First Music Post of 2007

We're under way. 2007. And there's some new music out there. Two discs came out this week that piqued my interest. The Shins' highly-anticipated "Wincing the Night Away" and Menomena's "Friend & Foe." I enjoyed the Shins' first single, "Phantom Limb," quite a bit and am looking forward to teasing through the entire album. I wasn't a huge Shins fan prior to this record, and from what I've read, that will let me enjoy it more, as it has been labeled a classic departure-from-the-fan-favorite-roots CD. That's ok with me. To all those Shins fans (Rachel), I hope you enjoy this CD, and if you don't, I've been there. But let me still like it. I don't know much about Menomena, but I've read in more than one place that it's the first great indie (whatever that means/is worth anyway) record of the year. They also represent the same record label as They Might Be Giants, Starlight Mints, Rilo Kiley, Nada Surf, Death Cab For Cutie, and yes, Harvey Danger. Good sign.

Aside from those two, not much has blown me away yet. But I am anticipating a CD-rackful of upcoming releases. Here are the top 20.

20. The Magic Numbers, "Those The Brokes" (February 20)
19. Stereophonics, TBA (no date) 18. Rilo Kiley, TBA (Spring)
17. Sondre Lerche, "Phantom Punch" (February 6)
16. The Clientele, "God Save the Clientele" (no date)
15. The Thrills, TBA (no date)
14. I'm From Barcelona, TBA (March 20)
13. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, "Some Loud Thunder" (February 30)
12. Rufus Wainwright, TBA (May)
11. Idlewild, "Make Another World" (February)
10. The Doves, TBA (summer/fall)
9. Roxy Music, TBA (April)
8. Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, "Living With the Living" (March 20)
7. The Go! Team, TBA (August)
6. Band of Horses, TBA (no date)
5. Common, "Finding Forever (March??)
4. Bloc Party, "A Weekend In the City," (February 6
3. Wilco, "Sky Blue Sky," (May 15)
2. The New Pornographers, TBA (no date)
1. The Arcade Fire, "Neon Bible" (March 6)


I'm hesitant to expect much from U2, Kanye West and Coldplay. I'm quite sure, actually, that I will dislike Coldplay quite a bit. I'm willing to give Kanye a shot if he ditches the high-pitched chipmunk sample. And U2? I mean, reserve the Grammy.

One more music note. For those of you who haven't heard GUNTHER, it is a must. Let me know if you want a CD.