2006 - Top 10 Albums

It's only a month late, but here is my attempt at a top ten list. To be honest with you, I'm not the biggest fan of list-making (I'd rather read others' and steal their selections), but seeing as I'm planning on talking about the albums of 2006 I DIDN'T like, I thought it would be appropriarte to at least do some form of sumation. Choosing 10 albums was hard enough, ranking them would have just been impossible. So here are my favourite albums of 2006, in alphabetical order.


Belle & Sebastion - The Life Pursuit
2006 was the year I got into Belle & Sebastian and while the experience was more about the band in general, this album sums in up perfectly. It’s full of variety and full of their signature charm.

MP3: To Be Myself Completely



The Crayon Fields - Animal Bells
The moment I saw these guys live, I fell in love with them. A bunch of nerds making twee pop is surprisingly cute. This album is brimming with joy and sure to keep your spirits up.

MP3: Impossible Things



CSS - Cansei De Ser Sexy
I really shouldn’t like this album as much as do. Since when has dirty electro pop been my thing? My only regret is that I never got to see the album translated into a live show.

MP3: Alcohol



Dappled Cities Fly - Granddance
This album proved that Dappled Cities Fly are more than just an awesome pub band. With its quirky creativity and dual falsettos, it will finally gain them the attention they deserve.

MP3: Granddance



The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
I really didn’t like The Decemberists’ last album so had very low expectations for this one. Not only did it meet these expectations but far surpassed them. It’s folk music with a refreshing twist.

MP3: The Landlord's Daughter



Figurines - Skeleton
Scandinavians fared quite well in 2006. This particular album quickly became a favourite thanks to its mix of exciting changes and heartfelt ballads.

MP3: All Night



Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
One very clear evolution of my tastes over the last year has been towards slower music. This album is the perfect example and I would describe it as nothing less than heavenly.

MP3: Roscoe



Peter Bjorn And John - Writer's Block
What makes this album so enjoyable is the sheer level of charm. It’s a challenge not to fall in love with it. It turned out to be so different to what ‘Young Folks’ suggested and impressed me greatly.

MP3: Let's Call It Off



Red Riders - Replica Replica
This band is yet to disappoint me. Every song they release, every show they put on just reinforces my respect for them. This debut album is bursting with energy and sure to get your feet moving

MP3: Scream



The Sleepy Jackson - Personality
I haven’t enjoyed this album anywhere near as much as I should have. With each listen I gradually appreciate just how beautiful it is. Luke Steele would not have settled for anything less ridiculous.

MP3: Devil Was In My Yard




Sparklehorse - Dreamt For Lightyears...
This is another album where my like for it surprised even myself. Soft and slow generally isn’t my thing but Sparklehorse managed to transcend this trend with this very special album

MP3: Don't Take My Sunshine Away



Tapes 'n Tapes - The Loon
Never before has an album grown on me so much. I have no idea why I kept giving it more chances but I’m glad I did because I eventually came to realise why everyone else raved about it.

MP3: Cowbell



Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You...
I can’t believe I lived without this band for so long. This album simply blew me away. I've never heard a band attempt so many varying styles on the one album and pull I off so successfully

Mp3: The Room Got Heavy



I think that was 13. Oh well...