My Favorite Albums of 2007: NOT a "Best of" List

As the end of the year approaches, I began to give some thought to putting together a "Best of" list for all the music I heard this year. I gave it some more thought and began to put down a list of top candidates. As the thoughts stirred and swirled in my mind, I realized there was just no way I could put together a best of anything list. Why? Well, while I did listen to a lot of music, there was no way I could listen to everything. It is flat out impossible to do that. Still, I wanted to put something together. What you will read below is a list of some o my favorite albums of 2007. I couldn't even narrow it down to ten, but so be it. Hopefully you will find something here that will pique your interest enough to check out. There have been some truly great releases this year.

So, remember this is not a best of list, and if anyone tries to pass off a best of list on you, don't believe them. Just read them for suggestions for great music. When it comes right down to it all we want is good music, right?

Aside from the Tomahawk album (which, ahem, ,is the best of the year), they are not in any particular order.

Tomahawk - Anonymous. No matter how many different albums I listened to, I always found myself returning to Anonymous over and over again. It is haunting in concept and unforgettable in execution. The band wrote interpretations of Native American music through their rock and metal filter, resulting in composition that sound completely original while remaining entirely faithful to the source.

The combination of Native American music with more modern styles would seem to be naturally at odds with each other. Fortunately, the two sides come together in perfect harmony creating music that is infectious. It gets under your skin and transports you to another world where music is more adventurous and originality is the norm.

Cephalic Carnage - Xenosapien. An album of first rate Rocky Mountain HydrGrind, at least that is the label the band has given themselves. Ask me what it means and you will be greeted with a confused expression. I have no clue as to what subgenres should actually be used to describe them. Suffice to say, it is extreme. Xenosapien is an excursion into metal experimentation, combining elements of death, grind, and jazz into a dizzying concoction that will satisfy any aggressive streak and challenge the listener with its complexities.

Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos. This album was like hearing Dream Theater again for the first time. It may not be their best, but it is the best they have put out in years. It is accessible yet it still contains everything that fans have come to love from the band. Systematic Chaos is an impressive debut for them on their new label, Roadrunner Records. It is heavy and technical, melodic and catchy, everything I wanted. The album is capped by one of favorite DT cuts in some time, "The Dark Eternal Night."

Megadeth - United Abominations. Here is a band that I never expected to see on a top ten list, at least not going by their last few releases (not that they were bad, but they were not in the upper echelon). United Abominations is clearly a finely polished album, but there is something about it that harkens back to the glory years. There is a strong focus, a will to reassert Megadeth as a relevant force to be reckoned within the modern metal world. I must admit to being impressed with this album. It isn't quite as catchy as the classics, but it definitely has a way of getting into your head and rattling around.

Horse the Band - A Natural Death. I was first introduced to Horse earlier this year with The Mechanical Hand, it was not an experience that won me over. I didn't hate it, but there was something about it that did not quite click. Well, along comes A Natural Death and whatever happened between these records made them click. This is an excellent release of musical oddities. The music is complex, with some wild drumming and creative use of synth to create their signature Nintendo-core sound. This is a band to keep an eye on, especially if this is a sign of things to come.

Lonely China Day - Sorrow. Simply put, Sorrow is a beautiful album, and most definitely different from most of the music on this list. It is quite unlike anything else I have heard this year, or am likely to hear for some time. Sorrow is filled with sprawling soundscapes that are challenging and relaxing. It is a strange combination of sounds and feelings that will surely have an effect on you even if you don't know what they are saying (much like myself). It is beautiful, haunting, unique, and has proven nearly impossible to review the way it deserves to be reviewed. I could just say that if you like music on the fringe, this is for you. However, that would be all too easy. Intriguing vocal lines, soft guitars, sparse melodies, there is a lot to love, a lot to digest, and is quite simply a great listen.

Polkadot Cadaver - Purgatory Dance Party. The music will draw you in and hold you in its thrall. The arrangements are quirky, the combination of polka, jazz, rock, metal, and lush acoustic melodies all blend into a musical stew that is unlike anything you are likely to find on the radio. None of the members strike me as virtuoso musicians; however, as we all know, it is not always how well you can play your instrument, but how well you collectively play your instruments together. Once you get past the music I recommend that you give a slightly closer listen to the lyrics. The words will slowly -- or quickly depending on which song you start with --reveal the creepy, dark, disturbing, and perverse side of the band. Now, how can you go wrong with that?

Iced Earth - Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part I). Here is a band that I was initially lukewarm to that has become one of my favorites. I was worried when Matt Barlow (my favorite vocalist from the varied incarnations) left the band, but Ripper Owens has stepped up and taken the band in a new, but still Iced Earth, direction. This album is the first part of an epic saga to be concluded in 2008. Beyond the story aspect of the album, the band is top form with soaring vocals, epic sonic compositions, and some great riffing. This is an album to disappear into and a definite step up from The Glorious Burden. Along with this album, be sure to include the precursor album from earlier this year: Overture of the Wicked. Do yourself a favor, if you like metal, get this album.

As I Lay Dying - An Ocean Between Us. This band made it to my hit list when I first experienced their music live on the Taste of Chaos tour last year. Shadows are Security turned out to be a really good album, and their follow up is even better. The metalcore sounds are toned down while a more melodic metal approach enters the mix. The album is heavy, catchy, and just a great listen, a lot more "metal" than I had ever expected from them when I first heard of them. There is no denying that their skills as musicians and songwriters are growing and maturing, and this is a great sign of things to come.

DevilDriver - The Last Kind Words. Dez and DevilDriver just keep getting better with each successive album. His Coal Chamber past has been all but eradicated in this meeting of metalcore, death, and thrash at the intersection of melody. There is some great riffing and soloing from the two guitar players, and some of the best drumming I have heard this year. With The Last Kind Words you will find an exciting metallic blast that should not be dismissed. Heavy, fast, catchy, DevilDriver has delivered an album that solidifies them as a force to be reckoned with.

Sebastian Bach - Angel Down. Is this 1989? Whoever would have expected such a killer album from Bach? On top of that, who would have thought he would be the guy to bring new studio recordings from Axl Rose (who guests on three songs)? However you want to cut it, this is a strong metal and hard rock album that is a lot better than it had any right to be. It harkens back to Skid Row's Slave to the Grind while also sounding completely modern. Bach shows that his voice is as powerful as ever, and he also did a good job of surrounding himself with first rate musicians.

Devin Townsend - Ziltoid the Omniscient. This is a concept album that centers on an alien named Ziltoid. He is a time traveling being that has come to Earth in search of the universe's greatest cup of coffee. Disappointed by the brew that meets his lips, he turns and attacks the planet in retaliation. Following the attack, Ziltoid sets out to become a great guitar hero, only to be faced by Captain Spectacular who seeks to expose Ziltoid's true nature, that of a nerd. How can that not be one of the best albums of the year? On top of the killer concept, Townsend not only sings but plays (or programs) the rest of the instruments. The combination of great music and absurd story had me hooked. This album is Townsend stretching free from the confines of a band and stepping into another realm, becoming the fourth dimensional being. If you are looking for something a little different and highly entertaining, this is an album you will want to spend some time with.

Cosmosquad - Acid Test. A fusion of rock and jazz under the banner of progressive seems like the best way to describe this offering from Cosmosquad. This is definitely a change of pace from my usual leanings, but that makes it no less good. It is an impressive array of instrumental music ranging from the sublime beauty of "The Long Walk," to the playful funkiness of "Bed Bucket," to the heavier rock of "The Spy Who Ate Her." Cosmosquad take you on a journey through rock/metal/jazz fusion that sounds refreshingly lively, random, completely unplanned, and is ultimately thoroughly satisfying. It is a new world that I have little experience with. This is the tip of the iceberg for a new unexplored area of music that I may not get to spend much time in, but will always be willing to explore.

Alex Skolnick Trio - Last Day in Paradise. To steal a phrase, this album is "all killer and no filler." It is an album that you can lay back and groove to, or listen close to each of the band members considerable contribution. Skolnick's playing is smooth, clean, and unlike anything I had heard from him before. He plays with an assured confidence that is not flashy, but none the less fantastic to listen to. Bassist Nathan Peck lays down some great bass grooves, particularly on "The Lizard." Finally there is drummer Matt Zebroski, a solid drummer who compliments each song and delivers snappy hits that are considerably different than the metal drummers I am used to hearing. This is an impressive album, the complete package of musicianship and songwriting. Skolnick continues to impress after all these years. If you want something to groove to and get some impressive fretwork at the same time, this is an album to check out.

Blaze - Clockwork Grey, Twiztid - Independents Day, Insane Clown Posse - The Tempest. These last three go together as an good example of the work that came out of Psychopathic Records this year. I am not the biggest fan of hip-hop or rap, but for some reason I have been a fan of these guys for years, and they continue to put out good albums that go beyond the gimmick, if you give them the time to look. ICP's latest is their best release in awhile, buoyed by a reunion with producer Mike Clark who has always been a big part of their sound. Twiztid's release was once again strong, and as usual, it took a few listens to really sink in and reveal itself. That is a phenomenon that has followed them ever since Freekshow. Finally, Blaze, while not terribly prolific always delivers the goods. All three of these albums are very good and worth spending some quality time with.

That about wraps up my favorite albums of 2007. I know, it's more than the standard length of ten albums, but I just couldn't figure out who to cut or if I really wanted to cut any. So, here it is. Hopefully you found something worth checking out.

And remember, this is not a best of, just a list of the albums that I really liked this year.