Top fifty of 2006 part two (40-31)

Ten more of my favorite albums of 2006. Can you even handle all the suspense?

Walk In The Park

An entire album of twee indie pop with plenty of catchy little “la la’s” and “ba ba’s” for me to sing to my daughter. I dare you to listen to this album and try to not to sing along.

Flag And Family

If this is emo then count me in. Tim Kasher sings every syllable as if his life depends on it. Cursive is (also) always pushing boundaries and incorporating new stylistic elements into their melodic (yet abrasive) post-hardcore jamboree. Another great one from a band that refuses to be complacent.

2wice

What band goes on a 20 year hiatus and comes back with guns blazing like this? It simply isn’t fair for any band to be this good. It just ain’t fair. These songs sound as vital now as “Trem Two” did in the early 80’s.

Me And Joe Drove Out To California

This supergroup of former punks has made the best country album of 2006. Its probably the twangiest thing I’ll listen to all year, and its damn good. Now where are my spurs?

Shipwrecked (Flat On Your Back)

Hammock’s album Kenotic was featured on my best of 2005 list, and this is more of the same. Hazy ambient epic anti-rock that is as dense and beautiful as anything in the genre. RIYL: Cocteau Twins, Sigur Ros, Aphex Twin’s Ambient Works

Province

This album is probably on everyone’s list. It should be.

We Used To Vacation

Despite the massive amount of hype that these guys have gotten this year, they managed to put out two great EP’s and and a mighty fine debut in Robbers & Cowards. It is California indie rock soul music that is electrifying to see the band play live.

Wake Up, Ma And Pa Are Gone

Chicago’s own Bound Stems dish out jittery indie-pop rock with fractured melodies that is highly recommended for fans of Modest Mouse, The Arcade Fire, and The Walkmen.

The Great Pine Tar Scandal (Edit)

This improvisational free-jazz duo uses only saxophone and drums to create a cacophonous wall of noise. Their energy and synergism simply pours out of your speakers. This is compelling stuff that is challenging but rewarding. Fans of Wolf Eyes and Albert Ayler take note.

Hellbound

More textured like 2004’s You Fail Me but crushingly brutal like their metalcore classic Jane Doe. This is loud, fast, intense, and exhausting music that approximates having your still-beating heart ripped from you chest.