By Sean Claes

The following story is from the January/February issue of Austin's INsite Magazine. These are my personal top 10 albums of 2007 as released by bands in the Austin, Texas region.

1. Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros- Diamonds In The Sun
Austin-raised and former Nashville resident Walt Wilkins created a super-talented group of musicians in the Mystiqueros. The formed at Gruene Hall and have use the equasion of four singers, four songwriters, and four part harmony to bring an amazing Americana sound. Standouts on this release "Just Like Hank," "Trains I've Missed," and "Red River Blues."

2. Kent "Omar" Dykes & Jimmie Vaughan - Jimmie Reed Highway
Are you kidding me? If you bought one Austin-Texas blues album in 2007, you bought this one. If you didn't... go get it now. Legends singing the songs of a legend.

3. Ruthie Foster - Phenomenal Woman
If you haven't heard this resoundingly beautiful songstress live or recorded, you are missing out. Stripped down gospel infused blues is dripping throughout this CD. Just when you didn't think she could get better songs like "Heal Yourself" and "Harder Than The Fall" are released. Oh, and you are doing a HUGE disservice to yourself if you don't her her version of Son House's "Grinnin' In Your Face."

4. She Craves - Radio Days
It's been no tight-lipped secret that She Craves, who have been around for a short time have quickly climbed my list of favorites. They released an EP in 2006 that was a stepping stone to Radio Days and they have struck some ass-shaking power pop gold with this one. They've generated some well-deserved buzz for this release. They also just played the first INsite Night of 2008 on January 11. If you missed it... shame shame.

5. Matt The Electrician - One Thing Right
What can I say about Matt "The Electrician" Sever that I haven't already? His cigarette fueled raspy voice and lyrics that pull no punches while speaking to everyman. His stage presence is fantastic and his cover of Danzig's "Mother" live rewrites it as mandolin metal. On One Thing Right he continues down the road to success.

6. Dave Madden - Anything Goes
Coming to Austin in 2004, Madden didn't take long to gain popularity in town. He's got a style his own. A kind of radio-friendly pop sound with great songwriting to boot.

7. The Banner Year - ...Straight On Till Breakfast
I'm actually reviewing this one this month, but it was released last year. And.. yes it's a favorite. They were also the anchor band that first booked February 9, 2008's INsite Night - my birthday party - at the Red Eyed Fly. Read the review to know about the CD... then I'll see you at my Birthday Party.

8. The Biscuit Brothers - EIEI Radio
Yeah.. I picked a kids record as a top favorite. Have you HEARD The Biscuit Brothers? This is made up of the usual characters from the Austin-based hit PBS show by the same name. EIEI Radio takes the listener through a radio station on Old McDonalds Farm (The Farm for Every Instrument In The Orchestra... you know E.I.E.I.O.) Tiny Scarecrow is the star of the CD. I can't get "Chickens Playing Bongos" out of my head... listen to it. I swear you'll be hooked too.

9. Grupo Fantasma - Grupo Fantasma Comes Alive
I'm not usually a fan of live releases...but this release is an amazing live show commit to CD. The boys in Grupo recently caught the eye of Prince and have played a few shows with him. Prince ain't no dummy. He knows a good thing. Grupo Fantasma is a DAMN good thing.

10. Paul Pearcy - Come and Take It
Who knew that the Paul Pearcy could be a singer-songwriter? Definitely not this guy. Pearcy is the drummer I've always associated with San Marcos treasure Terri Hendrix, but he steps up big in this country-esque debut. Songs like "Psychobabylon" and "Houseboats and Chinese Lanterns" show a refreshingly psychodellic side to the disc whereas there's more of the Americana flavor to "Waitin' For Rain" and "Great Big World." Good stuff... top 10 material for sure.

Sean Claes (http://www.seanclaes.com) is a freelance entertainment writer in Central Texas.

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