Decomposing Trees

As the end of 2007 nears, it means that the time for end of year lists is approaching. However, because I'm going overseas in around a week I thought I'd do my lists a bit earlier than the usual time in December. Since the third annual Australia's Top 25 Bands/Artists poll conducted by Sean from 'A Reminder' will be happening soon I thought I'd start there.

It took me a few days to think about the list but I've now finalised my choices. A few things influenced who I chose, mainly whether they had a good release this year or whether they have had a exposure to a wider audience.

Anyway, here are my Top 25 Australian Bands/Artists for 2007:


1. New Buffalo

Somewhere, Anywhere is a fragile, beautiful album. One of 2007's best.

2. Gotye

He's just gone from strength to strength since the Hottest 100 earlier in the year. The music industry even kowtowed and gave him an ARIA.

3. Augie March

2007 marks their year of crossing over from having a cult following. They've topped the Hottest 100, won the AMP and finally reap some mainstream success. It's about time too.

4. Architecture In Helsinki

'Heart It Races' has to be the Australian song of the year. Just infectious but what else can you expect from AIH.

5. Tim Rogers

Another fine solo release this year. Too bad it'll probably be overlooked again like his previous albums. A damn shame too, they all beat You Am I's recent releases by a mile.

6. The Brunettes

Structures and Cosmetics is my pop album of the year.

7. Mick Harvey

Sadly one of the most underrated artists in Australian music.

8. Lisa Gerrard

Her voice is just haunting and she would have slipped under the radar completely if it wasn't for the AMP nomination last year.

9. Love of Diagrams

Melbourne post-punkers flying the flag high over at Matador Records. I'm sure we'll hear much more from them in the future.

10. Pivot

Quite probably the best live band in Sydney.

11. Grinderman

Nick Cave, noisy distorted guitars, I really can't ask for much more.

12. Sly Hats
13. Pikelet
14. Muscles
15. Seaworthy
16. Operator Please
17. Young and Restless
18. Dappled Cities Fly
19. Sarah Blasko
20. Institut Polaire
21. Darren Hanlon
22. theredsunband
23. The Triangles
24. Midnight Juggernauts
25. Sodastream

I might also do a few more lists such as my top albums/songs of 2007 over the next few days since I doubt I'll be hearing much new music while I'm travelling.

UPDATE: Turns out it's Australian and NZ bands so I slotted in the Brunettes and they knocked the Devastations off.