Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
"Part One" of my 2007 favorite releases series covered studio recordings, in groups of seven, in honor of the year that was. Now, here's a list of seven that includes compilations, EPs and live recordings I totally worshiped.
1. U2 – The Joshua Tree (Remastered Box Set): For $40-something, it's totally worth it. The mini-book of album-related history, the full concert, rare videos and more on the DVD, the bonus CD of rare b-sides, and of course, the remastered audio itself. If you're a true U2 fan, you should have this set by now.
2. Megadeth – That One Night: Live In Buenos Aires: 2007 was a killer year for Megadeth: a solid studio recording (that I have yet to listen to in full), a box set, and live DVD that is a companion to this non-stop rockin' live CD, which captures the band playing at its best since the early-to-mid-'90s.
3. As Tall As Lions – Into The Flood EP: A Long Island band that's not punk, hardcore or emo! They do make some emotionally charged music, however, and this EP, released late last year, is no different.
4. Motion Turns It On – Rima EP: There's something in the water down in Texas. Like fellow Texans Explosions In The Sky, this group makes great, experimental instrumental post-rock. This is their debut EP. Can't wait to hear what a full album of this music sounds like.
5. Unwritten Law – The Hit List: This West Coast punk and power pop group collected all their hits and other fan favorites, then re-recorded most of them for this release. It's quite an impressive batch of rock from yet another underrated band that's been compared to peers like Blink 182 and Green Day over the years.
6. Joe Satriani – Surfing With The Alien: Legacy Edition: A beautifully remastered version of one of the best and most influential instrumental rock records of all time.
7. Dub Trio – Cool Out And Coexist: This band takes their brilliant mix of dub reggae and hard rock to the stage. This subsequent live recording fuckin' rocks and rocks hard.
