The Top 5 Biggest Disappointments of 2007

Rarely do you find a blog that rewards mediocrity or downright lack of talent. Well here at The Popsicle we are quite different. In this, now annual, list of the biggest let downs of the year, we explore the albums that were not only over-hyped, but were also over anticipated by us. Be prepared to have your minds blown.

5. Bloc Party- A Weekend in the City

Instead of following up their highly acclaimed release, Silent Alarm, with the same driving force of pure rhythmic chaos from drums underneath guitar riffs that could sink ships, Bloc Party sinks into a malaise that was even considered similar to recent U2 releases. Maybe Kele should have spent more time trying to perfect a great record than beefing with every artist he could get his grubby paws on.

4. Against Me!- New Wave

Yes, it is true that one should not have expected much from these former D.I.Y. punk rockers after their switch to a major label. But, come on! This record was not just a let down, it was a complete travesty! Butch Vig did more to turn Against Me! into a band that sounded more like Nickelback than Tegan Quin could hope to even save. This may not have been that highly anticipated, but it turned out so badly that it just must be mentioned.

3. Bright Eyes- Cassadaga

This must be no surprise to any fan of the indie rock pioneer Conor Oberst. It seems certain that an album may not be all it's cracked up to be when it is filed under Alternative Country (no offense Ryan Adams) but this was just not up to par in the slightest bit. With one track that has even a little prospect of being great and many that sit there like like some boring kid eating lunch by himself, Oberst certainly has redefined himself. Yeah we know you love Neil Young but it may be getting a little too obvious now. Conor Oberst sings "Yeah, I've made love, yeah, I've been fucked, so what?" Well anyone who payed for this album sure got fucked as well.

2. Modest Mouse- We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

"Johnny joined Modest Mouse!?!?" No way! It took Modest Mouse several years to churn out an answer to Good News... and with the addition of the legendary Smith's guitarist this is looking to be their most prominent album yet, right? Wrong! Modest Mouse goes all wrong with the radio friendly release that could not have come more ready for mainstream ears. The Moon and Antarctica was used for several commercials, that goes the same for Good News..., but it seems that Isaac and his cronies crafted this work for the sole purpose of commercial use. Sad? Abslolutely. Let down? You bet!

1. The White Stripes- Icky Thump

And now we come to the biggest disappointment of 2007. This may come as a surprise to some loyal Stripes fans, but this was not only a let down, I consider it one of the worst albums of 2007. After the single Icky Thump leaked, many fans had high hopes for a strange, improvised, and over all original release. But at times the album either was too strange (St. Andrew) or too straightforward (You Don't Know What Love Is). The latter track was just drivel. After personally spending day after day scouring the internet for some leaked link and hours downloading said link (in India no less!) I felt cheated. And over all, I felt so let down that I find it hard to listen to the White Stripes to this day.