Suzanne Baran’s Top Ten — November 25

by Suzanne Baran
25 November 2007

Not just indie all the time…

1. CONTROL – (R)

   I posted a review of the film, hopefully it will be live soon.

2. Jay-Z – American Gangster (Island Def Jam, Roc-A-Fella)

   It’s certainly more old-school, Jay-Z returns to his roots and includes quotes from the popular film.

3. Citay – Little Kingdom (Dead Oceans)

   Instrumental psychedelic pop-rock band with punch.

4. Mannequin Men – Fresh Rot (Flameshovel)

   Incredible guitar solos, simplistic riffs and backbeats.

5. The Bird and the Bee- The Bird and the Bee (Blue Note Records)

   I recently saw them live at the Civic Center in Santa Monica, CA. Their live performances never disappoint.

6. Radiohead – In Rainbows (no label)

   An incredibly seamless work.

7. Chromatics – Night Drive (Italians Do It Better)

   Sleek sounds with bite.

8. Datarock – Datarock (Nettwerk)

   This Norwegian duo is incredible.

9. UNKLE – War Stories (Surrender All)

   This album is surprisingly innovative, despite what Pitchfork says.

10. Cassius – 15 Again (Astralwerks)

    Their first album in four years—a French house-pop album infused with funk, electro, post-punk, synthpop and techno movements from the ‘80s. Different from modern dance rock.