12/20/06 05:10 PM: Top 40 Albums of 2006 (Part V)

25. The Ballet, Mattachine! (Self-released)
I really like this record. In fact, each time I listen to it, I want to put it higher on the list. That’s because I like the Magnetic Fields and Belle & Sebastian, which is what the Ballet sounds like. Hello! Yet another New York band in the top 40.

24. The Album Leaf, Into the Blue Again (Sub Pop)
Having seen most of this record performed live a dozen times, listening to the record now barely does these songs justice. Live Jimmy and company have a video light show, which fits perfectly with the music. I’ve heard that “Writings on the Wall” was in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I’d be a fan of more tracks with vocals, I think even a 50-50 mix could work.

23. Man Man, Six Demon Bag (Ace Fu)
I can’t decide what to say about this record, short of “I like it.” It’s a fun record, all over the place and full of energy. What a great description, I know. All I know about this band is that the vocalist goes by the nickname Honus Honus. Whatever.

22. Oh No! Oh My!, Oh No! Oh My! (Self-released)
This is a great record. I even wrote up a nice review of it back in October. A perfect summer record. This year’s the Boy Least Likely To. All of that. Self-released to boot. I’m hoping for big things from these guys. Best tracks: Jane is Fat, I Have No Sister.

21. Built to Spill, You in Reverse (Warner Brothers)
Short of “The Story of Yo La Tengo” I think “Goin’ Against Your Mind” is the best 8+ minute song this year. I’m a strange Built to Spill fan, i only started listening to them with Ancient Melodies of the Future. That record remains my favorite of theirs, and I’m not completely familiar with their entire back catalog. That said, compared to others my expectations for this record were probably lower. Favorite track: Liar.

This entry is part of a series, The Top 40 Albums of 2006

tagged: best of 2006, lists, music
Dave Stroup  Music