Proof That I'm Still Weird

As if I needed more proof.

Having a website devoted to a particular subject area -- in this case, kids music -- obviously draws other similarly-inclined readers and can make one think, "hey, this is kinda popular!"

Until you vote in a massive year-end poll -- in this case, Idolator's 2007 Pop Critics Poll -- and realize that you are, indeed, weird. OK, not weird, perhaps, but clearly my taste in music (submitted based on "professional" obligations, anyway) does not closely align with anyone else's. Here's the proof. Heck, at least last year, I think someone besides me at least voted for the Dan Zanes disk. It's really too bad, because I keep saying (and said so in my own ballot) that there's great music in the genre for all ages if you're only willing to give it a shot.

I really couldn't have filled out that ballot to look like other voters anyway because I barely listened to 10 "adult" albums in 2007 that were from 2007. It usually takes me 6 to 12 months just to get caught up. (I think I'll finally get to that new Georgie James disk next week.) So, for what it's worth, here are my top 5 albums of the year, adult division.

1. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga: Oh, how I adore this CD. It's not even close -- my favorite of the year by far.
2. They Might Be Giants - The Else: Which isn't to say this album was bad by any means. My favorite TMBG "adult" album since John Henry.
3. The Broken West - I Can't Go On, I'll Go On: A case of 8 or 9 OK-to-good songs and 3 awesome songs. Works for me. Roots-pop-rock.
4. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver: Technically speaking, I didn't even hear this in its entirety until 2008. But it's good. Really good.
5. (Tie) Feist - The Reminder / Kelly Willis - Translated From Love: Depends on whether I want my female singer-songwriting fix close to the Canadian or Mexican border.

Comments

[Phil]

I include so-called kids' songs in my "grown up" mixes to friends without ever telling them what genre those songs are supposed to fall into. If the song is good, it's just good. Tracks like "Down Down Down" by Recess Monkey, "The Mustard Slugs" by Gustafer Yellowgold, and "Does Your Cat Have a Moustache?" by The Format appeal to all ages.

If you want to "catch up" a little faster on the best adult music of 2007, here are a few recommendations:

Silverchair - Young ModernA Fine Frenzy - One Cell In The SeaThe Fratellis - Costello MusicLucky Soul - The Great UnwantedColin Hay - Are You Looking At Me?Montt Mardie - Clocks/Pretender