My Top 15 Ep's / Singles of 2007

Below is my top 15 Ep's, 45's, Singles, etc. of 2007.

#1 Norma "1 EP"

Powerful, Epic, Sweeping washes of bliss are just a few ways to describe the debut Ep for Sweden's Norma. "1" consists of four songs & clocks in at a wonderous twenty-seven minutes of pure genius. The first time I heard the EP I knew there was no way anything else could top it this year.

click here for a live version of The Storm

#2 Arctic Monkeys "Brianstorm"

The "Brianstorm" EP is really top-notch. This band keeps cranking out music at a ridiculous pace. I thought last year's album was weak compared to the earlier singles & now I think the new material makes all previous songs sound a bit weak! 'What If You Were Right The First Time?' is the band heaviest & my favorite song of theirs to date & 'Temptation Greets You Like A Naughty Friend' features a rap by Dizzee Rascal!

Brianstorm Video:

#3 Glasvegas "Daddy's Gone"

Not since The Libertines have I heard so much praise for a new U.K. act, And unlike The Libertines this one is actually good. James Allen sings in a thick Scottish accent, backed by a Phil Spector-like backdrop. Everyone loves the A-side, 'Daddy's Gone' but I think the stronger cut is the B-side, 'Flowers & Football Tops'. 

Daddy's Gone video:

#4 Get Shakes "Sister Self Doubt"

Brothers Matt & Darren Farrow are to me, the most exciting & promising thing in dance music. 'Sister Self Doubt' is easily the best dance song I have heard all year. 

Sister Self Doubt Live video:

#5 Jesu "Lifeline"

The drone of Shoegaze, the powerful sludge of metal & electronic flourishes are the makeup of Jesu. "Lifeline" is the best thing that Jesu has yet to release. If Phil Spector had the "Wall Of Sound" then Justin Broadrick has the Barrier Of Resonance! 

 

http://www.myspace.com/officialjesu

#6 The Virgins "Virgins 07 EP"

NYC's The Virgins are gonna be big in the Indie Rock scene. Not since a little band called Orange Juice, have I heard some white boys with funk. This EP is a teaser of things to come, including two demo's which are even cool. Which is amazing because I usually dislike the thin sound of a demo. To me The Virgins would be the best band to get to play your party. 

Rich Girl Live video:

#7 The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart "self-titled"

C86 will never die! And why should it? The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart sound like they are a Sarah band. You can hear the Pastels, Field Mice, Shop Assistants, it's cutesy, good-time for the heart & those two left feet!

This Love Is Fucking Right! video:

#8 Alcian Blue "Years Too Late"

This is the remains of a truly awesome band. A final hurrah for Virginia's Alcian Blue, which is just awful considering this is their best EP yet. Or should I say, "was their best EP". That just seems unfair. This is the Alcian Blue I always wanted, this EP has more melody, without losing their edge-y goth-gaze sound. A real pity to see this band finally hit their stride, only to end.

Fall behind video:

#9 Tears Run Rings "A Question And An Answer"

It is impossible not to hear Slowdive when listening to "A Question & An Answer". However, instead of Rachel Goswell's voice, you hear a much sweeter sounding Laura Watling instead. It really does sound like like it came from the original shoegaze movement, it's beautiful. And the production sounds so nice & warm, it sounds so huge, begging to always be played loud!

Listen to the EP

#10 Vampire Hands "Cuz It's A Beach Funeral"

Minneapolis is rich in music, home of Prince, Morris Day, Hüsker Dü &... &... Vampire Hands! A band with a kick ass name & with a mix of Psychedelica, Brian Eno & Good Ol' Rock & Roll (Listen to the amazing song, 'Paradise Knife Fights') this EP sounds like the future & the past rolled into one!

Vampire Hands Myspace Page

#11 Hey Willpower "Dance"

All that Will is sayin' is "Give Dance A Chance". And Dance is what you'll do when you spin this Imperial Teen frontman's dance EP. Think of Har Mar Superstar (back when Har Mar was still fun & good) mixed with Madonna (Back when she was good).

Hundredaire Video:

#12 Wry "Whales & Sharks"

Am I wry? No! Wry is originally from Brazil but now hail in London & they have become regulars at ClubAC30. Like most shoegaze bands, Wry has shimmering guitars but what they do different is make very accessible pop music. 

Different From Me video:

#13 The Vandelles "The Vandelles EP"

Surf's Up! Grab your leather jacket, motorcycle boots & your board because it's a Jesus  & Mary Chain surf party!

Swell To Heaven mp3

Lovely Weather Video:

#14 Los Campesinos "Sticking Fingers Into Sockets"

Los Campesinos translates to "The Farmers" which would be a real boring band name, which would not fit this EP at all! Full of Catchy Little Pop numbers with twinkles, bells & guitars this EP will put a smile on your pretty little face.

You! Me! Dancing! video:

#15 The Black Ghosts "Anyway You Choose To Give It"

Out of the ashes of Simian (before they became Simian Mobile Disco) & The Wiseguys comes London's Black Ghosts. With a mix of Electro & SynthPop this Ep is sure to move your arse.

*The french band Justice was made famous from the Justice remix of Simian's 'We Are Your Friends'*