In the spirit of getting my year-end list-making motor running I’ve decided to start by throwing together the albums that I feel might have slipped under the radar this year.

While not necessarily out of the running for my best-of list (which will come later), I figured this would be a good excuse to draw attention to some lesser known names.

Thus, in no particular order, the albums below constitute my “unsung” favourites of the year—all Canadian, all indie, and all of which are deserving of a wider audience regardless of where they fit in the grand scheme of 2007.

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Spy Machine 16 - How Things Come Apart

This debut from my favourite Guelph dance-punks, Spy Machine 16, is a fantastic album of unparalleled energy and spunk. Driven at a break-neck pace by frenetic keys and anxious vocals poised to express sentiments of unrest (see the previously featured I Lost My Edge Last Night), this album is an ambitious call to arms–not to mention the dancefloor. You will flail, you will dance, and you might just get a little motivated in the process.

Take a listen to a few more tracks at Spy Machine’s Myspace, or check out some featured songs and rants right here.

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Wax Mannequin - Orchard & Ire

Pure. Rock. Opera. Seriously, this is one of the most intense albums to come my way in a while. Delivered with a level of conviction that would cause the veins of the average mortal to burst, the inimitable, eccentric and infectiously likable Wax Mannequin takes you on a journey through a land of robots, worriers and beasts.

Driven by the aforementioned intensity and bolstered by shear balls-out rock laden with undeniable melodies (see “Animals Jump” if you don’t believe me), this Hamilton legend will show you just how real animals truly are.

Read my previous review of Orchard & Ire here or check out Wax Mannequin’s brand-new website for rants straight from the worrier’s mouth.

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Percy Farm - The End’s In the Beginning

An ambitious and sweet debut from this Montreal band, The End’s in the Beginning is a diverse collection of upbeat optimism with smatterings of sass. If the youthful zest of album standouts “The Miraculous Birth of the Mystery Child“ and “Tales from the Sea” don’t make you want to assemble a pack of jolly pirates and shake it on the fall streets, then the albums’ lighter side will keep you warm while you watch.

Take a listen to a few tracks at the band’s Myspace page or go straight to Ships At Night Records for more info.

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Portico - Progeny Blues

I don’t know how this Vancouver band’s sophomore album managed to slip under the radar, as it boasts some of the most understated, husky and unique female vocals I’ve heard since Peppermint Patty—add to that some captivating melodies and just enough lyrical feistiness to lend some edge (take the previously featured scorcher, “Sincerely,” for instance), and you’ve got the recipe for an enticing and highly recommendable album.

Grab a few songs from the band’s Myspace page or check out their homepage for further details.

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Mardeen - Read Less Minds

Based on the song “Kids” alone, there’s no reason why Mardeen’s infectious and hook-laden sensibilities shouldn’t have landed them far more exposure this year. Light-hearted, catchy and prone to causing some serious bodily gyrations, Read Less Minds, the Halifax band’s full-length debut, is a rejuvenating listen that exhibits more potential than most fledgling bands can fathom.

Take a listen to a few tracks at their Myspace page and visit the band’s website to see what they’re up to.

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The Superfantastics - Pop-Up Book

An optimistic and endearing debut album from a pair of Halifax kids who still believe that indie-rock can be fun–does there really need to be more of a recommendation than that?

Seriously, download some tracks at the band’s Myspace page and check out their video for “Tonight Tonite” and just try not to enjoy yourself.

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There you have it folks. Six albums in no particular order that I felt were sorely under-appreciated this year. Don’t agree, or have others you think ought to have been mentioned? Leave a comment below or get in touch with me (paul [at] wolveshawksandkites.com) .

Digital copies of the above albums for your listening pleasure can be found at Zunior.