Feist
(Credit: Mary Rozzi/Interscope)
“Cryptograms” (Kranky)
Dreamy, sprawling layers of childhood repression crossed with a music nerd’s attention to details, this collection of experimental post-pop is the sound of today’s youth losing its grasp on reality, beautifully.
El-P
“I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” (Def Jux)
This terrifying, post-apocalyptic nightmare proved that hip-hop is far from dead, but the vanguard is so far ahead of the pack it sounds like something else entirely. El picked up where Nine Inch Nails left off around “The Downward Spiral,” with a degree in Public Enemy.
The Field
“From Here We Go Sublime” (Kompakt)
Lush, billowy clouds of life-affirming electronic bliss as equally versed in classic Detroit techno as the shoe-gazing genius of My Bloody Valentine. It’s a stunningly gorgeous reminder that digital music can have genuine soul.
Feist
“The Reminder” (Cherry Tree/Interscope)
What the modern singer-songwriter should sound like. Feist’s bluesy folk ruminations proved that the indie stalwart’s music is indeed for the masses. An amazing chapter in a career that is far from hitting its peak.
Jay-Z
“American Gangster” (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)
With young whippersnappers like Lil’ Wayne claiming his crown, Jay-Z calmly rebounded from ‘06’s disappointing “Kingdom Come” with a powerful blast of grown folk’s hip-hop inspired by gritty ‘70’s R&B, featuring a guest appearance from (wait for it) Lil’ Wayne. Student, meet your professor.
LCD Soundsystem
“Sound of Silver” (DFA/Capitol)
Yes, it’s on every list from here to eternity, as well it should be. James Murphy proves once again that dance music can (still) be perfectly relevant and, like, mean something.
M.I.A.
“Kala” (Interscope)
Another one that’s rightfully on countless 2007 best of lists, the queen of the killer beats sidesteps the sophomore slump with an instant world party classic.
Of Montreal
“Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?” (Polyvinyl)
Combing the Beatles, Beach Boys and Bowie, Kevin Barnes has evolved into Ziggy Stardust 2.0 with this kaleidoscopic collection of theatrical space-pop, pants optional.
St. Vincent
“Marry Me” (Beggar’s Banquet)
Like a young American Kate Bush from Texas, St. Vincent’s dense, orchestral compositions have positioned her as the indie chanteuse most likely to pull a Feist in 2008 and break through to the masses. She plays a mean guitar, too.
The White Stripes
“Icky Thump” (Warner Bros)
Are the White Stripes the last great American rock ‘n’ roll band? The dynamic duo from Detroit showed their range with this expansive album of down and dirty white-boy (and girl, of course) blues. It’s like “Led Zeppelin II” all over again.
