It's That Time of Year Again

Time for the end of the year lists. For some reason, 2006 seemed a little musically mellow to me. Maybe it was the Les Savy Fav hiatus (that is now finally over, thankfully), or the fact that I just haven't been out to many shows, but it was a little blah. However, there were some shining moments. Like the Neko Case/Martha Wainright show at the 930, or getting the chance to see one of the last Sleater-Kinney shows ever, even though a blown transformer threatened the show. So, without blabbing on for too long, here's the list of my favorite albums of 2006 (in no particular order)


Beck - The Information

It think this is one of his more creative ventures. When it was first released, I could not get "Nausea" out of my head. Sure, by song 10, it's a little too much Beck, but in small doses, this album is one of his best.


Belle and Sebastian - The Life Pursuit

I'm a pretty big fan of Belle and Sebastian. I think they're terrific Saturday morning with coffee music. And, their use of the word launderette on this album can't be beat. Who says launderette anymore? Belle and Sebastian, that's who.


Built to Spill - You In Reverse

This is the first Built to Spill album that I had heard. Yes, I know that's an indie-rock listener faux pas, but this made me want to go buy more Built to Spill albums, which I did after listening to this one. Plus, the song "Goin' Against Your Mind" will be in your head all day.


Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country

I just got around to buying this album a few weeks ago. It reminds me of Belle and Sebastian, only sweeter (as if that were possible!). "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken" is one of my favorite songs of the year.


The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

I think this is certainly their best album yet. Full of different sounds and fantastic songs. "The Island-Come & See/The Landlord’s Daughter/You’ll Not Feel The Drowning" wins my favorite song of the year. It's almost a little too Boston/Journey sounding, but not quite. And, that's why I think it's brilliant.


Love Is All - Nine Times That Same Song

Yes, I know they were pitchfork darlings, but this album is really fun. A good summer driving around album. I listened to this alot in those months. Not so much a winter album, but worth a listen.


Madonna - Confessions on a Dance Floor

Ah, my guilty pleasure album of the year. Just fun and flirty and Madonna. I'm still sad I was denied tickets to this concert, even though she doesn't let venues turn on the air conditioning. I'm sure it would've been a kick ass time.


Morrissey - Ringleader of the Tormentors

I'm not as big a fan of Morrissey as some other people I know, but you can't deny that this is his best album in years. If you haven't heard this yet, go buy it immediately! (or wait until early next year when he re-releases it with all the b-sides)


Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

Her voice can't be beat and she's cute as a button. Need I say more?


Peaches - Impeach My Bush

Anyone who sings about the stuff she sings about deserves a spot on this list. She's raunchy, she's hot, and her music is pretty good too.


Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat

Jenny Lewis is a little bit Neko Case and a little bit Aimee Mann. This album is really comforting and great for late night drives.


Honorable Mentions:

Wolfmother (self titled)
Tapes N Tapes - The Loon
Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere

There are several albums that I've either just bought, or haven't gotten to listen to yet. I'm sure that these would've made the list had I gotten around to it:

Tom Waits - Orphans
Bob Dylan - Modern Times
Metric - Live It Out
Islands - Return to the sea
Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs - Under the Covers Vol. 1

Disappointments of 2006:

I know I said I liked these albums at first, but upon further listening, I decided that the lyrics on the Muse album totally sucked, and I've only listened to At War with the Mystics twice. Oh well.

I also felt like the Rapture - Pieces of the People We Love wasn't as good as it could have been, but that's alright.