Music of 2006.

I'm long overdue on this post, but I figure it's better late than never. By now many of you music lovers have read countless Best of 2006 lists (Pitchfork, Harp, bloggers, etc.) so I'll spare you my own, especially since it's almost March now.

Rather than call this a true "Best of," or even my own personal Top 10, I'll just consider this post a wrap-up of the best of what I heard in 2006. The reason I say this is because I am well aware that for no good reason at all, there are many new releases that I failed to get my ears on or otherwise was not able to completely absorb (Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice, and Lily Allen come immediately to mind). Actually, there are probably at least a dozen releases I am certain would qualify as fantastic music had I given myself the chance to hear all of it, and this is what is most frustrating to me.

On the other hand, I was able to hear many other wonderful things that I am happy to plug right now. In no particular order, here follows a quick list of my personal favorites that came out in 2006...

M. Ward :: Post-War



The man with the raspy old school radio-voice found a band to back him up on this album, and with rollicking guitars and some wonderful guest vocalists (Neko Case and My Morning Jacket's Jim James), the result is incredible and possibly my favorite M. Ward effort to date. He has a way of transporting the listener to a different time while keeping a fresh and current sound. Something about his music makes me feel nostalgic and thoughtful. On my first listen, the sense of familiarity and instant connection made me feel as if I'd heard the song years ago and the sound of Ward's voice was bringing me back to an old memory.

Band of Horses :: Everything All The Time



An amazing debut album from a new addition to the Sub Pop family. This one received tons of blogger press, but the hype was worth it in the end. They've got a kinda Shins-y sound with more reverb and big guitars.

The Decemberists :: The Crane Wife



The major label debut from one of my favorite bands was not a disappointment. Sure, it took me a few listens to get into it, and it's definitely not my favorite Decemberists album, but songs like "The Perfect Crime" are ridiculously addicting and I still heart Colin Meloy.

Cat Power :: The Greatest



This was one of the first new albums I heard in 2006, and I was hooked from the first note of the "The Greatest," which for me was hands-down one of the best songs of the year. After learning some background on Chan Marshall and the incredible journey she's been through -- and the state she was in while this album was being made -- I have an immense appreciation for her music and huge respect for her work.

Beirut :: Gulag Orkestar



Speaking of respect for musicians, Zach Condon is the man behind Beirut, and it's important to note that he's still a teenager (19) and he's set the bar high on his debut creation. He sounds like he's a musical veteran with the sounds and melodies he's created on this album, an indescribable blend of gypsy-folk, complete with accordians and horns and every instrument you can imagine except guitars. If you close your eyes you feel like you could be in a completely different time and place, maybe an intimate picnic somewhere in Eastern Europe.

Vetiver :: To Find Me Gone



When I first heard Vetiver's album, the lead vocals reminded me immediately of one of my favorite UK bands, Turin Brakes. This was another album I listened to based on blogger recommendations, and it was an instantly-catchy, no-nonsense folk/rock album with beautiful melodies.

Islands :: Return to the Sea



I played this for the first time with Auddie in the car, and her reaction was to say, "I feel like we're on a beach." Aside from the band name and album title, songs like "Jogging Gorgeous Summer" that feature Jamaican steel drums certainly invoke a beachy mood. It's rare that I'll blindly get an album based mostly on blogger hype, but after not hearing a single note until I first popped it into my CD player, I was pleasantly surprised with this album, which, I should note, is another debut effort (from former members of The Unicorns). It's poppy, fun, and immediately catchy.

Belle & Sebastian :: The Life Pursuit

I don't think I need to describe the B&S sound to anyone. I pretty much love everything they do, and this album was no exception. Sugary sweet as usual with uplifting melodies and bouncing beats, this is perfect summer driving music that is easily repeatable and instantly addicting.