In One Ear and Out the Other

Ten years ago, I remember buying the Smashing Pumpkins' Adore the Saturday after it came out, and then I proceeded to just listen to it. That was my activity for the day - I listened to the album and nothing else. Now the album itself is not all that significant - in fact, it's not even that good. It's the act itself that is important. I can't tell you the last time I actually sat down and just listened to an album. Don't get me wrong - I love the internet and the role it plays in music. I've just started to wonder if listening to music actually brings me pleasure in the way it used to. When I started blogging about music, I assumed a rather intense schedule of several new releases a week, which ultimately gave me little time to actually appreciate what I was listening to. This year, I've backed off on that quite a bit, even though I do still try and stay up on everything happening in music. As far as 2007 is concerned, these are the releases that have stayed on repeat, while reminding me why I love music:

Favorite Worst Nightmare, the Arctic Monkeys: I'll be honest, I got a little burned up on all the hype surrounding their debut. But this second release really solidifies their legitimacy. It's darker, tighter, stronger lyrically, and quite possibly my favorite album of the year.

Spiderman of the Rings, Dan Deacon: I loved this album before I heard it - just because of the name. Deacon is like the avant garde version of LCD Soundsystem, or Girl Talk without the samples. His songs should be terribly annoying but their insanely catchy instead.

Can't Tell Me Nothing (mixtape), Kanye West: I cannot wait for Graduation to drop. This mixtape suffices in the meantime.

The Good, the Bad and the Queen: I obsess about and anticipate any Damon Albarn project, and I enjoyed this upon its release. I've recently put it back in rotation and its brilliance is really hitting me now more than ever. Just amazing songs.

Icky Thump, the White Stripes: I love Jack White and everything he touches. I'm really impressed that they're doing something different here instead of resting on their old tricks. I also liked the mixed reviews - means they're really fucking with people, and sometimes that's the most important thing in art.

Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer, Of Montreal: Yeah, it leaked last year and came out in February. In blog speak that translates to forgotten already. The exciting mix of influences and dark, hipster cool of the whole thing will ensure that this record stays in rotation for me for years to come.

Tears of the Valedictorian, Frog Eyes: Another brilliant title. I love how Frog Eyes just chips away at musical structure, keeping you on edge while pulling you in all at once.