If you have been listless, I have the solution for you...

More lists! Yee-haw.

Have a few thing to say before we move on to the Top 40 countdown. Like I'm Casey Kasem or something. First, I wanted to turn you onto two Best of 2007 lists that might supplement mine if you're still looking for new music that might be a bit more up your alley.

Amazon's Top 100 Editors Picks - Great list to just peruse and pick up some albums you might not already have.

Treble Top 50 Singles of 2007 - A list of the Top 50 Singles of 2007 that might reach a bit further than my spectrum although I do own 15 of the first 20 they've posted, so I feel comfortable with that.

The Giveaway

I'll detail the giveaway here. If you want a copy of my Top 40 songs, I'm willing to throw one your way in the spirit of giving and all. There are just a few simple steps you'll need to satisfy to get a CD.

1. Email me and let me know you want a copy.

2. If you live in the area, just let me know and I'll either a) bring you a copy or b) you can come get a copy.

3. If you don't live in the area, send me your address and I'll send it out as soon as I get a chance.

That's it! Those simple things will get you a copy of what yours truly believes are the best 40 Singles of 2007. Then, you can be like me!

And awaaaaaaaay we go...

As it took me forever to type out all the songs and post pictures and what not last time, this is just going to be a straight list and it might have a favorite lyric or a sentence or two about the song afterwards. But nothing too extensive. 40 Songs is a lot, dogg. Goes like this...

TOP 40 SONGS OF 2007

# Band - Song (Album)

#40 The Blue Scholars - Southside Revival (Long March EP)

Socially aware, intelligent hip-hop from Seattle.
"I heard a few heads say that hip-hop is dead, no it's not, it's just malnourished and underfed."

#39 Dolores O'Riordan - When We Were Young (Are You Listening?)

Yeah, I'm a dude and I love the Cranberries. Piss off. Her voice is the most unique voice on the planet.

#38 Band of Horses - Is There a Ghost? (Cease to Begin)

Although the lead singer sounds like a bit of a wang, I have enjoyed this song a good amount thus far this year and I'd have to say 'Cease to Begin' is a good follow-up to 'Everything All the Time'.

#37 Talib Kweli - More or Less (Eardrum)

"More Marijuana Less Coke/More accountability for politicans be-fore we shoutin "lets vote!"/More Schools Less Prisons/More freestyles Less written"

#36 Art Brut - St. Pauli (It's a Bit Complicated)

Don't expect any serious lyrics from Art Brut. A song about forming a band called "We formed a band". A song about his brother finding rock n' roll called "My Little Brother". Nothing hidden here folks. If you like punk and you like the Brits and you don't mind your music lighthearted, check it out.

Favorite lyric:
"Punk rock ist nicht tot! Sorry if my accent's flawed, I learned my German from a 7" record."

#35 Deerhoof - Believe E.S.P. (Friend Opportunity)

I'll be honest, I have no idea what Satomi Matsuzaki is saying in this song, but it's something about the way she says "Paranoia boogie oogie". I mean, seriously, how can you not enjoy that lyric? Pretty weird stuff. Have to be in the right mood for it, so beware.

#34 Okkervil River - Unless It's Kicks (The Stage Names)

A fast Okkervil song to lead off the new album. A change from 'Black Sheep Boy', which was a bit more folky. I have to say that this song is getting better and better the more I listen to it and I think if you ask me in six months, it might be a lot higher in the countdown.

#33 Lucky Soul - Struck Dumb (The Great Unwanted)

Go Swedes! This is a song that should only be allowed in a jukebox at a sock hop. Seriously, a throw back in the vein of the Pipettes. So much fun.

#32 Field Music - A House Is Not a Home (Tones of Town)

"What's the use of going home again when it's always the same." Upbeat song to listen to about the trials and tribulations of moving from home. Pertinent although I didn't move far.

#31 - The Klaxons - Golden Skans (Myths of the Near Future)

The NEXT big thing out of Britain! Not necessarily, but I find this song catchy.

#30 - Rilo Kiley - Under the Blacklight (Under the Blacklight)

Most people would probably go for 'Silver Lining'. Well, I'm not most people. Jenny Lewis is great. She's gorgeous. She can sing. She was in 'The Wizard' with Fred Savage which was the coming out party for Super Mario 3. I mean seriously. Two thumbs up!

#29 Albert Hammond Jr. - Scared (Yours to Keep)

So, I was a fan of the Strokes, but I really think that I like Albert Hammond more than I like the Strokes. A perfect pop record made for the summertime.

"I know you're still there because you're scared that you'll lose everybody. I know you're still there because you're scared that you'll lose everything."

#28 The Broken West - Down in the Valley (I Can't Go On, I'll Go On)

For some reason I find this song absolutely excellent to drive to. Might get your foot stomping a bit too.

#27 Tokyo Police Club - Be Good (A Lesson in Crime)

Any fast rock song that the lyrics go from slow to fast to slow to fast over and over get an A+ in my book. One of the more rocking songs on this list. I'm sure this song would be unbelievable live.

#26 Stars - Take Me to the Riot (In Our Bedroom After the War)

Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan compliment each other very well and this is a great song to illustrate that point. When "Take me, take me to the riot" kicks in, it's hard not to get chills. Such a great single.

#25 Bloc Party - Song For Clay (Weekend in the City)

"But in my heart, I am lukewarm, nothing ever really touches me." I love the way this song starts off real slow with just Kele Okereke and then brings out the guitar in a big way. I also like when the guitar cuts out and he says "East London is a vampire, it sucks the joy right out of me, how we long for corruption in these golden years..." while the drums pick up in the background. These guys are brilliant.

#24 The Brunettes - Her Hairagami Set (Structures and Cosmetics)

So this song actually lists things you can do with your hairagami set.
monkey bands, bocci, spin braider, bun tail, w pins, gami twist, french braid and spring rings. Seriously, how can you not like this?

#23 Radiohead - Reckoner (In Rainbows)

The beginning before Thom Yorke even opens his mouth is what gets me everytime. How did Radiohead get so beautiful?

#22 Interpol - Rest My Chemistry (Our Love to Admire)

I'm not a fan of the heavy drugs. In fact, drug use in movies generally makes me want to vomit. Why do I really love this song that's all about cocaine? Because I saw it live and it was great. Stuck in my head and I can't get it out. "Haven't slept for two days, I've bathed in nothing but sweat."

#21 Lymbyc Systym - Birds (Love Your Abuser)

No lyrics in this one folks, but seeing this live will make it one of your favorite songs ever too. From Mike's xylophone at the beginning to the kicking in of Jared's keyboard, this shit rocks my face off. I've never seen anyone play the drums up close like Mike plays them in this song. Wow.

#20 Caribou - Eli (Andorra)

Why does Caribou make the best wake-up music ever? B/c the music is subtle and so are the vocals. Oh dream-pop, you are so great to do everything to. Not as subtle as My Blood Valentine, but dreamy enough. Oh man this song is good. The more I listen to it, the further it's going to move up. Listening to it now, I'm really questioning moving it to the Top 10.

#19 Feist - 1, 2, 3, 4 (The Reminder)

I was explaining to a friend earlier today that 'I Feel It All' was my favorite song on this album until I saw the video for this song, which everyone has now seen thanks to Apple. Either way, I saw the video at Brian's for the first time and it changed the way I feel about the song. It makes me happy. It bring a smile to my face. And it makes me want Feist. Heh heh heh.

#18 Lavender Diamond - Oh No (Imagine Our Love)

Heard about Lavender Diamond when they were on tour with the Decemberists earlier this year. I don't know if I love this song b/c it's the first song on the album and so it's the one I've heard the most or if I just love it b/c Becky Stark's voice is incredible in it.

#17 Rogue Wave - Lake Michigan (Asleep at Heaven's Gate)

Let me throw the disclaimer out there that I am a HUGE Rogue Wave fan and I loved every single song on their first two albums. I have to say that 'Asleep at Heaven's Gate' disappointed me a bit and I'm not really sure why. I guess that's why you don't see it on the Top 20 albums. Either way, it should be noted that 'Lake Michigan' would fit on either of the first two albums. In the vein of the Shins if you're a Shins fan.

#16 Imperial Teen - Fallen Idol (The Hair, The TV, The Baby, and The Band)

"Wearing a hood like the Unabomber, they misunderstood, and now they think I'm Dahmer"

As I'm listening to these songs, I'm realizing that this year has been the year for the upbeat, cheer Brad up songs. Sheesh. I didn't know I was so damn bubblegum. And this song would be the crown jewel.

#15 Menomena - My My (Friend & Foe)

I have to admit that I had this album about 5 months before I really got into it. I had a real hard time picking between this and "Muscle & Flo", but this has to be my choice. I love the way it builds and then it goes minimalist when he says, "what if everyone is right? Should have taken their advice but I can't change my mind" and the way that "And if I let go all of my ghosts, who would I dump over the months?" is in the foreground while "What if everybody else is right?" is sung in the background. So perfectly coordinated and a song that could easily make my top 5.

#14 Apples in Stereo - Same Old Drag (New Magnetic Wonder)

More pop. More stuff to listen to when you're depressed. Robert Schneider rules.

#13 The Go! Team - Grip Like a Vice (Proof of Youth)

I know I know. It's the first single from the album, but I can't help it. This whole album seems like a continuation from Thunder, Lightning, Strike and this song in particular was a great way to lead off Proof of Youth. The old school rap over looped horns is so energetic and the song never loses its energy and freshness. "I make the brothers sweat, cause I keep their bodies hot, it's a woman's world, you gotta give it what you got."

#12 Modest Mouse - People as Places as People (We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank)

Anyone else feel lik this song could have gone on The Moon and Antarctica? Where 'Dashboard' has the biggest Johnny Marr influence, this has the biggest old Modest Mouse feel to it. Plus the title reminds me of the Trivial Pursuit category (People/Places).

#11 Arcade Fire - Keep the Car Running (Neon Bible)

I posted a video of the Arcade Fire playing this live on my Top 20 Albums blog. You can listen there. As a side note, I find the Arcade Fire one of the most energetic rock bands to come around in a loooong time. Dont know whether it's the numbers participating or whether it's how much they put into it. Either way, I love them.

#10 Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation (Wild Mountain Nation)

The most diverse band on the entire list, this happens to be the closest to a country jam session. This song sounds as if they're all outside and they're just jamming out enjoying themselves while everyone stomps their feet with no shoes on. That's the best way I describe it. It's great.

#9 Spoon - The Underdog (Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga)

I documented my love for Spoon in my Albums list, but this is the first horn-heavy song I had heard from them and it got in my head with a quickness. The more Britt Daniel and the boys experiment, the better they get.

#8 The New Pornographers - Adventures in Solitude (Challengers)

This song reminds me so much of 'The Bleeding Heart Show' from Twin Cinema. I think it's b/c it has a lot of Carl/Neko duet in the beginning and then the end kicks in with a part that Neko pretty much creates from nothing. The New Pornos are continuing to move up my favorite bands ever and might be in the top 10 at this point.

#7 Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Mama Won't You Keep Them Castles in the Air and Burning (Some Loud Thunder)

This album was a huge disappointment for me but this was one great song that came out of it. It's really one of the only songs that resembles their self-titled style. "I guess I hope to see you sometime, though our paths will never intertwine again, I hope you notice, I'm not hare and you're no tortoise."

#6 Andrew Bird - Plasticities (Armchair Apocrypha)

I had tickets to see Andrew Bird and I missed him. Collin said it was one of the best shows she's seen, which makes me a bit depressed. However, this song does not. For the rest of my life, I will always remember "for your own personal Waterloo, we'll fight for your music halls and dying cities, they'll fight for your neural walls and plasticities..." Oh Andrew, I don't love you as much as some, but I certainly love Plasticities.

#5 Of Montreal - A Sentence of Sorts in Kongsvinger (Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?")

Kevin Barnes. You are poplicious. This album is great, but this song really stood out for me when I downloaded and constructed the Elephant Six in 90 minutes list from Treble. How did Elephant 6 do it in the 90s? How do they produce such flawless, upbeat, pop music? Can ANYONE tell me?

#4 I'm From Barcelona - We're From Barcelona (Let Me Introduce My Friends)

Cue the chorus, release the butterflies and bluebirds. It's time for pure happiness. When I think about what heaven would be like, I think this song would be played when I arrive. It's just so happy to think of all your friends sitting around singing this song. If there is no other song you download from this list, this should be it. Seriously. Think Polyphonic Spree, but happier.

#3 The Shins - Australia (Wincing the Night Away)

James Mercer does it again.

"Been alone since you were twenty-one, You haven't laughed since January, You try and make like this is so much fun, But we know it to be quite contrary"

What is it about the Shins that makes them so good? Can anyone tell me what it is?

#2 Jens Lekman - A Postcard to Nina (Night Falls Over Kortedala)

When I heard this song the first time, I said to myself that this would be the number one song of the year, hands down. Then I remembered the #1 song came out in January and it was essentially a coin-toss. Jens lost.

The chorus is so memorable with it's ba ba ba ba and "Oh God, Jesus Christ, try to focus on your eyes.." or "Oh, God, what have I done, I came to Berlin just to have some fun..". This song is about Jens coming to Berlin to spend time with his lesbian friend who introduces him as her fiance' when Jens meets her dad. Jens plays along b/c 'he'll do anything for love.' What a dreamboat. I'll never understand how Jens comes up with this stuff, but as I said in the Top 20 albums, I think he's my favorite lyricist of all time.

AND #1 BEIRUT - ELEPHANT GUN (The Lon Gisland EP)

Here's the video.


And here are the lyrics.

If I was young, I'd flee this town
I'd bury my dreams underground
As did I, we drink to die, we drink tonight

Far from home, elephant gun
Let's take them down one by one
We'll lay it down, it's not been found, it's not around

Let the seasons begin - it rolls right on
Let the seasons begin - take the big king down

Let the seasons begin - it rolls right on
Let the seasons begin - take the big king down

And it rips through the silence of our camp at night
And it rips through the night

And it rips through the silence of our camp at night
And it rips through the silence, all that is left is all that i hide

Beirut is what I want to be when I grow up. Oh wait, Zach Condon is only 20 and I'm 27? Well, that won't work. I guess I'll just have to listen to it by myself and sway back and forth a lot. I am being completely honest when I say that I don't think I've ever listened to a single more than I've listened to this song in 2007. And I have music ADD.

CONCLUSION TO MY LIST

Alright folks, that's it for me. It's 11:15 and I still have laundry to do. I hope you'll take advantage of my offer and if there's any special requests, I'm willing and open to all suggestions. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and I hope you'll find the time to drop me an email and say hello.

I love you all.

- Brad