Sputnikmusic - Staff Picks: Top 50 Albums Of 2007

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/bestof2007

Individual Lists

Jom

Lewis Parry

Dan Katz

Joe Katz

Tyler Fisher

Nick Butler

Andrew Hartwig

Nick Greer

Chris Jackson

Jens Classen

Jared W. Dillon

Derek McArthur

Louis Arp

Daniel Incognito

An eclectic journey through 2007 based on staff consensus.

Lindsey Boullt

Composition

What do you get when you take a San Franciscan guitar teacher, Jerry Goodman from The Mahavishnu Orchestra, and some of the

strongest session musicians together in a studio? Essentially, Mahavishnu for the 21st century. Boullt sounds like a new and improved

John McLaughlin with metal influences. Even while maintaining a rather unknown persona, Boullt nearly received some Grammy

nominations, and proves that guitar virtuosos can compose too. He shreds better than almost anyone in the business, but in

moderation, letting some of his melodies and other musicians on the recordings shine. A certain surprise for the year. --Tyler Fisher

The Fall of Troy

Manipulator

A lot of people complained about this album. For many, it was one of the most anticipated releases of early 2007.The echoes of the

incredible guitar lines found on 'Doppelganger' still ringed in everyones head, and people were craving for more of that kind. But the

audience was disappointed when they got served something different. Most of the songs are not that fast and crazy anymore. More

settled and subtle if you want to call it that way. I have to confess, I thought the same way too. But the album began to sink in,

and it turned out to be an absolute grower. In fact, I now think that the album overall is much more consistent and thought through

than 'Doppelganger' was. It's a great piece of music, and absolutely deserves to be on this list. --Jens Classen

Ghost

In Stormy Nights

'In Stormy Nights' is a worthy release of being filed under the rest of Ghost's great records. While the album as a whole is far from

being perfect, moments of it are some of the most gorgeous and interesting things I have heard. Ghost have been around for over

twenty years and while I certainly love them as a band, I still feel like they have a perfect record inside of them. Maybe it is just

wishful thinking, but I always look forward to a new release from the band and constantly being surprised with the new twists and

turns they decide to throw into their music. As such, 'In Stormy Nights' does nothing to diminish my excitement for the next Ghost

release. --Jared W. Dillon

Stephen Marley

Mind Control

Stephen has finally come out of the woodwork with an album I feel will get endless nods come summertime. There are a few reasons

for this. First and foremost, Stephen is a Marley, which ?for better or worse? guarantees him some exposure. Thankfully, he's more

than a name; in fact, I'd go so far as to say he's probably the most talented Marley, and yes, I'm including Bob. But, perhaps the

biggest reason why this album will, or at least should, be a success is because it's the perfect blend of Reggae, Hip-Hop, Raggamuffin

(and more). It seamlessly melds genres I feel carry a summertime vibe, all the while retaining the true Marley spirit. Much of that

does have to do with the name, as well as appearances from brothers Julian and Damien, but it doesn't hurt that Damien sounds

comparatively the most like his father. You're probably asking what a perfect blend of Reggae, Hip-Hop, Raggamuffin (and more)

sounds like. I guess the simplest way to explain this is by saying that many times during the album you'll have difficulty pinpointing

the genre. I could go on all day, and pretty much have. This is a scarily solid album devoid of any weak tracks. An essential summer

listen. --Tyler Munro