Top fifty of 2006 part three (30-21)

“What’s with splitting your list into five posts,” you ask. Well, last year it was two posts, and this just seems more easily digestible. Here are numbers 30 through 21.

The Crane Wife 3

If you read music blogs you know (and probably love) The Decemberists. I mean, do I really need to explain the inclusion of this album? Really? C’mon…

October Language

The album is powerful and emotional in a way that is like looping your thought patterns until the sounds in your head just blur into white noise and static. It is a gorgeous dreamlike record and once you play it, you won’t want to wake up anytime soon.

No Idea)
MP3 | Oh Susquehanna

Politically charged folk-punk from Bloomington, Indiana. It is heartfelt Americana filtered through DIY punk rock played with acoustic guitars, banjos, violins, and harmonicas. It makes me smile.

Hold On

The Town And The City is my favorite album by the band since 1992’s Kiko. It has darker feel and there are less furious rock songs, but the band is in top form here and the guitar playing is oftentimes stunning.

Lisbon (Edit)

“This recording, captured to hard disk on stage at galeria zé dos bois on October 4th 2005, is in my mind the perfect encapsulation of all of these elements into a single lilting piece of static sine-tone harmonics, squared-off electric guitar haze, clangorous room-tone eruptions, and high-end synth freakouts…” – KFW

Crystal Skull

Blood Mountain will be the lone metal album on most lists this year, but not mine. Universally acclaimed, this album picks up right where Leviathan left off and has been a workout favorite of mine for a few months now.

One Day You Won’t Be Here

I think Rocky Votolato is vastly underrated. His folk-esqe songs have a little more edge and a little more grit than most. He distinguishes himself from the myriad of other singer-songwriters out there through the sincerity and honesty of his music.

The Bar In The Back Of The Basement

Another of this year’s Internet buzz bands. They play non-standard Americana-influenced energetic indie rock that reeks of Modest Mouse, Springsteen, beer, and sweat.

Crazy For Leaving

An EP and an album from Chicago’s Catfish Haven. Ragged and raw Americana with punk rock energy and the Motown soul of George Hunter’s smoky vocals. It is like Otis Redding singing Ramones songs (sorta).

Knife

This is good. I like it a lot. It is a huge and ambitious album full of timeless psychedelia and wonderful orchestral melodies. If this is freak folk then you can call me a freak.