The Academy Is… - Santi
Sherwood – A Different Light

reviewed by Dave Giumara