2007 In Review
Kathy Chan
The Canadian music scene in 2007 was definitely hotter than a session of Bikram yoga in Zimbabwe. I am fully aware of this spoilt delight as I sit here and indulge in the collection of great CDs I have accumulated over the course of the year. With the original intent of having a countdown of the best artists and singles of the year, I realized a proper ranking system would not be sufficient for me to judge who deserves to be at the top, because there’re definitely multiple recipients who should receive world recognition for their music — the type of hype that makes me want to run around the block, yelling at the top of my lungs in excitement. Here is a list of my favourite releases from this past year.
Arcade Fire, Neon Bible
There is nothing simple about a seven-piece orchestral band from Montreal, especially one that is internationally renowned for its enigmatic stage performances. Smashing guitars and broken strings are nothing out of the ordinary on a regular night with Arcade Fire. This year’s follow-up to the highly acclaimed debut Funeral in 2004, Neon Bible is another phenomenal record. “Keep the Car Running” and “No Cars Go” are two of the best singles off this CD. Win Butler and the rest of Arcade Fire’s intensity and passion for music is definitely reflected on this latest disc.
Feist, The Reminder
She’s cool, upbeat, and… well… musically, downright contagious. When this album came out in May, I thought this was going to be the ”it” album of 2007. I think that was a more-than-fair assessment, judging from Feist’s overnight mass appeal, which is, in part, thanks to her single “1234”and her sea of colourful dancers for the latest iPod nano commercials. But Feist got her start being in one of Canada’s largest musical entourages, Broken Social Scene. Honestly, The Reminder exceeds all expectations as a follow-up to her 2004 debut, Let It Die. With material that is raw, engaging, and mature, this album shines through to demonstrate Feist’s inner workings as one of Canada’s most talented musicians. No matter how many times I’ve played this album, listening to “Intuition” still makes me want to crawl under a blanket and… well… cry; not necessarily out of sadness, but probably because it’s one of most beautiful tracks, ever.
Julie Doiron, Woke Myself Up
She may possibly be Canada’s best-kept secret. I can’t stop listening to “No More,” one of the more upbeat and catchy tunes off this album. Julie Doiron writes music that is intensely emotional and close to the heart. With this latest album, her return to the music scene earned her a coveted nomination for the “Polaris Music Prize.” Having been in the industry since the 1990s, she is still sometimes known to loyal fans as “Broken Girl,” stemming from her beginnings as a guitar player in a band called Eric’s Trip. The perfect soundtrack to cater to a cold, and sometimes wet, Canadian fall and early winter.
Wintersleep, Welcome to the Night Sky
As indicated by the band name and album title, the two go hand in hand as the perfect anthem for the droopy, heavy eyelids of a sleepy Canadian winter. These rockers from Halifax know how to effectively capture their audience’s attention with their melodic, folk-y rifts. The first time I heard this album, I was sold. Selling out shows all along their Canadian tour this past fall, Wintersleep is one band to keep your eyes on.
Tokyo Police Club, A Lesson In Crime
One of the highlights of my year occurred when I saw Tokyo Police Club (TPC) at the Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival in Seattle this September, over the Labour Day long weekend — and not only once, but twice within the same day. Their’s was one of the best live shows of the festival, as the boys of TPC know how to bring their stage presence up another level, giving 110 percent. With lyrics such as “operator, get me the president of the world… this is an emergency” from their hit single “Cheer It On,” without a doubt, I would keep my musical police radar on these boys. Though songs are short and spastic — no longer than two minutes and thirty seconds each — they provide just enough to keep listeners wanting more and more.
Tegan and Sara, The Con
I will fully admit to being absolutely and obsessively addicted to this album. I can count the number of times that this CD has left my stereo since its release this past July (less than five). Having already admitted my admiration for these two talented songstresses, I am in love with this album because it is so incredibly easy to identify with the matters of life and love that are repeated throughout. Listen to this one on repeat, especially the title track “The Con,” “Back In Your Head,” “I Was Married,” and “Dark Come Soon.” This CD made me excited to pay for music again; tearing off its shrink wrap made it feel like Christmas in July.
Emily Haines, What Is Free to a Good Home?
The indie rock goddess of Canada, Emily Haines released this EP as a follow-up to her debut solo album, Knives Don’t Have Your Back. As the vocalist for Metric, it’s a wonder how Haines finds time to sit down and record other material while working on a new album with Metric and embarking on her own solo tour. Hmm… this is the perfect album for a lazy Sunday; we all know how much we love those. There is nothing better than tucking away with a good read and some chillingly soft and sweet vocals. Thank you, Ms. Haines.
Broken Social Scene presents: Kevin Drew, Spirit If
I will admit I have a crush on Kevin Drew. Musically gifted… scruffy, tousled hair… those blue, blue eyes… and his voice — oh, that voice. He had me a long time ago, back when he led his train of equally prolific band mates as the front man of Broken Social Scene (BSS). You can only imagine how excited BSS fans were about the release of his solo album Spirit If in September. Listening to such tracks as “TBTF,” “Backed out on the…,” and “Lucky Ones” makes me imagine an entire night of debauchery, deliverance, and dance-party fun. Go give it a listen — fun guaranteed.
Bella, No One Will Know
Bella! Bella! Bella! Welcome to West Coast synthpop at its finest! After signing with local Vancouver record label Mint Records, Bella has done well in establishing a loyal fan base of eager-to-dance hipsters. Contagious hooks and dance pop tunes make this trio an absolute delight (for your ears). Though still a fairly new band on the West Coast music front, Bella is rapidly gaining recognition for its magnetic and charged live shows. Bella has already performed amongst such Canadian bands as The New Pornographers, The Most Serene Republic, and The Organ. Can’t wait for more Bella to come!
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