For this first year in recent memory, music wasn't my thing this year. It's funny because I couldn't have imagined ever feeling that music wasn't a big part of my life. It will be interesting to see if things shift back to normal in 2007.
I've decided to just compile my top five albums and give you a list of some other good ones. The top five are ones I listened to consistently and thoroughly enjoyed. The list below are albums that I didn't spend enough time with the warrant numbering. Here are the lists...
1. Guster - Ganging Up on the Sun
Guster is truly an amazing band and one that's grown with me. Back in the days of Parachute they were two acousitic guitars, some bongos and fantastic harmonies. Now they've gained a member, dropped the bongos (for the most part) and have become a fantastic band. It makes me incredibly happy that their album is my favorite of the year after being a fan for 9 years.
2. The Kooks - Inside In Inside Out
I still can't believe The Kooks are so young. The album has a quiet maturity and great breadth. Definitely worth picking up.
3. Morning Runner - Wilderness Is Paradise Now
The U.K. onslaught continues with an album packd with fun. This is their second album and is better than the first.
4. Aberfeldy - Do Whatever Turns You On
Yet another U.K artist with a second album that improves on their first. This album is a bit more laid back, but has melodies that will keep you whistling for days.
5. Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere
I remember hearing "Crazy" for the first time and being blown away. I still think it's one of my favorite songs of all time. Then the album came out and I was again blown away with their stage show and Cee-lo's energy. I can't wait to see what these boys do next.
Damien Jurado - And Now That I'm In Your Shadow
Eef Barzelay - Bitter Honey
Ratatat - Classics
Clipse - Hell Hath No Fury
Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass
Grizzly Bear - Yellow House
Joanna Newsom - Ys
Wolfmother - S/T
The Mountain Goats - Get Lonely
The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
Previous Years' Music Lists:
2005
2004
2003: 1-15 16-30
2002
2001
2000
01/01/07 10:58 PM
I haven't heard YLT's "IANAOYAIWBYA" yet, but I would give it best album of the year based on title alone.
01/02/07 12:16 PM
I love that you love Guster. I have very few friends that like them as much as me and I agree that they're amazing.
01/05/07 12:46 PM
When I was in my senior year at Tufts, back in 1993/4, I saw the group now known as "Guster" performing at the campus center. At that time they went by the name "Gus." They were all Tufts students, I believe they were a year behind me. Though I recognized the 3 of them by face, I did not know any of them personally. But they made an impression on me because, as you described on your blog, the band consisted of just 2 guitars, 1 guy playing bongo drums, and vocal harmonies. As I watched them perform that one time, I never dreamed they would ever become as popular as they are today.