// 25 Most Played From 2006 //
Ok, I know we're at the half way mark of 2007, being that it's June, but I would like to put a new spin on "the best albums in 2006" by making it my "25 Most Played Albums from 2006". I feel like it's always a little early to make these types of lists in December or January anyway. Now that I've had time to really get to know some of these albums it's a little easier to see the ones that float up to the top with time. I never understood how some albums get such immediate praise and other gems are left unturned- oh yea- money. Then there are those that you love for 2 days and get tired of within a week. Longevity is what breeds a good album to me. As always, if you're in love with every song on the record within 2 days, chances are you won't love it in 6 months nearly as much, but thereare exceptions to everything. I remember getting "Bleed American" by Jimmy Eat Worldon the day it came out and loving it all; however I did get extremely sick of it once it got huge and actually to this day have a hard time popping it in. Regardless, I enjoy albums that grow on you and/or always are good to pop in and listen to start to finish; that to me is a good record. There were actually a ton of good albums in 06, but these are the ones I personally listen to the most to date.
[TOP 25]
[1] Brand New "The Devil & God are Raging Inside Me" 11.23.2006
[2] The Decemberists "The Crane Wife" 10.3.2006
[3] Say Anything "...Is A Real Boy" 9.14.2006
[4] Band of Horses "Everything All the Time" 3.21.2006
[5] Ben Kweller "Ben Kweller" 9.19.2006
[6] Appleseed Cast "Peregrine" 3.21.2006
[7] Say Hi To Your Mom "Impeccable Blahs" 7.25.2006
[8] Angels & Airwaves "We Don't Need To Whisper" 5.23.2006
[9] Blackpool Lights "This Towns Disaster" 6.20.2006
[10] Beck "The Information" 10.3.2006
[11] Rodrigo Y Gabriella "Rodrigo Y Gabriella" 10.3.2006
[12] The Annuals "Be He Me" 10.17.2006
[13] Mew "And The Glass Handed Kites" 7.25.2006
[14] Midlake "The Trials of Van Occupanther" 7.25.2006
[15] The Early November "The Mechanic" 7.11.2006
[16] The Format "Dog Problems" 7.11.2006
[17] Junior Boys "So This Is Goodbye" 9.12.2006
[18] Joshua Radin "We Were Here" 6.13.2006
[19] Cold War Kids "Robbers & Cowards" 10.10.2006
[20] Snow Patrol "Eyes Open" 5.9.2006
[21] Chin Up Chin Up "This Harness Can't Ride Anything" 10.10.2006
[22] Wolfmother "Wolfmother" 2.21.2006
[23] Pilot Speed "Into The West" 11.28.2006
[24] Saves the Day "Sound The Alarm" 4.11.2006
[25] Cursive "Happy Hollow" 8.22.2006
[1] Brand New The Devil & God Are Raging Inside Me | released: November 23 / 2006
This album is hands down number one in my book. In fact, I made up a list of albums just so I could make this one on top. Coming out late in 2006, The Devil & God Are Raging Inside Me did not get much press, and in my opinion was largely overlooked by critics. My hope is that in time this album will get its due credit and more people will enjoy it's fresh dynamics and clever lyrics. I almost can't listen to this album by track- in fact, I pretty much have to listen to the whole thing if it gets popped in. Almost every track will surprise you in some way, and each change is perfect as they take you through these amazing stories. If you want a new favorite album, go get this one.
[2] The Decemberists The Crane Wife | released: October 3 / 2006
What can you say about The Crane Wife that hasn't been said on every blog? It's incredible, and if you have never heard it, it's a must
have album. This group has been one of my favorites for a long time, but this newest release rivals top album from them, for me. I am a huge
fan of Castaways and Cutouts but am now torn on which is better. I think I'm just glad to have both of them!
[3] Say Anything ...Is A Real Boy | released: September 14 / 2006
Ok, this band came into my life by chance- but I'm so glad they did. I absolutely LOVE this whole album. As I do with most of these, but this
one is the best sing-along album of 2006. The lyrics alone sold me on this album as I bought it at Target right after it came out and went home
and opened it up and read one of the song lyrics- as I do a lot with bands I've never heard- I enjoyed it so much I read another, and another
until I read them all. It was the first time I'd ever been content with a CD purchase without even putting it in the stereo! I of course did put it in, and was able to love it on so many levels. If you do not own this album, it's a damn shame. It's a good time waiting to happen.
[4] Band Of Horses Everything All The Time | released: March 21 / 2006
One to grow on. I don't think I could have guessed how much I'd end up loving this album at first listen. I got this on a recomendation and
really liked a couple of tracks, especially "Funeral" and enjoyed listening to it, but seeing them live really sealed it for me. I am totally behind
this album 100% after that, and would recomend not only picking up Everything All The Time but also checking them out live if you can.
[5] Ben Kweller Ben Kweller | released: September 19 / 2006
What a good album this is! It's just another great album from the great Ben Kweller, and it is another swept under the rug album of 2006. I was very
impressed with therange on this album as well as how good everything sounded. Ben is always good at getting the analog-sound without making
a nasty sounding record. These songs will stay with you in the best of ways, definitely definitely get this album soon!
[6] The Appleseed Cast Peregrine | released: March 21 / 2006
My wife bought me this the day it came out and gave it to me right as I was leaving for the airport to go to NYC. I'll always remember that because it's
a great headphones album, and that's how I heard it first. It will grow on you as well- which is always a good sign, and I pop this album in A LOT! these days. It's incredibly solid all the way through, and definitely earns it's keep with their other awesome releases. Even if you're new to the Appleseed Cast, this album will sell you on their awesomeness.
[7] Say Hi To Your Mom Impeccable Blahs | released: July 25 / 2006
Another great release from Say Hi To Your Mom, this one has some great electro-pop moments as well as the lovely lyrics and vocals
that make us love this guy so much. I love how he keeps his albums similar with the robot illustrations, and with the DIY style that I've grown
to love in a Say Hi To Your Mom album. Basically, this guy lives in a small apartment in NYC and sits down and makes songs on a whim that
turn out to be incredible. Definitely check him out if you haven't before, or if you've "been meaning to" the time is now.
[8] Angels & Airwaves We Don't Need To Whisper | released: May 23 / 2006
Who knows what to expect from a Tom Delonge project? Ok that was a joke, but seriously- I think Tom consistently turns out good work, but you
have to like Tom for it to work for you. I am a fan of the Boxcar Racer stuff too, but this album really hit it for me. I loved the recording on this album
and with a good pair of headphones, this is an evening of entertainment. I loved it really hard for the first few months, easy Lenny- I know, but left it for a long time. I always come back to it, especially at work, it's a great album to just put on and listen to, and that's why it's on this list!
[9] Blackpool Lights This Towns Disaster | released: June 20 / 2006
Another off shoot band, these guys are fronted by ex-Get Up Kids member Jim Suptic and have a very good thing going on. I like to say that if you
were raised on rock, this album is emo; but if you were raised on emo, this ablum is rock. If you get that- stop reading and just go pick it up. Still here?
ok, so you need more convincing, eh. This album will quickly latch on with its catchy-ness, but stick around your iTunes because of its charm. All I
can say is there are a million albums that want to sound like this, but simple as it seems, just can't make simple-good songs like you will find on
This Towns Disaster
[10] Beck The Information | released: June 2006
Genius! First off, Beck re-invents the Jewel case album by making his cover graph paper and giving you a shit-ton of stickers to create your own! Leave
it to Beck to not only still come out with a solid abum, but also make it look completely original. Easy you say? pssh. Beck just makes it look that way.
In my opinion, The Information has it all- whatever you like about Beck through his many faces, you'll find a little of it on this album. At this point,
I can just pop it in and smile, it's just that good.
[11] Rodrigo Y Gabriela Rodrigo Y Gabriela | released: October 3 / 2006
Wow! this Mexican duo rocks my face off with acoustic guitars! Pick up their album with the DVD inside, it has great live performances and
interviews, and of course it has the album! Their self-titled first release is sure to accommodate almost any mood, and for me is amazing to crank up
Saturday mornings and read the paper to. man, I'm getting old? ah, well- I still love this album! It has an amazing cover of "Stairway to Heaven" that
is sure to gain the respect of any musician. These two will impress you, and if you like guitar albums, this should be your next purchase.
[12] The Annuals Be He Me | released: October 17 / 2006
I picked up this album actually recently, but I've listened to it so much, I had to include it and it was released in 2006. This is a very refreshing album
at almost every turn. If you are looking for something different, but still maintains that emotional pop core, this is your new favorite album. Melding electronic beats and noises with well thought acoustic notes to driving guitars, this album has it all and everything in between. Highly recomended.
[13] Mew And The Glass Handed Kites | released: July 25 / 2006
What a weird mix of sounds. Mew will definitely make you cock your head sideways a little right before it straightens back up and proceeds to
nod along with this incredible sound scape of an album. There is nothing out there that sounds like Mew, not even a little- and I think I speak
for all Mew fans, we like it that way. There are some pure genius moments in And The Glass Handed Kites that make you rethink the typical composition of a rock album. Mew is a genre.
[14] Midlake The Trials Of Van Occupanther | released: July 25 / 2006
I don't know what it is about this album that I like so much- but it has it's own mood. I love putting this album in to work to, it's so good. It
somehow reminds me of 70's folk-rock acts like America or Fleetwood Mac? I don't know exactly! but there are times where you think, this
sounds like something, but in a completely different way. Ok, that made no sense. If you'd like to comment on that, be sure to include your
thoughts on Midlake. They'll hopefully be better composed than mine.
[15] The Early November The Mother, The Mechanic, & The Path [3 Discs] | released: July 11 / 2006
Broken up into 3 discs, The Mother, The Mechanic, & The Path has some interesting ideas . The first disc, and my favorite could be the
"album" because it seems the most thought out in that respect. The songs are good start to finish, and I still listen to the first disc all the time. The
second is a little more mellow/acoustic driven and makes me think of B-sides. It doesn't really work as an album. The third is really interesting,
especially on the first listen, but I haven't put it in since that time. It is a full story with characters and everything and there are songs in between
the narrative that's going on. Definitely different, but not something you really listen to much. I definitely recomend it for the first disc though, it's
full of driving rock anthems that are perfect for long commutes.
[16] The Format Dog Problems | released: July 11 / 2006
Another sing-along album for the list. Dog Problems will suck you in to its majesty. Singer voice is very likeable and unusual at the
same time, and lyrically, they are clever without trying to hard. The Format knows how to make a pop album that even people that don't like pop
will like. Tracks like "She Doesn't Get It" will make you fall in love with them, and it's a love that will last as I pop this album in quite frequently.
[17] Junior Boys So This Is Goodgbye | released: September 12 / 2006
If the Postal Service went back in time and hung out with Prince and Flock of Seagulls, then cam back and made an album, you'd be close to
what the Junior Boys are doing on So This Is Goodgbye. Ok, that might not be completely accurate, but this is one electro-pop album with
more electro than pop. This is a great collection of beats and melodies that is sure to please anyone craving that electronic sound without delving into
incredibly played out material.
[18] Joshua Radin We Were Here | released: June 13 / 2006
This is one of my wife's favorite albums, and it really has grown on me this last year. Another one for the mood category, Joshua Radin will
split a room in half- where the cryers at? jk. It is a sweet sappy album, but in a sincere way, not like an old John Mayer ditty, these songs
have dynamics that don't do everything you'd expect, yet they are perfect in their own way. I love putting this album on for a lovely quiet mood.
[19] Cold War Kids Robbers & Cowards | released: October 10 / 2006
These guys are undeniably here to stay for a while. Rarely does an album come out from nowhere that sounds this put together. I realize it's not
like they formed a band and went immediately into the studio and crapped this out, but it's still an album that sounds like it's 4 or 5 albums into
the band's career. Whatever "it" it, these guys have it. The album is very good all the way through, and it will quickly hit you with its energy and make
you into a Cold War Fan. Guaranteed.
[20 Snow Patrol Eyes Open | released: May 9 / 2006
You know what? I like Snow Patrol. I do. I'll tell you why, it is not often a band can entertain you with such simple ideas, but these guys play it well.
They have this driving energy that I just can't get enough of. The albums are similar in range, but they are consistently good, which there's nothing
wrong with doing. I enjoy this album the most I think of the ones I have, it seems to strike my fancy for some reason. It's a very normal sound and
they are quite predictable, but if you're in the mood for that- Snow Patrol won't let you down.
[21] Chin Up Chin Up This Harness Can't Ride Anything | released: October 10 / 2006
I saw these guys open up for Appleseed Cast and wasn't too impressed, but they left enough of an impression on me to remember their name.
So, when amazon said, "we think you'll like this" I thought, eh- ok, I'll give it a shot. I ordered This Harness Can't Ride Anything and was
pleasantly surprised at how good the album is! I really listen to it often, it's a fun light-hearted record that is good in the car, so of course it's on
my list! Really, check it out sometime.
[22] Wolfmother Wolfmother | released: February 21 / 2006
I had to include this album even though I'm kinda over it right now, I think it will be one that in about 2 years I pick back up and wear out again. This
band really does the retro/rock act the best of any I've seen, and their live show proves they are not all talk. They have great energy, and it really
comes through on this recording. I know most of their songs have made it to a "ugh, not again" status on the charts and in tv and movies and such, but there is no denying their power of rock n roll.
[23] Pilot Speed Into The West | released: November 28 / 2006
I saw this album like 5 times in different record stores and almost bought it based on the cover alone. (I do that a lot) I finally found it used somewhere
for maybe 5 bucks and couldn't pass it up. I'm glad I did because I've really enjoyed it. It reminds me of an early mix of Coldplay, U2, and Snow Patrol
with a twist of their own unique style thrown into the mix. You will hear a lot of early U2, but as I've come to realize, I don't mind it and actually it's feeding off a particualr influence from that style that I really don't hear too much. Regardless, it's worth checking out for sure.
[24] Saves the Day Sound The Alarm | released: April 11 / 2006
I can't believe a Saves the Day record is this far down on my list, but let's just say it's lucky it made it! I do like this album after many tries to love it, but it
does not have that "it" that their other ones do. After In Reverie, I was so in love with that album, I thought we were in for some more evolution in
the STD world. Turns out, not many people liked In Reverie (damn shame) so I think Chris Connely went back to try and regain some of that
rawness and angst from previous releases. It is more like that, but in my opinon it's a step back. I will always support Chris and Saves the Day, but I am not sure about their new path. I guess time will tell. All in all the album is good, just not what I was expecting it to be, and that's not his fault. ha.
[25] Cursive Happy Hollow | released: August 22 / 2006
I actually listen to this one least of the whole list, but it has grown on me tremendously since I bought it. I really think a lot of that is from seeing
them live, and I've seen them 2 times on the tour of this album. It is very different than anything they have ever done before, but it does have some
gems on it- and it is Cursive, which collectively I still love them. It's no Domestica or Ugly Organ but it can find a home in your collection.
