Current location:	muh house
Current mood:	chill
Current music:	Refused - Crusader of Hopelessness

Top Albums of 2007
So it's that time of year again.  The time has come to decide my favorite albums of the 07 calendar year.  This year's list was a tough one to make, and some choices were very close.  I've scraped my brain several times over to come up with a list I can live with.  Alot of surprises on this one.  Anyway..... here it is!

Top 10 Albums of 2007
1. Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre
    This decision wasn't a hard one.  I had never really listened to Say Anything before this album, but it blew me away.  Good musicianship, amazing songwriting ability, deep, emotional lyrics, this album has all that and more.  The amazing thing is that the album never tires, even after 27 tracks.  Singer/songwriter Max Bemis is an absolute genius, hands down my favorite album of '07.
2. Circa Survive - On Letting Go
    Fast becoming one of my favorite bands ever.  Circa did everything they did right on Juturna, and then some.  Musically amazing, not to mention vocalist Anthony Green's cathartic vocal performance.  This band has perfected the perfect blend of guitar effects work with good songwriting.
3. Darkest Hour - Deliver Us
    By far, this was my favorite metal album of the year.  I was skeptical to see if they could even come close to matching the amazingness that is Undoing Ruin, but my skepticism was destroyed after the first track.  Blistering guitarwork, melodic riffing, pummeling drums and intense vocals make this album a more-than-worthy follow-up.
4. Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home
    I didn't know what to expect when I heard Dustin Kensrue was doing a solo album.  Although this is a far departure from Thrice, the country/folk influenced eight song album keeps the album short and simple, with earnest, heartfelt songwriting.  I definitely look forward to hearing more of his solo work in the future.
5. Chiodos - Bone Palace Ballet
    Not as many breakdowns on this disc, but alot more interesting song structures.  The unique rhythm section, riffy lead guitar work, and creative keyboard parts are all still there.  Vocalist Craig Owens still delivers his high-pitched melodies, and adds more low range to his screaming.  An all-around crowd pleaser.
6. Scary Kids Scaring Kids - s/t
    I have to swallow some pride on this, as I talked alot of shit on their first album (which I now like as well).  This album puts their previous release, The City Sleeps In Flames, to shame.  The guitars range from ethereal and chill to riffy and in-your-face, while the vocal melodies improved.  The choruses will stick in your head for the next week.  Great sophmore effort from these guys.
7. Envy On The Coast - Lucy Gray
    I was looking forward to this one alot, as I fell in love with EOTC on their self-titled 5 song EP.  This album certainly didn't let me down          one bit.  Envy mixes and interesting combination of progressive and pop music, with a little post-hardcore thrown in.  This album would         be much higher on the list if the last four songs didn't kill the mood, but still overall a great album.
8. The Receiving End of Sirens - The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi
    At first, I wasn't in love with this album, but after a few spins it grew on me.  Obviously the departure of guitarist/vocalist/programmer Casey Crecenzo didn't ruin the band's ability to write interesting, experimental prog rock.  Though the concept is a bit lofty, and the album drags in spots, TREOS' second album is most definitely worth a listen.
9. Minus The Bear - Planet of Ice
    I didn't listen to these guys until this year, but now I'm absolutely hooked.  The relaxing nature of their music is something that's easy to get into, no matter who you are.  Guitars and synth sweep in an out of your consciousness over top of a solid rhythm section that keeps you guessing.  Great album to sit and chill to.
10. From Autumn To Ashes - Holding A Wolf By The Ears
    Good to see these guys come back with an awesome record.  Their last two releases were unimpressive to me, and I was excited to hear about the departure of screamer Ben Perri, as I never really got into his parts.  Former drummer/vocalist Francis Mark steps it up as the new frontman, making catchy melodies.  The guitars are riffy and heavy, which is awesome.  If only these guys could pull it off live. :P.

Honorable Mentions
Paramore - Riot
    I have to admit, i was really into this album for about two months.  It's extremely catchy and hard to put down.  Paramore doesn't really reinvent the wheel   or anything, but this album will not leave you alone.
The Dear Hunter - Act II: The Meaning Of & All Things Regarding Mrs. Leading
    Former TREOS co-frontman Casey Crecenzo gets his second shot at prog rock on this album.  Although the 79 minute epic starts to drag at points, Crecenzo's songwriting ability is incomparable, as The Dear Hunter experiment with more styles of music than you could think of.
Dashboard Confessional - The Shade of Poison Trees
    I was really glad to hear this one.  The last two D/C releases were garbage, but I gave this a shot anyway and I'm glad I did.  Although it isn't a complete return to form, it reminds you more of the older, more passionate D/C records.  Good stuff.

Biggest Disappointments
1. Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vol. I & II:  Fire & Water
    I never thought I'd see the day when Thrice would be on this list, but here it is.  Even though I've begun to start to take a liking to this disc, and it's better than the other discs on this list, it's just not what i expect from one of my favorite bands ever.  Completely abandoning their past musical stylings, Thrice tries too much to be some weird indie band who's more concerned with making art for art's sake.  HUGE disappointment :(.
2. The Used - Lies For The Liars
    This album wasn't really that huge of a disappointment to me, as I never got extremely into The Used.  However, I felt it deserved a place here because i felt it to be the worst album of the year.  Total electronic garbage, save for maybe one song.
3. Atreyu - Lead Sails Paper Anchors
    You really won't find a cheesier, lamer, wannabe-arena-rock-ripoff album than this one.  Atreyu took all their awesome riffs and blistering musicianship and took a crap on it to make completely emotionless, big shot cock-rock.  Lame as hell.
4. Cartel - s/t
    Despite having two extremely catchy songs that get lodged in your brain and won't stay away, this album kinda sucks.  The band may've recorded this album in the bubble, but that didn't stop the label from turning them into a stupid, generic pop-rock band.  I'm sure it'll sell loads of copies.
5. The Starting Line - Direction
    Vocalist/Bassist Kenny Vasoli is one of my favorite singers/songwriters, but it sounds like he smoked himself retarded for this one.  Nary a glimpse of the up-tempo, catchy pop-punk stylings of past releases.  What's left is a collection of weird rock songs and one slow ballad after another.  Better luck next time.

Feel free to disagree with me.