Top 25 albums of 2006
Well, it’s that time of year again—that time when all the obsessive list-making indie fans turned bloggers like myself go crazy making year-end best-of lists—and this year is no different. The quantity of good albums was way less than average this year (I could barely find 30 to even consider for the top 25), but the quality more than made up for it. Pretty much each album listed here rocked my pants off and the entries near the top are among some of the best albums I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to. Anyway, to the list we go~!!
EDIT/// This list has been amended. I just recently found out that Vaux’s Beyond Virtue, Beyond Vice was released in 2006 (I had always thought it was 2005). That album jumped to #14, bumping Thom Yorke’s The Eraser off the list.
| On the fringe: The Sounds – Dying To Say This To You; Yo La Tengo – I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass; Sunset Rubdown – Shut Up I Am Dreaming; Repeat Repeat – Rocket Pack, No Rocket Pack; Mates Of State – Bring It Back; The Black Angels – Passover; Frank Black – Fast Man/Raider Man; The Twilight Singers – Powder Burns; Rock Kills Kid – Are You Nervous?; Captain – This Is Hazelville; Thom Yorke – The Eraser |
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025 | The Walkmen A Hundred Miles Off [Record Collection] |
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Moody New York hipsters’ third album is cool, cocky, and filled with brash moments that recall vintage rock and roll.
High point: Don’t Get Me Down (Come On Over Here) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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024 | Two Gallants What The Toll Tells [Saddle Creek] |
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The second album from this Californian duo is an earnest, booze-laden mixture of folk-punk and good old fashioned Southern rock.
High point: Steady Rollin Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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023 | Sparklehorse Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain [Capitol] |
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Esteemed Indie recluse returns with fourth album of bizarre lyrics and morose pop melodies that masquerade as playful and sanguine.
High point: Knives Of Summertime Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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022 | Uncut Modern Currencies [Paper Bag] |
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Overlooked Canadian band delivers a luscious and energetic album layered with breathy vocals and shoe-gazy guitars that swirl and sparkle amongst themselves.
High point: Out Of Sight Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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021 | …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead So Divided [Interscope] |
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Seminal post-hardcore outfit’s fifth full-length is hopeful, introspective and ultimately a viscerally creative foray into the finer aspects of the genre.
High point: Wasted State Of Mind Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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020 | Sophia Technology Won’t Save Us [Flower Shop] |
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Laced with wistful melodies and moody lyrics that fall just short of hopeful, this veteran band’s sixth album hits in all the right places.
High point: Pace Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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019 | You Should Go Ahead You Should Go Ahead [Chiado] |
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Portugal dance punks deliver a remarkable debut that combines post-punk and synth-rock influences with a dark, modern edge.
High point: Seventy-One Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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018 | White Rose Movement Kick [Independiente] |
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European electroclash revivalists create fusion of frantic paranoia, throbbing beats and dramatic synth-pop that’s entrancing, disturbing and mesmerizing.
High point: Kick Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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017 | Band Of Horses Everything All The Time [Sub Pop] |
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Seattle folk rockers’ debut is a gorgeous blend of pensive lyrics, chilling vocals and exuberant reverb that bring images of the Pacific Northwest to mind.
High point: The Funeral Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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016 | The Draft In A Million Pieces [Epitaph] |
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Following singer Chuck Ragan’s departure, remaining members of Hot Water Music regroup to write an explosive album of mouthwatering punk bursting with folk-punk melodies and blistering gusto.
High point: Wired Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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015 | Ratatat Classics [XL] |
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Instrumental electronic rockers’ sophomore effort combines danceable hooks with vintage synths to form a jawdroppingly stimulating collection of tantalizing beats and erotic melodies.
High point: Wildcat Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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014 | Vaux Beyond Virtue, Beyond Vice [Vx/Outlook] |
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Colorado punk band goes all Radioheady on second full-length, resulting in an epic record exploding with moody atmospherics and ethereal melodies.
High point: The Last Report From Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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013 | Brand New The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me [Interscope/Tiny Evil] |
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New York outfit’s third album continues to expand its emo-flavored pop/punk with additional texture, neurotic lyrics and a willingness to experiment.
High point: Degausser Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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012 | Sound Team Movie Monster [Capitol] |
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Texas band’s major label debut spans a wide gamut of styles and influences, rendering indie rock’s recent past into a tangible, cohesive microcosm.
High point: TV Torso Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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012 | Sparta Threes [Hollywood] |
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Former members of At The Drive-In finally find their stride with the addition of ex-Engine Down guitarist Keeley Davis. The result is a cacophonous fusion of haunting vigor and divine melodies.
High point: Crawl Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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010 | Duels The Bright Lights & What I Should Have Learned [Nude] |
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Energetic Brits’ debut is loaded with memorable power-pop balladry, occasional synths and vibrant, spirited moxie.
High point: The Slow Build Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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009 | Rocky Votolato Makers [Barsuk] |
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Fourth solo album by displaced Texan is a deceptively simple, western-flavored collection of genuine musings backed by melancholy, acoustic folk.
High point: Portland Is Leaving Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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008 | Benoît Pioulard Précis [Kranky] |
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Michigan Avant-Gardist’s hypnotizing debut is an unbelievably stunning assemblage of ambient folk rock with an understated delicacy that rides the crest of delusion.
High point: Ext. Leslie Park Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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007 | Portugal. The Man Waiter: “You Vultures” [Fearless] |
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Fractured and deliberately ambiguous, these Alaskans offer up an artsy take on dance punk that’s schizophrenic, alluring, and barely avoids pretentiousness.
High point: Elephants Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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006 | Silversun Pickups Carnavas [Dangerbird] |
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Californian band’s fuzz-drenched debut is a brilliant overhaul of mid-90s alternative rock that hinges on androgynous vocals and huge hooks.
High point: Well Thought Out Twinkles Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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005 | The Yeah Yeah Yeahs Show Your Bones [Interscope] |
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Art school paramours burst back on the scene with a delicious second helping of charming art punk that trumps their debut with brooding, reflective heartache.
High point: Way Out Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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004 | The Knife Silent Shout [Rabid] |
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Swedish weirdos combine eerie synths and freakish vocals to produce a beautifully primal dreamscape that’s vicious, haunting and utopian.
High point: Marble House Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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003 | I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness Fear Is On Our Side [Secretly Canadian] |
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Austin band’s first full-length is a sinister modernization of post-punk doused in a chilling nocturnal decor that’s every bit as desolate and paranoid as its title would indicate.
High point: Lights Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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002 | Built to Spill You in Reverse [Warner Bros.] |
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Doug Martsch and Co. return from five year hiatus with their most accomplished and focused effort to date—a dramatic album that’s simultaneously grandiose, inconspicious and explosive.
High point: Mess With Time Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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001 | Bears Bears [Carrot Top] |
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An obvious choice, this unsigned Cleveland band’s self-released debut is a near-perfect collection of psychedelically tinted folk-pop that’s altogether saccharine, vivacious and breathtaking.
High point: Everywhere Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
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on December 9th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
I was thinking about which CD to buy tomorrow when I go to Barnes & Noble. Because of this list, I’m going to buy the new Ratatat one! (That’s probably not what you want to hear though because you hate CDs :/) I have about 50 other albums I have to buy as well.. but I guess they can wait a few more months. Oh, and I also wanted to say that you should listen to some Jean Leclerc (formerly known as Jean Leloup) because you might like him!
I sooo have to listen to Uncut. They sound awesome. My new favorite thing is canadian flavor indie. Plus, Paper Bag Records rock and have connections to some of the greatest bands. Deadly Snakes, anyone?
That’s all!
on December 9th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
It’s ok.. I just ordered Classics on vinyl a couple weeks ago.
Uncut is awesome.. but personally I thought their last album was actually better.
“Copilot” is one of the greatest songs ever recorded
also,Deadly Snakes rule!!
Lovingly yours,
dja
on December 13th, 2006 at 8:18 am
If/when I get around to this I believe only two of your 25 will make my list.
on December 15th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Wow, what about Saturna’s “…All Night”. That album rocked!
on December 22nd, 2006 at 8:36 am
WOW
this is the only other top 2006 albums list where i’ve seen Bears except for mine….
+1
on January 14th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
bears was top of my charts too. wicked.
on January 16th, 2007 at 9:57 am
[...] “These guys get a LOT of hate from places I’d suspect would like them, and a lot of love from people who I’d expect to hate. I don’t see anything wrong with it.” ( Central Village ) “Californian band?s fuzz-drenched debut is a brilliant overhaul of mid-90s alternative rock that hinges on androgynous vocals and huge hooks.” ( explodingNOW!!! ) “Le son du shoegazing est de retour avec les californiens des Silversun Pickups et leurs murs de guitares distordues. C’est au milieu de la chanson Lazy Eye que le frisson décisif m’a parcouru. Pas révolutionnaire, sans doute, mais comme c’est bon ! ” ( Blogotèque ) “The best commercial rock album of 2006. It just happens to be on an indie label.” ( Water Cooler Gossip ) [...]
on January 17th, 2007 at 3:43 am
[...] “La wave è ancora tra di noi e la voce gliela danno gli I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness.” ( Indie For Bunnies ) “Austin band?s first full-length is a sinister modernization of post-punk doused in a chilling nocturnal decor that?s every bit as desolate and paranoid as its title would indicate.” ( explodingNOW!!! ) “With all that seemingly working for the former members of Paul Newman and Windsor for the Derby still delivered an amazing listen in 2006.” ( ScissorKicks ) [...]
on January 17th, 2007 at 3:48 am
[...] “…with this album the knife have found their trademark sound making their music immensily creepier but, ironically, at the same time more beautiful drawing the listener completely into the twisted little world they’ve created. ( Motel De Moka ) “The Knife are the hope of the future. Artists, writers, creeps, and ghouls. Fun and dark, like a clown getting stabbed, The Knife made everyone listen and the remixes doubled what was already amazing.” ( Cobain In Coma ) “Swedish weirdos combine eerie synths and freakish vocals to produce a beautifully primal dreamscape that?s vicious, haunting and utopian.” ( explondingNOW!!! ) “Silent Shout works best when listened as an album due to the consistent themes of darkness (accentuated by the cover art), similar synth sounds and Dreijer’s threaded narrative. The result is a rare achievement in dance music, an intelligent album of beauty and intrigue.” ( nialler9 ) “The throbbing nature of Silent Shout comes off freely, establishing the album as one of great variety and passion.” ( Obscure Sound ) [...]
on February 12th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
good call on the Bears record. Silversun pickups at #6 though… it must mean that numbers 2-5 are hot fiyah.
on March 21st, 2007 at 10:37 am
pleeese i live in spain with frequent visits to england. Where can i get hold of these discs?