As the semester comes to a close, here’s a look back at some of the best releases this spring had to offer.

Bloc Party, “A Weekend in the City”

“A Weekend in the City” is a larger-than-life portrait of electronica mastery, making permanent a mask which the band certainly had worn but never as openly claimed as they do on this album.

True songwriting talent is plentiful and graciously merges with even more pure arranging talents that create the driving drums, lush instrumental pads and soaring vocals that make these 11 tracks something special.

Party on, party people.

Andrew Bird, “Armchair Apocrypha”

On “Armchair Apocrypha,” Bird is so real it hurts – a genuine songwriter and lyrics sculptor who loves his craft and loves to share his dreams, fears and observations of the daily grind.

To say “Armchair” doesn’t reach his earlier “Mysterious Production of Eggs” proportions is not a knock, because not many albums in this vein do.

Still, Bird has set the early market for 2007.

The Shins, “Wincing the Night Away”

“Wincing the Night Away” is in many ways a well-decorated version of “Chutes Too Narrow.”

The meat and bones of many of these tunes are very similar, but they hide underneath many more layers than we are used to hearing with the Shins.

The result is a gorgeous, full-bodied wall of sound that will make your jaw drop.

Squat, “Squat”

Take a dash of wailing blues, more than a dash of afro-cuban textures, some pocket swing and a touch of fusion-edge a la Medeski, Martin and Wood, and you begin to understand the way the guys of Squat see the world.

One of the greatest victories of this album is that it is nearly impossible to digest in one sitting, but multiple listens find a new subtle and musical exclamation with each pass.

No surprises here – a sparkling local collection.

Norah Jones, “Not Too Late”

This third release is actually a record full of firsts for the young crooner.

“Not Too Late” is the first collection written entirely by Jones and is her first album not produced by Arif Mardin, the musical legend whose touch helped propel Jones to instant star status after 2002′s “Come Away with Me” and 2004′s “Feels Like Home.”

On “Not Too Late,” we find a more politically embattled Jones, with cheap shots at President Bush and open dialogues with Iraq-bound soldiers in “My Dear Country” and “Wish I Could.”

Fulton Lights, “Fulton Lights” Weaving your way through this collection is much like doing so through a great dream.

Nothing necessarily is expected, but even the unexpected has a way of seeming incredibly fitting and acceptable.

Andrew Spencer Goldman’s musical visions are brought to life for listeners to see any way they choose.

All things considered, this is a sneaky masterpiece.

The Bird and The Bee, “The Bird and The Bee”

Any album coming from the Blue Note label with a “Parental Advisory” warning immediately should catch your attention.

The sonic creations in this urban soundtrack are applicable to many and touching to all.

Inara George’s vocals are subtly sexy in her lyrics while loudly commanding in her control, showcasing her classic jazz roots in melodic creation but affording relentlessly progressive growth to a woman musically mature beyond her years.

Maria Taylor, “Lynn Teeter Flower”

Stick this under a microscope, and you’ll see there really isn’t too much to this work in terms of technical overproduction.

Underneath the little bits of makeup is a girl next door who truly loves her place in the sonic spectrum. Refreshing and rewarding, Taylor is the real deal.