My 18 Favorite Records of 2006
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Here are the records that I really liked this year. Turns out there were 18.1 The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in AmericaThe Hold Steady top my favorites list for a second year in a row. What can I say that hasn't already been said about America's best rock band? Another great record from Craig Finn, Tad Kubler, and gang.2 Destroyer - Destroyer's RubiesOther than his work with The New Pornographers, this is my only exposure to Dan Bejar's music. I like this better than anything TNPs have done by a landslide.3 Band of Horses - Everything All the TimeSimple and excellent. My 4-year old's favorite band.4 The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The MachineAnother first timer for me. I have heard from several people that they like previous albums better. This one scorches. My 4-year old's other favorite band.5 Mew - And The Glass-Handed KitesYes, Dale is right. this record is beyond excellent and The Zookeeper's Boy is narcotic.6 Bonnie "Prince" Billy - The Letting GoA beautiful autumn record with Will again trying some new things.7 Midlake - The Trials of Van OccupantherThis album is infectious and upon repeat lessons a surprising new layer is revealed.8 Figurines - SkeletonThis is one of those records where it is impossible to decide what track to put on a mix. Every song is good.9 Built to Spill - You In ReverseOK, no, it is not their best record, BFD. Songs like Conventional Wisdom and Goin' Against Your Mind rock like few bands currently do.10 Hot Chip - The WarningA critical fave and the should-have-been winner of the Mercury Prize. 11 Centro-matic - Fort RecoveryAfter I fell in love with last years phenomenal Phosphorescent record Aw Come, Aw Wry, I figured I better pay more attention to the Misra label. This was the first thing I picked up and I was very happy for it. 12 The Mountain Goats - Get LonelyThis is John Darnielle - I shouldn't have to say more than that. If you like music, you should like The Mountain Goats. That being said, I wasn't sure at first about this record. It seemed to lack the urgency of much of his other stuff. However, I stuck with it based on suggestions from MOGers and, of course, they were right. This record, like pretty much everything he has ever done, is beautiful.13 Aloha - Some EchoesRead the band described as 'jazzy prog-rock.' That fits. Oh, and there is a vibraphone.14 Cat Power - The GreatestSmokey and dreamy.15 Beirut - Gulag OrkestarGypsy indie rock and featuring the horn player from Neutral Milk Hotel. It is immediately compelling.16 Lambchop - DamagedI love Lambchop and they never disappoint.17 Sunset Rubdown - Shut Up I Am DreamingOne of the Wolf Parade offshoots. This sounds a lot like an extension of last years Apologies...18 Augie March - Moo, You Bloody ChoirMark my words, Augie March will one day make their masterpiece. This is not it, but this is a good record with one of 2006's most engaging singles: One Crowded Hour.
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