Band's Albums Of The Year

James Chapman of Maps

'Liebe Ist...' - Stephen Bodzin

"My record of the year has to be the album by Stephan Bodzin called 'Liebe Ist...'. It's an amazing LP, sort of techno but with glitchy electronica poking through all the time. I just came across his music by surfing the net and when I heard one of his tracks I thought it was incredible. The production is superb as well. I love the whole album but my favourite track has got to be 'Turbine', which does the whole 'breakdown/build up' thing, but in a really original and unexpected way. Really euphoric but dark at the same time, if that's possible! I've been listening to it a hell of a lot this year and would urge anyone into electronic music to definitely check it out."

Sleeping States

'Live At The Annandale Hotel' - Life Without Buildings

"A great document showing one of the most fun and innovative bands of recent times at their energetic best. RIP."

Sam Genders of Tunng

'Cheap Demo Bad Science' - Serafina Steer

"My favourite album of the year is ‘Cheap Demo Bad Scienc’e by Serafina Steer. She plays the harp and sings the most beautiful songs that she writes herself. It's hard to pin point the sound but there are elements of classical music, pop, jazz and folk and her lyrics are among the best I've ever heard. When I hear her play I'm torn between trying a lot harder or just giving up and going back to bar work! She gets a lot of Joanna Newsome comparisons due to the harp but she’s on a very different tip. It's nice to think of all the people out there who haven’t heard her yet because one day she'll be their favourite genius."

Søren B. Corneliussen of The Kissaway Trail

'23' - Blonde Redhead

"Blonde Redhead's ‘23’ is to me the best album of 2007. It’s a filler free album, but if I am to pick my favourite songs it would be ‘Dr. Strangeluv’ which makes me think of fairytales. ‘The Dress’, pull you in and makes you listen so intensely you almost forget to breathe, and ‘Silently’ which is simply a hit. I just love putting on my headphones, closing my eyes and disappearing into Blonde Readhead’s dreamy universe. I first listened to ‘23’ last summer, so it reminds me of sunshine."

Adele

'Panic Prevention' - Jamie T

"My favourite album of the year is Jamie T's 'Panic Prevention'. The songs are all great. I find it hard to keep up with his lyrics, which just makes it as exciting as it was when I first heard it! Also, I love it when albums have outtakes on it, his has got loads. The front cover is the best of the year. And it's home to 'Ike and Tina' - my favourite track of the year as well!"

Dorian Dumont of The Teenagers

'Because Of The Times' - Kings Of Leon

"I already knew and liked Kings Of Leon, king of the rodeo or the bucket are anthems, but I think that this year, the band jumped on the next step. ‘Because Of The Times’ is a classic of the years 2000, it sounds like its not from now, but very actual and modern at the same time. There is a lot of diversity in it and the singles 'On Call' or 'Charmer' are hits. They composed amazing songs, full of beautiful melodies, without being cheesy in any way. This album is definitely one of the best of the year, and I can't wait to see them live or listen to new material. Kings Of Leon are growing slowly but surely since they started, they re gonna become one of the most important rock band of our generation."

Simon Richardson of Damn Shames

'Cryptograms' - Deerhunter

"We like this album because parts of it are really good for falling asleep to (like White Ink) and as a band we really enjoy sleeping. However, as soon as you have been lulled in sleep by the ethereal soundscapes you are suddenly awoken by loud abrasive liars-esque tracks like ‘Lake Somerset’. As a result you have weird dreams and get pretty confused."

Muscles

‘Asa Breed’ – Matthew Dear

"First heard this album when I was in UK in May and as soon as I got home I went and bought it. The 'most listened to' album in my stereo all year."

Mike Frankel of Dead Kids

‘Maths + English’

"Album of the year for me has to be Dizzee Rascal's ‘Maths + English’. Its filthy dirty but still slick and his vocal flows pure confidence all over it. ‘Pussyole’ is just a stand out track for me and ‘Sirens’ shows his intent to smash together grime and heavy metal. Its moshpit frenzy music. If I was 15 I’d worship the dude. He makes me feel proud to be British."

Stateless

'Fur And Gold' - Bat For Lashes

"Album of the year 2007? hmmm. It’s tough this year, no clear winner to my mind. Except obviously the Stateless album!!! Kidding. I'm gonna go for ‘Fur and Gold’, Bat For Lashes. British songwriting has been depressing recently, loads of really terrible bands becoming massive. But then this came out and it was really nice to see a new British songwriter who actually has some imagination doing well. She writes songs about wizards and princesses, what more do you want! Plus her voice is great."

Jimmi Naylor of The Pigeon Detectives

‘Because Of The Times’ – Kings Of Leon

“My favourite album of the year has to be Kings of Leon – ‘Because of the Times’. We've been playing it a lot on the tour bus, its a real grower. They are a band who've generally progressed well, it doesn't sound like the first two albums. It's still Kings of Leon but they've become better musicians and ever so slightly changed their sound. They're some big songs on Because of the Times and it's hard to put down after a couple of plays.”

Charlotte Hatherley

‘In Advance Of The Broken Arm’ – Marnie Stern

"My friend reccomended this album to me only recently, and it's one of the most interesting and inspiring records I’ve heard all year. Marnie is a completely self taught guitarist and has a bizarre heavy metal hammer on style that sounds totally unique and punk rock. The songs are mini garage-pop masterpieces, and she sings like Kate Bush above a blanket of shred. It rocks and and has made me want to rock too."

Little Barrie

‘Coming Home’ - Edwyn Collins

"As much as we are fans of Rock'n'Roll bravado and the excitement you get from that there's something really powerful about the honest, witty often self depreciating way Edwyn expresses his thoughts and feelings. The fact that he is touring the record after such major health problems great news."

To check out Gigwise's own Top 50 Albums of 2007 click HERE