Some great things from 2007.

Single: Fireworks Night's 7" had the most pretty song, "Echo's Swing", on the b-side. A slow, dramatic buildup from solo piano to rushing strings and musical saw in the finale... a dark, gorgeous tale. I'll shut up about it now because I seem to be writing quotes that would look more at home on a poster for The Golden Compass. I think the song is on their MySpace anyway... or it's on a compilation released by their also-ace labelmates The Mules.

MySpace song: I haunted the MySpace of John & Jehn way too much this year. Not only for the sweet-till-you-burst pictures they have, but to listen to the beautiful '20L07', a gorgeous little iced gem of pop, full of rare love and a rare mixture of optimism and devotion.

Album: Napoleon IIIrd's In Debt To: has to be my album of the year. I know, I know, it came out on my label, but I still listen to it now - it's an amazingly well crafted album with so many ideas, thoughts, melodies and stories squeezed into it... a minor masterpiece. I'll go on hoping that it gets recognised as such!

Live band: Fuck Buttons were the one for me. Their music still thrills me, lights my brain and body up with giddy adrenalin rushes every time they play. Wave after wave of distortion breaks over you, screaming vocals, keyboard twinkles, drum shines - truly special, and the one to watch in 2008.

Festival: La Route Du Rock in France was amazing... never mind the "BOLLOCKS!", these guys know how to party in style. End Of The Road was the one for me in England... a most civilised affair.

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