For a number of reasons, I was further behind on 2007 releases than I 
have been in other years since the turn of the century.  Ordinarily I 
would try to rank a top 20 and then I would play all those selections 
again to make sure I got the order right.  This year, all I can do is 
post a hastily arranged top 10 and bunch the next 10 together.  So, 
let's see . . .

THE TOP TEN

1. Bruce Springsteen - Magic
	I never would have predicted this.  I've never had Springsteen on my 
list before at all, but this is a terrific album.

2. Idlewild - Make Another World
	Not their pinnacle, but still great.

3. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights
	Still love the debut most of all, but this is great.

4. The High Strung - Get the Guests
	I'm surprised the High Strung don't get more mention here, but I'm 
as guilty as anyone for not bringing them up.  Superb Detroit 
power-pop, and a terrific live band.

5. The New Pornographers - Challengers
	Docked a few points, as usual, because I can't stand Dan Bejar's 
voice.  Thank god he only sings a couple of songs.  Love the rest.

6. Buffalo Tom - Three Easy Pieces
	A great return from a much-missed band.

7. The Autumn Defense - The Autumn Defense
	The soft-rock side project of Wilco's John Stirratt and Pat Sansone, 
once again outshining the main band for me.  And I'm not a soft-rock guy.

8. The Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder
	Another great return--I've never liked them as much as on this album.

9. The Stems - Heads Up
	Speaking of great returns--!  Awesome to have them back.

10. Emma Pollock - Watch the Fireworks
	Excellent debut from the former Delgado.


THE NEXT TEN (not in order):

The Bank Holidays - As a Film
	Recommended if you like vocal harmonies, Belle & Sebastian, New 
Pornographers, Shins.
	http://www.myspace.com/thebankholidays
Crowded House - Time on Earth
Ray Davies - Working Man's Cafe
The Dollyrots - Because I'm Awesome
Adam Franklin - Bolts of Melody
Grand Champeen - Dial T for This
Maximo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures
The Owls - Daughters and Suns
	Recommended if you like the Hang-Ups, Belle & Sebastian, the Autumn Defense
	http://www.myspace.com/theowlsband
The Singles - Start Again
Wilco - Sky Blue Sky




HONORABLE MENTION:

Elizabeth Cook, Kelly Willis, Spoon (a case of diminishing 
returns--"Girls Can Tell" was my #2 of 2001, and they've slipped a 
little each time since then)


SONG OF THE YEAR NOT FROM ANY OF THE ABOVE RECORDS:

Robbie Fulks - "I Like Being Left Alone" (from "Revenge").  My new theme song.


I HAD THIS AT NUMBER 4 LAST YEAR (2006):

Sloan - Never Hear the End of It


APOLOGIES TO THOSE I BOUGHT BUT HAVE YET TO HEAR:

Superdrag, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Graham Parker, The 
Undertones, The Icicles, and many more


MORE APOLOGIES: I CAN'T BELIEVE I DON'T HAVE THESE YET!!!!!:

The Cynics, The Breakup Society, The Resonars, The Riff Randells, The 
Epoxies, Airiel, The Broken West


My list could have been drastically different if I'd just kept up!


Randy