The Top 10 Albums Of 2006 (And Other ‘Year In Review’ Stuff)

As 2006 comes to an end one is forced to look back on the year that was. Here goes…

Top 10 Albums of 2006

1. Bug Sessions Volume One Saves the Day

I guarantee you won’t find this on other top 10 lists, and probably for many good reasons. It’s an EP. It’s old material that is just played acoustically. It was only available at Saves the Day shows. All that aside, when you get down to it this is an amazing, amazing album. This was literally the only thing in my car’s CD player from July to September. Every track is better than it original version (with the possible exception of “Freakish”). The new versions of “You Vandal” and “Sell My Old Clothes, I’m Off To Heaven” are inescapably fantastic and are the highlights of the album. It’s really tough to describe what makes Bug Sessions so great. This album may be hard to find, but it’s worth the effort.

2. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me Brand New

After waiting years for their follow up to the masterpiece Deja Entendu, Brand New finally delivered with this record. While it can’t quite match Deja (which is expected) it is still a must hear record. The best way to describe it is as an incredibly disturbing record to listen to, but in a good way. Singer/songwriter Jesse Lasey takes a more somber approach to the lyrics on this album. The imagery is filled with religious references and, at times, pure hatred and frustration. While the middle tracks (5-8) aren’t Brand New’s best, the albums bookends are superb. “Sowing Season (Yeah)” is a bio-polar blast of anger. “Millstone” best captures Brand New’s brand new sound. “Degausser” might be the best song of 2006. “Luca” is the only song to ever make me jump from my seat listening to it, courtesy of the car crash ending. And “Archers” is the furiously straight forward hit single that won’t be. This is the best “real” album of the year.

3. With Love And Squalor We Are Scientists

WAS are just one of those bands that does everything right. Their music is killer. Their videos are top notch. They have the best band website ever (www.wearescientists.com). And on top of all of that they rock some serious facial hair (well except for the dangerously good looking frontman Keith Murray). Their debut LP could easily be the album of the year in a weaker musical year. “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt” kick starts the rock party. “It’s A Hit” and “Lousy Reputation” are almost too simple and fantastic for their own good. One great thing about WAS is that they are never playing “in sync”. The drums are doing one thing, and the bass is doing something completely different, while the guitar is doing something else on it’s own. It makes With Love And Squalor so interesting and fun to listen to. This is an album that just doesn’t get old to listen to. Let me put it this way, you won’t be finding yourself skipping any of these songs on iPod shuffle.

4. Shipwrecked On Shores 1090 Club

A band close to my heart. As the only band that really matters from my hometown of Billings, MT I had seen 1090 Club play many times. But it wasn’t until this album, their LP debut, that I really appreciated how wonderful their music is. Their unique band arrangement (guitar, violin, keys, drums) allows for music that doesn’t sound like anything you’ve probably heard before. There really is no low point to this album. Every track is great, though “Hello” and “Business End” are probably my favorites. Seriously, find this record and thank me later.

5. Patient Pending Heavens

If you ever wondered what it would be like if Matt Skiba fronted Interpol…well now you know. The album combines the darkness of Skiba’s work in Alkaline Trio with delicate and haunting backing music courtesy of Josiah Steinbrick. There are many different musical ideas in here, but they all seem smooth and cohesive. It’s kind of like an Alkaline Trio album for indie snobs and hipsters. But it’s best enjoyed by those who are neither.

6. Sam’s Town The Killers

Apparently it’s tough to follow up a miltiplatinum album like Hot Fuss, but The Killers did so in fine style. Gone is the synth attack and 80s style. In it’s place is a much more straight forward brand of heartland rock. Well that and some pretty awesome facial hair. The first three tracks (“Sam’s Town”, “Entrelude”, and “When You Were Young”) do a fantastic job of setting up what the album would be. What it becomes is a nostalgic look back on values and ideals that have fallen by the wayside. It is as good a follow up as could be expected.

7. Black Holes And Revelations Muse

Muse is the most massive sounding musical trio I can think of. Their songs seem large enough that they echo. Black Holes maintains the underlying darkness of their previous work, while giving an air of optimism. The second track, “Starlight”, might be the most beautiful song of the year. The album ends with the sprawling life on Mars journey “Knights of Cydonia”. It’s a grandiose ending to a grandiose album.

8. State Of Emergency The Living End

State of Emergency is The Living End’s most complete album to date. It truly showcase everything The Living End can do with their rockabilly/punk style. There are fast paced singles (“Long Live The Weekend”). There are distant chants of spoiled youth (“Wake Up”). And of course there are wicked guitar solos (“Into The Red”). It’s really everything you need for a good time.

9. Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not Arctic Monkeys

Clever observation rock from Brits. While it’s nothing new Arctic Monkeys make it seem fresh, with punky guitars and pure energy. Frontman Alex Turner has a cheeky way of pointing out the obvious and a voice that fits what he’s saying. And if “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” doesn’t get you moving than you are officially a robot.

10. The Pick Of Destiny Tenacious D

I’m gonna be honest. I’m a hardcore D fan. So basically anything they’d release I’d like. This album is probably only for hardcore D fans (much like the film it is the soundtrack for). The CD is a lot better and makes more sense if you’ve actually seen the movie. “Master Exploder” might be my new favorite D song. “The Government Totally Sucks” is also priceless. If your looking for some mindless entertainment look no further.

Honorable Mention

The Crane Wife The Decemberists—Honestly this would probably be top 10, but I literally just got into The Decemberists a week ago and have had a chance to listen to this album.

Stadium Arcadium Red Hot Chili Peppers—I love the Peppers, but this album is too much. There is no need for this to be 2 disks. Too many filler tracks.

Return to Cookie Mountain TV on the Radio—Good stuff, but I think these guys are over-produced, which is never good when one of the guitarists is the producer.

The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living The Streets—Very good for the situation. The success (overseas) has made it impossible to make an truly street-simple album like Original Pirate Material. Mike Skinner is still the best MC alive.

Other Stuff

Best Songs- “Degausser” Brand New
“Snow (Hey Yo)” Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Counting” Heavens

Best Live Band (Tie)- The Living End and Brand New

Worst Live Band- Hawthorne Heights

Worst CD I Bought- “Coming Home” New Found Glory

Best Music Video- “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt” We Are Scientists

Best YouTube Band- At The Drive-In (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBmRbMZdsnU)

Most Anticipated Albums For 2007- Alkaline Trio, Hot Hot Heat, Interpol, Modest Mouse, Motion City Soundtrack, and many more…

2006 was a great music year. Here’s hoping 2007’s is an even better. Cheers.