by James Di Fiore

Created on: April 16, 2008

2007 was an impressive and historical year for alternative music. The indie scene regained some of the credibility lost over the last few years through manufactured hits, while innovative album releases and live performances improved drastically. The following list contains the best singles from the reinvigorated alternative scene in 2007.

ROGUE WAVE - LAKE MICHIGAN

With a tumbling drum loop and lyrics drenched in that nostalgia we used to hear from indie groups in the 90s, Rogue Wave's 'Lake Michigan' is a throwback track to when instrumentation meant more than just a balanced chord progression. Layered with several guitar tracks and electro samples, the song encapsulates the happy-sad formula we used to see from groups all too often, yet it is executed with little effort and superior musicianship.

KEEP THE CAR RUNNING - ARCADE FIRE

Prediction - one day Quentin Tarantino will use this song in an upcoming soundtrack. Keep the Car Running is a retro laced, Brit pop inspired tune that shows there is a timeless element to Arcade Fire's style and recording methods. The track has a classic analog feel to it, reminiscent of a John Hughes film or a 1980s high school prom. The upbeat tempo sets it apart as being able to abandon the dreary formula all too common with younger bands of today - and if we know anything about Arcade Fire, we know will see more of this sound in the future and covers by upcoming copycats.

ANDREW BIRD - HERETICS

There's something endearing about Andrew Bird. Maybe it's because he can play the violin, the guitar and sing so effortlessly. His pop formulated tune 'Heretic' sounds anything but formulaic, and the response of the tune reminds this writer of the old days when Ween would sputter out a catchy tune sandwiched in between tracks that blew apart the speakers. A favorite live piece by fans, Bird crisscrossed Europe in 2007 playing this hit to sold out audiences, all the while still maintaining that indie vibe that sets him apart.

THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS - IT ENDS TONIGHT

There's something powerful about the contrast between a soft piano and a harsh vocal tone that gives 'It Ends Tonight' its indie and mass appeal. While some purists might see this selection as a mainstream pop selection, you can be certain there are thousands of self proclaimed indie heads that secretly croon to this track in the privacy of their bedrooms every night before bed. The balance of pop sensibilities with a distorted bridge and heartfelt lyrics sets this hit apart from the usual Nickleback-ish tunes we hear regularly on the radio. AAR will have to prove they are not here for the moment however, but this track is a brilliant start.

BODYSNATCHERS - RADIOHEAD

A sense of justice would have the entire 'in_Rainbows' album on this list, given the band's unique concept of allowing anyone to download it and pay whatever they saw fit, but the best song will have to do. Radiohead has always been a band in their own musical world, experimenting with electronic, stripped down sound techniques and an unparalleled sense of timing. 'Bodysnatchers' contains an oozing bass line and lead guitar that reminds listeners of the early 70s, an almost Clapton feel to it. Thom York's vocals still have that desperate vibe, singing directly to the mood of the song and climbing between ranges as if his microphone were attached to a gondula. Another Radiohead classic.

Learn more about this author, James Di Fiore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.