Best, Faves, Whatever

Just a bit of catching up to do:

FAVE CD'S OF 2007

1) Radiohead-In Rainbows
I love this band more than words can describe. In Rainbows gives you everything that is perfect and wonderful about Radiohead. Amazing singing and songwriting and it just sounds like they are having a fun time playing these songs. Even the tunes with a darker edge to them are so full of warmth and humanity that you can't help falling in love with them. I really believe that this may end up being the album of the decade when all is said and done.

2) Arctic Monkeys--Favorite Worst Nightmare
Would have been number one if Radiohead hadn't released theirs. While retaining everything that made their debut so great, Arctic Monkeys have moved forward in both their songwriting and their musicianship...although you probably shouldn't tell them that since they seem to still enjoy their "we're just a bunch of lads playing tunes" personae.

3) Nine Inch Nails--Year Zero
The beginning of the end as told by Trent Reznor. Perfect for the Bush era we are trapped inside.

4) Three Way Tie between:
Idlewild--Make Another World
Interpol--Our Love To Admire
Once original soundtrack

Interpol really impressed me with this new cd; they sound more relaxed and it helps them seem warmer as well. The songs on Once technically came out earlier than this cd, but cut me some slack. The emotion behind the melodies continues to draw me in. Idlewild just rock.

5) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club--Baby 81
A great return to the rock.

6) PJ Harvey--White Chalk
A perfect piece of timeless music taken from the ether circa pre-Victorian England via a fever dream.

7) LCD Soundsystem--Sound Of Silver
Dance dammitt.

8) The Hives--Black and White Album
Dance with Swedes, dammitt.

random mention of single that I'm surprised I like:
Death Cab For Cutie's "I Will Follow You Into The Dark." It's from an album that came out a couple of years ago, but the lone decent station I get to come in back in receiving plays this one a lot. A really well written song about committing to someone to the point of offering to go with them into the dark if "heaven and hell decide that they both are satisfied, illuminate the 'no' on their vacancy signs..." Simple and beautiful without being too precious.

FAVES ON TV:
I won't do like last year and run though subcategories. And, since most of what I liked last year came back this season, I'll just quickly mention some new cool shows.

1) Pushing Daisies
2) Chuck
3) Top Gear--this has been running in Britain for a few years now, but just recently began appearing on BBC America. I can't believe I get so much enjoyment from a CAR show of all things!! The three hosts are a riot and it is fun to watch famous Brits attempt to get a good time on the track in the "Famous Celebrity in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment. Plus, they played soccer with cars in one episode.

Whoosh. Next time it's favorite movies. I'm waiting till I see Sweeney Todd tomorrow and Atonement on Sunday. Tra la till then!