02. Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah
They did it before in 2004 with their debut, and if it wasn't for tougher-than-nails competition this year, they would have had the number one album again. Ta-Dah, more than anything, proved that the band had staying power. A carnival of pop styles that manages to be at once dark and dancible, the album really has something for everyone. Combined with their debut, unreleased demo and mountain of b-sides, Scissor Sisters are the band to beat in 2007.

Album Track: Might Tell You Tonight - The sweetest and most subdued track on the album, it sounds like a long-lost AM radio classic, and it will be a shame if it's not released as a single. Of all the tracks on Ta-Dah, I think it has the most staying power.

01. Delays - You See Colours
I still remember the first time I listened to this album. It was one of those knock-you-over-the-head, practically religious experiences that you can only get with transcendent pop music. Classic after classic, You See Colours is unlike any other album out there. Smart pop is hard to find, and even harder to market (as evidenced by YSC's poor chart performance). Basically, I could go on and on about this miraculous album. If you don't have it yet (and apparently not many people do), buy it as quickly as you can. You will not be sorry.

Album Track: Given Time - One of what I consider to be the album's unsung tracks, Given Time possesses one of those huge, magical choruses that'll hook you right off the start.