Best Of 2006 - The Top 20 Albums Of The Year

Art Brut - Bang Bang Rock & Roll - OK, it's a 2005 record but it came out in the US this year. Catchy, sharp and oh so British rock.

Goldfrapp - Supernature - slick electronics and THAT voice. I can't believe this band isn't bigger than it is...

Grand National - Kicking The National Habit - Drink To Moving On - another 2005 but out here in 2006 record. Former Police cover act takes elements of that band and applies them to catchy, funky, dance-y pop.

The Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics - it's the Lips' protest record, as lush and as weird as ever.

Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere - people are all over the map when it comes to this. Some peeps hated it, but it was THE record of the summer at my house. Funky, dark and quirky, and Cee-lo's voice is tops.

Hot Chip - The Warning - And I Was A Boy From School - this record really took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting much, and when the dust settled I was still playing it once or twice a week - still am. Love this!

Fujiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things - due for a US release this Spring, this is Krautrock, indie rock, funky riffs, electronics and low key vocals all rolled up into one.

The Knife - Silent Shout - another polarizing record that many people hated, probably due to the vocals. I personally dug the icy electronics and melodies of this duo's third LP. Big ups this year to Mute Records for reissuing their first two albums too.

Scritti Politti - White Bread Black Beer - Cooking - happily married Green returns to music with this lovely and warm collection of pop songs and ballads. That he is still creating captivating music thirty years after first making the scene is amazing to me.

TV On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain - the art rock record of the year. Slow burning and simmering tracks full of atmosphere that explode into raging rock. Challenging but ultimately rewarding.

Kelis - Kelis Was Here - this surprised me. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I do, but here it is on the top 20 list. Diverse and real, this has something for everybody.

Cansei De Ser Sexy - CSS - Alala - didn't expect to get much prolonged pleasure from this but I'm still playing it. Punk, postpunk and electro clash with hysterical lyrics. Party record of the year?

Beck - The Information - a perfect synthesis of all the sides of Beck - folk, rock, hip hop and Gainsbourg all blend seamlessly for a smooth ride.

Kerrier District - Kerrier District 2 - Luke Vibert continues to please with his '80s inspired electro jams.

Charlotte Gainsbourg - 5:55 - read my post from December 10th and all will be explained...


Lupe Fiasco - Food And Liquor - Daydreamin' (feat. Jill Scott) - I was blown away by the bustling creativity of this album - it's unique topics, great flow and killer tracks make this my hip hop record of the year.

Bent - Intercept! - a late comer to the list, full of the duo's trademark warm, lush and romantic electronica. Added bonus - using former Simian singer Simon Lord on half of the songs.

Lily Allen - Alright, Still... - chav humor applied to some skanktastic pop music. Humorous, catchy, rude and endlessly entertaining.

Poni Hoax - Poni Hoax - French rockers deliver moodiness, beauty and memorable songs. Another nice mix of rock and electronic danceability.

Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Kick Your Ass - Mr. Tough - how many years have these guys been going now? Sounding better than ever they deliver an album of sweet, soft ballads, raging rockfests, and faux Motown soul stylings.