Top 10 Albums of 2006

#10. Kasabian - Empire
This disc got panned pretty quickly by american press for unknown reasons to me. North America seems afraid to embrace UK culture and is happy to listen to Bob Dylan. Empire has hard beats, great production, and displays a band in the process of evolution in comparison to their self-titled debut.
Here's the first single and title track, Empire.

#9. Hellogoodbye - Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
Ok, ok. I'll give you a few minutes to laugh about this one. I've been making this list by writing out little summaries of CDs I really enjoyed. As I continued through the elimination process, this debut LP stayed around and I came to the conclusion that music is a reflection of what you enjoy, not what's cool. And nothing's quite as uncool as Hellogoodbye. But there's a lot worse you could be listening to. This is a summer CD, no doubt. It's electro-sunshine pop to the max. Lyrics are cutesy but it's a lot of fun and it brings great memories of 2006. Instead of thinking this is a dumb pick, drop your indie-hipster attitude and listen to this song with the intention of having fun... Stuck To You.





#8. The Strokes - First Impressions of Earth
It came out so long ago I almost forgot about it. The Strokes third installment was no doubt a disappointment. It was a good disc, great at times, but did not live up to their first two. A mixture of classic Strokes, new heavy Strokes, and then tedious, plodding Strokes. Here's the first single and a shocking track by them, Juicebox.

#7. Snow Patrol - Eyes Open
Snow Patrol played it safe no doubt. Riding the success of songs, Run and Chocolate from their previous LP, Final Straw, Snow Patrol produced an incredibly solid collection of tracks ranging from alternative rock, hard rock, and even a song to please the OC fans. The production is shimmery and there's no rough edges which usually would bore listeners after repeated listens. Fortunately with improved songwriting and craftsmanship, Eyes Open is a great listen time after time.
Here's the lead single You're All I Have.

#6. We Are Scientists - With Love and Squalor
I'm surprised too. Trying to remember all of the high points of 2006, I'm looking through my iTunes playlist and We Are Scientists have many songs in the top 25 most played, not to mention how often it has been heard on my iPod. The album is simple, catchy, and hits you like an uppercut. It's sharp, distorted and has a rythm section that makes you want to dance. The California rockers flopped in the US, became huge in the UK and are now cracking the charts with reissues in North America, check these guys out.
Check out my personal favourite off of the album, Worth The Wait.

#5. Billy Talent - Billy Talent II
Appropriately titled Billy Talent II, the disc continues right where their debut disc left off. The new album consists of a few midtempo to ballads and a few recycled riffs but the angst and punk spirit is there. This Canadian band earned a spot headlining the Vans Warped Tour with this CD. While there's no track you'll be blown away by, there's not a bad song on it. If you've never heard of them, check them out.
Here's their lead single from Billy Talent II entitled Devil In A Midnight Mass.

#4. The Rapture - Pieces of the People We Love
The Rapture go from their dark, disco-thrash sound from Echoes to a more accessible dance-pop-punk. Using help from all-star producers Paul Epworth (Bloc Party) and Dangermouse (Gnarls Barkley) the results are brilliant.
The title track and Dangermouse produced track can be heard here.

#3. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
A band that needs no introduction. Selling the most records in UK chart history since Oasis did back in whatever year they were still relevant. It took me a while to really understand the hype surrounding this band and even still, I'm not really sure if they deserved that much. They produce quick 3-4 minute rockers, full of hooks and melodys with teen Alex Turner spitting lyrics about bouncers, girls, drinking, and running from the police. Turner can write a good song which puts this band a step above the rest. It'll be interesting to see if this band evolves or if they eventually fizzle into obscurity.
Here's a personal favourite, From The Ritz To The Rubble.

#2. The Killers - Sam's Town
Upon first listen, I described this disc as epic, massive, and life-changing. Well not life-changing, but nonetheless, it did not disappoint. While it was not the best album of the last 20 years, it was perhaps the best album of this year. Only time will tell, I suppose. The album is grande in the sense it's an entire production, from the sing along conclusion of opener Sam's Town, to the propulsive bass-line in Bling (Confessions of a King), to the slow builder Why Do I Keep Counting (written about his fear of flying), the album is destined to be a classic and is overlooked by many because of failing reviews.
Brandon Flowers stated that their best song is featured on this album, here it is. Read My Mind.

#1. Angels and Airwaves - We Don't Need To Whisper
I mentioned in a previous post that this could contend for album of the year. Personally I find it uplifting and the songs never get old. I know some friends who feel the same way, and some who don't like it at all. It's really just a personal preference for Tom's voice and new style. It's heavily influenced by U2 and The Cure but it's definately his own work. The songs are made to be anthems, but they're not fueled by the usual teen angst or suicide that's out today. No, these songs are meant to take hold of you and deliver you away from pessimism. I can honestly say that this CD has inspired me as a writer, musician, and in life.
"And here we go, life's waiting to begin". This inspirational quote can be found in lead single The Adventure.