The best albums of 2006, per nate, can be found below. It seemed like a tough year to me, and the #1 album wasn't all that clear of a victor. It's a much "lighter" list than years prior, with a lot more folk-y selections. But the "alt-punk" scene has become so diluted with mediocre that I was happy to find refuge in the simple and light.
If you think James Blunt should be on this list, go soak your head. If you have any other complaint, leave a comment.
Albums
- The Weepies "Say I Am You"
There is a line between delicately simple and sickeningly sweet, but I found most of this record in the realm of the former. It isn't nearly as stimulating as its "best-of" predecessors, but there was something unexplainable that kept me playing it over and over again.
Riga Girls, World Spins Madly On - Electric President "Electric President"
I suppose I can still safely count this album as obscure, which might elevate my ego a bit. Of course, that ego can be easily popped by pointing out I first heard "Insomnia" on network television. Nevertheless, this album spoke great volumes to a boy counting down the months until his graduation, with lyrics that say, "There’s nothing new to discover, there’s nothing new to invent./There’s nothing new to think that hasn’t been thought of before." and songs titled "Some Crap About the Future".
Insomnia, Metal Fingers - Damien Rice "9"
Of course, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn't appreciate the genius of 2003's "O". "9" is a worthy follow-up, though stylistically not much different. I had the opportunity to see him perform this summer, regretfully without Lisa Hannigan, and was quite excited to hear the new songs. There is a great deal of "alt-folk" that has since borrowed from "O", but few could ever pull off what Damien does on "Rootless Tree": He sings the chorus of "F*** You, F*** You, F*** You..." but somehow maintains a beautiful balance of composure and emotion.
Rootless Tree, Coconut Skins - Sufjan Stevens "The Avalanche: Outtakes and Extras from the Illinois Album"
Ah yes, in just one year Sufjan Stevens has been illegally downloaded onto every college student's (and more) iPod. It is a little painful, but it's hard not to still be a fan. "Illinois" was my (and everyone else's) #1 pick last year, and I'm sure at that time no one expected a release of "outtakes and extras" that is as long and as-well-written as the album itself. The weakness here is with the overall feel and flow of the album... it really doesn't exist. But then again, I suppose it's the proverbial bargain bin and I shouldn't complain.
No Man's Land, Pittsfield - Joshua Radin "We Were Here"
I received this album with much expectation after last year's EP. Despite re-using most of those songs, it's a moody and beautiful disc.
Only You, Winter - The Decemberists "The Crane Wife"
Colin Meloy does the best folk work of anyone on this list with the retelling of the Japanese tale of the farmer who finds and injured crane, restores it to health, and marries it, only to neglect it and watch it die. (I hope I didn't spoil that ending for anyone) The album was produced by Death Cab's Chris Walla, and he leaves a distinctive mark.
The Crane Wife 1 & 2, Sons & Daughters - Christine Fellows "Paper Anniversary"
Another simple and sweet folk record, this time by a quirky Canadian. I must have listened to "Souvenirs" 18 times in a row during a road trip.
Souvenirs, Departures/Arrivals - Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat"
Exceptional storytelling and gorgeous vocals. One of the best concerts I saw this year, though I missed the first half.
You Are What You Love, The Charging Sky - Sleeping at Last "Keep No Score"
Some of the strongest string arrangements on this list. This band delivers amazing lyrics of hope.
Needle and Thread, Umbrellas - Alexi Murdoch "Time without Consequence"
More alt-folk, this time just further down the list.
All My Days, Blue Mind - Josh Ritter "The Animal Years"
Ritter takes himself a bit more seriously than the time of "Golden Age of Radio", and doesn't do too bad here. "Thin Blue Flame" borders on epic.
Wolves, Thin Blue Flame - Regina Spektor "Begin To Hope"
Now here is some cool spunk, reminiscent of Patty Smith even. I like this record a lot, but I've had a lot less time to process it than some of the others on this list. I think I might need a summer to appreciate it.
Hotel Song, Samson - J. DiMenna "Awkward Buildings"
In the style of Elliott Smith. A good listen.
Raggedy Ann, Comfort - Neko Case "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
Her voice is lovely, and this album feels enjoyably authentic.
Star Witness, At Last - Beirut "Gulag Orkestar"
I'll admit that most will find this record more novelty than anything, but there are also those few that will find it can be a perfect companion at times.
Mount Wroclai (Idle Days), Postcards From Italy - The Hold Steady "Boys and Girls in America"
This is a fun record. And as an added bonus, it pays a bit of tribute to Jack Kerouac.
Stuck Between Stations, Citrus - Catherine Feeny "Hurricane Glass"
Hush Now, Mr. Blue - The Mountain Goats "Get Lonely"
Woke Up New, If You See Light - John Mayer "Continuum"
I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You), The Heart of Life - Grandaddy "Just Like the Fambly Cat"
Elevate Myself, Skateboarding Saves Me Twice
Honorable Mentions
- Ben Kweller "Ben Kweller"
Thirteen, I Don't Know Why - Belle And Sebastian "The Life Persuit"
Song For Sunshine, Dress Up In You - The Killers "Sam's Town"
When You Were Young, Bones - The Raconteurs "Broken Boy Soldiers"
Hands, Steady As She Goes - The Good Luck Joes "What Do You Think of That Noise?"
48 Hours, Much Too Young - Gomez "How We Operate"
Notice - Goo Goo Dolls "Let Love In"
Stay With You - Keane "Under the Iron Sea"
Crystal Ball
Special Consideration
- The Beatles - Love
The soundtrack for a special Cirque du Soleil Beatles Tribute is a complete remix of 26 songs by original producer George Martin and his son. Surprisingly awesome. - Jason Mraz - Selections for Friends
This live compilation has some to-die-for acoustic performances so bright and crisp it sounds better than being there. - Sufjan Stevens - Peace: Songs for Christmas Volume V
The newest installment in the amazing annual Christmas releases. The entire set was released this year, of which I had only heard vols 1-3. - High School Musical - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Just Kidding.
The Mix
Expect to receive a copy of this from me. If I forgot, let me know.
- Stuck Between Stations The Hold Steady
- No Man's Land Sufjan Stevens
- Sunshine Matt Costa
- You Are What You Love Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins
- Crazy Gnarls Barkley
- Postcards from Italy Beirut
- Riga Girls The Weepies
- Wolves Josh Ritter
- A Widow's Toast Neko Case
- The Crane Wife 3 The Decemberists
- Souvenirs Christine Fellows
- Speeding Cars Imogen Heap
- The Heart of Life John Mayer
- Insomnia Electric President
- Umbrellas Sleeping at Last
- Winter Joshua Radin
- Rootless Tree Damien Rice
- Hush Now Catherine Feeny
- Samson Regina Spektor
- Blue Mind Alexi Murdoch
- All You Need is Love The Beatles
Final thoughts
I wasn't all that happy with 2006. I just wasn't; maybe it was just me.
I did find it interesting that picks #1 and #2 from the Best of 2004 (The Killers & Keane, respectively) found their sophomore efforts out of my top 20.
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