Top Albums of 2006
I've taken more time than usual in writing up my list of favourite albums for the year. My favourite three were an easy choice as they were standouts but from then on it became more difficult.
Undoubtedly my favourite album of 2006, it has been a standout with no album coming near it. My only regret is I took so long to purchase it. I was a fan of Neko after hearing her previous album Blacklisted but this album just blew me away. A mix of country, gospel and indie rock influences, the album is defined by Neko’s voice that evokes the stories in her songs in such a moving manner. I can’t wait for her
The Song: That Teenage Feeling
The Crayon Fields are my favourite Australian band of 2006. It’s rare that you find such a great debut from a local band that just clicks. For much of the year my favourite Australian debut was The Grates but the Crayon Fields have just blown them out of the water. They remind me of the Beach Boys meet early Belle and Sebastian with that slightly orchestral twee pop sound. I’m sure they’ll have a big future and they deserve it.
The Song: Lovely Time
3. TV On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain
After the success of Desperate Youth and Blood Thirsty Babes, TVOTR have returned with some fuzz rock with a bit of soul. They’ve stepped back from the eclecticness of their previous album but have not rejected that experimental streak. The result is an album that whilst being more mainstream friendly, continues their reputation as one of the most innovative acts in music today.
The Song: Wolf Like Me
4. The Decemberists – The Crane Wife
For awhile I was finding it hard to think of what albums would round out my Top 5 but after listening to this album, I definitely knew it had its place. Building on the Decemberists previous album, the album is more confident, having their style of folk with production that has tinges of prog-rock.
The Song: The Crane Wife 3
5. Darren Hanlon - Fingertips and Mountaintops
Honestly how can one not be a fan of Darren? With songs like Falling Aeroplanes and Operator, Get Me Sweden it's hard not to be. This album continues with his trademark quirky songs but is more delicately layered that his previous works. I read a review stating it a bit more Sufjan than Jonathan Richman. Either way, it's a fine album to get and you'll be listening for hours.
The Song: Romance Is Deafening
6. The Grates - Gravity Won't Get You High
7. Tim Rogers and
8. Augie March - Moo, You Bloody Choir
9. Dappled Cities Fly – Granddance
10. Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
What have been your Top Albums of 2006?
3:16 PM
neko case is amazing, best singer in the world, that one keeps rising up my list, love TVOTR, Midlake and Decemberists too, all great.
I will post my list in a couple of days, let me just say my number one is Canadian, and could be consiered a side project.