Underrated's Top 25 Albums of 2006
I honestly despise "best of" end of the year posts. But I couldn't let my favorites be forgotten. And yes, if everyone else was jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, I probably would too. Who wants to be left alone?
Last year I compiled my favorite songs of the year, which I plan to do again, but I had to give props to the albums that were almost played to death for me this year. My list will be obvious to those who know me, and to those that aren't -- you will notice there is no Grizzly Bearesque, TV on the Radioesque like many other bloggers. Those aren't the albums I played on repeat. I'm much more of an accessible music listener. You'll be able to tell.
For the first time, I ranked the albums. I felt incredibly guilty while doing so but I thought it was time I owned up and made some decisions in my life. Without further adieu: my top 25 albums of the year along with my favorite songs from them. Keep a look out for the favorite EPs and best songs of the year that will be posted soon.
1. Annuals - Be He Me
There was no question that this would be in my top three, but when push comes to shove, this is exactly what I want in an album. Starting off with the explosive "Brother" and ending with the dreamlike "Sway," it's ordered, executed, and performed almost perfectly. When you have a sound that is musically "different," it's easy to lose people with its inaccessibility. But not Annuals. In his young age, Adam Baker has crafted a stand out debut that I'll never get sick of. It's quirky, addictive, and down right beautiful. I will always remember the first time I listened to. Expletives ensued.
2. Birdmonster - No Midnight
Easily the most played album of the year, I even shocked myself by not having it as numero uno. But here's the thing. As much as I sincerely adore Birdmonster, both on and off the stage, and as much as I wore out No Midnight, the best is yet to come from this band. It's a fabulous debut, filled with numerous hits that you cannot help but scream along to. "Spaceman" could not have been a better closer, but it's the sometimes passed over gems of "Of Mice" and "Ball Of Yarn" that set this band apart from the others. They chose content over production, which I always admire and I thank the band for giving me an album that instantly makes me smile.
3. The Changes - Today Is Tonight
I was, quite frankly, surprised at this album. It had been almost a year since I listened to their EP, and I feared that The Changes could become something of a novelty act. Their jazz infused lounge act sound was fun, but could it keep my attention through a whole album? The answer, of course, is yes. What The Changes have done on their full-length debut was combine the simplicity of a good pop song, and the creative juices needed to layer an old fashioned sound. It's instantly memorable, like you've always had these songs floating around your head. But The Changes are not recycled and hardly a novelty act. It's almost obnoxiously flawless, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
4. Lily Allen - Alright, Still
Music is a very personal experience for both the artist and the listener, so I find myself constantly looking to artists to relate to. Growing up I listened to a lot of the Lilith artists, but hadn’t found a female artist recently that has fit in with my current taste. Until Miss Allen came along. Equal parts snarky and sweet, she plays with her lyrics in a way that is guiltless and fun. She has no shame, and I respect that. Plus, each song on this album is as the last, with "LDN" proving to be the summer anthem, while "Everything's Just Wonderful" has become part of my daily routine. I can't wait to see what's in store for this little lady. Hopefully her talent will override the hype.
5. Oh No! Oh My! - Oh No! Oh My!
As soon as I finished listening to a burned copy of this album, I knew this band was on to something big. It's hard to classify exactly what their sound is, which I find fascinating. It's a true test of talented song writing, from the melancholy "I Have No Sister" to the dance anthem "I Love You All The Time." And of course, there's a catchy melody in every one of them. I keep my burned copy that I bought for $3 next to the official release. I can guarantee it'll be worth some money one day.
6. A Brief Smile - R.E.S.T.
2006 marked a year where I lot of bands I have been following finally released their debut album. My musical experience with A Brief Smile is going on two years, with songs that have become almost as familiar as the back of my hand. Hearing those songs that I had sung along to live oh so many times on album was a wonderful gift. When I heard the final mastered versions, that same wow factor the first time I heard their EP came seeping back. It's undeniable the amount of talent and preciseness this band has. They strive for something grand, a new spin on a shoegaze pop that is fresh. Keep a look out. If this was their introduction to the world, I can't wait to see what is next.
7. Band Of Horses - Everything All The Time
I will never forget listening to this album for the very first time. It was an impulse purchase on Insound and it sat on my desk for a couple days. I woke up in the middle of the night, restless and decided to listen. I sat in my Brooklyn apartment, chain-smoking, and listened to the album in full. I wasn't looking at anything in particular but it was as though the songs were being painted in front of me. This album is hands down one of the most beautifully sounding albums I've heard in a very long time. It's bittersweet and painful, with the songs sounding as though they are being performed in front of you. There's an echo in the vocals that make it almost ghost like. From the haunting "The Funeral" to the nostalgic "St. Augustine" this album is one that is worthy of every listen.
8. Kevin Devine - Put Your Ghost To Rest
It's no secret that I have a bit of a musical crush on Kevin Devine. You may just want to write him off as another Brooklynite singer/songwriter but I urge you to seriously reconsider. I was very nervous to hear his major label debut on Capitol. I worried he was going to lose a bit of his edge. Luckily enough, Kevin kept his fundamentals intact and released a collection of work that is both heartbreaking and sincere. Never one to shy away from what's on his mind, Kevin has proved that a little hard work will take you somewhere. "Brooklyn Boy" is a perfect NYC anthem, while "You'll Only End Up Joining Them" gives me chills each time. But "Just Stay" is that lovey dovey song that really won me over. Okay, I'll stop gushing now.
9. Liam and Me - There's A Difference
This album is basically a non-stop party. From the beginning to the end, it's the kind of pop music that is filled with singsong hits. I'm shocked; yes shocked that this has not hit the mainstream music world. But perhaps I'm grateful it hasn't. I could listen to this album all day every day and never get sick of it. It's that good. Just try sitting still while listening to "Don't Say A Word" or "There's A Difference," or any of their songs frankly. It's impossible. Oh, and go see them live. So much fun.
10. Princeton - A Case Of The Emperor's Clothes
Quite possibly my favorite discovery of 2006, Princeton is a band that now has the (un)fortunate experience of me bothering them on a regular basis. One of my new years resolutions is to get this band to New York City, and goddammit, I'll do it. Their album was instantly a favorite, their happy-go-lucky tunes complete with handclaps and egg shakers are totally up my alley. I even appreciate the fact that it was recorded on their own and sounds raw. It gives it more character. Only downfall? There are just six songs, that I repeat an embarrassingly amount of times. Doesn't hurt that they are young little floppy haired indie rock boys too. This band is just way too likeable for its own good. I fear their safety.
11. Division Day - Beartrap Island
I'm not ashamed to admit that I actually begged for this album to be sent to me. I paid my $10 and checked my mail every day. Nothing. The band was on tour and a bit backed up...hence, the begging. Once I finally received it, I listened to it on repeat for the next seven consecutive days. Ever since I heard "Tap Tap Click Click," I was hooked. I would wake up with the song stuck in my head. I don't what it is about this band, but I find myself completely drawn. It's like a dark pop song with catchy hooks and cheesy lyrics. But behind all that are intricately designed instrumentals that should not be looked over. I mean, if you start a song with "I want your blood inside my head" and get away with it, you know you are doing something right.
12. Phoenix - It’s Never Been Like That
Basically, Phoenix can do no wrong. While this album may not be my favorite of theirs, it's definitely worthy of a best of list. I'll never be able to figure out exactly what makes this band so appealing, but I'm pretty sure it has to do with the fact that they are French, but don't sound it. I find that fascinating. Oh yeah, and they also have some pretty clever songs on this album. There's never a dull moment with this band, either on stage or through their albums. Phoenix = nonstop fun.
13. Snowden - Anti-Anti
This, like others on this list, was an album I was not so patiently awaiting. Ever since we downloaded that free EP by the Georgia band, back when this blog just began, we've been consistently wowed by everything they have released. Now with a full-length in my hands, I was able to really digest just what this band is about. It took a lot of listens, and I'm still not really sure -- but I know that this is something unique to everything else in contemporary music. It's fuzzy and noisy, but at times soft and melodic. The originality attempted here is incomparable. It definitely was worth the wait.
14. French Kicks - Two Thousand
I was very nervous for this album. The third from a band I truly adored could only mean a downfall, right? First listen, I still was nervous. Missing was the simplicity of their previous two, instead their dreamlike sound intensified. I was worried I couldn't find a song to latch on to. But somewhere in the second straight through listen, it clicked. There’s that thing called direction, which is so lost on bands today. If you listen to all of the French Kick's catalogue you can clearly find the progression. It's actually quite impressive. On Two Thousand they took many risks, especially with a song like "So Far We Are," which happens to open up the record. It's a little bit off, beat-wise, which actually represents most of what you find with the other songs. A risk that paid off, I'd say. It's unexpected and ambitious, and once you get past the memories, you'll appreciate the difference.
15. The Blow - Paper Television
What can we say about this album other than it came from completely out of nowhere just about a month ago and we can't get enough of it. As soon as we heard "Parentheses" and those fabulous lyrics, we knew that we were in for something special. Do we feel guilty about liking it so much? Almost. Because it's just so god damn poppy. You really don't want to see me dance to it. I get very excited. It's like a chick flick. Everyone likes them, just some wont admit to it. Come out of the dark. There's a reason they are so popular.
16. Ryan Adams - 29
Oh, Ryan. We know you released 29 at the end of 2005, but since you released three albums last year, we didn't get to it until this one. Please forgive us. Granted, it's not my favorite out of your work, but we're still pretty frickin impressed that you still are putting out some good material. You've returned to your country roots and we're excited about it. It's still got your stamp, and sadness, especially in the beautifully piano driven "Nightbirds" or the drunken strumming of "Strawberry Wine." I don't really get where "The Sadness" comes from. Perhaps you have watched too many spaghetti westerns. We forgive you. Just keep up the work, there's really never enough.
17. The Rapture - Pieces Of The People We Love
I credit my roommate with the ridiculous amounts of times we have listened to this album. She always has it playing in her car. She loves it and I enjoy dancing in her car to it every time. The New Yorkers took a more produced route this time around, but it's still ridiculously dance worthy. The good kind of dance worthy. None of that grinding ass shaking -- more like head bobbing into a big hand flailing. Or maybe that's just me. The title track was an instant hit, while I'm still partial to the repeated lines of "First Gear" and "Whoo! Alright-Yeah... Uh Huh." Okay, fine, let's be honest with ourselves, they are all awesome.
18. Asobi Seksu - Citrus
I didn't think I'd like this album. It's not exactly in my vein of musical tastes, a bit "out there" but after hearing "Thursday" in a trailer for Flannel Pajamas, I was hooked. So after putting that song on repeat for a good 3229837 times, it felt necessary to give the rest of the album a shot. The album basically feels like its from a different planet, combining shoegaze dream pop with a Japanese vocalist. I can't understand what the hell she is saying half the time, but it sounds beautiful.
19. Office - Q&A
Where did this awesome band come from? Oh right, Chicago. I'm telling you, that city is outsourcing some of the best indie rock today. I have no idea how I found this album to begin with, but I thank my lucky stars that fate put it in my hand. There's something refreshing about the execution of their songs. While completely listener friendly, there's an extra kick to all of them. If I ever pinpoint it, I'll let you know, but take a listen to the album and I think you'll know what I mean. Hear it? Yeah, I thought so. Now you are hooked.
20. The Kooks - Inside In/Inside Out
While visiting my parents in London this summer, I couldn't escape The Kooks frenzy that was going around. Every music magazine was talking about these floppy haired Brits as if they were the second coming of The Beatles. Seriously. So I just had to give their album a chance, and immediately I wanted to follow them around the country. I think its his voice that I really love. It's the British charm, impossible to resist. Sometimes the UK hypes up undeserving bands, but this time I think they got something right.
21. The Hard Tomorrows - Lights Outs
Click, click. Hey! Is this thing on? Are you listening to the words coming out of my mouth? We've been fawning over this DC band ever since they sent us their five song EP almost two years ago. You have listened to them...right? Good, because they released their debut album this year and it's chock full of fabulousness. We'll never get sick of "Glossy Eyed Sweetheart" or our new favorite "Patterns." Keep em coming kids. We're listening.
22. The Light Footwork - One State Two State
A blogger fav, and with good reason, The Light Footwork are quintessential indie pop. There's a childlike quality to everything from their artwork to song titles, but don't take that as being unpolished. It's unlikely you'll find any band quite like them, while they harbor on some of the greats, they have reinvented a genre that is looked down upon for its simplicity. The dueling male and female vocals, to the build ups within a song, you'll be seriously wowed. I remember going to a listening party when the album was put out. I think I listened to it in full about five times and each time I wanted to scream out, ohmigod I love this! Because, I do.
23. The Lovely Feathers - Hind Hind Legs
What's a good way to get people to listen to your album? Name the first track "Pope John Paul." It worked for me. It's catchy. It's got the swinging guitars and syncopated vocals. It makes you happy. You are happy. You move on. The second track, "In The Valley" introduces that kick. It's not happy-go-lucky anymore; it's a bit dark. It's a bit dancy. You find yourself singing along to the simple chorus. You start thinking that Canadians know how to make music better than any other country. You start to see some Arcade Fire comparisons. You are holding your breath. All of a sudden, "I Really Like You" comes on, and all preconceived thoughts are officially thrown out the window. Commencing with a wailing electric guitar and some screeching vocals, you need to take a step back. They calm it down. They really like you. You really like them. And that's only the first three songs.
24. Thom Yorke - The Eraser
I'm always nervous when I write about anything involving Radiohead. Yes, I'm a fan, but I'm not even close to many of my friends, let alone the mass population of this world. But here's what I do now: I didn't expect this album to be any good, and it turned out to be a staple of my music library this year. With most Radiohead albums, it takes me a while to really get into them, but The Eraser was a bit more accessible, combining electronic beats with Yorke's haunting vocals. Always melancholy and political, the lyrics themselves are enough to win me over. A poet in his own right, Yorke proved that he really knows how to step outside of himself when he wants to. I really got to hear Yorke for maybe the first time, which proved to be most beneficial. His voice, both powerful and soothing, is a fundamental part of why his band, and this album, is always deemed incredible.
25. Man Man - Six Demon Bag
It just dawned on me that I never really wrote a specific post on this band all year. Weird. I've listened to Six Demon Bag with the same wide eyes since its release. Maybe that's why I never wrote about them. In all honesty, I don't really get them. But I love it. It's like the vaudeville of indie rock, and I wonder what sort of mindset one has to have in order to write songs like that. Those questions are better left unanswered. Completely performance driven, the third album proves to be their greatest work to date. Quirky never sounded so nice.
Hey, nice list, although there seems to be some funky stuff going on with the URL. Hi-five for the Blow and Asobi; I'll try to check out the ones I missed as well.
Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Roland | Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 10:27 PM
ugggg this i means i have to do this too now, doesn't it. ok maybe this week
Posted by: nora | Monday, December 11, 2006 at 10:14 AM
you missed one. # 6 should have been paris hilton's "paris" including the modern classic "stars go blind."
Posted by: katie | Monday, December 11, 2006 at 04:36 PM
Hey i just wanted to say that you have a GREAT taste in music..
I hadn't heard of most of these bands/artists but after listening to the samples you have posted i am amazed at how awesome they are!
Their sounds are all so differnt and thats what i LOVE about music!
So a big thank-you to you =] =] =]
Posted by: Alyce | Monday, December 11, 2006 at 06:39 PM
I love the list! I want to mention a little known artist on Capitol/Hideout records Huck Johns. Raw rock and roll and it is a definitely worth a listen.
Thanks for the samples, opened my eyes to a lot of new stuff!!!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 03:42 PM
You have absolutely terrible taste in music. I don't know how you can claim that any of these artists have talent. There is a reason why no one has heard of them.
Posted by: Lila | Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Lila listens to Nickleback.
Posted by: nora | Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Whoa, that was sad... way to kill a mood, Lila... Awesome picks, btw! This is a perfect sampling of bands and music I just couldn't get enough of this year. There is a reason why people HAVE heard of these bands, so keep up the good work!
Posted by: piers | Friday, December 15, 2006 at 04:29 PM
Lila, you should get out more.
Great list!
Posted by: Rich | Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 01:55 PM
Hey, and Cold War Kids just got a "critic's choice" from PEOPLE MAGAZINE! c'mon people, PEOPLE!!!
... suppose this should be in the EPs thread, though, sorry about that...
Posted by: piers | Monday, December 18, 2006 at 05:03 PM
great list -- both the selections and the descriptions! a lot refreshingly un-mp3bloggy choices, too.
Posted by: josh | Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 01:29 AM
Glad to see someone giving The Hard Tomorrows some love. I found them at my college radio station and fell in love with them.
Posted by: Mike | Friday, December 29, 2006 at 05:21 PM
Thanks for the Rapture track!!!!
Posted by: Nilina | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 05:02 AM