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Punknews Staff Picks for 2007

Posted by adam on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 12:30 AM (EST)

Once again Punknews.org is wrapping up a year with a collection of best of lists.

Each news editor and a selection of our most prolific reviewers have put together their personal picks for the best records of 2007. We list our top EPs and live albums, assemble mix tape lists of our favorite tracks, and even pull in some videos to show off the bands. Here's the line up. Click the staff member's name to see their picks:

Aubin (news editor / site founder)
Adam White (news editor)
Brian Shultz (news / reviews editor)
Justin August (news editor)
Meg Reinecker (news editor)
Chris Moran (news editor / videographer)
Ben Conoley (news editor)
Scott Heisel (alumni news / reviews editor)
Greg Simpson aka Greg0rb (reviewer)
Jesse Raub (reviewer)
Jordan Rogowski aka Anchors (reviewer)
Darren McLeod (reviewer)
Tyler Barrett aka GlassPipeMurder (reviewer)
Jon Daley (reviewer)

Through the awesome power of math we've also averaged out an overall site list based on the individual picks. You can check these out at the:

Overall Punknews.org Picks for 2007

Happy New Years everyone. We'll see you in 2008.

(196 comments)

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way. Seriously.

Jesus_H_Christ (December 31, 2007)

That's a pretty fair list. More than likely there will be incessent bitching over who made it and who didn't.

4+ Replies

Jesus_H_Christ (December 31, 2007)

incessant*...my bad.

colin (December 31, 2007)

see, i figure the lists are pretty fair... i just go over them and think "wow but, honestly, none of this is memorable. at all."

the only omission i noticed was darkest hour, which i thought was incredibly solid. but for the most part, even including that, everything on the lists just seems, well, pretty bland. unintrusive, unimaginative. just, yuck.

Jesus_H_Christ (December 31, 2007)

Well, that's thing about these best of lists. They're completely subjective. I don't think anyone can truly get behind a list completely that he/she didn't write.

colin (December 31, 2007)

well i mean, like... in most years i can say "well, i'd say i agree most with this person" or "this one has some hits"

i'm just saying, overall, very little good was released this year. it's not a point against the writers, it's a point against the bands.

Jesus_H_Christ (December 31, 2007)

I think "punk" has gone back into the underground. That usually means better bands and music. We'll see how it goes for the next few years.

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

See that's interesting because I believe that, as a whole, this year was much stronger than last. I think last year the big argument a lot of us were trying to make was that it was a year of 7 and 8s, decent records but not much that was truly remarkable. This year feels much stronger to me (at least that's my entirely subjective opinion on it).

-adam

colin (December 31, 2007)

there's also a whoooole lotta indie rock on the lists, though. feist, modest mouse... sure, these are good releases, but releases i'm likely to find at the lower tiers of a pitchfork list.

i mean, my list was incredibly varied but i'm also drifting farther away from the type of music generally focused on around these parts.

it just seems, from the lists, so is everyone else. usually i like to come here to get recommendations on what was great in the year in 'punk.' some of these could hardly be considered independent.

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

Where our choices fall on Pitchfork's list matters little to me, and I assume most of the staff.

You're probably right about everyone's tastes growing and changing, but if you look at our last few years of lists that should be no surprise.

The important thing for Punknews is that even though a lot of us may go home and listen to Feist at the end of the day, that's not what we want the day-to-day coverage here to focus on. We're quite happy reporting on punk rock and intend to continue to do so. It's still the common thread that ties us together, we just can't ignore that there's other music out there that we also enjoy.

-adam

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

i appreciate this.

P-Fresh (December 31, 2007)

I couldn't get into that Darkest Hour at all. Too safe and boring, like a lot of metal music anymore.

colin (December 31, 2007)

don't you like new wave? and scott heisel? both of which are safe and boring?

regardless, i didn't like the last darkest hour release, but this was able to condense the songs a bit, going away from "hidden hands." again, you're right, nothing daring here, but enjoyable. i don't know if it's "metal" or not, but that wolves in the throne room release was pretty enjoyable.

P-Fresh (December 31, 2007)

haha, you just can't leave New Wave alone, at all. It's pretty funny.

Anyways, I don't know. I think the DH record is good too, I mean, it's definitely not a bad record, I just feel like it's so run of the mill, and I don't understand all the hype behind it. Though, the same thing could be said for 90% of my CD collection, so what do I know, right?

As far as heavy music goes, I think Between The Buried and Me released one of my favorite records of the year.

colin (December 31, 2007)

hey, you were the one who said boring. but i supppose the darkest hour gripe (which, when i initially posted, i hadn't seen aubin's list, so kudos to him) is that even though it's relatively unimaginative, i'd still say it's more invoking than most of the music being produced.

if i wanted lists of semi-indie-punkish-pop music, i'd be masochistic enough to tolerate absolutepunk.net. i initially came to punknews because it was heavy on the abilities to stay true to the nature of, if nothing more, the initial ethos of punk rock. i'd imagine i'm close in age to the editors, and so i can appreciate them growing out of it all (as i have), but that's not to say that there shouldn't be some sort of hold on to the genre. local releases, independent efforts... i mean, shit, there's bound to be better music out there.

a lot of this seems like "top 40 for those wh

show rest of comment

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

You sort of answered your own question here. You're probably at around the same age group as the editors, so you probably get exposed to the sort of stuff we do. If there are amazing inarguably punk releases that we're missing out on, please send in news, reviews and the like. We only see what comes across our plate, and it's a community effort to pull that stuff together.

-adam

sugarfull (December 31, 2007)

You should check out the new Pig Destroyer, then.

colin (December 31, 2007)

maybe it's because i hate everything, but there isn't really a single list i can get behind. or else maybe that's a good thing, regardless of cause.

2+ Replies

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

i pretty much agree with you, but i still feel like the lists were fair--they just weren't in line with my tastes. last year was more aligned with my tastes, but i think this year's lists are better.

RightCliqificus (December 31, 2007)

what a load of horse shit. pretentious prick.

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

umm, ok whatever. i complained a lot last year, cause i thought it was bullshit that there was no punk rock on the punknews list. this year there's punk rock, though not the albums i personally liked best. if having objective standards for lists is horse shit, then fine, but wtf are you doing in the comments section?

chickswithdicks (December 31, 2007)

i thought a wilhelm scream would do better on these lists. i hope they're not sad.

2+ Replies

victim (December 31, 2007)

I'm not sad, but kind of shocked on that one.

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

agreed. comeback kid, also, i thought would do better

JerryCola (December 31, 2007)

My favorite album of 2007, The Arrivals "Marvels Of Industry" didn't make anyone's list, such a fucking great album and even with Paddy being in the band people just let it pass over their heads.

2+ Replies

PersonalResponsibility (December 31, 2007)

People just haven't heard it.

1234go (December 31, 2007)

It was in my top ten too. Only album more overlooked this year was The Brokedowns...also in my top ten. Thank god everyone seemed to have noticed that half hearted lifetime come back album though!

Costanza (December 31, 2007)

where's the justin timberlake?

2+ Replies

Jesus_H_Christ (December 31, 2007)

Lodged in Hitler's asshole.

Anchors (December 31, 2007)

New album slated for 2008, I'm excited!

iconoclast (December 31, 2007)

fuck yea.
weakerthans represent!

Torgo (December 31, 2007)

I guess this is where people will post their lists... here's mine:

http://www.last.fm/user/PayToCum/journal/2007/12/31/6105 17/

Bryne (December 31, 2007)

Good stuff. Maybe I will check out that Tegan and Sara record someday.

And yeah, my list is up at my blog.

I-type-poorly (December 31, 2007)

I think Jesse wins for best list, for including the new Architecture in Helsinki. I still don't understand why people hate that album.

I have opinions too! Here is a list

3+ Replies

greg0rb (December 31, 2007)

I think you're referring to my list. I love AIH.
-Greg

I-type-poorly (December 31, 2007)

Oh, sorry about that. I transfer the props to you.

usversusthem (December 31, 2007)

that was fun to read. thumbs up.

mcgregor107 (December 31, 2007)

2006 > 2007

Only one Era Vulgaris mention? It's been growing on me for the past month..
Props for all the Attack in Black love too.. those guys definitely deserve some dap.

Toxic_Toast (December 31, 2007)

the lack of nothington, world/inferno, and the bosstones makes me sick

1+ Reply

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

world/inferno album was amazing, but i'll bet most of the staff didn't get a chance to listen to it, so that's pretty expected.

victim (December 31, 2007)

Shit, only one or two of my top 5 even made a single list. There were a lot of albums that I could never decide exactly how great I thought they were -- Flatliners, Baroness (NO ONE picked this??), Locust, Gaslight Anthem

I guess this is where everyone posts their bullshit lists so:

Top 5, can't really say an order

A Wilhelm Scream -- Career Suicide
Deny Everything -- Fire This Time
Lifetime -- Lifetime
Witchs With Dicks -- Manual
Love Me Destroyer -- The Things Around Us Burn

Project 27 -- Next September would be my top EP beating out Ceremony and the Shook Ones split.

Attempted Suicide by Career Suicide and The Steal are also right there although both were technically available in 2006. And like I said above I don't know where I put Baroness right now.

A few albums I ended up l

show rest of commentShit, only one or two of my top 5 even made a single list. There were a lot of albums that I could never decide exactly how great I thought they were -- Flatliners, Baroness (NO ONE picked this??), Locust, Gaslight Anthem

I guess this is where everyone posts their bullshit lists so:

Top 5, can't really say an order

A Wilhelm Scream -- Career Suicide
Deny Everything -- Fire This Time
Lifetime -- Lifetime
Witchs With Dicks -- Manual
Love Me Destroyer -- The Things Around Us Burn

Project 27 -- Next September would be my top EP beating out Ceremony and the Shook Ones split.

Attempted Suicide by Career Suicide and The Steal are also right there although both were technically available in 2006. And like I said above I don't know where I put Baroness right now.

A few albums I ended up liking but also not being totally in love with namely This Sinking Ship from Smoke Or Fire and On The Move by the Leftovers. The former is still awesome but I want more Above The City and When The Battery Dies.

As for the Leftovers, I'm still holding out hope they can recreate the magic of Stop Drop Rock N Roll. More songs like Life And Death Of the Party would help tremendously.

I don't know which bands will relese stuff in 08 but the ones I'll be psyched for if they come out will include

Circle Takes The Square, Falcon, Leftover Crack, Audio Karate (I think?), Common Enemy, Leftovers, Lords, Pennywise, Red Knife Lottery(!), Banner Pilot, Dead To Me, Fear Before The March Of Flames, Fucked Up, Loved Ones, Shook Ones, Ceremony, Monikers, The Steal, Antimaniax, Dillinger Four, Project 27, heck maybe even Green Day..

I personally think its been a great year for music, punk rock in particular

4+ Replies

randomhero323 (December 31, 2007)

project 27 has a full length coming out in a couple on months on rally records.

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

Career Suicide was a tough one. Everyone loved it but the vinyl was out in late 2006. Since the majority of the world were able to get their hands on it in 2007 we considered it 2007.

-adam

INDW (December 31, 2007)

i'm surprised by the absence of witches with dicks. thought they were the future.

victim (December 31, 2007)

They broke up didn't they? I was at their show at the Fest, which I thought was their final show. Please tell me that's wrong!

Ven89 (December 31, 2007)

Nope, that was their last show. Great band though.

ConsolationPrizefighter (December 31, 2007)

You're lucky they played that show. I heard they were just going to say that they showed up to play and use it as an free pass to enjoy the Fest.

facetofacereunion08 (December 31, 2007)

i've been waiting for these!!!

question for everyone... growing up i've always been a nofx, lagwagon, face to face guy. lately i've been super into jawbreaker and hot water music (particularly fuel for the hate game)---love the passion, lyrics, and melody without screaming for the most part. Any suggestions on similar bands/albums?

13+ Replies

Toxic_Toast (December 31, 2007)

lawrence arms

IAmJetBlack (December 31, 2007)

Grab Promise Ring's "Very Emergency." I went on a 8 month kick listening between "Bivouac" and "Very Emergency," and they go quite well together. You'll most likely end up checking out Jets to Brazil...so, you should just do it already. Same great lyrics and melodies from Schwarzenbach, but with much chiller music...and all three albums are pretty solid.

David_Arquette (December 31, 2007)

Very Emergency is a fucking GREAT record, but I don't know if it really fits with this stuff.

iconoclast (December 31, 2007)

propagandhi

IAmJetBlack (December 31, 2007)

The Prop is always good...but I think he's trying to stray away from that FAT sound and broaden his horizons.

usversusthem (December 31, 2007)

so... TE,TA and PCL, then?

feeeding5000 (December 31, 2007)

Fuel - Monuments to Excess. Not the radio-rock band, but a Bay Area melodic punk/emocore band
If you like that, get Soul Side - Soon Come Happy, and Dag Nasty - Can I Say. I'd also say look into Samiam (I only have their S/T, so I dunno what's best). If you can find it, get Krupted Peasant Farmerz - Peasants By Birth.

PaC (December 31, 2007)

Krupted Peasant Farmerz, wow! All the others are solid choices too, but Krupted...

TrueBeliever (December 31, 2007)

Lawrence Arms, Against Me!, Gaslight Anthem, basically orgcore bands...

JoeyMagnet (December 31, 2007)

Painted Youth were always a nice time.
http://radio3.cbc.ca/nmc/artist.aspx?name=PAINTED-YOUTH

also later output d.b.s. - some boys got it..., and/or if life was a result...
Samiam and Leatherface are neat as well. Pick up Ashtray, Billy, and Mush respectively.
Whoever said Fuel is setting a fine course. Also track down The People Will Not Be Free by Manner Farm. Classic teenage idealistic punk.

facetofacereunion08 (December 31, 2007)

thanks! just checked out painted youth...good stuff. i already love "mush", def what i'm looking for.

PaC (December 31, 2007)

A band I like is Montreal`s The Frenetics. Their first one is the perfect Jawbreaker meets Joe Strummer record. Seaweed is also a great band. Friction had a nice Unfun vibe to them. Strong Reaction by Pegboy would be my last suggestion.

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

The Frenetics were such a great band, particularly on their last record.

-adam

facetofacereunion08 (December 31, 2007)

thanks guys...definately gonna check these out

CellarDoor (December 31, 2007)

Most disappointing album ? I'd go with Smoke Or Fire.
Also, matt hughes *giggles* verbal tap *giggles*

3+ Replies

victim (December 31, 2007)

To me it was Get Warmer because I loved Goodbye Cool World so much and it just didn't compare (IMO obv)

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

man, tough... i'd go with only crime. i LOVED to the nines, and virulence really didn't do anything for me.

baseball (December 31, 2007)

Against Me!

Streetlight Manifesto - i expected it to be similar stylistically, but was hoping they'd branch out more

Dropkick Murphys - just didn't stick with me like Warrior's Code did

ashtraymonument (December 31, 2007)

If anybody mildly cares

http://www.last.fm/user/spraypainthero/journal/2007/12/2 0/603053/

1+ Reply

victim (December 31, 2007)

Thanks, I'd totally forgotten about the NMDS EP!

feeeding5000 (December 31, 2007)

So I guess I'll be doing one for '08, eh guys? Eh? Oh, fuck me. I have to start writing again.

Big_Guy (December 31, 2007)

1. A Wilhelm Scream
2. Four Year Strong
3. Hot Rod Circuit
4. Every Time I Die
5. Crime In Stereo
6. Lifetime
7. Boys Night Out
8. Jena Berlin
9. Celeste
10. Big D And The Kids Table
11. Circa Survive
12. Comeback Kid
13. Maritime
14. Radiohead
15. Moving Mountains
16. Poison The Well
17. Ghostface
18. The Ocean
19. Pig Destroyer
20. Weatherbox

Honorble Mentions
THe End
Dillinger Escape Plan
Minus The Bear
Weakerthans
Look Mexico
Sage Francis
Aesop Rock
Wu-Tang Clan
The Fad

3+ Replies

dontwantaname (December 31, 2007)

Care to burn a copy of every one of those albums for me my good bro?

Someone (December 31, 2007)

Now you're in big trouble.

Sincerely,
The RIAA

capitalist_pig (December 31, 2007)

It's about goddamn time someone mentioned Jena Berlin. One of the best records I've heard in a while.

Splendidtune (December 31, 2007)

FUCK YOU ALL!! WHERE IS A WILHELM SCREAM!?!?!?!?!?!?!

TheOneTrueBill (December 31, 2007)

No mention of the new Arrivals record anywhere?

TheOneTrueBill (December 31, 2007)

I'm also genuinely surprised at all the love for Career Suicide. Thumbs up for that.

Dusticles (December 31, 2007)

i could never get into the new Lifetime.

also for the people bitching about A Wilhelm Scream... I agree with the people who didnt pick it. It's a solid album but i seriously have not listened to the whole thing through since it came out. Nothing really sticks out to me like Ruiner did.

2+ Replies

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

weird, i listen to it all the time, and i think the beginning of the first song is one of the greatest openings to any album ever. i put it on for that song, then i leave it on for the rest, which i find at a similar level to mute print or ruiner.

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

though i agree with you on lifetime.

CapnHawk (December 31, 2007)

Good to see some love for the ergs! and the copyrights, but the lack of ben weasel on any lists is criminal.

Big_Guy (December 31, 2007)

the AWS record is the most urgent release of the year.

Ruiner had no soul compared to Mute Print

Mute Print=Career Suicide>>Ruiner

1+ Reply

usversusthem (December 31, 2007)

Ruiner = Mute Print > Career Suicide >> Diver >>> Benefits of Thinking Out Loud >>>>>> everything by Smackin' Isaiah.

AphasiacIIC (December 31, 2007)

all the lists are pathetic and predictable besides Tyler's. i dont necessarily agree with tyler and probably half of his list but hes the only decent staff member on this site and probably the only reason why i still read reviews

Archangel (December 31, 2007)

Wow, I wasn't expecting such a huge reception for Lifetime.

And how is Hot Cross so underrated?

2+ Replies

Ven89 (December 31, 2007)

That Hot Cross record sucked though.

Archangel (December 31, 2007)

FALSE. Go back and listen again.

Ven89 (December 31, 2007)

Oddly enough, I said pretty much that exact same thing when someone said that Propagandhi's last one sucked. So I might just do that.

VincentB (December 31, 2007)

Chinese Telephones?

1+ Reply

notfeelingcreative (December 31, 2007)

Yeah, tht's what I'm thinking, it definitely would've made my list!

onegirlarmy (December 31, 2007)

I seriously don't get what the big deal is if the staffers on this site are considered "predictable" and such with their lists. What, are people going to lie about what they liked and didn't like? The staffers here (or for any website or publication for that matter), don't write for you people and your approval, they do it for THEMSELVES. People can't help what they listen to and their individual tastes in music.

and if your favorite release of '07 wasn't listed on the main list of releases, big fuckin' deal. Start your own webzine or fanzine and write your own damn lists if you disagree with these. I loved the AWS record and it's in my top ten of this year, but I'm not gonna get all depressed cause a news site didn't list it in theirs. I also loved the Attica! Attica! album and think it should have appeared on everyone's list, but it didn't, I don't care. P

show rest of comment

9+ Replies

TEAiM (December 31, 2007)

all good and valid points.

Splendidtune (December 31, 2007)

no not really

AphasiacIIC (December 31, 2007)

damn if youll go out of your way to defend this site youre fucking pathetic

baseball (December 31, 2007)

and it's pretty pathetic that everything you've ever posted on this site is a complaint about something

i hope you don't complain half as much in real life

Someone (December 31, 2007)

i'm sure this person complains about every little thing. i can see him/her standing at the counter at starbucks yelling at the barista that there's not enough nutmeg on their double foam iced hazelnut skinny latte. sheesh.
-nic

AphasiacIIC (December 31, 2007)

what the hell? I refuse to complain to anyone who serves me food.

AphasiacIIC (December 31, 2007)

i actually just compained about the lists and the orgcore. everything else im cool with.

keep worshipping ron paul.

baseball (December 31, 2007)

you complain about 'orgcore' all the time on here...any 'orgcore' thread you're sure to pop in and say how much the band sucks or how no one on here has any taste in music, and i don't even seek out your posts...i've just been casually noticing them for some time

oh, and you're joking right?

i'm not a Ron Paul supporter...show me where i said i was voting for Ron Paul, or said i contributed to his campaign

unsurprisingly, you need to work on your reading comprehension

AphasiacIIC (December 31, 2007)

haha and you obviously dont read all my comments. i even gave aubin a little props.

so yeah i hear ron paul callin ya!

onegirlarmy (December 31, 2007)

yes I will go out of my way to defend this site, I love what they do and the people who write here.

sorry we disagree.

dev (December 31, 2007)

If you think this is bad, go read last year's lists if they're still available for your reading pleasure. Just think: Anonymous posting was allowed back then, and the lists were even shittier (only half kidding!) ;)

Archangel (December 31, 2007)

Wow, would "insightless" be the opposite of insightful? Or just inane or asinine? Because what a worthless comment.

onegirlarmy (December 31, 2007)

how is it worthless to post an opinion?

onegirlarmy (December 31, 2007)

ps - I'm sorry I'm not going to join the masses and jump on the "I'm so pissed my favorite band X and my favorite release didn't make the official year end list" bandwagon. now to me, that seems more assinine (spelled wrong, I know) than my comment about it.

joeg (December 31, 2007)

so your comment would be ironic or paradoxical?

onegirlarmy (December 31, 2007)

Oh, I see what you're doing. You're saying I'm just as bad as everyone else by posting why I don't want to be involved with the bandwagon?

hey, nobody else seemed to be doing it.

joeg (December 31, 2007)

comment was directed at archangel, not you.

onegirlarmy (December 31, 2007)

ah sorry, wasn't clear. no worries dude.

dontwantaname (December 31, 2007)

Nice lists.

-endorsed by Ron Paul 08.

Canucker (December 31, 2007)

I take it no one liked the new Tiger Army album?

4+ Replies

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

I liked it, it just didn't strike me as very memorable. It's a nice listen and all...

-adam

_911 (December 31, 2007)

i forgot about this album. best they have done so far. i love it. you really need to listen to it on headphones to enjoy it the most.

GlassPipeMurder (December 31, 2007)

honorable mention. i kind of had to pick between that and Tim Armstrong, and I felt Lint's effort was a little more empassioned.

joeg (December 31, 2007)

it was alright. i liked it better than any other tiger army record.

PersonalResponsibility (December 31, 2007)

My top 10.

x The Gaslight Anthem - Sink Or Swim
x Attack in Black - Marriage
x Streetlight Manifesto - Somewhere in Between
x The Measure (SA) - Historical Fiction
x American Steel - Destroy Your Future
x The Arrivals - Marvels Of Industry
x Defiance Ohio - The Fear, the Fear, the Fear.
x Andrew Jackson Jihad - People who can eat people are the luckiest people in the world
x Chuck Ragan - Feast or Famine
x The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour

No particular order. Not sure about some of my picks, but whatever.

skankin_in_the_pit (December 31, 2007)

My ears are better than your ears! I'm too lazy to type out titles.

1. The Ergs!
2. Career Suicide
3. Double Negative
4. Muni Waste
5. Inepsy
6. Cloak/Dagger
7. Aggrolites
8. Subhumans
9. Filthy Thieving Bastards
10. Streetlight Manifesto
11. Witches With DIcks
12. Criminal Damage
13. The Vicious
14. Bedouin Soundclash
15. Buck 0 Nine
16. Revisions
17. Coliseum
18. Signal Lost
19. Mustard Plug
20. Red Dons

Just Missed: Big Business, Busy Signals, Riff Randells, Mouth Sewn Shut

Best 7"s
1. Wasted Time
2. Government Warning
3. Life Trap
4. Dustheads
5. The Ergs! / Lemuria

Best Demos
1. Bad Advice
2. Civic Progress
3. Obstruction

2+ Replies

SloaneDaley (December 31, 2007)

that Witches With Dicks album is pretty damn good.

ConsolationPrizefighter (December 31, 2007)

Thank god, I'm so glad someone besides me liked We Are.

spec (December 31, 2007)

Did anybody else like Strung Out's new one this year or am I alone?

3+ Replies

baseball (December 31, 2007)

no, you're not alone

it was better than Exile and a solid album all around

AphasiacIIC (December 31, 2007)

so apparantly i hate this album because all i do is complain, even though i love it.

GlassPipeMurder (December 31, 2007)

honorable mention.

SloaneDaley (December 31, 2007)

for all the talk off orgcore or whatever everyone has pretty diverse lists, the only one that could be considered orgcore is maybe Chris' maybe.

dev (December 31, 2007)

Did you guys completely forget that A Wilhelm Scream released an album this year? Or did you all really think your lists were complete without that album on there? I mean, I guess I'm just surprised it didn't make as many lists as it did.

3+ Replies

SloaneDaley (December 31, 2007)

I found it to be their least enjoyable, that is why it isn't on mine.

dev (December 31, 2007)

Fair enough...

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

I don't think anyone has anything against A Wilhelm Scream, at least I don't. They're a fine band, but sometimes a solid release is just that -- a solid release but not something that you'd rank amongst your favorite records of the year.

-adam

returnofdebs (December 31, 2007)

people who think bands they listen to making top ten lists makes them cool are stoked.

2+ Replies

Someone (December 31, 2007)

aren't you still supposed to be in purgatory?
-nic

victim (December 31, 2007)

Is there really a purgatory around here or is that a joke? As a fellow socialist I stand in solidarity with Debsie. If hes really in "purgatory" I call frameup..people make remarks that others construe as crude or vulgar all the time on here. Why should he be singled out just because some other posters elect to take such comments overly seriously?

It goes without saying that many comments on PN would/could never be repeated in a real life conversation..

Someone (December 31, 2007)

ok. it is an ongoing joke. i don't dislike this person. i don't know them. i think that the comment that they made about the kid from hawthorne heights (i think) dying was really shitty and totally unnecessary. i'm sure i've made some comments on this board that aren't 100% p.c., but i keep my nose pretty clean. there isn't a "purgatory" but i'll be damned if there shouldn't be a fucking penalty box for people who make shit comment like the one i'm referring to. people should show respect for others especially if someone has died. i get into arguments all the time with people but i have never said anything that bad. i'm not trying to single out at all. tell you what....if i make a comment that you think is utterly despicable you can taunt me however much you want.
-nic

victim (January 1, 2008)

Oh OK..I was having flashes of McCarthyism all over again

joeg (December 31, 2007)

what???? no aws????? what???? huh???? why????when???hello????

in no particular order:
The Aggrolites-Reggae Hit L.A.
Rilo Kiley-Under the Blacklight
Municipal Waste-The Art of Partying
Radiohead-In Rainbows
Burning Brides-Hang Love
PJ Harvey-White Chalk
Nothington-All In
John Doe-A Year in the Wilderness
Government Warning-Arrested
Career Suicide-Attempted Suicide
Double Negative-The Wonderful and Frightening World

Looking forward to in 2008: Paint it Black, My Bloody Valentine, The Breeders, Be Your Own Pet, Bob Mould, I Object, Adolescents, Giant Drag, Suicidal Tendencies(i think), Subhumans(have to pick it up), Burning Brides

skaboom (December 31, 2007)

Surprised more people weren't into the Bedouin Soundclash. It's a damn fine record.

6+ Replies

Banal242 (December 31, 2007)

I have to agree. Before I bought the album, I was a little put off by its description as reggae. However, after listening to it, it is a beautiful, for sure.

baseball (December 31, 2007)

favorite album of the year....so much depth with such a simple formula

GlassPipeMurder (December 31, 2007)

"Walls Fall Down" and "St. Andrews" were some of my favorite songs of the year. the rest was good, but has to stand as an honorable mention.

notfeelingcreative (December 31, 2007)

I can understand that, I liked 'street gospels', but I could press play on 'sounding a mosaic' and listen to the entire album stright through, I don't feel that way about 'street gospels', at leat not yet.

Fuzzy (justin) (December 31, 2007)

Had I never heard the band before, it probably would be waaaay up on the list. But sadly they were not only competing against other bands but against themselves. It was a far weaker album than I think they could have made, aside from a few great tracks.

It's good, it's just not "Year End List Good" when you see what they could have done.

damnitsderek (December 31, 2007)

One of my favorites of '07 as well.

Banal242 (December 31, 2007)

Last year, editors were avoiding "orgcore" albums for some reason. (credibility in the scene or something) I'm glad to see bands like Nothington and Gaslight Anthem made the lists even though they are "predictable." Above everything else, they are solid releases.

1+ Reply

victim (December 31, 2007)

Is that true? I thought these lists were better than last year in terms of highlighting music that fits on PN other than too much Weakerthans and Gaslight Anthem worship..

_911 (December 31, 2007)

i'm so glad that gallows isn't on there.. so overrated.. attack in black is probably the best album that came out this year.

Dante3000 (rich) (December 31, 2007)

Ah good to see we're already neck deep in "WHAT ABOUT (insert band)?!?!"
I like these lists and know for at least one editor (Justin, the only one who will talk to me, where'd the love go Ben?) that it was a tough choice he'd actaully been pouring over for the better part of a month.
I'll admit I'm bummed The Arrivals aren't on here, but that's their year end list and not mine.
-Dante

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victim (December 31, 2007)

Sometimes trying to make a sensible remark or interjecting a "voice of sanity and reason" is the dumbest thing a person could do.

Like now, when the entire point is to pontificate and argue pointlessly over things that are by any reckoning inconsequential.

Dante3000 (rich) (January 1, 2008)

MMMmmm...I bet your shit must smell like roses. Seriously, "the entire point is to pontificate and argue pointlessly"? I thought the point was to post the year end list for the editors. Maybe I misunderstood that with the article being titled "Punknews Staff Picks for 2007" and not "Here's some shit for y'alls to gripe over".
You really must have a hard time finding reasons to wake up in the morning but I guess figuring you're the shining beacon of reason in everyone's existence must keep you going.
-Dante

victim (January 1, 2008)

So, I guess your New Year's Eve went well..

SonnySix (December 31, 2007)

La Plebe.

1+ Reply

el_matt (December 31, 2007)

I honestly thought it would show up at least once. Damn good record.

batattack8 (December 31, 2007)

I know there's already been a few comments about it, but I'm honestly offended by the lack of props for A Wilhelm Scream. Here's my top 10 of 2007:

1. A Wilhelm Scream - Career Suicide
2-10. Fuck everything else. This record made me forget about everything I listened to before it, and I was still too busy listening to it to check out anything after.

This isn't a one-listen record. I can guarantee more than a few people will spin this shit a few more times down the road and realize "Oh, shit. This album is pretty fucking rad."

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GlassPipeMurder (December 31, 2007)

i'm sure I would have liked it if I'd heard it...the videos/mp3s I've heard sounded great.

dev (December 31, 2007)

So true. And I wonder if people are putting The Weakerthans on their lists simply because of the fact that it's been so long between Weakerthans albums. Reunion Tour doesn't hold a candle to Reconstruction Site for one thing. And to me, it seems like they'd done this record before. I don't even feel like listening to it anymore.

Ben_Conoley (December 31, 2007)

I think this one is better than Reconstruction Site - but at the end of the day I think the Weakerthans' songs are better than their albums

usversusthem (December 31, 2007)

The best songs on Reconstruction shit on Reunion Tour, but Reunion Tour shits on the worst songs on Reconstruction site. It's just... more balanced. Nothing strikes me as mindblowingly good, but there's nothing I would skip—not even Elegy for Gump Worsley. It's a real album album.

AphasiacIIC (December 31, 2007)

dude on my first listen i knew that album was rad. mute print is one of the most overrated albums in the punk scene of recent and ruiner was very good though nothing amazing.

Scarysmurf (December 31, 2007)

im going to join the club and go ahead and say..you missed a wilhelm scream.

notfeelingcreative (December 31, 2007)

In no particular order:

Chinese Telephones
Down in The Dumps
Wekerthans
Nothington
Arrivals
The Ergs
Mad Conductor
500 Miles to Memphis
Small Arms Dealer
Coliseum

1+ Reply

PersonalResponsibility (December 31, 2007)

Great list.

elephantdwarf (December 31, 2007)

My Top 20 of 2007 (+honorable mentions)

20) Four Year Strong Rise or Die Trying - So catchy... I tried not to like it, but i couldn't help it.
19) Achilles Hospice - I remember thinking their last full-length was ok, but they have grown by leaps and bounds on this one.
18) Black Cross Severance Pays - Not as good as Art Offensive. More stripped down, but still better than every other band calling themselves punk these days.
17) Jesu Conqueror - A bit of a letdown after the Silver EP, but still can't stop listening to it.
16) Big Business Here Come the Waterworks - "Grounds For Divorce" is one of the years best songs.
15) High On Fire Death Is This Communion - If this was as good as Blessed Black Wings it would be number one.
14) The Ocean Precambrian - The first disc is a 1

show rest of comment

el_matt (December 31, 2007)

Ok, i know there's a bunch of "where's x" comments already and i hate to add to that, but...

Where the fuck is Gogol Bordello?

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Banal242 (December 31, 2007)

I see your Gogol Bordello and raise you a Dropkick Murphys.

damnitsderek (December 31, 2007)

Personally, I just couldn't get into the new DKM. Really not very memorable.

baseball (December 31, 2007)

i feel the same way

there's a few tracks i like a lot, but the whole album just doesn't stick

damnitsderek (December 31, 2007)

Exactly. It's too bad because I really enjoy them, but aside from "Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya" (which is a cover anyway), none of the songs stand out tremendously.

Oh well. I'll always have Blackout.

Rastid (December 31, 2007)

agreed. i thought gogol bordello's was their best album, but i've never really liked them, so that's not saying very much...

damnitsderek (December 31, 2007)

As much as most people have been crapping on the Rilo Kiley disc, I've really enjoyed it. "Silver Lining" and "Under the Blacklight" are two of my favorite songs from the second half of 2007.

01011010 (December 31, 2007)

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RightCliqificus (December 31, 2007)

I feel completely out of the loop. Maybe I'm just getting older but I only bought 2 new CDs this year, and both were disappointments. I still listen to all the shit I bought years ago, but nothing of late has grabbed me or even made me care in the slightest.

Banal242 (December 31, 2007)

What are you looking for?

01011010 (December 31, 2007)

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Holy_Balls (December 31, 2007)

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Jesus_H_Christ (December 31, 2007)

Why is everyone so fucking obssesed with A Wilhelm Scream? I mean yeah, they're good but Orgers act like they're going to change music.

Everyone KNOWS that distinction is going to go to AVA.

fallingupwards84 (December 31, 2007)

does anyone know if there are plans to press Career Suicide (the album) on vinyl?

3+ Replies

dev (December 31, 2007)

Well certainly don't ask the staffers, since none of them appear to give two fucks about that album.

Shindo (adam) (December 31, 2007)

and we eat babies.

-adam

batattack8 (December 31, 2007)

Someone asked Trevor on their forum and he says tha there are plans, but no set dates or anything like that.

ForgetThisPlace (December 31, 2007)

So I have nothing to do on New Year's. It kinda sucks.

House marathon/drinking game? I guess so.

Holy_Balls (December 31, 2007)

The best of 2007 is in my pants, LADIES!

2008 will be harder to ignore, LADIES!

JaredK (December 31, 2007)

I'm surprised the Cobra Skulls did not appear more...I saw one reviewer had it at 17....then again the lack of actual punk records on most lists probably explains it. That is my #1 album of 2007 hands down.

fallingupwards84 (December 31, 2007)

Only Crime sure got the shaft

1+ Reply

GlassPipeMurder (December 31, 2007)

it made my honorable mention if that's worth anything.

MPC (December 31, 2007)

In no particular order:

Nothington - All In
Pinback - Autumn of the Seraphs
Capital - Homefront
Ruiner - Prepare to be Let Down
Josh Small - Tall
Chuck Ragan - Feast or Famine / Los Feliz
Haram - Drescher
Jesu - Conqueror
American Steel - Destroy Their Future
The Swellers - My Everest

WorryRock (December 31, 2007)

What, no "Best record of the year by Andrew WK"? Even if he didn't put anything out, the category is a punknews tradition!!!

1+ Reply

ConsolationPrizefighter (December 31, 2007)

He did contribute to the ATHF Movie Soundtrack. Does that count?

capitalist_pig (December 31, 2007)

Best album fucking nobody mentioned: Jena Berlin - Quo Vadimus.

3+ Replies

onegirlarmy (December 31, 2007)

Awesome record, though it wouldn't have made a best of list for me, but it would have come close.

Archangel (December 31, 2007)

Agreed!

brown (January 1, 2008)

its number 4 on my list

Sally_Field (December 31, 2007)

We missed AWS, guys.

WorryRock (December 31, 2007)

best non robert pollard record of the year:

king khan and the shrines - what is?!

1+ Reply

Shindo (adam) (January 1, 2008)

Great record. I only recently picked it up though so I can't really rank it.

BBQ's solo effort was strong as always (of course).

-adam

TommyTumult (December 31, 2007)

I'm glad to see that Parts & Labor made it on a couple of those lists, their new album was pretty interesting.

AnarchyNate (December 31, 2007)

my top 11 of '07

1.The Arrivals - Marvels Of Industry
2.Bomb The Music Industry! - Get Warmer and Split w/ O Pioneers!!!
3.Witches With Dicks - Manual
4.Andrew Jackson Jihad - people who can eat people are the luckiest people in the world
5.Defiance, Ohio - The Fear, the Fear, the Fear
6.The Underground Railroad To Candyland - Bird Roughs
7.Ted Leo - Living With the Living
8.The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
9.Environmental Youth Crunch - Let's Ride
10.Tegan and Sara - The Con
11.sean na na - Family Trees

TeaEssAre (January 1, 2008)

too much indie on this...

Medley (January 1, 2008)

Album of the year -
Dan Deacon - Spiderman of the Rings

Honourbable mentions -
Against Me! - New Wave
Turbonegro - Retox
Buck 65 - Stituation
The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour

InstantDharma (January 1, 2008)

So what is a fair price for the top tier package: monthly unlimited bandwidth/ unlimited music?

If ISPs start out charging a ton, like more than 4.95 extra a month, then there will be nothing but caterwauling over how the ISPs are overcharging music fans like the majors used to with their CDs.

4.95 extra is plenty.

Now, the first techie to help them itemize the downloads more efficiently is a millionaire. go!

1+ Reply

victim (January 1, 2008)

I don't think any ISP is going to give everyone unlimited bandwidth

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