The Top Ten Albums of 2007 You Never Heard

Ten Little Messages-The Rakes

Anyone who doesn't believe that rock achieved perfection between 1979 and 1988, or roughly between dinosaur rock & disco and hair bands and rap, never listened to college radio during those years. The Rakes are a throwback to that tight north-of-London sound best exemplified by the multitude of bands to come out of Manchester and Leeds. "We Danced Together" has a definite Joy Division influence going on. That the bad is not simply stuck in the early 80s can be seen by the beautifully titled "When Tom Cruise Cries" as well as the thunderous semi-rap break in the album's standout track "Suspicious Eyes." Quite possibly the best album of 2007.

Live at the Casbah-The Weakerthans

The Weakerthans are a pop sensation. By that I mean it is tough to come up with a contemporary band that produces such nearly perfect pop songs. The bass line is remindful of Peter Hook and there is a definitely political aspect to their songs, even one that is told from the point of a pet cat. Listening to them play live is a revelation because they are capable of reproducing that same tight sound that makes their albums such a joy to behold.

The Specials and Friends

Nothing new here, unfortunately, but when you've got a double-sided album of just about every ska classic known to anyone wearing two-tone shoes and a porkpie hat, you can't go wrong. This album is a must-have for anyone who doesn't already own A Checkered Past.

Perfect Peterson-Oscar Peterson

Quite possibly the best jazz pianist of all time, this expanded album showcases Oscar Peterson doing standards. His version of Satin Doll is probably the best instrumental cover of that song of all time.

The Classic Early Recordings in Chronological Order-Django Reinhardt

If Oscar Peterson is the greatest jazz pianist ever, then surely Django Reinhardt is clearly the best jazz guitarist ever. This album promises what it delivers. If your idea of great guitar playing ends with Eddie Van Halen, then listen to the unique sounds that can be gotten without the use of electricity. Django is the master and this is a fantastic introduction to him.