Music Under Fire

This year has been fattened with a good deal of UK rock and songs of the melodic rock sort. I've found myself falling not only into the rock scene across the pond, but also into a classic form of indie music; one that heavily relies on delicately pieced guitar and prolific lyrics. Whether you're putting together a party playlist or finding music for your friends, this list has it all. Enjoy!

Check out Songs 11-25

Check out Songs 1-10

If you haven't checked out our top songs we discovered this year, which released prior to 2007, please check out our top 20.

All song titles are linked to the US iTunes store (and a few to the UK store since they are not available in the US right now).

26. Future of Forestry – Twilight
Why: The melodic fluidity of this is absolute and pure. There are many fans who have been waiting for their full length release and this song, although featured of their 2006 EP, this was worth carrying over to their 2007 release.

27. Air Traffic – No More Running Away
Why: There's an earnest way Chris Wall sings, and the music follows right along. "No More Running Away" builds up to the perfect amount. I couldn't get anough of the rhythm and piano in this song.

28. Bloc Party – Sunday
Why: Everyone knows Bloc Party, particularly in the UK, where this London-based techno-rock group started their following. Sunday's lyrics of hangovers and melodrama following a hard night out is the least important reason I picked this song.

29. Field Music – A House Is Not A Home
Why: This song reminds me so much of The Beatles: the guitar, the vocals, the horn section, etc. There are too many things I relish when listening to this. A crowd-pleasing, casual favorite I've used throughout the year.

30. Angels & Airwaves – Everything’s Magic
Why: I enjoyed their first album and the same went for this one too. Before the album came out, "Everything's Magic" was AVA's first single, and is still my favorite from this album. Who doesn't like a song with clapping in it?

31. The Cinematics – A Strange Education
Why: The Cinematics shocked me when I saw them at the TLA on South Street in Philly. Opening up for Mute Math, the Cinematics proved they could just as well be a headliner. "A Strange Education" has that off-kilter UK rock feel, emblazoned with a city rock glaze. Lots of energy in this song.

32. Keane – The Night Sky
Why: I believe this is Keane's best effort yet, closely competing with "We Might As Well Be Strangers". And what could be better that this song was sold to support a cause? Just as Keane has done in the past, I love the subtle piano and keyboard in this song.

33. Film School – Two Kinds
Why: Film School is one of a kind, and "Two Kinds" is one of the most outstanding songs they have done to date. The synthesized strings with a solid steady beat, mixed with a simple guitar diddy had me done in on first listen.

34. Anberlin – The Haunting
Why: Anbelin has proved to be one of the most popular pop-punk groups out there. With their release of their B-sides this year, the album as a whole wasn't anything lavish, but "The Haunting" was their star track, and for a reason. This easily fits into my top three Anberlin songs.

35. Radiohead – All I Need
Why: What Radiohead does the best is manipulate every sound exactly the way they want to. With the deep synth, sound effects and passionate lyrics Yorke sings "You're All I Need", the total package hits home here.

36. Athlete – Hurricane
Why: The lyrics are somewhat mundane in this song, but are catchy as can be. Combine this with a few catchy hooks and you have Athlete's first successful single from Beyond the Neighbourhood.

37. Wilco – Either Way
Why: Wilco hasn't always been my favorite band. I had trouble getting into Memaid Avenue, and several other of ther earlier works. Once Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, I was sucked in and there was no return. Sky Blue Sky's incredibly well done soft rock approach stuck with me throughout 2007. "Either Way", the album's opener, was one of the main reasons for this.

38. The Cribs – I’ve Tried Everything
Why: The Cribs just don't care about what anyone thinks, and that's why I love listening to these guys. "I've Tried Everything" shows the lighter side of the band, moving more towards their constant comparisons to The Strokes.

39. Motion City Soundtrack – Hello Helicopter
Why: There are way too many songs I could have picked to put on this list, but the constant refrain of "Hello Helicopter" was just too friendly to pass over. Motion City Soundtrack had a phenomenal year, one most bands could only dream of and this song could be one of five on their album, I could have put in its place, only this one keeps coming back to haunt me

40. Maps – To The Sky
Why: As far as self-produced "bedroom" albums go, James Chapman is on the top of the list for 2007 successes. "To The Sky" is one of those uplifting, electronic synced songs that can set your day straight.

41. Nightmare of You – I Was Never a Normal Boy
Why: Brandon Reily, formerly of Movielife, makes it known in his songs of his socially pathetic misdemenor, his odd nuances and overall self-illed diagnoses. "I Was Never A Normal Boy" sums all of this, with the NYC based groups happy-go-lucky attitude as "Living is so easy, with blindfolds on your eyes" is the basis for this song.

42. Days Away – I’m Sorry I Told You All My Problems
Why: Days Away is like the Band of Horses of lowly punk/folk music. Having seen them at one of the smallest shows I've ever been at this past year, I loved the earnest way the band members wave at you when you come to their shows. The same carries through with their songs. This song is the highlight of this year's EP, Ear Candy For The Headphone Trippers.

43. Travis – Big Chair
Why: Travis has done it once, and conintues to follow through time and time again. Enough has been said about this band. If you want to read more about one of Scottland's most beloved bands, go to wikipedia.

44. Jimmy Eat World - Dizzy
Why: "Dizzy" rekindled the old feelings I had when I listened to Jimmy Eat World. I was over "Big Casino" in no time, but this song stuck around longer than I anticipated.

45. Spoon – Finer Feelings
Why: There's no shortage of words to describe this album and the songs within it. Finer Feelings has clapping, an urban rhythm and soul background and a bassline that moves with lively appeal. I especially liked the 'live' effect thrown into this song.

46. Seabear – I Sing I Swim
Why: "I Sing I Swim" I dance, I cry could have been the extended name of this song since it withholds so many emotions. Seabear's pronounced indie style of music could be copied over and over again. It really is one of the best indie-rock songs I've heard this year.

47. Minus The Bear – Knights
Why: MTB has a way of hitting these quick, off-key notes that I just love. "Knights" is just that, quick-witted, upbeat and catchy as anything. I've enjoyed going back through their catalogue this year and have managed to find many more great songs just like this one.

48. Surrogate – 15
Why: Indie/folk may describe the style heard here the most. It was tough not to include other songs from this album, but I really enjoyed Chris Keene's vocals, which are so subtle and powerful, it may blow your mind. Great pickup by Tooth & Nail Records this year.

49. Earlimart – Nevermind The Phonecalls
Why: If you enjoy Elliot Smith, this is right up that same alley. Smith's fans have been lingering since his death, and although Earlimart doesn't cover all of the bases, they've done an impressive job at moving to the front of their class.

50. The Mohawk Lodge – Wear ‘Em Out
Why: This song got me purely by the up and down guitar changes. I enjoyed their guitar sound as well as the down to earth, "I don't seem to care about anything" vocal style coupled with the "oh, oh ooohohohoh!s" at the end of the song.

Honorable Mention

51. The Starting Line – Island
52. Modest Mouse – Dashboard
53. Kate Tucker & the Sons of Sweden – Everything Went Down
54. The Raveonettes – Dead Sound
55. Mae – Just Let Go
56. Bear Colony – Hospital Rooms Aren’t For Lovers
57. Eddie Vedder – No Ceiling
58. Anberlin – Dismantle, Repair
59. The Hoosiers – Good bye Mr A
60. Sea Wolf – You’re A Wolf
61. Siberian – Wolf and Crane
62. Idiot Pilot – Retina And The Sky
63. Thirteen Senses – A Lot Of Silence Here
64. The Cinematics - Break

Not that Silversun Pickups are anything of an underground X-games highlight band, but this remix was nice to hear two of their songs remixed in a studly fashion. But the one problem with this is it is indeed, only two songs remixed several times. In track three's "Lazy Eye (Jason Bentley Remix)", the most catching part is the guitar you hear in the beginning, which for me, only rekindles the love for the original album. Dissapointingly, this album isn't as good as I would have liked it to be. I had my hopes up for more than two songs to be remixed, possibly even ten tracks of remixes. It wouldn't be overdoing it either, since Silversun Pickups managed to overdo their record without, in fact, overdoing it, and making one of the best albums all year.

So, yes, this album warranted a remix, and even though it wasn't done to the nth' degree, it was nice to see some professionally strung out underground techno jams let loose to sooth that itch I've had since Carnavas.

19) Jeniferever - A Ghost In The Corner Of Your Eye

This is one of those bands that nobody knows and will rarely be talked about. The reason for this may lie in either the fact that shoegaze is not too big in the U.S., or that they're simply from Sweden. Nevertheless, their sound is truly unique and their sounds beautifully entrancing. Not only is "A Ghost In The Corner Of Your Eye" a remarkable song, filled with drama, overloaded with layers of plush atmospheric ambience, but the whole album flows in the same true manner. If you're looking for a slower change of pace, this song is fantastic.

18) Saosin - Voices

The pop punk scene always thrives with over-the-top bands and at times seems overbearing when you hear too many songs that sound alike. Of course, Saosin is not pop, like Fall Out Boy and doesn't come off like it was made for MTV. "Voices" is a great song to play loud and appreciate what these guys have done for the punk rock scene last year and will carry into 2008.

17) Teddybears - Punkrocker (Feat. Iggy Pop)

If you've seen the movie "Jay and Silent Bob Strick Back" you might know what I'm talking about. It may even help if you listened to the soundtrack, which featured "Hiphopper" by Thomas Rusiak. "Punkrocker" is an altered version of this song, sung by Iggy Pop. It plays like many rock remixes of songs are, however this one sounds like Willie Nelson decided to turn a hiphop song into a techno/folk ballad. Peppy and quite interesting. Couldn't leave this one off the list.


16) Matt Mays and El Torpedo - On The Hood

If I could picture myself driving a car in slow motion, hanging out the window egging houses in mid-daylight, this would be the song I would play. Although I don't egg houses, this song would still makes for a great driving song, with the Tom Petty likenesses and the harboring feelings of just hanging out with your friends. Perhaps this song would have fit into Dazed and Confused had it come out 30 years earlier.


15) Heavens - Dead End Girl

I had no idea who this was at first until I realized it was Matt Skiba of the Alkaline Trio. Off his "Patent Pending" album in 2006, "Dead End Girl" really masks who the Alkaline Trio are, showing no likenesses of the bands previous music, but hey, that's what side projects are for, right? Skiba does his thing here and breaks it down nicely here. I especially enjoyed the "Noooooh, ooh ooooooh oh!"s



14) I Am Kloot - Over My Shoulder

Granted, this is a 'best of' list', "Over My Shoulder", is one of those songs that is the only reason you will ever know this band. Not only does their album Gods and Monsters not live up to the epic name of the album, but this song is the rose in the midst of thorns. Sometimes this is the best way to catch a single: when the album is no good, but, wait!, there's something worth listening to. Not only is it worth listening to, but you may find yourself going back to this song more than just once a day. Songs like this are the reasons fans get into the rest of the album, and in this case, I Am Kloot has done just that.

13) Trespassers William - Lie In The Sound

Harmoniious, depressing, moving and elevating are only a few words to describe Trespassers William. Whether the mood is enlightning or the vocals saddening, one thing for sure is that these guys (and gals) do what they do, spot on. It would be an understatement to say Anna-Lynn Williams, the lead vocalist for TW, has a 'pretty good' voice. In fact, it would be safe for me to say she's one of the best female vocalists I can actually sit down and listen to. That narrows the field greatly, but coming from an alt/rock fan, that is quite a compliment. Trespassers William are considered indie rock/dream pop, which isn't a popular genre by they way, so this is why you haven't heard about them yet. If you have, then you're already appreciating them.

12) My Morning Jacket - Off The Record

Everyone knows My Morning Jacket, especially after their breakthrough release of It Still Moves in 2003. Their dreamy, indie rock style made them a popular show to see and catapulted them into making another album, Z, to cap things off from making music since the 90s. Having listened to It Still Moves and falling in love with their style, I had no doubts, nothing could be done better. Unfortunately, Z was a bit of a letdown, but the path that My Morning Jacket laid for me from the beginning led me to this song. Of course, once you've learned to love one album from a band, and one only, you have to be curious, right? "Off The Record" is fitting to their style from ISM and is constantly in the rotation of songs I can listen to at any given moment.

11) Mat Kearney - Undeniable

What most people don't know is Mat's been doing his thing for a while. As most singer/songwriters do, Mat has been working his tail off to get into the business. There are millions of one-man-band guys who boast, "All I need is a group of guys to play with me" and they'll make it. In the singer/songwriter world, its a grueling one. The large majority of these guys can't do their own thing forever, so they do eventually pick up a bunch of guys to play with them. So it went for Mat, and although this year may have been the first time you've heard of Mat, "Undeniable" was actually out last year. For once, there's a singer/songwriter I can stand, no thanks to Howie Day, Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson - you know what I mean, those guys who do it more for the girls than the music.

10) Nine Black Alps - Unsatisfied

After releasing Love/Hate this year, I had to go back to see who these guys were. There was no dissapointment going back in time as I stumbled across "Unsatisfied". Nine Black Alps are no stranger to the UK either, particularly Manchester, and their music shows it. With the modern Brit-rock appeal and a swoon of heavy hitting tricks up their sleeves, Nine Black Alps are turning into a soon favorite of mine. Every step they've taken is refreshing, turning over a new leaf as they move into different directions with each album. "Unsatisfied" is actually my second favorite song they have to date, "Bitter End" from Love/Hate being my first.

9) Minus the Bear - Pachuca Sunrise

Rumored that the band performed on stage with a bear in a cage in their early days, just to get the crowd hyped up, the band had a bad incident in which the bear escaped and later had to change their name. If you believe this, then Minus the Bear may make sense to you more so than any of their song titles such as
"Thanks For The Killer Game of Crisco Twister" or "I Lost All My Money At The Cockfights". Aside from their song names and band name rumors, Minus The Bear puts out some pretty decent music. I can't say that I'm enthralled by a whole album, since my favorite songs span over more than three albums. "Pachuca Sunrise" was my gateway song to the rest of the band's work, which I later realized have a total of eight albums going back to 2001. "Pachuca Sunrise" is conveniently my favorite and the first song I discovered by them.

8) Neverending White Lights - The Grace (ft. Dallas Green)

Now remember, this is a list of songs and not full albums. In this case, I'm not sure I could put Neverending White Lights all the way up there on the album list, but I could definitely put this song up there as far as singles go, and I just did. The reason being, aside from the eerie calmness of this album is the vocals and guitar of the very talented Dallas Green. Dallas Green's vocals shimmer in this slowed down track, bringing out a quieter side to the Alexisonfire guitarist, who, turns out to have a softer side. If this song hits you just right, you may want to seriously consider checking out City & Colour, which is Dallas' solo shot at putting together an acoustic album. Although a fine display of his talents, I can't say City & Colour works out as well as this song did for him, but his talent is undeniable.

7) Matt Pond PA - So Much Trouble

Matt Pond PA has one of those rustic, friendly voices that sticks the first time you hear it. The same goes for "So Much Trouble", as the song starts "Did you go to Monteal or hide behind the package store...". Pond made his mark through his writing skills which may have been the reason I was turned on to this song to begin with. Surely Matt Pond has talent in his writing skills as many of his songs are wordy, with philosophical meanings and descriptive feelings placed nicely into song. Althogh I still haven't figured out what Pond could be in so much trouble for, I still have enjoyed this song for the majority of this past year, and even taken a liking to his latest album, Last Light.

6) Band of Horses - The First Song

Band of Horses easlily fall into my top artists of the year. There's no reason to not enjoy these guys. From the earnest feeling you get when you listen to Ben Bridwell singing to the southern rock style they carry, their sound is unlike any other band out today. This all makes it fitting as to why I discovered these guys early this year. Not only was I introduced to an outstanding album, one of the best of last year, Everything All The Time, but they released their much anticipated album, Cease To Begin this year. Now the band's popularity is growing like wildfire, and there are a hundred and one reasons to fall into them. "The First Song" is fitting enough, since it was the first song I learned to crave and was also Band of Horses first song off of their last album.

5) The Shore - Hold On

Inspired by bands of the 60s and earlier such as The Beach Boys, the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, The Shore holds a mix of these sounds and diversified themselves in the modern rock aspect as well. Lead singer Ben Ashley's ability to hold the long notes and contaminate your brain for weeks with "Hold On" was enough for me to put The Shore so highly regarded on this list. This song should by no means put down the rest of the album as any lesser than this song either. So many songs have made finding these guys even more worth it. Song such as "Hard Road" and "Waiting For The Sun" are equally as impressive. It goes without a doubt this band may be the most unknown band that people continuously pass on, even after their downtime after releasing their self-titled album in 2004. The Shore announced they will begin working on a new album due out this year.

4) Immoor - Chemical Feelings

Immoor is actually the last name of the solo producer of The Thievery of Your Own Things, whose full name is Casey Immoor. Casey created the most useful album I've heard in years, which had been completed by use of his own recording studio. Sure, other bands have done this, the crappy techno-pop bands, the electro-punk bands, such as Hellogoodbye, Panic! At The Disco and many more. But Casey has done something different here. The album isn't overloaded with hooks or like-minded guitar, but each element is neatly laid into an extremely well-liked and progressive album. "Chemical Feelings" hit me like a brick the first time I discovered Immoor. I was making immediate comparisons to The Postal Service, a group which revolves the deep, warm synths with beautiful lyrics. Immoor is currently working on putting together performances and adding members to his band, but surely none of this would have started without this song.

3) Paulson - Window Frames

If you could throw 311 and System of a Down in a blender, you would have a Paulson smoothie for dessert. The attractive part of Paulson is that they sound like so many likable bands, there aren't enough blenders in the world to mix all of those band into one. "Window Frames" may not be the most striking song you've heard in years, but give it a few listens to sink in. Whether you're looking for something upbeat or something to relax and have a drink with, Paulson's best attribute is they are available for any situation you may find yourself in.

2) Mute Math - Noticed

If you picture a band blowing up one million times the size they could have ever imagined, that would be what describes Mute Math's current position. Collecting members from across the US, but claiming their homestead in New Orleans, LA, Mute Math is not Southern Blues by any means. The band prides themselves in their destructive stage performances and their high-octane electro-rock instrumentals. With lead singer, Paul Meany's vocals resounding like that of Sting and enough driven force behind drummer Darren King. In Mute Math's case, its difficult to find what not to like in a band. Afterall, who doesn't love a keytar? All of these elements combined will have you singing "Noticed" around the house.

1) Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye

Its hard to nail down what exactly makes Silversun Pickups as good as they are. Their hard rock style makes them appeal to most men, their melodic professionalism attracts most girls, and their album, Carnavas, is perfection. "Lazy Eye" represents all of Silversun Pickups most envious audible attributes. The low basslines drift right along with Brian Aubert's unique vocals. Not only can Aubert yell at the top of his lungs and still leave you shocked you actually liked it, the buzzing guitar solo and snapping drum forefronts will have you locked in. In layman's terms, this song, this band, is truly amazing.

Before we get into the best music of the year, what better to preface the past year than Surrogate's Love Is For The Rich. My main purpose for posting this is first, that Chris really enjoyed this review, and second, this album felt more real than most and is worth a serious listen. Here's our review from http://musicunderfire.com/:

There’s a part of folk music that drives listeners away. While this style bellows compelling simplistic foundations for some, this underappreciated sense for the non-syndicated music genre is found underlying in many forms of music. Few groups can make this as likeable as it seems odd to fall into, especially for an alternative/indie lover, but in this case Surrogate has done just so.

Dwelling from the West, where pure, good music seems to sit calmly, and appease without appearing too overbearing, Surrogate exposes their passionate lyrics with the percussions of Jordan Mallory and the talents of multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist, Chris Keene (guitar, bass, piano, keyboard, accordion, banjo, xylophone, percussion and programming). Delicately trimming the fat from minimalist indie-pop styles, Surrogate's approach gently persuades a light, folksy attitude; a style that gravitates outside the folk genre and tidally ebbs onto the alternative plateau. The result: an unfounded musical approach enough to gam your gullet.

At first glimpse, Surrogate appears flimsy, with their opening track, “Shift The Blame”, but this song laminates the album in a most fitting way. With the acoustic song-in-a-garage effect they've dreamily laid down, the effect manages to bring out their strengths in not only relying in their songwriting skills, but also the passion in the vocals sung by Keene. Barroom piano accompanies a nurturing guitar and a setting is laid for the album. But the precedent from “Shift The Blame” is not followed, rather shown up and completely reversed by the subsequent track, “15”. With a poppiness enough to calibrate the album back into an unabashed indie-pop album, “15” proves flavorful enough to keep going back to. Concurrent with the vocals throughout the album lay the bits and pieces of folk practically hidden at each turn. "Talk of the Weather" provides a clean banjo entrance to the track, while “Death Penalty” begins with the trembling piano that kicked-off the album. Peeling off the alt-country skin to the well-versed lyrics Keene sings, "It doesn't matter now, cause' I have seen the future, its amazing; we will fall to our knees."

Songs such as “Easy” expose Keene’s vocal abilities as wavering, unsure or tepid in song style, yet controlled on the high notes, and withering on the low ones. This doesn’t affect the album in too much of a negative fashion, but pushes the album more into the direction of indie-rock, where many songwriters' natural vocals cannot support their creative writing talents, although this is not the case here. Keene’s vocals capture his emotions fittingly, while leaving room for improvement, which entitles him to such a unique set of vocal talent incomparable to any mainstream music. The blemishes in this case, instead of devaluing the music, rather add to the value like a fossil to a stone.

Without any upbeat or off-kilter basics Mallory and Keene would otherwise have failed on this album, which is why the success of album flow plays such an important part in Love Is For The Rich. From the complexity of elements put into “Stay Out Of The Sun” to the perfect reminiscent philosophies primed over “Upside Down Pictures”, the drastic measures shown here germinate the album from a raggedy weed to a symmetrical petal. Simply put, Surrogate has outdone themselves with their first album.

Whether it is the sincerity, or wholeheartedness that Love Is For The Rich captures, the basic theme is that of a gentle bear. With a quiet country town atmosphere to the album, the harmonics are richly constructed and the instrumental variances are well accompanied by the intrinsic complaisance set forth through the lyrics. Love Is For The Rich chalks an outstanding first effort and more first-class efforts should be expected to follow.

Surrogate - Death Penalty (acoustic)

It's the end of the year, and although it doesn't look like we've done much from only looking at our blog, this is far from true. Our year started with http://musicunderfire.com/, where we listened to 100+ albums and sifted through many songs we missed from years prior. This week will being you our favorite album art, artist of the year, alternative artist of the year, top ten songs we discovered from prior years, as well as our top ten albums of the year and our 'Top 50 Song Countdown for 2007'. Stay tuned!

The comparisons are very similar: The overhypedness, mass appeal and singing styles are analogous. Although nobody wants to be compared to Smashmouth these days after they reached their peak with Astro Lounge five years ago, only to save themselves with a rip-off single, "I'm A Believer". Smashmouth's previous success is an unusual one, yet one that no longer lingers. The band, dwelling from San Jose, CA, released their last album Summer Girl in 2006, and that's all that's been heard of since. Not only is their website outdated, but there's been no talk about what had been gabbed about two years ago, Old Habits, which was slated to be a possible release late this year after being pushed aside years prior to release their Greatest Hits.

Okay, so who cares about Smashmouth, right? It may seem like a bit of a phenomenon in the UK, but Hard-Fi has been doing quite well for themselves. With three singles in the top 15 on the UK charts with their latest album, Hard-Fi is saturating the pop-rock music market overseas. Just like Smashmouth did in the US.

So, they have found great success, and I enjoy many of their songs, particularly, "Suburban Knights", although purely for the hype factor. If I'm falling asleep in the car, either this or "Gotta Reason" from their Stars of CCTV album may work for me. But songs such as "Cash Machine" drive me bannas. Not only is the song formatted for such a glamorous destination on the radio, but their style is nothing I haven't seen before. Just like Smashmouth, there was a time when everyone liked "All-Star", whether you were at a summer fair, at a sporting event or watching a movie, the song had its place. Hard-Fi worked themselves into the same spot Smashmouth put themselves into. Their music will surely bring fame, but at a cost of oversaturating the market with the same thing again and again and eventually tiring their listeners out.

I can't talk trash on Once Upon A Time In The West because it does bring back those poppy memories I used to get sucked into, and it hasn't died yet to me, but let's wait another couple years to see what happens. I see the same outcome happening here.