(I'm reprinting this from my actual blog, seeing as KPunk (I think) had something nice to say about it, and it may be of interest to some of you. It originally came at the end of a series of entries about my favourite records of the year)
...It’s interesting to me that this selection features a lot of instrumental music.I’m thinking this reflects a malaise in the contemporary scene, because it sure looks to me like no one has anything to say anymore.
The US is saddled with one of the worst administrations in their history, a horrendous gaggle of corporate whores with their noses in the trough, their eyes blinded with corrupt ideology and their hands giving you the finger. A similar situation under Reagan threw up Husker Du, Big Black, The Minutemen, Black Flag, a thriving underground full of fire and passion who railed against these charlatans. It was similiar in the UK as well. Okay, so Crass were unlistenable and Red Wedge was an embarrassment, but at least people were trying to do something positive.
What’s the equivalent in 2007? A load of self indulgent rich kids playing ghastly pseudo-folk escapist twaddle about unicorns and fairies and then trying to sell it to advertising companies and clueless Pitchfork-reading hipsters. I’m looking at you, Devendra Banhart. And your friend Joanna Newsom. Jesus Christ Almighty, it has come to something when you can write 20 minute songs about fairy tale cities, play them on the harp and get critically lauded for it instead of, as would happen in any right-thinking world, pelted with rocks as soon as you step out of your front door.
Not that the UK gets off any easier. How did we go from “Ghost Town” (STILL officially the greatest single ever made) to The View singing about wearing the same jeans for a few days in a row? Did someone put something in our drink? I’m pretty sure I wasn’t consulted. Still, why make or listen to anything challenging when there’s an eviction on Big Brother?
Go back to sleep, people, your government is looking after you.
Yep, that was me stalking your other blog. I think these are good points, but I would argue that there were some diamonds in 2007. But like usual, you wouldn't find them in the mainstream. And yes, "Ghost Town" is still fucking awesome.