Someone said this in the January 2008 issue of Esquire: “If you watch more than three TV shows a week regularly, you need to be doing more with your life.” I will now provide context.

Here is my top ten list for 2007. The songs listed were not necessairly released during this past year. The only criteria is that I came in contact with the bands, artists, songs etc. during 2007.

1) “Is There a Ghost” — Band of Horses — I first heard this on XM with some friends while we drove to a shake joint in Detroit.

2) “Pirate Love” — Heartbreakers — This song feels like a combination of the Stones (circa Exile) meets the White Stripes. The bass line bridge is worth every quarter.

3) “Simple Man“ — Lynard Skynard — What more does one need than a little heartfelt advice from one’s mama backed by multiple layers of anthemic chord changes.

4) “T.V. World”  The Methodones — Everything about this tune is perfect. Listen below and you’ll see why.

5) “In the Ghetto” (Feat. Rick James) Busta Rhymes — My brother-in-law played this for me one night when we were driving back from dinner at the Olive Garden. I asked him to play me something real.

6. “Missed the Boat” — Modest Mouse — At first I thought the newest Modest Mouse release was a mix of artsy carpaccio mixed with a touch of high falutant white pepper. Then I heard this tune on shuffle a few weeks later, and remembered why I will never stop listening to these fine fellas from the state of Washington.

7. “I’ll Believe in Anything” — Wolf Parade — “Nobody knows you and nobody gives a damn either way.”

8. “History’s Stranglers“ — The Bronx — This tune works really well when you’re waiting for an old lady in her Buick to pull out of a spot you desperately need so you can make it to a movie on time. Turn it up loud.

9. “Been There All The Time” — Dinosaur Jr. — I was walking to the store to buy some Advil for a headache that wouldn’t go away. I listened to this song and “bam“ everything felt all right. *Beyond is the first studio album released by Dinosaur Jr. in ten years, and it was well worth the wait.

10. “Don’t Make Me A Target” — Spoon — If you ever get the urge to live in your own P.T. Anderson film – throw on this tune and start walking.

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