My favorites for the year. I wish that this list included more but I couldn't afford much in '07. 

1) Crowded House - Time On Earth : I never expected this reunion but how sweet it is that they're back :-).
2) The Ugly Beats - Take A Stand With The Ugly Beats : groovy garage rock/power pop of the highest order ! ; if you get to see them play, you'll believe me. And why aren't they being played on Little Steven's Underground Garage yet ?
3) Future Clouds And Radar - Future Clouds and Radar : I was skeptical at first since the first song I heard was a throwaway instrumental but when I heard more, I breathed a grateful sigh of relief.
4) Tammany Hall Machine - Amateur Saw : I wish I found this band sooner because they're calling it a day in 2008 ; Joel Mullins vocals are breathtaking and as a live band, they're fantastic !
5) Salim Nourallah - Snowing In My Heart : he's my singer/songwriter pick for this year. He's a great blend of Jeff Tweedy, Neil Finn, and Elliott Smith. 
6) The Singles - Start Again - simple really -- just good, catchy, and fun songs
7) Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly Angry Mob : sure I prefer the debut but there are some tasty nuggets in this release
8) The Broken West - I Can't Go On, I'll Go On - I thought I'd see this one mentioned more. I love their jangly, rootsty brand of power pop
9) The Drawing Board - Clear To The Far Side Of Way Over Yonder - who needs Rooney when you've got these guys ? ;-)
10) The Alice Rose - Phonographic Memory : this one made my list simply because of a couple of standout tracks : "Lamplight" and "This Night"
11) Sondre Lerche - Phantom Punch : what a delight to hear him rock out !

The EP's that don't count but I still love :

Flight of the Conchords - The Distant Future : sure they're funny but the tunes are pretty good too :-)
Captains of Industry, Living Again, The Head Sits Upside Down On The Top Of The Head - Buttercup : this San Antonio TX band took the approach of releasing multiple EPs with their own moods/themes; they take eclectic influences and create smart, unique pop tunes

_________________________________________________________________
i’m is proud to present Cause Effect, a series about real people making a difference.
http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/MTV/?source=text_Cause_Effect