17. "Enabler" - Japancakes (Buy). Simply gorgeous. They fade it out too early though. I'll be first in line when they release the twenty minute EP version.
16.(2007 Best Hand Claps) "B.O.O.T.A.Y" - Bangers And Cash (Buy (Clean version (though really why bother?))). A less refined Sir Mix-A-Lot.
15. "Shake Ya Boogie" - Mocean Worker (Buy album). I know cowbell has become all ironic and meta but when it's done well it still sounds just fine to me. This is Exhibit A from 2007.
14. (2007 Runner Up - Best Hand Claps) "Solta O Frango" - Bonde Do Role (Buy). This is a loopy song, but the good kind not the bad kind. It isn't "I'm so embarassed this guy is my President I could just die" loopy but "a bunch of wacky kids got together, grabbed an instrument and discovered they could play them" loopy. We've been gorged on the former and are starved for the latter. Help make up the deficit, won't you? Check out this song.
13. "Sunset" - Benji Cossa (Buy album). This song produced the following image for me: Tiny Tim on the early 70's Carson show with a Hawaiian set and a couple of hula dancers behind him. Whatever that does for you, give it a listen. It was my unofficial "driving home from work on a nice summer Friday afternoon" song. Now that winter has arrived I can listen and still catch some residual warmth.
12. "Wonderlust King" - Gogol Bordello (Buy). Frankie Yankovic meets Sid Vicious meets a gypsy caravan. I understand why they aren't more popular but I still wish they were.
11. "Lil'King Kong" - Simple Kid (Buy). Banjo on top of a hip hop beat? (Cue clich-d cop buddy movie vibe:) "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" Oh yes he can. Straight into my heart and onto the list.
10. "The Opposite Of Hallelujah" - Jens Lekman (Buy). If melodies were animals this song's would be a basket full of puppies. It's hard to overstate how insanely catchy this song is.
9. "Die Die Die" - The Avett Brothers (Buy). If loving harmonies is a crime then lock me up and throw away the key!
8. (2007 Vocal of the Year) "Small Town Crew" - The Brunettes (Buy). I believe I'd enjoy listening to this girl sing the phone book.
7. "Rud Fins" - Robert Pollard (Buy). In just over two minutes this song provides a full week's supply of the FDA's recommended allowance of rock and roll goodness.
6. "Adrenaline" - Emma Pollock (Buy). Immature artists imitate, mature artists steal. Emma shows her maturity by stealing the piano from "Clocks" and dropping it into her own wonderfully crafted pop song. Well played, Lady Pollock! (Cue country club applause.)
5. "It Just Takes One" - The Hudsons (Buy (registration required)). Simple, clean, lovely.
4. "What You Need" - Galactic (Buy). Oh my dear sweet Jesus does this song rock.
3. "Bone" - Map Of Africa (Band info). If this song doesn't go to your nether regions from the very beginning please see your doctor immediately.
2. "Bushels" - Frog Eyes (Buy). Usually when artists take a big chance it's a train wreck. Here is a teriffic exception. Frog Eyes goes way out on a limb and to my ears succeeds wildly. If you just hear a train wreck fair enough.
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