1. Feist – The Reminder: Leslie Feist’s laid back vocals and dance-beat driven folk style gained notoriety in ’07 through several outlets. A mixture of classic sounds and catchy melodies boosted Feist’s album to the top of the list. Her unique style set her apart during an excellent year for music. Listen to “So Sorry” and “My Moon My Man.”

2. Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight: Two words: Jenny Lewis. The album is a great mix of dance and harmony. The rest of the band deserves equally as much praise for their effort to redesign their sound. Highlights of this album are “Under The Blacklight” and “Dreamworld.”

3. The National – Boxer: Deep, smooth, and haunting, Boxer beckons back to simple instrumentation and thought provoking lyrics, aspects of music that are often overlooked today. The album has a distinctly dark tone, tempered with sometimes cheery guitar parts. Suggested tracks: “Fake Empire” and “Ada.”

4. Radiohead – In Rainbows: Even though Radiohead’s seventh album is distinctly modern, it depends heavily on songs written during the last 10 years. This record was innovative in both delivery method and sound. “15 Step” and “Nude” are the most enjoyable tracks.

5. Bright Eyes – Cassadaga: 2007 saw a number of concept albums, and Cassadaga was one of the best. Conor Oberst’s melancholy lyrics work well with the classic folk-country sounds heard on the album. “Make A Plan To Love Me” and “Coat Check Dream Song” stretch the boundaries of the genre.

6. Against Me! – New Wave: By far the best punk album heard in recent years. A combination of politically charged lyrics and guitar driven anthems earned Against Me! a place in the top ten. Tracks “Stop” and “Thrash Unreal” should energize any situation.

7. Once Soundtrack: Simply put, independent films this past year had excellent soundtracks. “Falling Slowly” and “When Your Mind’s Made Up” are simply beautiful.

8. Band of Horses – Cease To Begin: Catchy lyrics, ambient guitar sounds and just the right amount of reverb make this album an interesting listen. The opening two tracks “Is There A Ghost?” and “Ode To LRC” are an excellent introduction to the disc.

9. Minus The Bear – Planet of Ice: Seattle is no longer a grunge town, the experimental scene has taken over and this disc shows why. The classic Minus The Bear sound can be heard on “Knights” and Dr. L’ling.”

10. Thrice – The Alchemy Index Vol. I & II: An interesting experiment in hardcore music: explore the original four elements through song. Volumes I & II cover fire and water incredibly well. “The Arsonist” and “Digital Sea” offer a unique comparison.

TOP 25 Albums

1. Feist – The Reminder

2. Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight

3. The National – Boxer

4. Radiohead – In Rainbows

5. Bright Eyes – Cassadaga

6. Against Me! – New Wave

7. Once Soundtrack

8. Band Of Horses – Cease To Begin

9. Minus The Bear – Planet of Ice

10. Thrice – The Alchemy Index Vol. I & II

11. The Shins – Wincing The Night Away

12. Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

13. The Snake The Cross The Crown – Cotton Teeth

14. Circa Survive – On Letting Go

15. The Frames – The Cost

16. Motion City Soundtrack – Even If It Kills Me

17. Kanye West – Graduation

18. Interpol – Our Love To Admire

19. I’m Not There Soundtrack

20. Anberlin – Cities

21. Eisley – Combinations

22. Modest Mouse – We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank

23. Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog

24. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

25. John Ralston – Sorry Vampire

Earlier this year, Conor Oberst and his Bright Eyes band released Cassadaga, a folk-bluegrass journey into the human psyche. Bright Eyes, in 2005, simultaneously released two albums: the electronic-experimental Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, and the stripped-down folk I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning. Cassadaga returns to Bright Eyes’ signature Midwestern bluegrass sound, building on and picking up where I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning left off.

The record begins with a phone conversation about the supernatural premonitions of a figurative protagonist and taking a trip to Cassadaga, Florida. A flurry of strings bellow and dive, leading into the main thrust of the album. “Four Winds,” the first single from the record, showcases a multi-layered mixture of acoustic guitars, strings and a slew of other instruments.

Unlike many of the records on the indie-folk scene, Cassadaga alludes to an older style of country music, easily heard during the middle section of the record. Confusion and beauty grip the protest song “No One Would Riot For Less,” which leads into the airy “Coat Check Daydream.” The metaphorical traveler finally reaches Florida during “Lime Tree,” and is met with somber realizations about the people he has loved and lost along the journey.

Oberst’s distinct vocals, though occasionally distracting, provide an agreeable medium for his melancholy lyrics. Cassadaga combines themes about love, finding escape from the Midwest, and discovering solace through a physical and spiritual journey.