33 and a 1/3

Here are albums 15-11 of Big Ell's Top 20 for 2007. Click here to peruse 16-20.


15. Tones of Towns by Field Music (Memphis Industries)

If you haven't guessed it I am not a big fan of pop music. I usually avoid it but can certainly appreciate good pop music when it hits me int he ears. Field Music make great pop music in the vein of the Beach Boys and not the Backstreet Boys. This album is full of the great harmonies, interesting vocal and some ELO like organ to get the kids dancing. This album should be far more popular than it is, buy it damn it!
Best Tracks: Give it Lose it Take it, Tones of Towns, She Can do What She Wants

She Can Do What She Wants by Field Music


14. From Beale Street to Oblivion by Clutch (DRT)

I've tried listening to Clutch before but had a hard time getting into them. Not sure why but probably because I am dumb. I figured they were just another in a long line of boring grunge/metal/alternative bands kind of like the Foo Fighters. I don’t remember why I picked up this album but it is solid from start to finish. The Deep Purple/Nazareth style riffs that were a pleasant surprise and kick ass. Lead singer Neil Fallon is also a revelation with his growling and screaming. I hear some Kyuss and Soundgarden throughout which is always a good thing.
Best Tracks: You Can’t Stop Progress, Power Player, Electric Worry and Mr. Shiny Cadillackness
Electric Worry by Clutch



13. Sound Of Silver by LCD Soundsystem (DFA)

James Murphy and DFA are super cool and have the samples and album collections to prove it. James Murphy is like that guy you knew in college who talked about art theory, played experimental techno and was skinnier than a whippet while wearing an ironic cowboy shirt. He probably had his own show or worked at the cool indy record store, deridng the losers from Epitaph while worrying that the bands on killrockstars will sell out. Oh how I miss college. This is a great album by the LCD Soundsystem but it pales in comparison with their self titled debut. That always happens on every second album, well that is what Mr. Ironic Cowboy Shirt woudl have you believe.
Best Tracks: Get Innocuous, North American Scum, Watch the Tapes

North American Scum by LCD Soundsystem


12. Because Of The Times by Kings Of Leon (RCA)

Contrary to popular belief the Kings of Leon are not the greatest band in the world. The Followill brothers are maturing but haven't managed to put together a solid album from start to finish. Most of the tracks are merely decent but its true value comes from the handful of excellent singles contained within. One such example is Knocked Up which is an excellent song a great haunting melody and incredible vocals by Caleb Followill. I also really dig On Call and Ragoo with their groovy little licks. The song Fans was the Kings Of Leon’s first big hit and is a great single. I hope the boys from Nashville can keep it up.
Best Tracks: Knocked Up, On Call, Ragoo and Fans

Knocked Up by Kings of Leon


11. Ire Works by The Dillinger Escape Plan (Relapse Records)

There aren’t many bands making music like the Dillinger Escape Plan. They mix metal, hardcore, punk, post punk and jazz breaks with finesse, precision, aggression and creativity. The album starts out with the manic ferocity of their older albums but takes a dramatic shift with Black Bubblegum and its falsetto vocals and arena rock chorus much like Mike Patton and Faith No More. The album really starts rolling half way through with Nong Eye Gong. If you are interested in listening to some creative and original, look no further than the Dillinger Escape Plan.
Best Tracks: Black Bubblegum, Sick on Sunday, Nong Eye Gong, Milk Lizard

Black Bubblegum by Dillinger Escape Plan