Editors razzle-dazzle

I was completely blown away by the Editors' concert at Terminal 5 last night. I mean, wow. I can't remember the last time I've seen such a powerful live performance.

Thanks to the cold, icky weather, I was undecided about whether or not to go to the show, but I ended up saying "what the hell" and bought a ticket at the box office, figuring I would leave if I got bored or tired. I'm so glad I went. The band was amazing, the sound was impeccable, and Terminal 5 is a great venue. I ended up chatting extensively with a musician/deejay in the crowd, mostly about how much singer Tom Smith resembles a Morrissey/Ian Curtis hybrid. But we also both remarked on the incredible feeling of straightforward positive energy among what felt like a sell-out crowd. Smith has a stunning ability to command an audience's attention, and the band's hopeful lyrics and soaring melodies make for a great live music experience. I think this is definitely going to be one of my favorite live shows this year.

Supporters Hot Hot Heat put on a good show, as well.

All in all, it was a great way to kick off what will be a music-filled weekend for me. Check back early next week for my updates on tomorrow's Blonde Redhead show and Kaki King's performance at the Apple Store in Soho on Sunday. I heart New York:).

Best Songs of 2007

My obsession with year-end "Best Of" lists continues. My movie list will have to be postponed until I've seen everything that's out. As of right now, I only have a Top 5. What can I say, movies sucked this year. And the few good ones didn't come to Bloomsburg, or opened in New York when I was in the middle of moving and didn't have time to go to the theater.

Anyway.

To be clear, these are songs for which I didn't feel the entire record warranted a slot in my top 10 album list. Combine these songs with my recommended downloads from my Top 10 Albums and you get my idea of a perfect mix CD.

1. Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, "Umbrella"

2. Timbaland
(I'm cheating a bit here, because I couldn't pick just one Timbaland song among the trio of "The way I Are," "Give it to Me," and "Apologize." More of a magician than a producer, in my opinion.)

3. Amy Winehouse, "Rehab"

4. A Fine Frenzy, "Almost Lover"

5. Alicia Keys, "No One"

6. Kate Nash, "Foundations"

7. Britney Spears, "Gimme More"
(Say what you will about her personal life, this song rocks.)

8. Bruce Springsteen, "Radio Nowhere"

9. Ingrid Michaelson, "Keep Breathing"

10. Northern State, "Better Already"


And, to give myself a little breathing room, some songs that were technically released in 2006 but which provided a partial soundtrack to my life this year:

1. CSS - "Music is my Hot Hot Sex"

2. Beyonce - "Irreplaceable"

3. Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye"

4. Shiny Toy Guns - "Rainy Monday"

5. Lily Allen - "Nan You're a Window Shopper"

Best CDs of 2007

List subject to change:)

1. The Con, Tegan and Sara
I can't say enough about this band or this album. It's flawless, both musically and lyrically, from start to finish. Chris Walla's production is astounding as well. Hands down the best record of the year.
Download this: "The Con"

2. Boxer, The National
The songs on "Boxer" tread a fine line between being hopeful and heartbreaking; leadoff track "Fake Empire" literally brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it. I really regret that I didn't discover The National until this year, but I'm super excited to see these guys live at BAM in February.
Download this: "Fake Empire"

3. Under the Blacklight, Rilo Kiley
A musical rollercoaster of a record. I'm a little late to the Rilo Kiley bandwagon, but I think I picked a good time to jump on.
Download this: "Close Call"

4. I See Red EP, Uh Huh Her
If the rest of the album (set to be released in early '08) is as good as this, Uh Huh Her will definitely have a spot reserved on my top 10 next year.
Download this: "I See Red"

5. New Wave, Against Me!
Definitely a harder sound than I typically prefer, but also really catchy. An album that boasts lyrical intelligence as well.
Download this: "Thrash Unreal"

6. Trading Twilight for Daylight, Great Northern
Pretty much the polar opposite of Against Me!. This album makes me smile.
Download this: "Just a Dream"

7. The Reminder, Feist
I must admit, I didn't fawn over Feist like everyone else did when I first heard her. But then one day, all of a sudden, I was hooked. Maybe this had something to do with it. And her SNL performance sealed the deal.
Download this: "1234"

8. Disco Romance, Sally Shapiro
I distinctly remember hearing this record on independent radio back in April when I was driving aimlessly around Philadelphia after I missed the exit for the airport. I loved the sultry ambience and Shapiro's whispery voice at first listen.
Download this: "Anorak Christmas"

9. An End Has a Start, Editors
This album rekindles my love for 80s alt-new wave and makes me want to jump around. 'Nuf said.
Download this: "An End Has a Start"

10. Combinations, Eisley
This slot was sort of a crapshoot between Eisley, Northern State and Arcade Fire. I've had Northern State's "Better Already" in my head for about a week and counting, but Combinations is a better album as a whole.
Download this: "Invasion"

Honorable Mentions:
Kaiser Chiefs, Yours Truly, Angry Mob
New Pornographers, Challengers
Northern State, Can I Keep This Pen?
Arcade Fire, Neon Bible
The Pipettes, We are the Pipettes
Okkervil River, The Stage Names
Rogue Wave, Asleep at Heaven's Gate

I feel like I should be allowed to include We Are Pilots by Shiny Toy Guns on this list, because they're nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award, and I only discovered them this summer. But since the album technically came out in October 2006, I'm leaving it off. Had I included it, it would definitely make my top three.