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Folk Alley presents a sampling of its favorite albums this year, submitted by hosts and staff. Selections include venerated legends (Levon Helm, Ricky Skaggs), up-and-comers (The Greencards, Eilen Jewell) and successful folk favorites (Patty Griffin, Susan Werner).

KUT's David Brown offers up his picks for 2007's most memorable recordings, and finds that his hometown of Austin, Tex., is well-represented. But alongside the local likes of Spoon and Okkervil River were international juggernauts like Radiohead and Amy Winehouse.

For WFUV's Rita Houston, 2007 was about great new CDs and great live shows — most of which were by the same artists. Her list includes albums by Amy Winehouse, Iron and Wine, Dan Wilson, Brandi Carlile, Wilco, Stars and more.

WBGO Morning Jazz host Gary Walker shares his favorite jazz recordings of 2007. Among the artists he singles out: Michael Brecker, Abbey Lincoln, Maria Schneider and Ron Carter.

Best-ofs tend to be most effective when the selections are purely a matter of personal taste — "favorites" rather than "best."

It's a fair bet that three-quarters of all songs have something to do with love, with maybe half of those coming out in its favor. Here are five lovesick tunes crafted by jazz legends, Broadway hitmakers, and new talents.

Host Bob Boilen talks with reviewers Carrie Brownstein, Will Hermes, Tom Moon and Meredith Ochs about the year's biggest surprises and letdowns in music.

Feeling left out when the conversation turns to Richard Wagner? Get to know the controversial composer's stunning music with help from William Berger, author of Wagner Without Fear.

A Be Good Tanyas side project: Po' Girl; Great pop from the Fountains of Wayne; Life set to the sounds of Guster; Armenian melodies from Kim Kashkashian and more.

The latest invention from Bill Frisell; the experimental folk of Calexico; a mysterious soundtrack by Eric Bachmann; a new take on Chinese classics from Gary Lucas and more.