The CYPJN? TOP SIX ALBUMS of 2006

Yes, yes, yes, I know. You're completely over all of the 2006 "Year in Review" specials and "Best Of" lists. And I can't blame you. I'm over them too. They're ubiquitous and grating and, I find, ridiculously unauthoratative. But what all of these TV shows and articles are missing is the one important ingredient to any reliable, intelligent and comprehensive evaluation - my two cents. 2006 was a fantastic year for new music and saw equally fantastic releases by not-so-new bands. So, here we go... (click on album title link to preview)

1. Jeremy Enigk - "World Waits"

I mentioned this album in one of my first posts and I still can't seem to get over it. It's the second (and far superior) solo album from the former frontman of both Sunny Day Real Estate and The Fire Theft. From the opening grandeur of the instrumental "A New Beginning" to the emotionally gutting swell of album closer "Burn", I haven't heard as thoroughly dynamic and satisfying a disc from top to bottom in a long while. At turns the journey is both dramatically engaging and disquietingly intimate without ever being too over-the-top or sentimental. In a sea of truly great new releases this year, it managed to rise to the top of my heap.

2. M. Ward - "Post-War"

M. Ward's fifth proper album is also his finest. Seems on this one his songcraft finally caught up with the sonic inventiveness he's displayed in previous releases. Vintage vocal processing and intentionally lo-fi-(ish) recording techniques finish second this time to the songs themselves which hook you from the beginning and don't let go. Standout tracks include "To Go Home" (which makes me so happy to be alive every time I hear it I end up pattycaking my hands on top of my thighs like a Down's kid) and the wonderfully warm and soulful title track, "Post-War".

3. The Black Angels - "Passover"

It's a rare achievement when a band comes along whose sound is both exciting and fresh and yet somehow familiar in the best possible way. On their debut full-length, The Black Angels manage that furious balance with aplomb. Fuzzy, psychedelic guitars and reverb-drenched vocals on top of an almost tribal rhythm section recall The Velvet Underground without ever resorting to full-on mimickry. It's an unexpected sound for six young folks from Austin, Texas but it exudes an urgency and exuberance that transcends any shadow Lou, Nico and crew might have potentially cast. And if they happen to come through your town, their live show is not to be missed.

4. Editors - "The Back Room"

Editors' comparisons to Interpol were as immediate and inevitable as Interpol's comparisons to Joy Division. And ultimately, if you dig long enough, a thing can probably be traced back to just about whatever you'd like to connect it to. Luckily, "The Back Room" manages to buck both labels and comparisons after just one listen. It was released in the UK in 2005 but not in the U.S. until this year, so therefore makes the list on a technicality. Doesn't matter. It's a true gem and makes rainy days well worth the wait.

5. Heartless Bastards - "All This Time"

"Heartless Who-the-Fuck?", you ask? It's an unfortunately silly name for a truly phenomenal band. On their sophomore effort, the Ohio trio finally find their stride and produce a soaring album of indie-blues-rock-soul that will have you singing along after the very first spin. Singer/guitarist Erika Wennerstrom's husky, mercurial voice belies her skinny white frame and lays bare every emotion as the songs unfold. Both The Missus and I just can't stop listening to this one. Front to back, "All This Time" is flawless. Actually, you should just go buy it right now.

No, really. Finish reading this post and then just go buy it. Seriously...

6. Sonic Youth - "Rather Ripped"

I know, I know. Sonic Youth put out another terrific record. Big fuckin' news, right? Well, whether it's news or not I definitely have to give props for consistency when it's due. There are only a handful of bands on planet Earth who've ever managed both the longevity and the reliability of Sonic Youth. "Rather Ripped" continues along the same slightly-more-song-oriented path that "Sonic Nurse" travelled without losing any of the delicious spontaneity and adventurousness of "Daydream Nation" or "Murray Street". They're simply a remarkable band and "Rather Ripped" is yet another jewel in their crown.

Now, I just want to clarify that there were MANY incredible albums released this year and narrowing down the field was an arduous task. As such, I feel like I have to mention some favorites that didn't make the list...

Honorable Mentions:

The Futureheads “News and Tributes”
The Long Winters “Putting the Days to Bed”
Midlake “The Trials of Van Occupanther”

Regina Spektor "Begin to Hope"
Jose Gonzalez “Veneer”

The Earaches "Time On Fire"

And in the "Gosh, I Dig This Band But Man Do I Wish They Had a Different Name" category...

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness with their indie-goth release "Fear Is On Our Side".

Now, the primary fun of lists like these is the discussion that always ensues. So take a moment to weigh in in the comments section when you have a chance.

AND COMING THIS WEEK...

Be sure to check back in a day or two for IMBA's downloadable "Best of '06 Supermix"!