2007 was a great year for music. New albums from Radiohead, Interpol, The National, Andrew Bird, Okkervil River, and Spoon all rocked hard. My discovery of The Acorn, Kings of Leon, The Everybodyfields, and Menomena, coupled with an impressive debut from Deer Tick, made the year that much more amazing.

So when it came time to assemble my annual Top 10 Songs of 2007 list, I just couldn’t chop it down to size. As a result I’ve decided to expand the list to 15 songs. Plus I’ve already blogged about 9 of the 15 songs on the list, so the 5 extra slots allow me to post some new mp3′s.

Continuing to break with tradition, I’ve decided to categorize the 15 songs into 5 separate categories based on their mood and style. Enjoy!

Songs I listen to when I am happy

• The Shins – Australia
• Okkervil River – Unless It’s Kicks
• Modest Mouse – Missed the Boat

Songs I listen to when I am sad

• Andrew Bird – Cataracts
• The National – Slow Show
• The Acorn – Glory

Songs I listen to when I party

• Interpol – Rest My Chemistry
• Spoon – Eddie’s Ragga
• Kings of Leon – McFearless

Songs I listen to when I drive

• The Everybodyfields – Aeroplane
• Deer Tick – Dirty Dishes
• Magnolia Electric Co – Nashville Moon

Songs I listen to whenever

• Kings of Leon – On Call
• Radiohead – Reckoner
• Menomena – Rotten Hell

Get ‘em while they’re hot! Check the comments for additional lists.

With the year officially over, it’s time to reflect upon the awesomeness that was 2007. Unlike last year, 2007 had an excess of truly great music. Unfortunately, this year’s “Best of” coverage won’t be as extensive as last year’s. Mainly because I’m lazy, but also because I got a much later start writing this year.

With that said, I proudly present my Top 10 Albums of 2007.

THE EVERYBODYFIELDS
Nothing Is Okay

Keywords: Twangy, comforting

Blurb: A simple, gorgeous album that inspired my newfound appreciation of Americana music.

Best moment: Aeroplane

OF MONTREAL
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?

Keywords: Quirky, infectious, fun

Blurb: Initially chaotic and overwhelming, repeated listens reveal layers upon layers of pure pop bliss.

Best moment: We Were Born the Mutants Again With Leafing

INTERPOL
Our Love to Admire

Keywords: Epic, bombastic, gloomy

Blurb: Interpol create a monster that refuses to be confined. Gloom rock for the masses.

Best moment: My Chemistry

SPOON
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Keywords: Cool, melodic

Blurb: The saviors of indie rock cement their status with an even cooler album.

Best moment: Eddie’s Ragga

KINGS OF LEON
Because of the Times

Keywords: Ambitious, energetic

Blurb: Kings of Leon try their hand at arena rock and soar to new heights.

Best moment: On Call

THE ACORN
Glory Hope Mountain

Keywords: Organic, nostalgic

Blurb: The melodies flow almost as effortlessly as Rolf Klausener’s smooth vocals.

Best moment: Glory

THE NATIONAL
Boxer

Keywords: Somber, anxious

Blurb: Improving upon 2005′s excellent Alligator, The National establish themselves as one of indie rock’s elite.

Best moment: Slow Show

RADIOHEAD
In Rainbows

Keywords: Brooding

Blurb: A welcome return to form for fans of The Bends and OK Computer. A softer, friendlier Radiohead.

Best moment: Reckoner

DEER TICK
War Elephant

Keywords: Timeless, soulful

Blurb: Remarkably consistent and melodic. An impressive, heartfelt debut from the next Dylan.

Best moment: Dirty Dishes

MENOMENA
Friend and Foe

Keywords: Inspiring, innovative

Blurb: Packed with more hooks and ideas than the entire catalog of most bands. Never a dull moment.

Best moment: Rotten Hell