Confessions of a Fanboy

We’re a little more than a week into 2008 and I’m still trying to wrap up 2007; one more encouraging reminder that the music scene is alive and well, regardless of what the hipsters are telling you.

I’ve listed my Top 10 Albums of the Year and talked about a few notable re-issues. Today, we’re going to look at a few of the honorable mentions. These albums didn’t crack my Top 10, but they occupied a fair amount of my time and merit mention.

• Babyshambles — Shotter’s Nation: I wondered if Pete Doherty would ever again do anything to remind us why we care about him in the first place, and sure enough he did. Shotter’s Nation is the most tuneful, accessible thing he’s done in ages. Stephen Street may have defanged the band a little too much, but this less chaotic affair is a revelation.

• Arctic Monkeys — Favourite Worst Nightmare: I succumbed to the hype of the band’s record-setting debut Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, but I didn’t really enjoy myself. There were a few decent songs but there seemed a lot more sizzle than steak. I wasn’t real interested in checking out FWN, but I got a free copy. I’ll tell you right now, it would have been worth paying for. The songs are better and the production is slightly less messy. They’re still not as good as they’ve been made out to be, but this album was a step in the right direction.
• The White Stripes — Icky Thump: It’s easy to take Jack for granted because he’s so good so often. This album was a welcome return to the Stripes’ guitar-driven roots after the left turn that was Get Behind Me Satan. “Effect & Cause” is one of the best songs of the year.
• The Smashing Pumpkins — Zeitgeist: This one got mixed reviews from a lot of people and I’m a bit surprised how much I liked it. Billy Corgan unleashes a torrent of guitars, layered as only he can, and the first half of that album stands tall. Unfortunately, he couldn’t keep the momentum going for the entire record. Still, that first half got played a lot this summer.
• Watermelon Slim & The Workers — The Wheel Man: Another 6 BMA nominations for Slim, and they’re well deserved. The material and the band sound great. It’s not the best blues record I heard all year, but it’s a damn good album and one I’ll refer back to from time to time.
• Gerry Hundt — Since Way Back: This was an unexpected pleasure. I knew nothing of the tradition of the mandolin as part of Chicago blues until I heard this album. Check out my review for BC Magazine and then go buy a copy of the record. I can virtually guarantee you’ve heard nothing like it!
• The Killborn Alley Blues Band — Tear Chicago Down: I never got around to reviewing this one, but Mark Saleski did. It’s a terrific record from a soulful, Chicago blues band. I’m going to have to get ahold of their other Blue Bella release. These guys are definitely worth hearing.
• Ronnie Earl — Hope Radio: Speaking of Mark Saleski, I still believe he’s trying to destroy my marriage. This live album features some of the best blues guitar playing you’re going to hear. This album made me a Ronnie Earl fan.

So, that’s it for 2007. Three columns later and there are still some very good records I didn’t mention. If you want to know what they are, feel free to skim the archives here at Fanboy. Your best bet for ‘08 is to try and keep pace. This year could be even better!

Filed under: Tags: Pete Doherty, Smashing Pumpkins, White Stripes