Overall, this past year didn't quite measure up to the one before it, but there's always great music being produced. Here's my top ten albums of 2006 in no particular order:
The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America - I'm surprised at how much classic/roots rock has positively influenced "alternative" rockers that I've liked over the past couple of years. Ted Leo, My Morning Jacket, The National -- and now add The Hold Steady to that list, as they tighten up their sound for their best album yet. Great, detailed songs that work as character sketches or short stories backed by sympathetic, basic rock 'n' roll.
Rock Kills Kid - Are You Nervous? - It seems so simple on first listen, but this is varied, interesting stuff. 80's influences mesh with 90's alt-rock flourishes, and the genuinely emotional songwriting is solid throughout. And even though the music sounds "commercial" enough for radio play, Jeff Tucker's songs never stoop to generic formula.
The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes - A throwback to the 1960s girl group era, but with modern lyrics and several standout singles. Indulge the retro pose, and you will be rewarded with the most hummable songs of the year.
The Nice Boys - The Nice Boys - Pure power popsters featuring guitarist Terry Six (of the late, great Exploding Hearts). A low key album featuring ace songs and pithy guitars. "Teenage Nights" ranks with the all time classics of power pop.
The Pink Spiders - Teenage Graffiti - They're power-popsters at heart, with a punk edge, and Ric Ocasek's slicked up production. But what makes the album a true winner is catchy song after catchy song. An absolutely addictive listen.
The Strokes - First Impressions Of Earth - By cleaning up the production on their 3rd album, the Strokes highlighted what a tight band they have become. However, by not self-editing as well as they did in the past, they ended up with an album that didn't hit as hard as their first two. But in the MP3 age, it's easy to cut out the 15-20 minutes of fat. And what's left easily measures up to their much-lauded earlier work.
Shiny Toy Guns - We Are Pilots - As they are careful to point out in the liners, this is the 3rd version of their debut that has been assembled (this time on a major label). Featuring powerful female vocals alternating with emotive male ones, they absolutely nail their 80's based songs. Some of the lyrics are over the top, and the album does run a bit long, but there's gems buried throughout.
Boy Kill Boy - Civilian - The singles (such as the lead off "Suzie") snap, crackle, and pop. And if the rest of this 80's revival album gets a bit samey, it holds interest throughout. If they had hit the scene a bit earlier, they'd probably be held in higher esteem by the press, but the music is more than up to par.
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - Fear Is On Our Side - A different take on the 80's influences that have informed some of the better music being produced these days. These guys have a subtle, moody post-punk sound that's refreshing after being hammered with histrionics.
The Roots - Game Theory - The Roots have always had all the elements of greatness. Musicians comfortable with be-bop and boom-bap paired with fiercely intelligent MCs. Their live shows have been consistently solid, but on albums they have been hit and miss. Sometimes the music comes out a little flat, and sometimes the rhymes are too wordy. This time I think they've got the balance right, and have produced their tightest album yet. In the face of gangstas dominating the airwaves and record sales, the so-called 'Golden Age' of hip-hop lives on.
Honorable Mention:
Elefant - Black Magic Show
The Futureheads - News And Tributes
Van She - Van She (EP)
We Are Scientists - With Love And Squalor
Lansing-Dreiden - The Dividing Island
She Wants Revenge - She Wants Revenge
Tokyo Police Club - A Lesson In Crime (EP)
Clear Static - Clear Static
White Rose Movement - Kick
Pretty Girls Make Graves - Elan Vital
Band Of Horses - Everything All The Time
Older stuff I had missed:
Rupesh Cartel - Mainland
The Knife - Deep Cuts
Shout Out Louds - Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
The Faint - Blank Wave Arcade and Danse Macabre