It’s barely more than a third of the way over, but 2007 has already been a banner year for… It’s barely more than a third of the way over, but 2007 has already been a banner year for music. Indie giants Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes have all released predictably solid albums already, along with more mainstream veterans like Nine Inch Nails. The good news is that there’s still a lot to look forward to, and music can sound even better during the summer without the daily grind wearing you down. Here’s a rundown of some recent and upcoming releases.

The Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare (April 24) – The toast of Britain returns quickly on the heels of last year’s incredibly over-hyped but still excellent debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. It’s been described as “very fast and very, very loud,” which bodes well. Lead single “Brianstorm” makes good on that promise, along with one of the most spectacular puns in recent memory.

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