The Top 25 of 2007, Part 1 (25-21)

Here's the annual "best of" list. In chunks of 5 to not bore too much. Take a chance on some of these records if they sound interesting. After all, they were the tops of the year.

25. 4-WAY DIABLO-Monster Magnet (Steamhammer/Spv)

If you happen to love absurd, bombastic, tongue-in-cheek, loud, stripper psychedelic stoner metal (and who doesn't?) then this is the perfect, long-awaited and long-needed Monster Magnet fix to cure your jones. Leader, vocalist, and guitarist Dave Wyndorf returns from a near-fatal drug overdose to forge (appropriately) thirteen songs that just drip with a dirty, heavy sexiness. Wyndorf's voice, one of the best of the genre, is at the top of its game and his chunky and oppressive guitar riffs still rock harder than most out there. While not quite up to par with Monster Magnet's more brilliant offerings, there are more than enough cool tunes here (the plodding "Cyclone", the spooky ballad "I'm Calling You", and the shuffling sleaze of "Slap In The Face") to make you say, "Thank the bullgod! Monster Magnet is back!"

Monster Magnet's official site

What the hell does absurd, bombastic, tongue-in-cheek, loud, stripper psychedelic stoner metal sound like?!

I gots to get me some Mag!

Previous Monster Magnet list appearances: POWERTRIP (#4 in 1998), GOD SAYS NO (#10 in 2001), MONOLITHIC BABY! (#15 IN 2004)

24. CHILDREN RUNNING THROUGH-Patty Griffin (ATO Records)

Griffin's records are just so effortlessly flawless sometimes it's hard to evaluate them. She has such a powerful and emotive voice and hits pretty much every tune out of the ballpark. Children Running Through is no different, and while she doesn't quite rock as hard as she can, she has found the nice balance between the uptempo tunes (like the sassy "Stay On The Ride") and the more contemplative numbers (the jazzy, moody opener "You'll Remember", the country ballad "Trapeze"). The second half of the disc is a little slower, but still contains that undeniably elegant Patty Griffin vocal presence. Delicately teetering on the acoustic folk line, Griffin's latest is definitely a triumph in both style and execution.

Patty's official site

Patty's Myspace

Sounds awesome, Dim! Where can I buy it and not pay shipping?

Right here.

Previous Patty Griffin list appearances: FLAMING RED (#3 in 1998), 1000 KISSES (#11 in 2002), IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (#19 in 2004)

23. NEW SEASONS-The Sadies (Yep Roc)

Toronto's favorite sons (well, second favorite behind Rush, of course), the Sadies' return to disc marks the virtually uncategorizable country twang garage rock that makes them such a stellar live act. Brothers Dallas and Travis Good drive this four-piece who seem hell-bent on playing whatever kind of music they damn-well please. The enigmatically titled "The First Inquisition (Part 4)" is an infectious, low-fi stomp and "What's Left Behind" perfectly showcases the band's uncanny penchant for gorgeous vocal harmonies and truly absurd musicianship. Gone are the breakneck instrumentals, but New Seasons finds the Sadies in a rarefied air of outstanding songwriting and impressive performance. The disc is simply gorgeous and lavish in sound, with an underlying meloncholy that makes its appeal all the more impressive.

The Sadies' official site

Listen at Myspace

Dim, that cover's purty. Me likey.

22. STRANGELET-Grant-Lee Phillips (Rounder)

Grant-Lee Phillips' last two offerings were regrettably underwhelming, which pains me to admit considering the high esteem in which I hold him as a songwriter and performer. Strangelet thankfully finds Grabt-Lee back in the saddle with an offering that is as strong as any of his solos discs and, at times, harkens back to his fabulous work in Grant Lee Buffalo. Phillips' strength here is his ability to craft a mesmirizing melody all framed by his breathy and soothing voice. The upbeat opening of "Runaway" immediately demonstrates the difference between this disc and the previous, slower offerings. And even when Phillips brings the pace down, like with "Fountain Of Youth" and "Same Blue Devils", he still commands your attention. The musical layers here also augment the songs well. The strings behind "Killing a Dead Man" are a nice touch and the electricity of "Johnny Guitar" brings out some of the fun that permeates Phillips' live performances.

GLP's site

Check out some tuneage.

And then buy some, you fruitcake!

Previous Grant-Lee list appearances: MOBILIZE (#6 in 2001)

21. DRASTIC FANTASTIC-KT Tunstall (Virgin US)

Here's the thing about KT Tunstall: She gets "it". She's not the best guitar player. Her voice is good. Damn good, actually, but neither drastic nor fantastic. Her songs are pretty simple, uncomplicated. But she gets "it". And that "it" is how to write a fabulous song. And not just one. But a whole slew of them. And that's why she rocks (killer dimples help too). There's some attitude here along with some catchy choruses ("Little Favours", the cool vibe of "Hold On"). But all of those qualities, fine on their own, don't mean too much unless they all come together in perfect synergy. Luckily for us, they do and on all of the 11 tracks here. This is the "it" that Tunstall thankfully gets. "Hopeless" gives off a nice acoustic shuffle which the bratty "I Don't Want You Now" expertly offsets. And at the end of the disc you realize that this is what pop music should be all about: the concept that Tunstall consistently nails. The concept of "the song".

KT's website

Have a listen.

KT is A-OK. Want CD ASAP!

Previous KT list appearances: EYE TO THE TELESCOPE (#15 IN 2006)