Best Albums of 2007

Explosions in the Sky – All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
Six more tracks of epic instrumental post-rock from these highly consistent Texans.
• One great track: “Welcome, Ghosts”

Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
Their sophomore effort wasn’t nearly as disappointing as I feared it would be.
• One great track: “Keep the Car Running”

Blue Scholars – Bayani
The best hip-hop duo in the Northwest (and possibly the best anywhere).
• One great track: “Back Home”

Maps – We Can Create
Hard to describe but easy to appreciate.
• One great track: “So Low So High”

Coconut Records – Nighttiming
If these songs weren’t so dang catchy, I’d happily hate Jason Schwartzman’s self-indulgent new project.
• One great track: “West Coast”

Rock Plaza Central – Are We Not Horses
IT’S A CONCEPT ALBUM ABOUT ROBOT HORSES!
• One great track: “I Am an Excellent Steel Horse”

Stars – In Our Bedroom After the War
I think the best of their creative juice has been depleted, but Stars can still write a dulcet tune.
• One great track: “The Night Starts Here”

Maserati – Inventions for the New Season
Yummy, psychedelic experimental rock.
• One great track: “Synchronicity IV”

Band of Horses – Cease to Begin
More of the same, but that’s okay.
• One great track: “Ode to LRC”

Radiohead – In Rainbows
How much did you pay for it?
• One great track: “House of Cards”