This very website is throwing an event at Columbus’ Premier nightclub Spice Bar. This time around its Dipset Appreciation Night featuring the Catalyst covering Diplomat songs backed by Triceratops.
Myself, Johnny Cashola, & Detox will be playing all your Dipset standards throughout the evening.
Dirtnap will host.

For more info or if you have any sense of whats proper and decent during these troubled times please check out Party With the Universe Myspace

1. Ghostface Killah, “More Fish”
A wide variety of critics have placed Ghostface’s first album of 2006, Fishscale, in their year-end lists. I don’t agree with that assessment, however, as I have a handful of “rap nerd” quibbles with that album, and there’s some songs I just don’t like. I did like the album, however, so when this sequel came out, I was ready to love it. And love it I do! After a short skit rings in 2007, Ghost starts ripping the old Eric B & Rakim “Juice (Know the Ledge)” beat to pieces, and doesn’t really let up. Though this definitely feels like a Theodore Unit album at times, the contributions from folks like Trife and Shawn Wigs don’t let their mentor down. The beats provided set a fine backdrop for the varied subject matter, especially in the case of “You Know I’m No Good,” Mark Ronson’s sultry funk bomb which also features vocals from Amy Winehouse. There are many ways to define quality, and what exactly an “album of the year” is. For me in 2006, More Fish came out at exactly the right time (right after that Nas album LET ME DOWN) and hit me where I live. Thanks, Ghost!

2. The Lindsay, “Dragged Out”
In a year where Columbus put out an ungodly pile of solid recordings, this one stood above the rest. Dragged Out is an instant Columbus classic that begs for hours of repeated listens. Here’s what I said upon its release.

3. Eagles of Death Metal, “Death By Sexy”
Sometimes you just have to throw up your devil horns and rock out. Josh Homme, Jesse Hughes, and their cast of characters put together a nonstop headbanger that helped get me through the year. Yes, it’s cheesy, but what’s wrong with that?
MP3: I Want You So Hard

4. The Blue Van, “Dear Independence”
I got around to their 2005 album The Art of Rolling much too late to consider for last year’s list, but this year’s album from the Danish rockers builds even more on their promise as harbingers of tuneful rock with real soul. There are plenty of snazzy uptempo rockers on this plate, but ballad-ish “Don’t Leave Me Blue,” which oozes heartachy soul all over the place, takes the cake as the best song here and one of my favorite songs of 2006.

5. SSM, “SSM”
These Detroit boys’ debut on Alive Records is a bit on the confusing side, as there’s some garage, some electronics, some songs about alien love, and other wackiness. Overall, however, they are mainly concerned with rocking out however they see fit. I would often listen to this one a few times in a row without even noticing. Strangely addictive.

My “Other 10″ and “Local 10″ after the jump.

The Other 10 (Albums 6-15, in alphabetical (indecisive) order)

The Blow, “Paper Television”
A testament to the value of downloading those free Itunes singles of the week. “True Affection” will surely sell you as well, and the rest of the album lives up to its promise, with the awkwardly soulful vocals of Khaela Maricich gliding yearnfully over the bouncy, glitchy, not-quite-hip-hop beats constructed by the other half of the duo, Jona Bechtolt.

The Clipse, “Hell Hath No Fury”
After 4 years of record label hassles, Malice and Pusha T come back with another album full of bouncy keyboard beats from The Neptunes and hard rhymes about pushing weight and spending money. They never let up, and all 12 tracks could be bonafide singles.

IsWhat?!, “The Life We Chose”
The second full-length album on Hyena Records from the Cincinnati multi-generational duo of MC/beatboxer/producer Napoleon Maddox and saxophone/flute man Jack Walker is an engaging blend of classic jazz, inspirational hip-hop, and the world around you. With contributions from various producers, MCs, and instrumentalists, they touch on many topics and styles and even manage to cover “Kashmir!”

Murs & 9th Wonder, “Murray’s Revenge”
Following up their first collabo, 2004’s “Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition,” the Cali MC and North Carolina producer got together again for another concise sonic treat. The beats still bang (say what you want about 9th, but an inventive and entertaining flip of “Nautilus” is pretty amazing to hear in 2006) and Murs still has lots to say about mixed-race women, California, and growing up in the hood. Good jams.

Necropolis, “The Hackled Ruff & Shoulder Mane”
The Columbus masters of beerful, noisy rock finally lived up to years of patience from its fans by delivering its debut album, and it is a sight to behold. Though various styles and sounds rear their ugly heads, the boys and girl of Necropolis maintain focus somehow and arrive at the end of the disc with an album of lo-fi indie rock wonderment.

Oh No, “Exodus Into Unheard Rhythms”
While being Madlib’s brother seems to have made it difficult for this producer/MC to emerge in his own right, this ambitious project has hopefully done it. The album contains 22 tracks all composed from samples of the music of Galt MacDermot, most renowned for composing the music of the ’60s musical “HAIR.” He then assembled a bevy of talented MCs (Posdnuos, Murs, AG, Vast Aire, etc.) to romp over his creations and form a very fun hip-hop album.

People Under the Stairs, “Stepfather”
These California beatmongers have been together for over 10 years now, but their fifth full-length is still a fresh concoction of hand-crafted beats and heartfelt rhymes. Though they’re not exactly lyrical miracles, Thes-One and Double K spin some good yarns over their sample-delic masterpieces.

Project Pat, “Crook By Da Book: The Fed Story”
You can tell your old man that he ain’t goin’ back to jail. Long-time Three Six Mafia affiliate comes out of prison swinging with another album that personifies the Southern sound: grim reality and ridiculous observations all at the same time. It was a good year for amoral bangers.

Quantic, “An Announcement To Answer”
The British master of soulful instrumental electronica and modern live-band funk (as leader of the Quantic Soul Orchestra, who backed Spanky Wilson on another excellent 2006 album) released another solo album in 2006, full of energetic beats brimming with African, Central American, and otherworldly flavors. Great music for relaxing or cocktailing.

Skerik’s Syncopated Taint Septet, “Husky”
Skerik’s seven-piece collective of open-minded jazz types put out another smokin’ long-player this year. He again employs the wise tactic of opening with a fist-pumping groove (“The Third Rail”) that kickstarts the rollercoaster ride to come. Lotsa saxes, horns, organ, and drums are woven into lengthy soundpieces that rock alot harder than “jazz” is supposed to.

The Local 10 (My Favorite Columbus, OH Releases)

1. The Lindsay, “Dragged Out”
2. Necropolis, “The Hackled Ruff & Shoulder Mane”
3. Mors Ontologica, “Dead And/Or Famous” (my review)
4. The Proper Nouns, “Birds & Butterflies” (my review)
5. Zero Star, “Forever’s Never Reallly That Long” (my review)
6. Spitball, “Welcome To Spitsville”
7. LDB3 & Friends, “Blue Bop”
8. Soul Position, “Things Go Better With RJ & Al”
9. Pretty Weapons, “Pretty Weapons”
10. Church of the Red Museum, “Church of the Red Museum”

So with that in mind, I present you with the discs that were played most often in my ears. They’re not ranked in any particular order, and I’m not even claiming they’re all artistic masterpieces, but they are the albums I found myself digging through the constantly crashing surf of new music to return to.

My top twenty, after the jump.

Lily Allen – “Alright, Still”
Ah, the ubiquitous “it” girl that stole lady Sov’s thunder in 2006. Although, due to the ham-handed handling of her debut in the States, her actual sales may still suffer a similar fate. It’s Perfect pop for a breezy summer day. Biggest irony? An album perfectly suited to getting sweetly stoned closes with an anti-drug ditty.

Assassins – “You Will Changed Us”
Chicago’s Assassins have undergone so many false starts when it comes to the fame game, it seems fitting that they decided to reclaim their tunes from a Major Label and release their debut on their own dime. The result is an electro-rock album with soul beneath the sheen.
MP3: Guilty

Bonde Do Role – “Melô Do Tabaco”
I honestly don’t know much about thjs band other than the singer broke her arm this year while performing at the Pitchfork Festival here, and this EP takes so many familiar tracks and up-ends them with playground chants and unexpected twists.
MP3: Jabuticaba
MP3: Melo do Tabaco

Bound Stems – “Appreciation Night”
I’m cheating here and am just going to quote what I originally said about this group in Chicagoist earlier this year. “Bound Stems don’t sound like they’re from Chicago. Actually, they sound like they should either be from the Pacific Northwest or D.C., since both of those areas seem particularly adept at teasing out the emo (and we mean Rites of Spring emo, not Flop Haired Boy mall-punk) and fusing it with jarring pop.”

Clipse – “Hell Hath No Fury”
Finally, an amoral hip-hop masterpiece all the white-boy bloggers can agree on. My only quibble is that the fucking thing took so long to finally get released.

CSS – “Cansei De Ser Sexy”
Brazil dance-punk that made love to Death From Above. Simple, quirky, sassy fun that proves that girl groups can kick the ass of any boy band with enough verve and moxy. Wait, that sounds slightly insulting doesn’t it? I didn’t mean it that way. I think I’m remembering an argument that was had over whether the girls write the songs or the guy writes the songs. I think it was Jessica Hopper who was having that argument, actually. And I think the answer to that is that a dude could not have written an album as hard and sexy as this one. Case closed.

The Flaming Lips – “At War With the Mystics”
While not weird enough for some, and too weird for others, I still have a soft spot for what I think was finally a grand meeting of early-era Lips and their more recent orch-pop. Plus, when it came out I was going through a major Pink Floyd phase (it happens to me every couple of years and I am unapologetic about my love of their whole oeuvre) so “Pompeii Am Götterdämmerung” reeled me in right away.

The Hold Steady – “Boys And Girls In America”
Duh.

Juliette & The Licks – “Four On The Floor”
A surprise, since I was set to really hate another actor-turned-rocker move. (See: Jared Leto.) However Juliette Lewis’ rock and/or roll heart seems to be just skuzzy enough to pull of these tunes with playful sincerity. Playful sincerity. What the fuck does that even mean?

The Kleptones – “24 Hours”
The BEST mash-up “album” of the year. Some might argue Girl Talk deserves that title, but his disc is more of a mix a la 2 Many DJs, whilst The Kleptones fashion an actual concept album around a mountain of inventive mixing and juxtaposition. The best part? It’s totally free.

The Killers – “Sam’s Town”
I may be the only guy to say this, but I like this disc. I still maintain that if you take this album on it’s own merits, and forget the fact that everyone but The Killers was trying to paint it as some attempt to become Bruce Springsteen, you’ll discover a scrappy pop album. I really believe this is a disc that history will look kindly on once the witch-fires of 2006 have faded away.

The Ladies & Gentlemen – “Ladies And Gentlemen…The Ladies & Gentlemen”
This Chicago glam-pop quartet deserves super-stardom since they kick out danceable rock gems that routinely clock in at under the 3-minute mark. This displays a mastery of economy and a knack for picking out the perfect hook. Plus, their live shows bring out that rarest of beasts: The Dancing Chicago indie-rocker!

The Like Young – “Last Secrets”
This husband/wife team pulled the plug on their (musical) collaboration and I was saddened that development followed on the heels of their best album yet. A little bit of The Who peeks out from behind their noisy pop and that just makes me love ‘em even more.

Lupe Fiasco – “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor”
Another disc that took far too long to come out, but once it did it met and exceeded all my expectations. Between Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest it’s nice to see Chicago hip-hop gaining national prominence. (And no, we don’t count Kanye anymore.)

Muse – “Black Holes And Revelations”
Because a) remember that Pink Floyd reference above and b) something needed to re-Radiohead my brain after the sorry excuse that was Thom Yorke’s solo disc. Also, the group mastered the whole stadium rock thing while still retaining the keening fey that made them endearing in the first place.

My Chemical Romance – “The Black Parade”
If you’re going to write this off just because you think it’s emo, you’re making a big mistake. Some of the hysteria is still their, but the band has sanded off most of their shriekiest moments and replaced them with good old-fashioned Queen-lite bombast.

Oxford Collapse – “Remember the Night Parties”
Again, I’m going to crib the following from my original Chicagoist write-up. “Remember when Modest Mouse rocked? Oh wait, that never happened. Well then, remember when they were interesting and you would think, “Wow, do I wish Modest Mouse would just rock the fuck out?” We do. In the years since we’ve gotten many promo packages from bands promising to bridge that mythical gap, but it wasn’t until a friend of ours turned us on to Oxford Collapse that we believed it was possible.” Quoting yourself is fun!

The Rapture – “Pieces Of The People We Love”
When this came out it got heavy airplay on the ol’ tankPOD, but as the months passed it sort of faded from view. It recently jumped back to the top of the playlist recently and I think that’s proof that this disc has legs, and the band has a future beyond James Murphy’s production. I mean, if a dance record maintains its fun after the initial sugar rush I think that’s a keeper.

The Riverboat Gamblers – “To The Confusion Of Our Enemies”
Fucking balls-to-the-wall punk rock tempered by the introduction of some killer melodies. These boys also put on the absolute best small-club rock and/or roll show in Chicago this past year. Every time they play someone gets hurt, much beer is spilled, backs are slapped, lips get meshed, and everyone has a knock-down drag-out great time.

Spank Rock – “YoYoYoYoYo”
Dirty, booty-bass, that gets all the girls and boys shaking and getting their swerve on. I have yet to see these cats live, since last time they came through I was DJing somewhere else, but they are on my must-see list of 2007. This is hip-hop in the old school vein (funny, fun, and sexy) with current earphone tweaking production and heav-ass beats.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Show Your Bones”
Karen O went pop and no one cared. This disc should have been eviscerated since the band took a left turn at Albuquerque leaving critic’s expectations of their maturity in the dust. So the fact hat the band cast off their art-band obtuseness, embraced melody and steady rhythm, and everyone still loved them proves that they have got “it.” Whatever “it” is.

Album of the Year: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins, “Rabbit Fur Coat”
How does today’s modern blogger decide which album reigned supreme in 2006? The science of my method
simply comes down this this: far and away, this is the album that I
listened to the most this year. It’s airtight in theme and style. Although there’s a formula of simple
arrangements, acoustic guitars and harmonies in every song, it never
gets boring. It’s filled with gorgeous vocals, americana guitar
licks, and sharp lyrics from a narrator questioning modern morality.
MP3: Rise Up (With Fists!)
BUY: Amazon.com

Album of the Year (runner up): Sparklehorse, “Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain”
The mysterious man who records music on a mountaintop in North Carolina has pulled off another beauty. As usual, Mark Linkous creates a surreal audio landscape through a steady diet of vintage distortion from obsolete instruments and staticky fuzz from wire recordings.

Songs of the Year

1. Beirut, “Postcards from Italy”
As we continue to mourn the death of Neutral Milk Hotel and get teased by the sporadic appearances of Jeff Mangum, we have this to keep us company.
MP3: Postcards from Italy

2. Thom Yorke, “The Clock”
I’m a sucker for Radiohead, Nigel Godrich production, and synthesized beeps. But after seeing a solo, live, stripped down acoustic performance like this one, I gotta believe this guy could make an interesting song by hitting a spoon against his teeth.
VIDEO: The Clock

3. Cat Power, “The Greatest”
The most haunting, beautiful, moody song of the year.
MP3: The Greatest

4. Joanna Newsom, “Sawdust and Diamonds”
The extra arrangements on “Ys” distract me from her stunning voice and soothing harp. But this song goes back to those basic elements that made her first album so engaging.
VIDEO: Sawdust and Diamonds

5. Silversun Pickups, “Lazy Eye”
These guys know exactly how to build up guitars and vocals into a frenzy.
VIDEO: Lazy Eye

6. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, “Cold White Christmas”
A prime example of how an ex-film major turns character studies into songs.

7. Belle and Sebastian, “The Blues Are Still Blue”
The sing-a-long song of the year.

8. Serena Maneesh, “Drain Cosmetics”
This is what The Dandy Warhols have been trying to sound like.

2. Miranda Sound – “Western Reserve”
Columbus’ hardest working four-piece brings its A-Game to its third album. “Western Reserve” is much more autobiographical than Miranda Sound’s first two albums, a grown-up look at the disappointments, break-ups and acceptance of mortality that accompany turning 30. But don’t go thinking this is some depressing, shoe-gazer album; in fact, it rocks plenty hard thanks to producer J. Robbins’ able hand. I, luckily, was able to see “Western Reserve” during its creation, from one or two songs performed during shows to the beautiful album it now is, and I couldn’t be prouder of my boys.
—
Disclosure: Donewaiting.com’s record label, Sunken Treasure Records, released this album.

3. The Long Winters – “Putting the Days to Bed”
Sometimes, a band really just comes out of nowhere with an album that becomes your favorite. I’ve enjoyed The Long Winters since seeing them open for The Decemberists a few years ago, but this year the band really bowled me over with “Putting the Days to Bed.” John Roderick has an amazing way with lyrics, rocking phrases like “they got file folders and dry erase boards” and “you weighed your suitcase down, but it still wouldn’t sink”. This is an infinitely sing-alongable album, one of those just made for playing loudly on your car stereo in August with the windows down and the sun shining too brightly. “Honest” is the standout here, a tale of a mother warning her daughter not to fall in love with a singer.

4. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins – “Rabbit Fur Coat”
It takes a unique and typically country-twinged voice to get me to listen to female vocalists, so it’s no surprise that I really love this album. Breaking free of the indie-rock constraints of Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis busts out an album of rootsy, alt-country songs that are heartbreaking and beautiful. “Rise Up With Fists” was the radio hit with good reason, and the Traveling Wilbury’s cover “Handle With Care” is a great little number featuring Ben Gibbard, M. Ward and Bright Eyes.

5. Bruce Springsteen – “We Shall Overcome”
I was a casual Bruce fan before this album. Seeing as how Mr. Duffy is from New Jersey, I am of course exposed to the Boss’ music. But during a late spring trip to New Jersey, I became a real fan. Mr. Duffy was able to score two tickets to see a rehearsal show for Bruce’s “We Shall Overcome” tour – in Asbury Park. It was a magical evening, with hiccups and bumps and this excellent folksy Pete Seeger music that you could just tell Bruce loved playing. The album itself was recorded on the fly, sort of a jam session
that took over Bruce’s house. It’s an undeniably American-sounding recording, and almost a political statement; “We can sound American without sounding xenophobic – take that Toby Keith.”

6. Gnarls Barkley – “St. Elsewhere”
This was definitely the summer of “Crazy”. That song has now been committed to karaoke catalogs and wedding DJ libraries around the world. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that “Crazy” was a damn good song – the kind of song that makes you sing along at the top of your lungs. JT might have brought “SexyBack”, but Gnarls Barkley brought back the funk/soul/pop classic.

7. The Flaming Lips – “At War With the Mystics”
This is the first Flaming Lips’ CD I’ve played straight through. I’ve skipped around on the others, looking for “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” and such, but “At War With the Mystics” is full of great songs, so skipping over some is not required. “Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” is the stand out, a wonderfully crafted political pop song.

8. TV on the Rado – “Return to Cookie Mountain”
Who are these guys?! I must have been asleep when the EP and full length came out, cuz I totally missed the boat on this band. One of my co-workers was all about them, but I neglected them until I heard this album. On first listen, it reminded me of sort of an urban church choir, and on subsequent listens, I think that comparison still holds up.

9. “Weird Al” Yankovic – “Straight Outta Lynwood”
I gotta hand it to “Weird Al”, dude can still turn out funny stuff. “White and Nerdy” is an incredibly catchy tune and the video was equally as funny. But some of the stuff buried a little farther in the album is good as well, especially the 12-minute “Trapped in the Drive Thru” (a parody of R. Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet”), that’s as wonderfully musically masturbatory as the original.

10. Chris Thile – “How to Grow a Woman From the Ground”
Nickel Creek’s mandolin player, a superstar since his teens, puts out his fifth album, a collection of experimental bluegrass that seems like it was made for me. I grew up in a house that played nothing but country music – the really bad brand of 80’s and early 90’s stuff that turned out the likes of Billy Ray Cyrus and Neal McCoy. But every once a while, some of that rootsier, bluegrassier stuff would get through and it spoke to me. Chris Thile combines that old school bluegrass sound with indie-rock sensibilities; we’re talking about a man who covers the White Stripes’ “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” on mandolin! A great album for indie-rockers
who are afraid they’ll lose their credibility if they own a bluegrass album.

1. The Damnwells – "Air Stereo"

Interesting fact: Lead singer Alex Dezen appears ever-so-briefly as the "punk kid" in the movie "The Professional" starring Natalie Portman in her first film role. His part was left on the cutting room floor but might be included in the "deleted scenes" portion of the DVD.
Watch: The Damnwells live at the Ottobar (10/11/06)
Buy: Amazon

2. The Shys – "Astoria"

Interesting fact: The band was originally called The Gun Shys but changed their name to avoid confusion with the solo folk/punk act Gunshy.
Watch: The Shy’s "Easy on the Eyes"
Buy: Amazon

3. Silversun Pickups – "Carnavas"

Interesting fact: The band’s original drummer – lead singer/guitarist Brian Aubert’s (now ex-) girlfriend – was named Elvira.
Watch: Silversun Pickups perform "Lazy Eye" on Letterman
Buy: Amazon

4. Model/Actress – "Model/Actress" EP

Interesting fact: Todd Phillips was in a band called Other Star People with Xander Smith (Run Run Run) and Jennifer Precious Finch (L7/The Shocker)
Listen: Model/Actress on MySpace
Buy: Amazon

5. Veruca Salt – "VSIV"

Interesting fact: The band made a behind-the-scenes documentary about the recording of the new album which can be downloaded here.
Watch: Veruca Salt performing "So Weird" live on CDUSA
Buy: Amazon

6. Dixie Chicks – "Taking the Long Way"

Interesting fact: Rick Rubin, noted for his work with artists like Slayer, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Beastie Boys, produced the latest effort by the Texas trio.
Watch: The Dixie Chicks perform "Not Ready to Make Nice" on Yahoo! Music
Buy: Amazon

7. Snow Patrol – "Eyes Open"

Interesting fact: Lead singer Gary Lightbody lends his vocals talents to a project called The Cake Sale which was put together by Irish musicians to help support Oxfam Ireland’s Make Trade Fair campaign and their overseas program work.
Watch: Kelsey sing along with Snow Patrol’s "Chasing Cars" in front of her webcam
Buy: Amazon

8. Bel Auburn – "Lullabies in A&C"

Interesting fact: The Ashland, Ohio band wrote a song to celebrate the birth of my daughter Piper in July 2005. Download it here.
Watch: Bel Auburn photo montage
Buy: CDBaby

9. Army of Anyone – "Army of Anyone"

Interesting fact: A 24-second voicemail message that Richard Patrick left on Louise Post’s answering machine ("I got my pants on!" repeated over and over) is featured on Veruca Salt’s 2005 EP, The Lord of Sound and Lesser Things.
Watch: Dean DeLeo cover Led Zeppelin’s "Rain Song" live
Buy: Amazon

10. Slayer – "Christ Illusion"

Interesting fact: The band’s latest release was banned in India after religious groups complained about its cover depicting a mutilated Christ.
Watch: Slayer’s "Eyes of the Insane" video
Buy: Amazon

11. Damone – "Out Here All Night"

Interesting fact: A series of (bogus) public service announcement featuring Damone are available for viewing on YouTube.
Watch: Damone perform "What We Came Here For" on Fearless Music TV
Buy: Amazon

Also up for consideration but not quite top 11 material (in no particular order):

In Flames – Come Clarity
Howe Gelb – Sno Angel Like You
Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – The Swell Season
Warrant – Born Again
Magnolia Summer – From Driveways Lost View
Slunt – One Night Stand
Dear Leader – The Alarmist
TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain
Bob Dylan – Modern Times
Jon Auer – Songs from the Year of Our Demise
Shawn Mullins – 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlour
Sean Lennon – Friendly Fire
As Tall as Lions – As Tall As Lions
Sparta – Threes
South – Adventures in the Underground Journey to the Stars
Mute Math – Mute Math
John Kastner – Have You Seen Lucky
Wolfmother – Wolfmother
The Pretty Weapons – The Pretty Weapons
Zero Star – Forever’s Really Not That Long

PS: Check Houston Calling soon for my favorite Houston releases of 2006.

1. French Kicks, “Two Thousand”
These guys could have glommed onto the synth-pop disco revival like fellow NYC band The Rapture, but instead French Kicks chose to scrap their punky feel and reverted to a more eighties Britrock mode. A few of these songs never left my head once I heard them.
MP3: Also Ran
BUY: Amazon

2. The Damnwells, “Air Stereo”
It’s starting to sound as if this Brooklyn-based band can do no wrong–many thought “Bastards of the Beat” would be their pinnacle but “Air Stereo” contains some of the band’s strongest material to date.
MP3: Louisville
BUY: Amazon

3. Band of Horses, “Everything All The Time”

The music’s mellow and beautiful, and the singer’s vocals are wonderful and unique. This is destined to be a classic.
MP3: Funeral
BUY: Amazon

4. Gnarls Barkley, “St. Elsewhere”

I jumped on the bandwagon with everyone else for these guys. Everyone’s heard Crazy, but if that’s the extent of your knowledge of this album your ears are being done a disservice–the blend of soul, funk, hip-hop and electronica is catchy and addictive.
VIDEO: Gone Daddy Gone
BUY: Amazon

5. Wolfmother, “Wolfmother”

I was sold even before seeing their set at this year’s SXSW in Austin. The band’s mixture of classic rock and blues is irresistable.
MP3: Woman
BUY: Amazon

6. The Raconteurs, “Broken Boy Soldiers”

While their live show is vastly superior to the album, there’s no denying the chemistry between these musicians. Jack White has proven that he is capable of consistently writing hits and that he’s here to stay.
VIDEO: Blue Veins (live @ Lollapalooza)
BUY: Amazon

7. Southern Backtones, “Southern Backtones”
They’ve come a long way from their dark, rockabilly roots but still stay true to the music. This album is full of Britrock pomposity, a gothic undercurrent, and addictive tunes reminiscent of Nick Cave, The Cult circa Love, and David Bowie. My favorite Houston album of 2006.
MP3: Dirty
BUY: Amazon

8. Something Fierce, “Come For The Bastards”
This Houston-based punk group threw down some of the catchiest throwback rock that I’ve heard in a long time. The three-piece doesn’t play into the bland, emolicious “punk rock” polluting the airwaves today but instead gives serious nods to late seventies/early eighties pioneers like The Stooges and The Clash.
MP3: Drag You Down
BUY: InterPunk

9. Black Tie Dynasty, “Movements”
This Fort Worth-based group’s music plays on my sentimentality–they whip up a catchy, danceable blend of Echo & The Bunnymen- and New Order-inspired pop. Their single Tender was one of the most requested songs at Dallas’ radio station “The Edge” this year, with good reason. Definitely check these guys out.
MP3: I Like U
BUY: Amazon

10. Paul Weller, “Catch-Flame”

I thought Weller might have gone the way of Rod Stewart with his album of “classic” songs, but thankfully the former The Jam frontman redeemed himself with last year’s As Is Now and this double-live album, which includes what I consider to be real classics. This is a great introduction to Weller’s songwriting and unique voice.
VIDEO: Come On/Let’s Go
BUY: Amazon

11. Arthur Yoria, “Something Must Be Wrong” EP
Even with three songs, Houston musician Yoria put himself way ahead of the pack and proves that he is a very consistent and talented songwriter. If these songs are any indication, he’s got top album of 2007 locked.
MP3: Only Me
BUY: Amazon

12. Miranda Sound, “Western Reserve”

This Ohio-based group mixes the energy of mid-nineties indie rock with a modern flow and punky riffs. It’s consistent throughout–production from J. Robbins doesn’t hurt matters any…
MP3: Close Calls
BUY: Amazon
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Disclosure: Donewaiting.com owns the record label that released Miranda Sound’s album.

13. …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, “So Divided”

This album is proof that you cannot always trust what music reviewers write. Pitchfork pretty much raped the album, but I think it’s nearly as strong an effort as “Source Tags and Codes”–sure it’s vastly different, but since when are bands not allowed to progress?
BUY: Amazon

14. David Gilmour, “On An Island”

It’s the guitarist and singer for Pink Floyd’s first solo album since the early eighties. I think that says enough.
LISTEN: Stream album
BUY: Amazon

15. Cut Chemist, “The Audience’s Listening”

There was a lot of well-deserved hype surrounding this release. It’s rare, in my opinion, that an album can capture such a variety of styles and moods, but Cut Chemist manages to pack it in and put other releases by more well-known djs to shame.
BUY: Amazon

16. Sonic Youth, “Rather Ripped”

While this record wasn’t on the same level as “Sonic Nurse,” it still rarely left my rotation this year. The band amazes me in that they are still cranking out relevant rock music after more than 20 years.
VIDEO: Incinerate
BUY: Amazon

17. Art Brut, “Bang Bang Rock & Roll”

This album makes me laugh, and I don’t know anyone else who would even dare to admit liking it. But I cannot stop listening–and singing along like a little kid. Great British humor and tight, catchy songs kept me coming back to this album a lot this year.
MP3: My Little Brother
BUY: Amazon

18. Emily Haines & The Soft Skeletons, “Knives Don’t Have Your Back”

The Metric singer’s voice is so seductive and frail that I could listen to it all day, every day.
STREAM: Doctor Blind
BUY: Amazon

19. Mew, “And The Glass Handed Kites”

This album is so unusual that I hear different things with each listen. The music is part shoegazer bliss, part prog-rock, and part Pink Floyd–sounds great to me.
STREAM: Apolcalypso
BUY: Amazon

20. Sparta, “Threes”

It fizzles a bit toward the end, but the first half of this album is strong enough to secure a place among my favorites this year. While it took me a bit to adjust to it not being “Porcelain,” once I got into it the album rarely left the rotation.
MP3: Untreatable Disease
BUY: Amazon

1. Band of Horses, “Everything all the time”
Because I’m pretty sure I won’t be alone in this, picking Band of Horses for my number one seems almost a cop out. It’s like voting Troy Smith for the Heisman. While perhaps not undeniable, the consensus surrounding this record does hint at the quality of the songs. I find myself being drawn back to it’s sweeping highs and lows.
MP3: The Funeral
BUY:: Amazon.com

2. Built to Spill, “You In Reverse”
I’m not above admitting that part of my attachment to this particular album is based on a long love affair with Built to Spill, but I think I have enough objectivity (maybe) to suggest that even a new listener might be enthralled with the weird paring of Doug Martsch’s nasal falsetto with the three-guitar rock attack. Rather than repeat myself, you can find my more complete thoughts here.
Video: Conventional Wisdom
BUY:: Amazon.com

3. Silversun Pickups, “Carnavas”
Considering that their debut EP topped my list last year, and that this years full length is generally more of the same, I’d be remiss not put this one towards the top. While sometimes accused of reworking the 90s era grunge sound, the band is far from a retro ripoff act. While comparisons to Smashing Pumpkins abound in the press (of which there’s been a plethora), to me these songs seemed as fresh and energetic as they did familiar. More of my thoughts here.
Video: Lazy Eye
BUY:: Amazon.com

4. Heartless Bastards, “All This Time”
With all the critical acclaim being generated by The Hold Steady this year, the term “best bar band in world” is being tossed about rather casually. Yeah they’re good, but they’re also from Brooklyn- so when I’m looking for something really blue collar, I’d be happy to put the good ol’ midwestern Heartless Bastards up against just about anyone as a soundtrack to my whiskey drinking. The HBs have really nailed it on this one, with a grit and muscle that implies their rock heritage, but also a quiet intelligence and sincerity that might make one think first of Cat Power. The pace and unpretentiousness of this album very much gives it a bluesy, American river-town feel.
MP3: Into the Open
BUY:: Amazon.com

5. Sonic Youth, “Rather Ripped”
I’m sure a lot of music fans have a long history with Sonic Youth, and while I’ve got a cassette of Daydream Nation somewhere, my interest is far from fanaticism. I think that’s in some part due to my feeling that the music they’ve made has always been interesting, smart, and has the air of importance about it, it hasn’t always been that easy for me to listen to. How many times have I sat down to pay my bills or eat dinner and just simply picked something a bit more pleasant to throw in the player? Perhaps the purists will consider me a dilettante for saying so, but this record combined all that is edgy and visceral about SY with a joyfulness and pop sense that actually made me want to listen to it. Over and over, in fact.
Video: Incinerate
BUY:: Amazon.com

6. The Prids, “Until the World is Beautiful”
Here’s a little Portland, OR band that has made a couple of trips through Columbus this year (one opening for the Built to Spill tour), and gained at least one fan in the process. This is a rather veteran rock quartet pairing a wall of fuzzy, chorus-like guitars with some of the baddest rock and roll bass driving a girl ever did. Really great 80s-like keys hint at the New Order influence, but the overall impression is that there are equal parts My Bloody Valentine or Pixies (minus the pop). Male and female shared vocals add a quite edge to the wall of other sounds. More about my thoughts on the record here.
Stream: Album Stream
BUY:: Amazon.com

7. Centro-matic, “Fort Recovery”
Robert Duffy already told you how it is with this one, so believe it. Centro-matic has managed to provide a sincerity and beauty that has revitalized the genre of folk rock, or altcountry, or whatever you wanna call it. You know, that hole in your heart that Jay Farrar left behind a long, long time ago. Misra Records is doing it right these days.
MP3: Calling Thermatico
BUY:: Amazon.com

8. John Vanderslice, “Suddenly It All Went Dark: Pixel Revolt Live to 2-track”
I’d been as much casual Vanderslice listener as fan, noting them with pleasant regard when I happened upon his songs, but a mesmerizing performance in Columbus earlier this year really set the hook. On that tour, he was selling this stripped down version of his recent studio release, Pixel Revolt. It’s just Vanderslice and his guitar, sans band and weird electronics, leaving just his beautiful and haunting songs to stand on their own. They hold up well, by the way, and as much as I love Pixel Revolt, listening to this version of the songs recalls more vividly for me that magical performance in April. The MP3 linked below isn’t from the album, and is much cooler, but you’ll get the idea at least.
MP3: Angela (Live in-studio performance from Radio Brussel)
BUY:: Barsuk Records

9. Mogwai, “Mr. Beast”
The Scottish Guitar Army returns to full rock form with a big, heavy, noisy collection of songs. Their somewhat trademarked (and often imitated) soft-loud-soft patterns are still present in the form of a few piano and surprisingly good vocal interludes, but overall, this a booming record to be played at a high volume.
MP3: Folk Death 95
BUY:: Amazon.com

10. Viva Voce, “Get Yr Blood Sucked Out”
In a year that has seen the rise to prominence of the rock duo, this husband and wife pair are the pick of the litter. Black Keys, White Stripes and Mates of State (shudder…) be damned. Not much out there is more beautiful or badass than these two. To call it a strictly guitar and drums act would neglect the fact that Kevin Robinson is really more a multi-instrumentalist, often playing keyboard, acoustic guitar, and singing while he’s drumming. Songs range from funny to savage and in the indie-pop vein, and dabble between psychedelic and sweet.
MP3: We Do Not Fuck Around
BUY:: Amazon.com

11. The Black Angels, “Passover”
Yet another return from last years list, and considering how much I liked their inaugural release, and that the the Passover LP includes most of those songs, it makes sense to see it here now. I’ll have to admit some initial disappointment at the fact that there was so much overlap between the EP and LP, but I’m over it now. I get all the droney, drugged out 60s fuzz rock in one place.
MP3: The First Vietnamese War
BUY:: Amazon.com

12. Hot Chip, “The Warning”
My Hot Chip interest actually started with receiving last year’s Coming On Strong as a gift. After falling in love with the subtle and cool dance beats, I pretty quickly turned by attention to The Warning. It’s been referred to as ‘dance music for smart people’ and while I make no claims that that describes me, I will say that I do like their clever lyrics and sometimes understated songs. I’m not a huge electronic music aficionado, but the overall joyful demeanor and lack of pomp on this record is attractive, and their commitment to play actual instruments in lieu of loops and effects makes the whole thing tangible and believable.
Stream: Stream songs from The Warning (requires Flash player)
BUY:: Amazon.com

From here on are a few records that constitute a list of honorable mentions; albums that are worthy of merit but just didn’t shake me to the core like I’d hoped.

13. Neko Case, “Fox Confessor Brings