Or, the Whale – Light Poles and Pines

We’re nearing the end of the year and my subconscious has been starting to compile the top albums of 2007. As I scrolled through the bands in my iPod, I passed by Or, the Whale and realized that I’ve never mentioned them on HearYa. Since it’s one of the best albums I’ve heard this year, it’s time to give them some praise.

Light Poles and Pines is the debut album by San Francisco’s Or, the Whale and it’s a peach of an album. It was recommended to me by Adrian at I Pick My Nose and I’ve probably listened to it more than any other album this year (Alberta Cross running a close second). The description on their website says it better than I ever could:

Or, the Whale’s songs range from danceable, rhythm-charged country-rock ditties with swaggering bass lines and articulately stomped-out drums to indie pop-rock tunes with bopping piano, snapping drums, and loops of finger-plucked guitar that explode into electric riffs to add fuel to fervent vocals. Slow it down and throw in some four-part harmonies, vibrant organ passages, and rippling pedal steel, and songs escalate into thoughtful ballads.

Part indie-pop. Part country-rock. Right in my wheelhouse. My two favorite songs, “Call and Response” and “Fight Song” serve as bookends to a phenomenal body of work. I can’t think of two better songs to kick off and close an album. If you’re in the bay area, make sure to catch a show. I’m working hard to make the December 6th show with HearYa fave Port O’Brien and the Cave Singers (pending HearYa praise).

Grab it on iTunes or eMusic.

Or, the Whale – Call and Response

Or, the Whale – Fight Song

Special mention:

Alberta Cross – The Thief and the Heartbreaker

Alberta Cross – Lucy Rider (from Rock Insider)

Port O’Brien – I Woke Up Today

Port O’Brien – My Eyes Won’t Shut

Port O’Brien – Five and Dime

Port O’Brien – Tree Bones

Or, the Whale Website | MySpace