Laura Katz - General Manager

1. Maritime - Heresy and the Hotel Choir (Flameshovel) - Even though Davey wouldn't get off his cell phone when they were on Automatic Stapler, I still love them and this album, especially the gem "For Science Fiction."

2. Richard Swift - Dressed Up for the Letdown (Secretly Canadian) - First, Richard Swift could not have a better name. Second, Dressed Up for the Letdown is a spectacular collection of first-rate songs. A little bit of Van Dyke Parks, a little bit Ray Davies, even a little bit seventies dub, but a lot excellent.

3. Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? (Polyvinyl) - I didn't care about this one at first. 'Thought it was nothing compared to some of their previous albums, but now I like it better than all the rest. Weird.

4. Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down - Phantom Punch (Astralwerks) - I love Sondre! Plus, he's been on the Stapler twice and was very lovely both times. Sondre rocks on this album, leaving behind lush strings for jangly guitars and four on the floor rhythms, even including a fantastic disco-y number that gives the album its title.

5. Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (Sony Music Group) - Josh was super ambitious on this album and he wasn't completely successful. Nevertheless, the greatness of some songs outweigh the slight failings of others. And I've loved Josh Ritter since 2001; it's a little hard for me not to love everything he creates. 

Felix Danbold - Assistant General Manager

1. The Mae Shi – HLLLYH (5RC / SAF / Entropic Tarot) - Post-son-of-synth-god-spaz-lord, Ezra Buchla, the remaining crew saves the yelps and energy and replace shock with charm. Churning out the years funnest (not a word but applicable) anthems, they can still tear your face off whenever they feel like it. And if they do, you will thank them for it, although that will be difficult without lips. Definitely the band to experience.

2. Why? - The Hollows EP [US release] (Anticon) -  Why?’s untouchable new single alone would make my top 5 list. Throw in a Xiu Xiu cover (YES), a Dntel remix of a new track (tease), and a cover medley by Half-Handed Clouds (cute and clever) and you just can’t lose.

3. BARR - Summary – (5RC) So good. No one can talk quite like Brendan Fowler does. Even if he’s just whispering over a pounding floor tom, BARR is nothing if not novel and arresting. More BARR.

4. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver (DFA) - Awe-inspiringly accomplished and complete. There is little that this album lacks, which doesn’t really say anything, but you should’ve listened to this album by now and realized how awesome it is.

5. Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis (Rough Trade)– Jarvis composed yet raging swagger is difficult not to enjoy, unless you just hate all British people. Without a doubt, best lyrics of the year on “Running the World.” And the instrumentation is so choice. Jarvis is the dude.

Erik Felix – Music Director

1. M.I.A. – Kala (XL/Interscope)- I never thought I’d be this excited about a sampled chicken.

2. Radiohead – In Rainbows (Self-Released) – It’s a perfect release from what you would expect from a band that has nothing left to prove, familiar but still inventive and fresh. Plus, you really can’t go wrong with free.

3. Panda Bear – Person Pitch (Paw Tracks) – Hypnotic and serene. This is the soundtrack to your death.

4. Justice – † (Ed Banger Records) – This album seems to have been discounted because of the nod it received from mainstream media (Thanks Kanye). With all that set aside, the album’s gut-wrenching square synths, bubbling bass lines, hyper high-hat, and dazzling strings is grossly invigorating. They pretty much had me at the orchestral intro.

5. Crystal Castles – Crimewave/Air War 7” (Trouble) – It’s noisy, it’s playful, it’s messy, it’s the sound of an 8-year old regurgitating an Atari console – it’s what you need in your life.

Brandon Raymond – Assistant Music Director

1. Panda Bear - Person Pitch (Paw Tracks) - Noah Lennox's third solo album makes Beach Boys fan irate because of comparisons to Pet Sounds and Animal Collective fans bitter because this is better than Strawberry Jam. He should have kept the 12" version of “Bros”, though.

2. Neil Young - Live at Massey Hall (Reprise) - I hate to say it — I like this album better than Live Rust or Time Fades Away. At some points, Young projects some of his greatest somber moments even better than the studio versions … And for me that's saying a lot. This almost trumps Dylan's live performance with the Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975 as my favorite live album ever.

3. Yellow Swans - At All Ends (Load) - Blissful noise that should be restricted to those using earphones and recreational drugs.

4. Wolves in the Throne Room - Two Hunters (Southern Lord) - Souther Lord snags up a band from Olympia, Washington of all places and they produce a black metal album that makes me want to pull out my copy of Filosofem.

5. Heavy Winged - Feel Inside (Archive) - This is the heaviest psychedelic album I have heard in a while. This is the musical equivalent of having my body being crushed to death. Epic.

Miguel "theuglylover" Abad - Assistant Music Manager

1. UGK - Underground Kingz (Jive) - Seeing as this is the swan song for the duo known as UGK, (following the tragic, untimely death of producer/MC Pimp C) they couldn't have ended their partnership on a better note. The Port Arthur, Texas twosome proved why southern rap is here to stay–to the dismay of backpackers and east coast elitists alike.  With cuts that will make the club bounce and work just as well bumpin' in your headphones, "Underground Kingz" show the world that UGK rule supreme in the south. And as T.I. likes to say, "I'm a UGM alum"….and so are Lil'Wayne, OutKast, Chamillionaire, insert southern rapper here…

2. M.I.A. - Kala  (XL/Interscope) - "Kala "marks M.I.A.'s splash into mainstream stardom. While this may be the case, notoriety has seemed to act as a catalyst, not a hindrance. While not as instantly infectious as its predecessor, "Kala" shows M.I.A. refining her hip, club sound while branching out into dance-pop, trip-hop and semi-industrial soundscapes. She's no longer just a groovemaker. Now she's a songwriter.

3. Liars - Liars (Mute) - Unpredictable and schizophrenic are usually descriptors that could spell death to an album.  Not here. In this case, Liars have created what could be their finest release yet.  Showing off their ability to construct difficult, and challenging post-punk worthy
of This Heat and PIL while at the same time crafting competent pop tunes that would catch the ear of even the most selective listeners.  "Liars" just might be the album that will end the new wave/post-punk revival. Why? There's just no way that this scene will produce another album this good.

4. Burial - Untrue (Hyperdub) - In these last few years, Burial has almost single handedly pushed the fledgeling genre of dubstep out of dingy UK garage clubs and into the consciousness of dance music enthusiasts around the world. With "Untrue", Burial refines the hip syncopations from the debut album and creates a haunting sonic template that is one of the most unique and exciting sounds and genres in all of contemporary music.

5. The Field - From Here We Go To Sublime (Kompakt) - Ed Banger this and Daft Punk that, it seems like the former ambient techno scene had faded into the abyss in favor of bombastic, over-the-top dance music. Utilizing subtlety and minimalism, The Field channels vintage Aphex Twin and Autechre's early ambient excursions and shows that ambient techno is far from dead.  Brian Eno would be proud. 

Amelia Rhodewalt – Assistant Music Director

OK, let me just preface the list with a disclaimer: I have not downloaded "In Rainbows."  You read correctly- I haven't listened to the NEW, FREE, and EASY-TO-DOWNLOAD album by RADIOHEAD.  Each of those qualities alone should have been enough, but I haven't heard it, I will soon when I get around to it, and now let's move on, K?  I already feel bad enough.

1. Grizzly Bear - Friend EP (Warp) - Grizzly Bear are just amazing. They can seriously do no wrong in my book, except maybe including Cansei de Ser Sexy's dumb cover of "Knife" in this otherwise almost-perfect mini album.  I'm all for CSS and Brazil and fun little dance songs, and I even tried to be into this song for awhile, but honestly.

2. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge) - Again, it's Arcade Fire.  Neon Bible's not as good as Funeral, yes, but it's still much, much better than most other things.

3. Justice - † (Ed Banger Records) - From the opening epic power of "Genesis," to the super summer single "D.A.N.C.E.," it's a non-stop dance party.
4. M.I.A. - Kala (XL/Interscope) - M.I.A. delivers a tasteful grab bag of smart cultural references - from the Clash to disco to Bollywood to the Pixies - but keeps it fun, fresh and danceable.

5. White Stripes - Icky Thump (Warner Brothers) - First of all, this album had the coolest promotion ever.  Free ice cream in pretty boxes at Coachella, transforming Tower Records into Icky Thump Records with only one album for sale, and even fancy USB drives with special tracks. Also, the music is pretty good.

Paul “Bucky O'Nassis” Glanting's- Assistant Music Director

1. M.I.A.-Kala (XL/Interscope) - Each track redefines the complex saga of Ms. Maya Arulpragasam. The result is an unpredictable safari into afrobeatbmoreclubfunkrappunk.

2. Baby Elephant-Turn My Teeth Up (Godforsaken Music) –Two living legends doing their respective thizzles yet taking it into the future.

3. UGK-Underground Kingz (Jive) - Two dopely zealous southerners who swat each track with pure south'n finesse.

4. Justice-† (Ed Banger Records) - The world needs arrogant
French rock stars who put on hyperbolic shows of Black Sabbath-ean proportions.

5. Wale-100 Miles and Running (Unreleased) - Wale has rhymes for days and days. So many in fact, for Wale's sake, we may wanna add an eighth day to the mix. Oh and BTW, this mixtape is free on Wale's myspace.

Jason Stern - Promotions Director
*commentary = appropriate Morrissey quote

1.  M.I.A. - Kala (XL/Interscope)
Always looking for attention
Always needs to be mentioned
Who does she think she should be?

2.  Elliott Smith - New Moon (Kill Rock Stars)
Angel, Angel

Don't Take Your Life Tonight 

3.  Fennesz/Sakamto - Cendre (Touch)
Shelve your western plans
And understand
That life is hard enough when you belong here

4.  Health - Health (Lovepump United)
Sir thwacks you on the knees
Knees you in the groin
Elbow in the face
Bruises bigger than dinner plates

5.  Black Dice - Load Blown (Paw Tracks)

A plastic bag

Stranded at the light

This once was me

Armand Babian - Marketing

1. Caspian - The Four Trees - Dopamine

This album is awesome. How awesome? So awesome I'm at a loss for words. Awesome.

2. Moving Mountains - Pneuma - Unsigned

And  the Yndi Halda award for best new album made by a bunch of 17 year olds  goes to… Moving Mountains! Of course, this is assuming Yndi Halda's  debut isn't in the running for album of the year for the third straight  year due to it being released three times across three different years.  But that's a whole other story.

3. Scraps of Tape - This is a Copy, Is this a Copy - Tenderversion

Oh  those crazy swedes, at it again. Can they do any wrong? Being the  strongest country in the world per-capita in post-rock, I suppose not.  Sure, this album may be a bit bipolar, but i blame that on the sun only  coming up for less than four hours a day during the Swedish winters.

4. Thrice - The Alchemy Index Vols. 1 & 2: Fire & Water - Vagrant

Probably  the odd man out in my list, but what can i say, I'm a fanboy. They got  me into music and I'll be damned if I'm not going to appreciate their  most ambitious effort to date. But I must say, there is one glaring  hole in their 4-disc concept album about the elements - why no love for  Heart?

5. The World on Higher Downs - Land Patterns - Plop

To be fair, I was  pretty set on the ordering of my top 4, but the number 5 spot on my  list was a toss up between five albums. Would it be by Stars of the  Lid, Ours to Alibi, The World on Higher Downs, Johnnytwentythree, or  The Dear Hunter? Maybe it's my mood, but The World on Higher Downs wins  this prestigious honor. Though, I suppose with this write up, everyone  wins.

Priscilla Brinshot - Marketing
1.  Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam (Domino/Paw Tracks) - What's not to love about this album, it definitely deserves to be labeled as best of 2007, with its noise music creating such unimaginable visuals unique to each individual listener. The compilation of musical instruments combined with speech beats makes defining the band, in terms of genres, one of difficulty, which is good because that means that its rare and revolutionary.

2.  M.I.A. - Kala (XL/Interscope) - M.I.A.'s tracks totally embody and appreciate the cultural aspects of her homeland which is what makes this album so inspirationally personal to each listener. As a spokeswoman for political action, her music invites people to feel the beats and participate in the world happenings. It brings out the indigenous being out of all of us.  

3.  Black Moth Super Rainbow - Dandelion Gum (Graveface Records) - Thisalbum emits a dream-like effect on the listener by transporting he/she to a world that progresses in slow-motion and relaxation. It’s psychedelic.

4. Digitalism - Idealism (Astralwerks/EMI) - Inspired by astrological studies, this album's songs can be defined as essentially the music accompanying the artists' imaginative journeys to different parts of the universe. The Music is personified because of its rhythmic ranges from dance to placid to phenomenal.

5. Daedelus - Ninja Tune -  I enjoy listening to Daedelus because he experiments with a lot of different types of patterns and beats, leaving the listener in anticipation for more. He does not necessarily attain the same popularity as the previous musical influences have, but I
believe that with this album a lot more people will be able to discover what a marvelous direction music is taking in its electro community.

John Higgins - Intern Manager

1. Radiohead - In Rainbows (Self-Released) - How can I not put them here? Every song is a keeper, and they were all recorded so brilliantly with such meticulous care.

2. Reel Big Fish - Rock Ridge Music  (Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free) - Finally free of Jive Records' constraints, my favorite ska band sounds better than ever.

3. The Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder (Yep Roc) - This has some of the catchiest stuff all year. Honestly, it won't get out of my head.

4. Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga  (Merge) - Britt Daniel and co. knows how to craft a song. The attention to detail more than make up for the short running time.

5. Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?  (Polyvinyl) - Aren't the falsetto's in "Gronlandic Edit" just grand?

Zach Best - Productions

1. M.I.A. - Kala (XL/Interscope) - Hella Mo Heat!

2. LCD Soundsystem - Sounds of Silver (DFA)

3. Black Lips - Veni Vidi Vici  (Vice Records)

4. Digitalism - Idealism  (Astralwerks/EMI)

5. Daft Punk - Alive 2007 (Virgin) 

Jarret Long -  Web

1. Radiohead- In Rainbows (Self-Released)- Do i really need to elaborate?

2. The National- Boxer (Beggars Banquet)- the music is just really captivating, with very warm sounds and emotionally dense lyrics.

3. Kevin Drew- Spirit If… (Arts & Crafts) - pretty much broken social scene.

4. Health- Health (Lovepump United) - i really dig the drumming and ominous atmosphere.

5. Daft Punk- Alive (Virgin) I actually haven't listened to it but i know its dope.

Kristen Tojo- New Media

1. Radiohead- In Rainbows (Self-Released) - Radiohead is like sex and pizza. Mindblowing when it’s good and still pretty fantastic even when its mediocre. While it's not my favorite Radiohead album (Kid A/The Bends), In Rainbows is still my favorite release of the year.
Listen to: 15 Step, Bodysnatchers, Nude, All I Need, Jigsaw and Reckoner, pretty much the whole damn thing.

2. Animal Collective- Strawberry Jam (Domino/Paw Tracks) - I could write tomes about the inexhaustible genius that is Avey Tare and frankly this entire band.  I only wish they had included "Beahug/Walk Around" on this album which was a set highlight (for me anyways) on their most recent tour. LISTEN to Animal Collective, it will make you a better person. Really. Top songs: Peacebone, Fireworks (This song is only surpassed by Purple Bottle as my favorite AC track ever), For Reverend Green, and #1

3. Amy Winehouse- Back to Black (Island) - Whether it's just because of her beehive, constant smoking, or obvious substance abuse problems, I love Amy Winehouse. Her  60's girl group inspired album is witty, soulful and  heartbreakingly honest.
Listen to: Back to Black, Tears Dry on Their Own, Wake Up Alone, and You Know I'm No Good

4.  Battles- Mirrored (Warp) - With a band formed from the likes of former Don Cabellero and Helmet members, how  can you lose? In Battles debut album, Mirrored, these guys have created a weird yet completely auditorily enthralling experience. Mirrored is an amazing cacophony of sound that will kick you in the face and soothe you into complacency. Seriously, go buy it on vinyl.
Listen to: Atlas ( if you haven't heard this track yet you've been missing out), Tonto, Leyendecker, Prismism, Tij

5. Kanye West- Graduation (Roc-A-Fella/ Def Jam) -For me "Graduation" just edges out Talib Kweli's album "Eardrum".  Although Talib's album is more lyrically satisfying, I just find "Graduation" catchier and more enjoyable to listen to. Per usual Kanye mixes/heavily samples several genres of music  and seamlessly blends them in tracks like Stronger, Wonder and Champion. Besides, any album that can make Chris Martin, John Mayer and Steely Dan palatable is OK by me. Listen to: Stronger, Good Life, I Wonder, Can't Tell me Nothing and Champion

Funkadocious G (Gabriela Jiménez) - Programming

1.  Instituto Mexicano del Sonido - Piñata (Nacional Record) - Instituto Mexicano del Sonido is a Mexican record executive who also happens to be an amazingly talented DJ. He takes old school Latin beats (mambos, cumbias, etc) incorporates electronic aesthetics and creates a very post-hiphop album. As a collective whole, this album's Hip Hop influence is
far too great to deny. His sampling is nothing short of Hip Hop appropriating madness on a crazy innovative level and the man can flow. IMS takes the essentials from the Hip Hop mindset–mostly conceptually-runs with them and arrives at a highly original and satisfying destination.
Stand-out tracks: El Microfono, Para No Vivir Desesperado, La Kebradita, and
Hip Hop No Pares

2.  Orgone - The Killion Floor  (Ubiquity) - Deep soul-infused funk is alive and kickin'! You get it all with this album: horns, percussions, bass lines, guitar riffs, keyboards, vocals, and international flair. Each song is a groove that takes you to the innermost realms of your soul and spits you back up leaving you asking for more. This L.A. based band seems to have been frozen in the midst of the 60s and 70s deep funk era and we are the lucky witnesses to their thawing process. Imagine a nearly-flawless heavy funk album. Now go cop *The Killion Floor* .
Stand-out Tracks: Who Knows You, Said and Done, and Funky Nassau

3.  Manu Chao - La Radiolina (Nacional Records) - After six years since his last effort, Manu Chao is back and he does not disappoint. Equal parts world-fest extravaganza and political consciousness, “La Radiolina” elaborates upon Manu Chao's winning formula. Multiple
languages and musical genres flood the album as it reflects the polycultural world we now inhabit. Afro-latin, reggae, ska and rock constitute just some of his styles of choice. Mix all this with multilingual social commentary and you begin to enter a world that recognizes rhythms and not bombs as weapons for social progression.
Stand-out tracks: Politik Kills, El Kitapena, Rainin in Paradize, and 13
Dias.

4.  Ohmega Watts - What's Happening (Ubiquity) - Solid Hip Hop requires sick flows, but that only occurs if the beats are on par. “What's Happening” embodies what an MC should be in 2007/8: introspective, honest, and socially courageous. Ohmega Watts steps away from Rap's mainstream mentality and engages in the artistic side of Hip Hop. Think MF Doom with some Jurassic 5 and a little bit of Afro-beat.
Stand-out tracks: Model Citizen, Adaptico, and Are you satisfied.

5.  Saul Williams - The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust (Self-released) - Spoken word artist (now MC) Saul Williams partnered with producer Trent Reznor to provide us with a timely collaboration infusing Hip Hop with some raw rock. The album is reminiscent of 1980s Public Enemy–without the nationalist tendencies. Many of Hip Hop's controversial issues are taken as foundations for songs and explorations into American society' continued racism. Up-front, angry and articulate best describe the lyrics and sounds of the album. Stand-out tracks: Tr(n)igger, Convict Colony, Raised to be Lowered and Skin of a Drum

Brian Gay

1. The Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder (Yep Roc)

2. Pinback - Autumn of the Seraphs (Touch & Go)

3. Rob Crow - Living Well (Temporary Residence Ltd.)

4. Sea Wolf - Leaves in the River (Dangerbird)

5. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Living with the Living (Touch & Go)