After hearing Radiohead premiere virtually all of the In Rainbows tracks on their short, and very intimiate, 2006 US summer tour, I was expecting greatness out of this album. They did not disappoint at all in that department, and they managed to shake up (or is that shake down?) the music industry at the same time. Major props in my book for pulling off that double whammy.

Holy, what?!? If, with Sound of Silver, you thought that you were in for another 'stick a bunch of good singles together and call it an album' then you better think again, mister. James Murphy, the mastermind behind DFA Records and the whole dance-punk thing, pulls off a masterpiece here. These songs are amazing, and after seeing them performed live, I think they'll be with me for a long time.

With her first release, Arular, MIA set the bar mighty high for herself . Amazingly enough, she fully delivered with her 2nd effort, Kala. The grooves are unique, the beats are still fresh, the guests range from the unknown Wilcannia Mob to the almost over-exposed Timbaland... and it all still works. See if you can spot the samples (pixies, new order). Standout track for me is 'Paper Planes'

Wow, what a surprise of an album. I seriously wasn't expecting anything out of this one, but it turns out that greatness was lurking. The producer behind Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, joined by an arsenal of guest singers, covers the likes of The Smiths, Radiohead, The Jam, Kasabian, Britney Spears, The Charlatans UK and more, and pulls off flawless renditions. For a good time call MAR-KRO-NSON

Nothing much to say, other than they steered straight around the sophomore slump, by about one million miles. You must check it.

'Oblivion with Bells' starts off with hints of the epic Underworld of yore, but quickly turns a bit mellower, and then undulates all the way up until the closer, 'Best Mamgu Ever', where things are taken way down. Folks dismissed this album, but being an old fan I gave it a good long chance, and it paid off. Good stuff.

Tidbit: did you know that the word 'mamgu' is the Welsh word for grandmother?

Some KOL purists say that they're too polished (and tight jean wearing) on this one, but I ain't complaining. Because of the Times takes off nicely with the opener 'Knocked Up' and carries strongly all the way through the closing track, 'Arizona'. I had heard the Kings before this album, but never really listened. I'm taking in all of their stuff now, and these suckas tear it up!

If this album cover makes you feel a bit uneasy, then you need to lighten up and have some fun w/Modeselektor. The styles on this album run the gamut from 4 on the floor to hip hop to electro to rave to glitch to IDM. You would think that would make it all over the place, but it actually helps keep it moving right along. Vocals provided by guests TTC, Thom Yorke and others work perfectly here.

I can't believe that these guys are still playing shows at venues like Slim's in San Francisco. Not that Slim's is bad, but when I first heard 'Drum's Not Dead', I would have put money on them playing to at least 3,000 - 5,000 people by now... not 300 - 500 people. So I guess what I'm saying is, see them in a small setting while you can. Suckas!!

I didn't start listening to this until 2008, but it has made such an impression on me that I'm back porting it to my Albums of 2007 list. Mysterious, dark, tripped out and somewhat muted dub-step at its finest. I love the fact that this dude can bring it like he does, and at the same time keep his anonymity. According to him, "...only five people outside of my family know I make tunes...". Nutz.