The views expressed in the column My Ex-Boyfriend's Band are those of the author and may not be reflective of the Ist network. Enjoy!

There was no escaping the gravity of Austin in 2007. Three major festivals drew artists, labels, promoters and press from around the world. Critically and commercially, Spoon was an undeniably dominating force. Production power increased with the emergence of C3 Presents, a joint venture between heavyweights Charles Attal, Charlie Jones and Charlie Walker. Yet our unique universe still grows from within. Bands like Okkervil River and businesses like Transmission Entertainment continue to expand our horizons. My best of list is a celebration of what makes the Austin music scene independent and innovative.

Best Portrayal of Weird Austin:
The Roky Erickson documentary You’re Gonna Miss Me

Best Commercial Appeal:
Smog’s “Held” in the Bob Dylan Cadillac ad

Best Random Bantering:
Mike Booher of Zykos

Best Props from the National Press:
Octopus Project in Rolling Stone

Best Substitute for Bikram Yoga:
White Denim

Best Triptych:
Fun Fun Fun Fest

Best Local Set at SXSW:
Shearwater

Best SXSW Validation:
Au Revoir Simone

Best Way to Get a SXSW Badge:
Buy it from the Trashies to help them cover West Texas bail

Best Proposal at ACL:
Right before Midlake played “Young Bride”

Best Costume at ACL:
My Morning Jacket in hula wear
Bjork

Best Ironic Cancellation at ACL:
Amy Winehouse

Best FFF Surprise:
Don Caballero on stage
Murder City Devils at Mohawk

Best FFF Dance Party:
Diplo

Best Use of Violin at FFF:
Final Fantasy covering Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy”

Best Hydration Options:
Bloody Marys from 11 am to 3 pm at SXSW
White wine in a sports bottle at ACL
Sparks at FFF

Best South Red River Shows:
Richard Swift at Emo’s Lounge
Blitzen Trapper inside Emo’s
Tapes n Tapes outside Emo’s
Car Stereo (Wars) at Beauty Bar

Best North Red River Shows:
White Denim at Mohawk
Caribou at Club de Ville
Ghostland Observatory replacing the White Stripes at Stubb’s

Best Red River Meal:
Veggie brat from the Hot Dog King

Best Excuse to Freeze to Death:
The frigid Turkish edition of Psychotropic on the Club de Ville patio

Best of the Best:
Okkervil River