Looking back at the last few months of 2006, it seems strange now to say that one of my most exciting musical finds was of an album that hadn't been released yet.

What can I say, when you live so close to the Internet it doesn't take long before a fish jumps out and flops around at your foot. Usually I toss these web-based phenomena back into the stream without much thought... but after a cursory review of Field Music's 2007 album, Tones of Town, I was wickedly impressed.

Steeped thoroughly in their English musical heritage, Field Music has created a playful record that fits somewhere between a 70s Paul McCartney and Supertramp, while remaining thoroughly modern. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment here is casting these reminiscent sounds with a clarity and grace that make the music original and worthy of repeated listens.

For an example, check out 'Working to Work' on SoKT.