Top Albums of 2006 - IV

Top Albums's of 2006: #10-6 edition


#10: The Weepies - Say I Am To You


Oh how I adore The Weepies. I first heard their song "World Spins Madly On" on Greys Anatomy, of course...and had to know it was right away. After some research I learned of the adorable duo of Steve Tennan and Deb Talan who make up The Weepies. Their CD Say I Am To You seemed to get praise all over the internet after that episode, so cheers to Greys! These guys had one of my most listened CDs of the year, if only for that song alone. Steve and Deb have fantastic harmonies that come together to make some upbeat modern folk. All smiles, no weeping.

World Spins Madly On


#9: The Decemberists - The Crane Wife


The Decemberists have been around for some time, but I didn't get to know their music until last year when Picaresque came out. While these guys haven't had much main stream success, they are huge all over the indie circuit...and as far as I have read, made many top ten lists around the web. This group came together fabulously on The Crane Wife to make some unfortgetable indie pop that any kind of music listener can appreciate. The Crane Wife 3 was one of my favorite tracks of the year, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Crane Wife 3



#8: Horse Feathers - Words Are Dead


I didn't come across Horse Feather's CD Words are Dead until the last month of 2006, but it still made its way onto the list. While this folk CD might not be for everyone, I absolutely loved it. A duo of singer/songwriters Justin Ringle & Peter Broderick came together to create such simple but beautiful acoustic music. This album was one of the most relaxing I listened to this year, so if you're looking for some gorgeous white noise, this is it.

In Our Blood



#7: Vetiver - To Find Me Gone


Don't be fooled by the boring cover art found on To Find Me Gone, because it's anything but boring. Another folk CD that made its way to my list (can you tell I'm an addict?) Vetiver's lead singer Andy Cabic has a soft delicate voice that carries throughout the album. There are a range of tracks from striped down love songs to more upbeat tracks, but all display the band's ability to create fantastic music. This one's a keeper.

Been So Long



#6: Glen Hansard - The Swell Season


While The Frame's 2006 release only made #24 on my list, the lead singer's solo debut The Swell Season faired much better. This is Glen Hansard at his most raw and exposed. A love sick record full of heart breaking songs, you can only wonder if these tracks hit home with Glen, they seem too personal to have it be any other scenario. This CD is right up there with Damien Rice's "O" as far as stripped down acoustic beauty. If you love Damien, you will adore Glen's saddening CD.

Drown Out

Top Albums of 2006 - III

Top Albums's of 2006: #14-11 edition


#14: Ill Lit - Tom Cruise


Ill Lit is another group I found out about by browsing through the ITunes music store bored one day, I highly suggest you do it too! I have found a ton of great stuff that way. Anyhow, I had never heard of Ill Lit before this year, but learned that they had put out 2 CDs previously. I listened to both and Tom Cruise is by far their strongest. I absolutely adore every track on this album, it's fantastic. After you get past the bizarre album title and give the CD a listen, I'm sure you will fall in love, just as I did.

Satan's Doing Fine Without Me


#13: Paolo Nutini - These Streets


Oh Paolo, how I love you so. I have made an entry about Paolo Nutini before, but you can never get enough. While his name may sound Italian, this young Irish songwriter is a huge hit overseas, and sadly hasn't made it over to the US just yet...yet being the key word. These Streets is by far my favorite pop album of 2006. Paolo makes fun and upbeat songs that put a smile on your face, and in the same light also makes some beautiful love-ridden tragedies. This guy is going to be huge, end of story.

Last Request


#12: John Mayer - Continuum


After being a fan of John Mayer for years, I was very excited to see how his 2006 release would pan out. Well, turns out it's my favorite John Mayer album, ever. While I loved John's old work on Inside Wants Out and Room for Squares, Continuum gave me faith that the days of "Your Body Is A Wonderland" were finally over. With influence from his John Mayer Trio work, this album was a joy to listen to....definitely one of my most listened to of the year. Keep it up Mr. Mayer.

Belief


#11: Damien Rice - 9


I'm not going to lie, I was a little sad my beloved Damien Rice didn't make a spot in my top 10 CDs this year. This man makes some of the most gorgeous music you'll ever hear...and 9 shows that to the fullest. Of course, it wasn't as good as the perfect O but it's still a gorgeous CD. 9 is filled with songs of anger and sadness, which seems to be Damien's specialty. I was floored when I first heard the current single "9 Crimes"...together him and Lisa Hannigan make some of the most heartbreakingly beautiful music I've ever heard. Damien's music never ceases to floor me, and 9 is a perfect example of that.

9 Crimes

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Stay tuned....#10-#1 is coming soon!

Top Albums of 2006 - II

Top Albums's of 2006: #19-15 edition

#19: Ray LaMontagne - Until the Sun Turns Black


I first became obsessed with Ray LaMontagne back in 2004 when his incredible debut Trouble was released. Until the Sun Turns Black was one of my most anticipated albums of the year, but as expected it didn't live up to the expectations of Trouble...and rightfully so, that album was nearly perfect. While in comparison it was weaker, as an album alone it was beautiful. Ray has one amazing voice that is best seen in his live shows, even if he is painfully shy. While it didn't live up to the hype, it wasn't a letdown by any means. I still love you Ray.

Empty


#18: Regina Spektor - Begin to Hope


Regina Spektor has begun to pop up all over the place nearing the end of 2006. She just recently got added to VH1's "Next Artists" list. I got Begin to Hope early in the year and fell in love with Regina's funky and fun anti-folk pop music as soon as I heard Fidelity. Regina is as shy as can be in person but her music is as bubbly as can be. Regina is going to gain a ton more fans over the next few months so be on the lookout!

Fidelity


#17: Teddy Thompson - Separate Ways


As I was reading SPIN magazine one day, I saw an ad for Teddy Thompson's newest CD Separate Ways and decided to seek out some music of his online. After reading he was the only song of famous musicians Richard and Linda Thompson I knew I could be expecting something good, and I was right. Teddy has a beautiful voice and writes some sweet folk-pop. Whenever I was in a bad mood, Separate Ways would help to lighten my mood. It's very apparent Teddy got a great deal of musical talent from his parents, lucky guy.

I Wish It Was Over



#16: Cat Power - The Greatest


Chan Marshall, also know as Cat Power, has been putting out beautiful music for years, but I really loved her 2006 release The Greatest. Chan has one of the most beautiful female vocals I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. The combination of her amazing voice and soft relaxing music made this CD a great one to drift off to sleep to in 2006.

The Greatest


#15: Califone - Roots and Crowns


I hadn't heard of the Chicago based Califone until this year but found out they have been putting out albums for years. I wasn't sure their CD Roots and Crowns would make my list this year, but after a few listens I realized how much I enjoyed it. It's some great indie rock that thankfully wasn't missed by myself this year. I have yet to hear their other CDs, but that's next on my list of music to seek out for 2007.

Spider's House

Top Albums of 2006 - I

Top Albums's of 2006: #25-20 edition

So I have finally put together my list of my top 25 favorite CD's released in 2006. I've decided the best way to go about posting them is in increments of 5...so here we go folks. There are some you may hate and some you may love, but as with everything in life, it's just an opinion. Enjoy!



#25: Joshua Radin: We Were Here


I can't even remember how I first heard of Joshua, but I fell in love with his soft voice right away. He was played on Greys Anatomy many times this year, as were many artists on my list this year. Joshua gained a lot of popularity through Mr. Zach Braff as he was his newest obsession....and seen on the Last Kiss Soundtrack. Anyhow, Joshua makes pretty, but simple folk music and while his CD was nothing amazing, it was great background music for much of my 2006.

Only You


#24: The Frames - The Cost


The Frames are an Irish band who have been around for a number year with a slew of great releases. The Cost was released overseas this year and while it doesn't quite match up to some of their other albums, I still enjoyed it. The lead singer Glen Hansard put out a solo CD this year, which also made a spot on my list (a high one at that!). I have no doubt that while The Cost wasn't their greatest album, they have many more great ones in them.

Sad Songs


#23: Brett Dennen - So Much More


I just recently made an entry about Brett Dennen a few back, but his while his CD was a fun one, it seemed to get pushed back on my list for better releases from the year. Brett has been around since 2004, but this young west coast singer/songwriter was hidden until this year with So Much More. I actually heard him on the radio the other day and was shocked. This kid made some fun music in 2006 and it's clear he's not stopping anytime soon.

Ain't No Reason


#22: Ben Kweller - Ben Kweller


This is Ben Kweller's third album since 2002 and while it's not as strong as his 2002 release Sha Sha, I still loved it. Ben has said he played every single instrument on his self titled 2006 release, which in itself is pretty amazing. This guy is a talented musician who makes fun music...you can't go wrong with Ben.

Sundress


#21: Gomez - How We Operate


Gomez is one of those bands that I saw all over the internet for years, but somehow completely missed...or more than likely, ignored...which was a big mistake. While I have heard many people say this was their weakest release, it was my first Gomez CD, and I loved it. Songs from How We Operate seemed to be all over the TV and radio and rightfully so. They make rock music that both the casual music listened and music snob can enjoy. Great band, and a great CD.

See The World


#20: Piers Faccini - Tearing Sky


Piers was an artist that I found through the ITunes suggested artists page. Seems the kiddies over at Itunes have some great taste because this is a fantastic. Piers was just signed to Everloving Records, which is home to Jack Johnson and Joseph Arthur and he seems to fit right in with the family. Piers has a beautiful voice with some laid back tunes that are good for any kid of mellow day.

Days Like These

without a shadow of a doubt

If you haven't heard any of Beth Orton's music, you really need to get on it. Everything she has put out I have enjoyed a great deal, but her 2006 release Comfort of Strangers is her absolute best release to date. This CD is full of Beth's incredibly beautiful voice and gorgeous melodies. There isn't a track on it that I don't love. This puppy is defintely making a spot on my Top Ten CDs of 2006. (Which I keep talking about and haven't exactly had time to work on just yet, sadly).

There are so many great artists over the last few years to come out with some new modernized folk, and Beth is one who has joined the ranks. This CD is fantastic.


This album could be seen as a fresh start for Beth Orton, and she makes the most of it: As artlessly lovely as a spring day, this is some of her simplest work, and simply some of her best, too.

Conceived

Worms

Comfort of Strangers

Safe In Your Arms