Couple of albums I enjoyed this year

I made this list a weeks back but I ran into few delays (randomly reformatted my computer, got sick, got busy, didn't think anyone would mind).

Favorite albums of 2006

1. Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
Why: I just couldn't stop listening to this album, it had too many standout tracks for me to get bored with it anytime soon.
Roscoe

2. Islands - Return to the Sea
Why: Catchy hooks, great songwriting and their great live show didn't hurt anything either.

3. Hot Chip - The Warning
Why: I was a really big fan of their sparse debut album Coming On Strong but this album tops the debut in every way possible.

4. The Blow - paper television
Why: As of the past week or so I've been listening to this album everyday. Dancable beats, with honest lyrics.
Pile of Gold

5. Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury
Why: It has staying power, I'm still listening to this album which is a long time for me and my short attention span.

Yo La Tengo - I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
Why: So many good songs, it sounds like a best of compilation.
Pass the Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind

Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies
Why: Although it doesn't top Your Blues, Rubies launched Dan Bejar into another stratosphere which is always a good thing for such a talented songwriter.
Painter in Your Pocket

Ratatat - Classics
Why: It just my kind of music, it prominently features my two favorite rock instruments guitar and synth. I can't really
Wildcat

Band of Horses - Everything All the Time
Why: I really didn't give this album a chance except for The Funeral but I got sucked in after couple of causal listens.
Funeral

Built to Spill - You In Reverse
Why: Doug Martsch is still the great songwriter/guitarist we all remember, actually this is pretty much the same BTS that we all remember.

Lily Allen - Alright, Still
Why: Not my usual type of music but this is an exception to the rule

The Strokes - First Impression
Why: Excellent tracks as usual with couple of sounds new to they Strokes.

Cold War Kids - Robbers and Cowards
Why: The vocals really sell this album.
Hang Me Up To Dry

Eagles of Death Metal - Death By Sexy
Why: The most rocking record I heard this year.

The Rapture - Pieces Of The People We Love
Why: One of the best albums to put on during a party, dancy but not too dancy.

Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics
Why: Because it the Flaming Lips. Not one of their top ranking albums but still something enjoyable and exciting.

The Knife - Silent Shout
Why: Apparently my impression that all Knife songs sounded like You Take My Breath Away from Deep Cuts was completely wrong.

Conclusion: 2007 should be a better year for music, not saying that 2006 was bad but it could of been better.

Have a great new year.



I thought I just might combine to entries into one:

Top Hip Hop Album of 2006

This list is pretty simple for the most part

1
The Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury
Why: Those rhymes, that production. Everyone who "knows", knows about his album. I don't think this would of been so big if it wasn't for the record label bs that they had to go through. I call it the wilco effect.
2
7L & Esoteric - A New Dope
Why: I listened to this album so much. Everyones first impression when hearing it in my car is, "is that Jay-z" and I do hear that in Eso's voice but I would say more indie hip hop.
3
Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead
Why: Its a Nas album but on top of that its a good Nas album. One question though, where is that 2 million dollar beat? The N?
4
Ghostface - Fishscale
Why: Best thing to come out of Wu-tang, I've been following this guys solo work since Supreme Clientel and so far this is my favorite.
5
Spank Rock - YoYoYoYoYo
Why: It started with Backyard Betty and just went from there for me. I'd say it was mostly the prodution for me but it would be nothing with out MC.
6
Soul Position - Things Go Better With RJ & Al
Why: One of my favorite MCs and one of my favorite producers come together to give us this awesome album. Its probably more about Blueprint for me.
7
Oh No - Exodus Into Unheard Rhythms
Why: An improvment from his debut, this one had more put into it. Atleast thats what it seems.
8
The Coup - Pick A Bigger Weapon
Why: Its more of the lyrical element that placed this album. I like hip hop that engages you with lyrics, good production is a plus.
9
Snoop Dogg - Tha Blue Carpet Treatment
Why: Its has some tracks and atleast 4 great singles in it. I haven't been following his albums mostly his singles but this album is an enjoyable listen in morning traffic.

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