By Matt Mitchell, DERF Music Columnist
We as Americans, love lists.  Whether it is VHI's Top 20 Celine Dion Love Ballads about her geriatric husband, or your local DJ's Top 40 generic, bubblegum pop songs of the week.   Regardless, I thought I would succumb to the ruthless pressure of the DERF readers and come up with a list of the top albums of 2007 so far.  Consider this column a musical midterm of sorts.  Don't act like you've never gotten one, you are only lying to yourself and possibly your family. 

Album that makes Monday morning tolerable:  LCD Soundsystem "Sound of Silver."   This is my personal favorite album to date.  The album combines techno, dance, punk, and damn near every other genre imaginable.  Plus James Murphy, the mastermind of LCD Soundsystem, just seems like a really cool guy to hang with.

Album to demand an American takeover of Canada:  Arcade Fire "Neon Bible."   A very deep album lyrically and instrumentally.  The Montreal natives' newest album came with lots of buzz, and as expected they delivered.

Album to play while drinking Stroh's with your pappy:  Kings of Leon "Because of the Times."   This album screams Southern rock.  Much like their past releases, Kings bring back their rough around the edges appeal.  However, on their latest album, the boys appear to have learned how to play their instruments.

Album to make you think you are at Cirque du Soleil:  Klaxons "Myths of the Near Future."   The self described "new rave" members from the Midlands in England really made a splash with their latest release.  The only thing missing from that circus feeling are the outrageous ticket prices…and the elephants.

Album that makes you proud to live in Cincinnati:  The National "Boxer."  The former University of Cincinnati undergrads are the talk of the music industry with their latest breakout album.  Now, if we could just get them to write a song about getting Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame or Graeter's….yum Graeter's.

Album that makes driving through Nebraska bearable:  Bright Eyes "Cassadaga."   Bright Eye's architect Connor Oberst, looks like the guy who got stuffed into his locker in the Elder halls.  Now he's a world renowned musician, and the guy that stuffed him in the locker is making Jello-shots for the Homecoming football game.

Album to drink a pint (or ten) to:  The Fratelli's "Costello Music."  This year's Arctic Monkeys.  The Brit's managed to squeeze out another band that mixes comical wit and hard hitting riffs.  The only thing missing from the album is a mind numbing hangover.

Album that makes you want to boycott Outback Steakhouse:  Of Montreal "Hissing Fauna are you the Destroyer?"   The ultra catchy beat from the "let's go Outback tonight commercial," is a thorn in any Of Montreal fan.  While, they may have sold their soul for a Bloomin Onion, these guys are the strangest, yet most intriguing band out there.

Overall, 2007 has gotten off to a great start musically.  I would love to have added in Andrew Bird, Partick Wolf, Rhymefest, The Sea and Cake…the list goes on and on.   Now, let's just hope we don't get our hopes up only to be let down.  Yes, that was a stab at the Bengals.