What: As Usual, We've Had Quite a Calendar of Local [Derived Headline]

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What: As usual, we've had quite a calendar of local music. Not a year goes by when we here at Weekend aren't surprised by the quality and quantity of original music coming from our little city and beyond. The high point of 2007's local music was delivered by Weigh Down, a New Haven group that released its powerful "Welcome to the Family Zoo," which made the Register's best-of-the-year list, but it's not the only splendid album of the year. So without further ado, if the Register made a mixtape featuring the best of Connecticut music of 2007, this is what it would sound like. Seriously, visit the Web pages provided here, go to local shows and support the scene. You'll be more than pleasantly surprised by how good the music sounds, how original these artists are and how much you'll just, well, enjoy yourself. A--"Down in the Valley," The Broken West (www.myspace.com/thebrokenwest) -- Technically a Los Angeles-based band, The Broken West features Branford native Dan Iead on guitar. We challenge you to find a better power-pop song than "Down in the Valley," which sounds like Tom Petty backed by Badfinger. This is the kind of tune best played on repeat. It's a powerful little nugget of goodness.

A--"Where the Lifeless Go," Weigh Down (www.myspace.com/ weighdown) -- A deceptively complex song, "Where the Lifeless Go" completely makes it clear why Weigh Down's "Welcome to the Family Zoo" is such a great disc. The tune happily ambles along with a killer guitar line and an immediate hook.

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What: As Usual, We've Had Quite a Calendar of Local [Derived Headline]

A--"My Weakness," The Smyrk (www.myspace.com/thesmyrk) -- In many ways, in the early days, The Smyrk sounded like a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band. But on the ban...

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