Well, it's that time of year again. Those of you who know me, know I love lists. So, without further adieu, I present my Top 10 albums of 2006. I am, of course, assuming there's nothing worthwile coming out in the next two weeks.
10. The Killers – Sam’s Town
The follow up to
Hot Fuss isn’t as good, but these synth-lovin’ Las Vegans are determined to be the next U2 and Bruce Springsteen. Standouts: “Bling (Confessions of a King)”, “Bones”
9. Artic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
These young lads from some dirt town in the UK spent a lot of days listening to punk records and lot of nights at clubs getting drunk and trying to pick up girls. Fed up with the lack of results, they form a band and race through 13 songs with punk aggression and a tight rhythm section. Standouts: “Fake Tales of San Francisco”, “Dancing Shoes”
8. Scissor Sisters – Ta-Dah
After their deliriously fabulous debut Scissor Sisters polish their sound a little and deliver an album that’s just as fun. A fine blend of Elvis Costello’s lyrical wit and Elton John’s coked up decadence. Standouts: “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’”, “Lights”
7. Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out of This Country
Falling somewhere between Indie Pop and 60’s girl groups, Camera Obscura’s third album is their best – a sugar sweet confection with lovely literate lyrics. Standouts: “Lloyd, I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken”, “If Looks Could Kill”
6. Harvey Danger – Little by Little…
Remember them? I think this album was actually released in late 2005, but it certainly deserves to be heard by more people. A great pop/rock record; they’ve certainly grown from their earlier days of post-grunge one hit wonders. Standouts: “Happiness Writes White”, “Little Round Mirrors”
5. Butch Walker – The Rise and Fall of Butch Walker and the Let’s-Go-Out-Tonites
Uber-producer Walker returns after working with sub-par bands to kick all their asses at Rock n’ Roll.
Rise and Fall is like a blender of every kind of rock genre since 1970; the second most fun record of the year. Standouts: “Hot Girls in Good Moods”, “When Canyons Ruled the City”
4. The Sounds – Dying to Say This to You
The most fun record of the year. These sexy Swedes take New Wave to ridiculous heights, destroying any notion that these folks were just Blondie clones. They play with such passion and energy, you just wanna dance. Standouts: “Ego”, “Queen of Apology”
3. My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade
What? MCR??
Come on! No, seriously. It’s that good. An ambitious pseudo concept album about death, dying and the afterlife, MCR shed their emo-ness and become a full on Rock band in the tradition of The Smashing Pumpkins. Standouts: “I Don’t Love You”, “Teenagers”
2. Razorlight – Razorlight
Razorlight stop listening to their peers and dig out their Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello and Kinks 45’s. Not necessarily the most original record of the year, but it’s the best Britpop record since
(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, and that's all you need to know
. Standouts: “America”, “In the Morning”
1. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins – Rabbit Fur Coat
Rilo Kiley singer’s solo debut is achingly gorgeous. A record tailor made for those late-night hours, Lewis bares her heart and soul on these 12 tracks. Backed by the Watson Twins, this mix of pop, folk and country suites Lewis’ delicate, yet powerful, voice perfectly.
Rabbit Fur Coat is an instant classic, proving again how moving music can be. Standouts: “Rise Up With Fists!!”, “Rabbit Fur Coat”
I'd also like to mention to other good efforts this year from The Strokes, The Tragically Hip, Boy Kill Boy and The Slip. All very good records in their own right.
