The uber geeks

My 50 Favorite Albums of 2006

I have seen many best of lists, however, I have decided not to go what I think are the best albums, but the albums I enjoyed the most of 2006. I’m not necessarily looking entirely for quality, but if I had fun with them.

I found many of those lists rather pretentious. While I do concur on the general consensus on many of the albums that are on these lists, I’m going to try to give a wider array of music, not just indy bands because it’s cool to have a best of list that has bands you’ve never heard of.

The order of this list is a very general listing and I didn’t really spend a lot of time in the ranking process. I just wanted to make sure my favorites are up there somewhere. If a band is in the list at all I really really enjoyed the album, so don’t be too offended by position. I know many fans are going to scoff at the fact that a band like Sunset Rubdown is ranked lower than Justin Timberlake. But, if you got a problem with it, make your own list.

50. Underoath - Define the Great Line

The Floridian Christian hardcore boys are back for another go round. Everyone was crying sellout after the slightly more melodic turn their major breakout record, “They’re Only Chasing Safety” took. Fans of their killer debut, “Acts of Depression,” have nothing to worry about. “In Regards To Self” starts out with a kick in the gut and the album very rarely let’s go of your throat. The melodic sections are well executed. This ranks right up there with the finest “screamo” record of 2006.

49. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don’t You Fake It

This could very well be deemed a guilty pleasure. Is this a cookie-cutter, trace the lines “emo” band? Sure. Is it a good sounding, entertaining record? You bet your sweet sally bottom it is. They got airplay with “Face Down,” and luckily, that could be the worst song on the album.

48. The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls of America

Have you ever wanted a band you could relate to when you are smashed? Haven’t we all? The vocals aren’t the standout here, the energy is. The lyrics alone are enough to make you feel a little intoxicated, without ever taking a shot. However, when the album slows down for “First Night” it’s when the party really gets started.

47. We Are Scientists - In Love and Squalor

The 80’s / Brit rock sound has really been back in full force in 05 and 06 and these guys seem to be riding the wave. While very similar to many other bands, there is a sense of fun and talent here that push it above average for the genre. Plus, the cute kittens on the cover always make an album worth listening to. “It’s A Hit,” “What’s the Word,” and especially “Textbook” are standouts here.

46. Phoenix - It’s Never Been Like That

Speaking of fun 80’s style bands, here comes Phoenix now. “Long Distance Call” came out and gave us high hopes for this album. Luckily, it didn’t disappoint. This is an album full of sing-a-long hooks, catchy riffs, and all the fun sound that made “Alphabetical” such an eye-opener.

45. Saves The Day - Sound the Alarm

Say Anything didn’t bless us with a new album, so this is the next best thing. Max Bemis’ favorite band is back. This time around they don’t want to be as clever, they want to be angrier. The vocal delivery is almost completely different from STD’s earlier work, and for me, that is a welcome change.

44. Ben Harper - Both Sides of A Gun

I’m not quite sure why this album wasn’t as well received as I think it deserves be. I really enjoyed this double album. One half R&B, one half rock, but all parts pretty dang cool. It’s much better than the lackluster “Diamonds on the Inside.” Sure, it doesn’t live up to “Fight For Your Mind” or “The Will To Live” but what does? The man is a multi-talented, genre blending musician and this is easily a must hear for 2006.

43. Teddy Geiger - Underage Thinking

This is going to be one of the albums I’m sure I’ll get flack for. But, honestly, this is a very talented young man. A vocalist that sounds like a mixture of John Mayer and Gavin Degraw, and a guy that can play multiple instruments. Some of the lyrics are intentionally immature, but it’s nice to see a teenager singing about being a teenager. This kid has the potential for great stuff in the future.

42. The Killers - Sam’s Town

I really love the Killer’s first album, although I really really enjoyed “Indie Rock and Roll”. I have just come to accept the fact that these guys know how to write catchy songs. Nothing here that is going to blow your mind, but not even close to a bad way to kill an hour.

41. He is Legend - Suck Out the Poison

He is Legend is one of those rare bands that can seamlessly layer multiple genres into one piece of work and yet make it like they were musical peanut butter and jelly from day one. He Is Legend is an odd mixture of 70’s style rock, hardcore, and emo. One of the more interesting albums of 2006.

40. The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Solder

I was really expecting huge things from this album. In hindsight, my expectations were probably unrealistically high. Not quite as good as I thought it was going to be, but that doesn’t at all mean it’s not good. As a matter a fact, it’s dang good.

39. Lady Sovereign - Public Warning

Talk about a fun record. Lady Sovereign is short, British, and in your face. She has a sort of Eminem style flow and a swagger that would make the cockiest person a little jealous of. The album can become obnoxious when trying to listen straight through, but if you space out the songs throughout the day, you are in for a fun treat.

38. Islands - Return to the Sea

One of the best indie bands that I have had the pleasure of hearing this year. The pretension level is low and the music is catchy. The vocals aren’t strained or so low that you can barely understand them, unlike so many of those indie bands that fanboy elitists will exclaim “You just don’t understand their brilliance.” The touches of hip-hop are a welcome addition to a nose up in the air genre. “Don’t Call Me Whitney, Bobby” is a blast.

37. + / - (plus/minus) - Let’s Build A Fire

This is what I like to call a cool sounding record. This album from the Brooklyn, NY natives is instantly addictive. Smashing drums, blazing horns, mellow electronica all surround James Baluyut soaring vocals. No matter what style the song - it’s all here, and it’s all good. One of this years most pleasant surprises.

36. RX Bandits - …And the Battle Begun

Take Sublime, some ska, and some cocaine mix-em together, and you’ll be coming close to creating something that sounds like RX Bandits. This is a album that blends punk, hip-hop, reggae, ska, and prog-rock. It may take a couple of listens before you finally turn on to them, but they are definitely a strangely intriguing endeavor. Also, if this is your style, make sure to check out their earlier album, “The Resignation.”

35. Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You And Will Beat Your ***

These are one of those consensus picks that I mentioned earlier. Everyone loves these guys, and why should I be any different? They are a very solid band and this is a very solid album. They create unique music that deserves a bigger audience than what it has drawn so far, but I’m sure that is how their fans like it.

34. Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury

Or what should be called, “Yes, I Sell Crack.” How can one album that is basically the same bleak, drug-dealing story throughout be so good? I mean, this is one of the best reviewed albums of the year, and notice I didn’t say hip-hop albums. Short answer, sick production from Pharell and pinpoint delivery from brothers “Pusha T” and “Malice.” I loved their debut album, and after a six year wait, they deliver handily with musical weight.

33. The Submarines - Declare A New State!

Again, this is another album that I have no idea how it’s not on more “Best Of” lists. “Vote,” “Brighter Discontent,” and “Modern Inventions” alone make this one of the best indie albums of the year. Again, I think the “holier than thou” factor weighs in heavily on decisions like these. This album is closer to pop than indie, so it’s easy to overlook with noses pointed straight up in the air. Blake Hazard (great-grandaughter of novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald) and John Dragonetti, create a great musical team even when after their romatic relationship crumbled.

32. The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine

The Portland, Oregon indie-punk rock band has delivered another crazy album that is easily one of the best of 2006. The sarcastic “The Body, The Blood, The Machine” is one of my favorites from the catalog of Sub Pop releases. The tongue-in-cheek message isn’t one that I necessarily agree with, but it definitely makes for an interesting listen. “I Might Need You To Kill” is one of my favorite songs of the year.

31. Annuals - Be He Me

When you first listen to Annuals it would be almost impossible to guess that this was the brainchild of a 19-year old kid. The musical equivalent to a mushroom trip, is a sonic, sweeping trip. Gentle, soft vocals that occasionally turn into screams are lined with a dense musical landscape filled with random noises, xylophones, guitars, and drums. If you are looking for something different and refreshing, be sure not to miss this one.

30. Rise Against - The Sufferer and the Witness

Straight up “hardcore-punk” at it’s best. Not much else to say about this one. If you are a fan of this style, this is one you have to listen to. There is even a “ballad” on this one. Unfortunately, it’s one of the worst songs. These guys do what they do well, and when they do it’s a great listen.

29. Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped

This is the one album of the year that I really didn’t have any desire to hear. Thankfully, I did. A wide variety of all experimental-rock offerings fill this 12-track album. These guys are just getting better with age.

28. TV On The Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain

This seems to be the trendy “best of the year” album from New York’s own TV on the Radio. This is my “favorites” list, though, so sadly it won’t be number 1 here. However, it will get its props. Really slick production offers a splattering of electronic beats with Bowie-esque vocals. Even listen for a cameo from the master of the genre, Mr. Bowie himself, on the album. Killer tracks like “Province” and “I Was A Lover” make it an understandable fan favorite.

28. Method Man - 4:21 The Day After

After his exceptional debut “Tical” all the way back in 1994, Method Man has sure seen his fair share of disappointments. While Wu was still shinobi swording it’s way through hiphop with double-disk “Wu-Tang Forever,” Method came back to the solo game with the disappointment “Tical 2000: Judgement Day”. Then 2004 brought us the dreadful “Tical O: The Prequel.” Method attributes the disappointments to record label pressure, so on his latest he admittedly took control of his production. He hand selected his producers and luckily he did. 4:21 is without a doubt the album that is a worthy successor to Tical. While not as great, it is a big comeback for Mr. Meth if your nasty.

27. Sunset Rubdown - Shut Up I’m Dreaming

Hey, what can I say? I’m going to be in the “in-crowd” now, even though after reading this list, they probably don’t want me near them. However, I can’t hate on this album. Already established indie icon Spencer Krug helms the group and masterfully weaves a multi-layered tale filled with melodrama, but usually spot-on emotional vocals.

26. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat

The Rilo Kiley front-woman and “The Wizard” star is making her solo record debut, well sort of. She has the help of the Watson Twins that lend a sweet, yet powerful vocal presence behind the already well known voice of Jenny Lewis. The lyrical stories are always a joy to listen to, even when the album takes on a more political tone compared to her previous work. “Rise Up With Fists!!” is a must-listen.

25. Blue October - Foiled

If you just judged Blue October based on looks alone, you would think these guys were a metal band. While I like metal, I’m grateful these guys aren’t. They have too much to say and too many ways to say it. With Foiled they accomplished a rare feat - an album as different as it is good. Don’t base it by the single, “Hate Me.”

24. Cat Power - The Greatest

It’s very rare for me to be super drawn into the musical worlds of female artists. I’m not that chauvinistic, but a good portion of female “pop” artists don’t really talk about much that normal people, let alone guys, can relate to. However, Cat Power thankfully is not your typical female musician. An album full of outstanding vocals makes it stellar regardless if you relate or not. Definitely worthy of a spin or twenty.

23. Thom Yorke - The Eraser

Thom Yorke, better known for being the world famous front-man of Radiohead, released his first solo record, and it was about time. An album that was kept a virtual secret before it was released, was a surprise to many. While not differing greatly from Radiohead’s electronica style outings, Thom Yorke gives us an album full of his signature lyrical stylings.

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

2006 has been quite a year for the Artics Monkey. Not only did the super catchy “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” tear up the UK charts, their debut album became a worldwide smash. While not quite the reincarnation of great rock that it was dubbed by many, it’s a solid, always entertaining album full of catchy riffs and clever lyrics. Some accents can turn people off to foreign bands, but the accent on Alex Turner is more endearing than polarizing.

21. Gym Class Heroes - Cruel As School Children

Who said hip-hop can’t be fun? Gym Class Heroes have brought their basement-style, internet generation embracing brand of rap to the masses. Travis McCoys flow wouldn’t be classified as typical, nor would his lyrical content that spans stalking a girl on MySpace and having extracurricular activity with a teacher. A different style of hip-hop that doesn’t focus solely on bleak topics such as murder, drugs, and bling - I for one say it’s about time.

20. Justin Timberlake - Futuresex/Lovesounds

What can’t this guy do? Even more interesting, what can’t he do well? First N’Sync took over the world. Then he did his solo thing and we all know how that turned out. Then he wanted to create a Bowie, Prince concoction of dance tracks. He succeeded on all but a few major missteps, but there is no denying this album has a lot going for it. After his performance on SNL, it may have just moved his respect level up a couple more notches.

19. Joanna Newsom - Ys

Did I mention polarizing already? Joanna Newsom may be the most polarizing of them all. Some people can’t stand her, and that is putting it lightly. Others think she is brilliance incarnate. I am somewhere in the middle, but leading closer to the brilliant. This album is not short on ambition and the songs aren’t short on length. It’s only a 5 track album but it still runs near a full hour. A strange-voiced girl, her harp, and astonishing production is what makes this album go. What makes it beyond interesting is her epic storytelling style. Even with her voice more streamlined compared to “The Milk Eyed Tender,” this one isn’t for everyone. For those who it is for, you will be in love.

18. Head Automatica - Popaganda

For me personally, anything Daryl Palumbo touches is solid gold. Whether it’s the craziest hardcore, screaming stuff you’ve ever heard in Glassjaw or the disco/party album “Decandance” from his current band, Head Automatica, it seems to be he succeeds mightily. So when I heard he was doing an album of multi-decade pop songs, I was intrigued. Crazy thing is, it seems lightning can strike anything this guy is near. And if the first song from House of Blow, (the Daryl Palumobo / Sean from Hatebreed collaboration) “Afghani Black,” is any indiciation, there might just be a fourth. Oh yeah, and then the upcoming Head Automatica “dark” EP and the upcoming “brutal” Glassjaw album, just chalk down a fifth and sixth.

17. Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere

This is another album I’m surprised didn’t even make Billboard’s top 50. It sold like hot cakes and deservedly so. An immediately entrancing album from Celo and Danger Mouse. An accessible explosion of Mouse’s spastic beats and the vocals of Celo, who does great as the main attraction instead of the novelty that he was Goodie Mobb. Come on, try not to sing along to “Crazy.” I don’t think it’s possible. It’s not all just “Transformers” and “Necromancers,” “Just A Thought” is an exploration in depression that shouldn’t be missed.

16. The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

“Her Majesty” is great. “Piscaresque” was great, while being slightly more accessible. With the first major record label release on the horizon many feared for the dreaded sell-out from indie-frontrunners, The Decemberists. The Decemberists have, thanks to fans everywhere, created a masterful, powerful piece of work with “The Crane Wife.” Rightfully labeled an “epic” album, Colin Meloy’s excellent vocals and above-average song-writing puts this right up there among their best, if not trumping it. Now, what to do about that pesky Stephen Colbert…

15. Ghostface Killah - Fishscales

Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang. Ghostface marks the second member to make the list. By far his best album since his hip-hop classic “Supreme Clientele.” Fishscales has to be heard to be believed and should be near the tops of any hip-hop addicts collection. He even says he hasn’t been this focused since the previously mentioned classic. It’s evident. Kick you in the face beats, great sounding production values, Iron Man’s sick - sometimes gangster, sometimes hilarious - lyrics, one of the best flows in the business, and feature spots that actually add to the album. This is one of the best hip-hop albums of the last five years.

14. My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade

One of the rock albums of the year. My Chemical Romance came out with an epic style theme album dealing primarily with death and how people react to it. With that content it’s not surprising that the album has a dark feel to it, sometimes too dark, like the painful-to-listen-to “Cancer.” Lyrically it’s not their best, but musically there are a good number of solos and breakdowns that it creates an album that’ll enthusiastically have you go back for more listens.

13. Thursday - A City By The Light Divided

Thursday are one of the kings and founders of the “emo” genre. If A City By The Light Divided is any indication they’ll keep that spot for a long time. Poetical lyrics that don’t seem like they were written by tenth graders are a welcome addition to a genre so lacking in the skill department. Some spine chilling endings / screams make you feel like you are listening to something special. No doubt you are. They are one of the innovators, and they seem to be trying their best to push the movement forward despite all the emo MySpace kids that are determined to keep tearing it backwards.

12. Arizona - Welcome Back Dear Children

Wow, I really love this album. I was recommended this album by a friend, and I’m extremely grateful for the recommendation. This is an album with everything going for it. It can move you with the barest of acoustic songs, can make you nod your head to a driving guitar riff, or mellow you out with the perfect touch of piano. Everything seems to be in the right place here, besides the one track I can’t bring myself to like, “Stay With Who You Know.” However, the wonderful “Some Kind of Chill,” “Splintering,” and “Through The Soot” are so good it lets me overlook any flaws, albeit tiny, that it may have.

11. Cold War Kids - Robbers and Cowards

The first two tracks are perhaps my favorite first two songs on any record this year. Unfortunately, there is the slightest of letdown towards the middle of the record. That does little to weigh it down before it speeds back up greatly with “Saint John”, “Robbers”, and “Hospital Beds”. It just rolls right along after that. Easily one of the top rock albums I’ve heard all year. Lyrically they delve into such subject matter as sickness, alcoholism, and penance. It’s not your typical content, but it’s a welcomed change to the norm. If you like the White Stripes or the Stokes, definitely check out this great album.

10. The Format - Dog Problems

So you say you like pop-rock bands. Well, then this is the band from you. Undeniably infectious with everything they do, The Format, have put out one of the most clever albums of the year. The title track and it’s 20’s style kick line sound is one of the most memorable songs of 2006. “I’m Actual” asks “Can we take the next hour and talk about me?” If talking about them sounds like this album, I’ll listen as long as they wanna talk. Incredible sounding vocals and great production are in full force. Some argue that this is a case of overproduction, but I feel strongly that there is a difference between overproduction and quality production. It may tiptoe the line, but it does so masterfully.

9. Regina Spektor - Begin to Hope

Man, there is something about cute sounding girls singing cute sounding songs. To go along with it, Regina is a cute looking girl too. Not your standard beauty, but there is something about her and her music that is incredibly endearing. Even on her debut “Soviet Kitzch” when she is obnoxiously screaming up a storm, you still feel like you want to give her a hug. Her voice is so cool and unique. I can’t stop listening to this album. She’s really something you have to hear.

8. Breaking Benjamin - Phobia

Right now is when the list is going to start going downhill to the standard people who critique music and musical quality. For 1) Breaking Benjamin is a local band and for b), they are one that kicks a lot of ***. Live in person, in the studio, it don’t matter. They make cool sounding hard rock records that are instantly accessible. Sure, their lyrics aren’t going to change your outlook on life, but they will make you have the urge to raise your fist and bang your head for 40 minutes.

7. Damien Rice - 9

I don’t think there was a single person who instantly fell in love with this record. Most Damien fans that I talked to had a sort of a what the hell is he doing right now type of reaction. As I said in my song of the week, he sounds like an artist who is comfortable with what he does and is making the music he wants to make. After a while, this record grows on you to the point where you cannot stop listening to it. Sometimes utterly poignant, sometimes immature, and sometimes… well you get the point. I love Damien Rice and the music he makes. Hopefully we won’t have to wait for years for his next album.

6. Matchbook Romance - Voices

This was by far the most shocking album of 2006. Matchbook Romance transformed themselves from emo etch-a-sketch wannabes to a band that was kicking *** in the darkest of ways. “You Can Run, But We’ll Find You” and “Surrender” almost leave you breathless, if you listen to them loud enough. The slow moving piano solo, to the sick bassline, and then both songs hair-raising finishes are the stuff of nightmares. How could a band that was so average turn into something that was almost surreally incredible. “My Mannequin Can Dance” is killer, but then “Goody, Like Two Shoes” is basically three standout songs in one. I’m telling you, I absolutely love it. The first four songs are enough to make the album great, and basically they do pull most of the weight, as the rest can never quite meet there levels. Regardless, this has to be the most shocking, refreshing transformation of 2006.

5. Brand New - The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me

I love bands that aren’t afraid to show that they are in charge. While this is their first major release, Brand New has acquired quite a name for themselves over the years. They also made an amazing transformation from “Your Favorite Weapon” to “Deja Entendu.” Even in the early days, you could tell there was something special underneath the surface. But now, they surely haven’t taken the safe course. In TDAGARIM they have created a soul searching, dark piece of art, that rivals Deja Entendu as their best album. Kudos goes to not playing it safe and totally rocking off all the socks in the process. “Degausser” is the standout and in my book is going to become an absolute classic.

4. Tool - 10,000 Days

Finally, another album by Tool. Isn’t that all what we were saying after the long wait since “Lateralus.” Again, this is another album that divided critics and fans alike. Granted, there is a lot of what some may deep as filler, but it is nowhere near Mars Volta lengths and nor is it anywhere as meaningless. It has been revealed that a lot what we thought was filler can actually be layered over other parts of the album to create a whole nother song. As if that wasn’t mind blowing enough, the content that is there is absolutely classic Tool. Pounding drums, ear thumping basslines, and the vocals of the absolute best in the business, Maynard James Keegan, are all back in full force. “Vicarious,” “The Pot,” and “Jambi” add up to an amount of kick-*** that some metal bands can’t must in a career. “Right in Two” is profoundly awesome.

3. Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos - The Dust of Retreat

Yes, this is a re-release, but it’s going up here anyway. I can’t tell you how much this album caught me off guard. Hearing the name of this band I thought this was going to be another conceded band that thought they were far more clever than they actually were. But man, was I surprised. The Dust of Retreat is a beautiful album from start to finish. “Skeleton Key,” “Talking in Code,” “Jen Is Bringing The Drugs,” and “A Light on the Hill” are all in my most played of the year. I’m telling you, if you haven’t listened to these guys, listen to them now. Most indie fans won’t find as much substance or over production that they may like, but their straight forward pop sensibilities make it one hell of a listen. This eight man crew is bringing the good stuff, all types of styles, heart-tugging lyrics, and the wonderful vocals of Richard Edwards. When he emotionally sings out in “Talking In Code” it’s one of my favorite musical moments ever. Great, great stuff.

2. John Mayer - Continuum

While this may not be a popular pick, I am going with it. I for one feel that John Mayer is one of the top artists of the past decade. Some deterrers feel he can’t sing, but do you honestly think half of these indie bands that everyone claims are the best thing since sliced milk can actually sing? It’s not always about voice, and even though I love John’s voice, it’s not what makes his music go. This smooth, R&B laced album is a piece of absolute mastery from top to bottom. The guitar solos are absolutely amazing. The lyrics are coming straight out of an emerging songwriter. Dang, Johnny Boy. All I can say about this album is I love almost everything about it. I’ll see you at the Grammys.

1. Bayside - Acoustic

This is definitely a personal favorite of mine, not just of this year but probably ever. These guys are really tough to classify, while some will just try to merely discount them as another emo band. Granted their lyrics are definitely of the painful, angst ridden variety, they are far from that. Their musicianship is far above that of their peers. This is a primarily acoustic, partially live album that was recorded shortly after a tragic accident that killed their drummer, John “Beatz” Holohan, and left their bassist Nick Ghanbarian with a broken back. Shortly thereafter, they embarked on an acoustic tour and wrote a song called “Winter,” which was written for “Beatz” and is included on this album. This toned down, yet emotionally charged acoustic album features songs on both of their debut, “Sirens and Condolences” and their absolutely exceptional self-titled album. Perhaps my favorite song on the record is a remake of The Smoking Pope’s “Megan” which was a performed with Smoking Pope’s lead singer, Josh Caterer, who has a similar vocal style and is a major influence on Bayside’s style. Granted, not everyone will instantly love Anthony Raneri’s unconventional vocals, but if you let these guys grow on you, I promise this is one of the best bands out there no matter how you want to classify them.

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