Following Jeremy’s lead, who followed Richard’s lead, I decided to put together a compilation of my favorite tunes from the year 2007.

It was a pretty good year for music, as far as I’m concerned. Several of my current favorite bands (Interpol, Editors) released new albums I really like, several artists I love in other contexts were involved in enjoyable side projects (Mark Lanegan with Soulsavers, Nick Cave with Grinderman), and I discovered some new (to me) bands (like Unkle and TV on the Radio) that were on heavy rotation on my iPod for various periods during the year. Not all of my favorite songs of the year were new releases, though; the I Am Kloot and Richmond Fontaine songs in particular are several years old, but since I only discovered them this year, they count towards my personal best of 2007.

As I look at the list now, I notice that it’s almost perfectly divided between more indie/rocky songs (the first 7) and more indie/country/folky songs (the last 6). It’s also almost thoroughly a minor-key—or at least “modal”—affair; the first and last songs (being uplifting and redemptive, respectively) are kind of exceptions to what is otherwise a pretty gloomy collection of tunes. Just the way I like it.

1. Keep the Car Running by The Arcade Fire

2. The Racing Rats by Editors

3. All I Need by Radiohead

4. Burn My Shadow by Unkle

5. Mammoth by Interpol

6. Electric Alice by Grinderman

7. Wolf Like Me by TV on the Radio

8. Twill by Elliot Brood

9. Thirst for Romance by Cherry Ghost

10. Dear Flies, Love Spider by The Low Lows

11. Cuckoo by I Am Kloot

12. Willamette by Richmond Fontaine

13. Revival by Soulsavers

As for this year, if the Gutter Twins album due to be released in March is even half as good as I think/hope it’s going to be, then 2008 will be freakin’ awesome. Man.