1. Belle & Sebastian The Life Pursuit
What can I say? I was never a huge fan and now I am totally converted! A near-perfect album.
2. Regina Spector Begin To Hope
A much more solid effort this time out. This one has a little bit of everything for everyone.
3. Tom Waits Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards
Classic Mr. Waits in all his personas, with disc 2 being the stand-out.
4. Cat Power The Greatest
The result of the Memphis Rhythm Band backing a singer whose voice is like honey...very smooth.
5. Neil Young Living With War
Putting his money where his mouth is.
6. Chris Garneau Music For Tourists
A Brooklyn artist that I discovered by chance who sings and writes some sad but beautiful songs. A little bit of Sufjan Stevens and Elliott Smith...in other words, quirky in a good way.
7. Wolfmother Wolfmother
If Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath had a baby they would name it Wolfmother.
8. Muse Black Holes & Revelations
Dramatic sounds and orchestration are reminiscent of Radiohead and Queen.
9. Dixie Chicks Taking The Long Way
Country leftists who have traded in the country for a little rock and roll.
10. Joanna Newsom Ys
This is a very unique and challenging one with the shortest song being 7:17 and the longest one clocking in at 16:53 (luckily there are only 5 songs). The production and sweeping orchestrations are gorgeous. A 24-year old harpist with a voice that’s a cross between Björk & Victoria Williams, who has many tales to tell.
11. Beck The Information
Beck – still growing and maturing – but not forgetting to have fun.
12. Nellie McKay Pretty Little Head
Not as groundbreaking as Get Away From Me, but a joy nonetheless.
13. Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris All The Roadrunning
Two of my faves get together with brilliant results.
14. Bob Dylan Modern Times
Modern-day classic.
15. The Rapture Pieces Of The People We Love
2 words: Dance Party! The Talking Heads would be proud.
16. Thom Yorke The Eraser
The lead singer from Radiohead. This one grew on me...now I can’t seem to get enough.
17. (Tie) KT Tunstall Eye To The Telescope
Overplayed, but really, not a bad song on the album.
17. (Tie) Leah Siegel Little Mule
A New York artist that I recently discovered...at times she reminds me of Jeff Buckley, Fiona Apple, and PJ Harvey...all good things!
18. Sonic Youth Rather Ripped
Return to form...melodies intact.
19. Michael Franti & Spearhead Yell Fire!
Anthem after anthem of uplifting messages for these troubled times.
20. Gomez How We Operate
Their most straight forward record yet...and that’s not a bad thing.
Overrated Album Of 2006:
The Killers Sam’s Town
I just don’t get it...