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 (aka pop songs):

[mp3] The Shins :: Australia
[mp3] Okkervil River :: Unless It’s Kicks
[mp3] Modest Mouse :: Missed the Boat

Songs I listen to when I am sad (aka bawlers):

[mp3] Andrew Bird :: Cataracts
[mp3] The National :: Slow Show
[mp3] The Acorn :: Glory

Songs I listen to when I party (aka rockers):

[mp3] Interpol :: Rest My Chemistry
[mp3] Spoon :: Eddie’s Ragga
[mp3] Kings of Leon :: McFearless

Songs I listen to when I drive (aka rollers):

[mp3] The Everybodyfields :: Aeroplane
[mp3] Deer Tick :: Dirty Dishes
[mp3] Magnolia Electric Co :: Nashville Moon

Songs I listen to whenever (aka great songs):

[mp3] Kings of Leon :: On Call
[mp3] Radiohead :: Reckoner
[mp3] 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. I’m also going to try a new format for my Top 10 Albums of 2007 list. Below is a thumbnail image, which you can click on to enlarge.

Given my obsessive-compulsive engineering background, I decided to make a table summarizing the Top 10 Albums of 2007. There are no mp3’s associated with this post because there is a lot of overlap with my Top 10 Songs of 2007 list, which will be released shortly.

Not to leave you high and dry, I’ve uploaded a special treat to hold you over. Check the comments!

Like most people out there, I love adore my iPod. It makes my 40-minute morning and afternoon commute tolerable. It also helps me get through those really slow days at work. In other words, I probably couldn’t survive without my iPod.

But despite my undying affection for anything Apple, I really don’t like their iPod commercials, and I especially hate how any featured track/band instantly becomes a hit. I will, however, give Apple credit for choosing music that is slightly off the beaten path, but most times I see the ad so often there is no hope for me ever liking the song again.

With that said, this month’s Artist Spotlight, Kings of Leon, found themselves featured in an iPod commercial a few years back. Luckily, I didn’t pay much attention.

When they released their 3rd studio album Because of the Times earlier this year most of the hype had passed, leaving only the band and their music. After listening to the song “On Call” a few times, I rushed out and purchased the album.

I know this isn’t very descriptive, but Kings of Leon are cool. That’s the best I can come up with. Because of the Times is full of big guitar solos and catchy hooks. This stuff is obviously meant to be played loud.

The band’s sound has definitely progressed over the years. While I enjoy their older stuff, I keep coming back to Because of the Times for its larger-than-life sound. I’ve posted three tracks below: “California Waiting” from Youth & Young Manhood and “On Call” and “McFearless” (such a cool song) from Because of the Times.

I really wanted to post the album closer “Arizona,” but if you like the three tracks below, just buy the whole damn thing, crank up the volume, and enjoy every second of it.

[mp3] Kings of Leon :: California Waiting
[mp3] Kings of Leon :: On Call
[mp3] Kings of Leon :: McFearless