Albums stun 2007 music industry

Arcade Fire-Neon Bible

The sophomore full-length release from the Canadian multi-instrumentalist group is a dark, eerie protest album recorded in an abandoned church. The band shines on the Springsteen-esque fist-pumper, "Windowsill."

Bright Eyes-Cassadaga

Poetic brainchild Conor Oberst pieces together a powerful protest record, but instead of whiny emo songs about himself, Cassadaga unveils the country-folk, anti-war side of Oberst. Check out "Four Winds."

Draft Punk-Alive 2007

The French robot duo returned this year with a live album that plays like an interwoven remix of their greatest hits and showcases the 11 tons of equipment they haul to events. The entire album plays through with charm.

Dinosaur Jr.-Beyond

The godfathers of loud, alternative rock returned with their original lineup after more than 15 years for an instant classic full of J Mascis' guitar-shredding. Sounds of 1989's "Bug" show in "Crumble."

Elliott Smith-New Moon

A posthumus collection of unreleased material from the deceased songwriter displays Smith's ability to make you feel - happy or sad. The two-disc set is one of the year's best.

LCD Sounsystem-Sound of Silver

Enthusiasts of dancing look no further, for the crisp, refreshing side of LCD explodes on "Sound of Silver." Indie rock meets electronica as usual for the accomplished beat-driven group.

Menomena-Friend and Foe

The Oregon-based trio of multi-instrumentalists utilize keys atop complex drum beats and driving guitar riffs, all conjoined with the computer-programmed sounds filling the airy parts of songs.

Rilo Kiley-Under the Blacklight

"Under the Blacklight" granted the Jenny Lewis-led indie group Fleetwood Mac comparisons and modest mainstream success with jingles about prostitution and sex. Check out the album's title track.

Spoon-Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Indie rock's Spoon returned to the scene this year with a new, poppier side to their sound. Frontman Britt Daniel pushed this album through waves of class and elegance while releasing a solid rock album.

Feist-The Reminder

Canadian-born songwriter Leslie Feist makes her second album a good one with folky rythms and undeniably profound vocals, giving her a taste of mainstream success. Listen to "My Moon, My Man."

Kanye West-Graduation

West's third album came with release day controversy, shaming 50 Cent's "Curtis" in record sales. West's rhymes flow with taste while his beats further his reputation as one of the best producers in the game.

M.I.A.-Kala

M.I.A came back this year with a wildly exciting and percussion-filled album recorded and rooted in music from all over the world. Experimental meets typical song structure in "Kala."

of Montreal-Hissing Fauna, Are you the Destroyer?

The Georgia-based group went through a musical transformation in nearly every album since their 1997 debut, and this concept record demonstrates yet another phase of their electronic poppy psychalelic cocoon.

Animal Collective-Strawberry Jam

An explosion of psychedelic sounds and melodies add to Animal Collective's boistrous experimental delve of layered noise-music. Key tracks include the opener, "Peacebone," and the hippie-strung "Chores."

The Shins-Wincing the Night Away

James Mercer and company put together the most ambitious and powerful album of their catalog in January, glowing with layered instruments and beyond impressive production quality. Check out "Australia."

Panda Bear-Person Pitch

As a member of Animal Collective and devout Brian Wilson soundalike, Panda Bear comes out with this mess of noises and field recordings that mend into worldly melodies before your ears have time to notice.

Radiohead-In Rainbows

The always-sound-changing efforts of this British group have difficulty making bad records, and "In Rainbows" is no exception. On sale strictly via the Internet for a price you get to choose, Radiohead sounds better than ever.

Ween-La Cucaracha

Brothers Gene and Dean Ween released this suspectinglyodd party album this fall after a few years of writing and recording. La Cucaracha is ecstatic and silly, as to be expected. Feel good party song: "Fiesta."

Wilce-Sky Blue Sky

Folky alt-rockers Wilco go back to their alt-country roots with grace and experience, making a folky, soothing Lennon-like record programmed for relaxation. Listen to the passive track, "Impossible Germany."