...The Year In Music 2006

OK, so I was never really great about updating this blog anway, but I have been gone for a ridiculous amount of time (I have had some wonderful and not-so-wonderful distractions). However, there was no way I was not going to share my year-end list; I have been doing for a few years now. Bear in mind that some albums did not make the list because I have not bought them yet (i.e., the new Damien Rice). Enjoy and let me know what your favorites are.

10) Panic! At The Disco - A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out

Ok, I know - these guys are just considered knock-offs of all these teen bands out now. However, I could not help but be enamored with this album. While a lot of those bands are brush-stroking their music with electronic influences, Panic! Go full out Jackson Pollock with it. Some tracks feature very heavy dance influences and others are straight up radio pop rock hits and all are excellent, if disposable, tunes.

9) Julie Roberts - Men & Mascara

My fellow Belmont alumnus already won me over with the wonderful “Break Down Here”, an underrated modern country classic. She wisely stuck to her strengths and delivered a true country album full of songs about love, loss and whiskey.

8) Gnarls Barkley - St. Elsewhere

“Crazy” was not only the name of the single of the year featured on this Danger Mouse and Cee-lo collaboration; it also fully describes the aural experience of the entire disc. Featuring topics as diverse as the Transformers, necrophilia and fung shui, this album with both challenge and delight you.

7) Beyoncé - B’Day

Despite the ridiculous title, B goes on a full-out sonic assault. Almost every song sounds like Ms. Knowles is ready to knock you down whether on the dance floor or in the bedroom. Oh, and Jay-Z better watch it; Beyoncé literally hands a man his ass in the amazing “Irreplaceable.”

6) Lily Allen - Still, Alright

Although not quite released here in the states yet, Lily became a critical staple this year. The album may not blow your mind, but it will win you over with its winsome beats and oh-so-honest-yet-funny lyrics.

5) Kelis - Kelis Was Here

I feel bad but I truly believe will never get the credit she deserves. Her albums keep getting better and better but never sell well. Even the still-loved “Milkshake” could not propel her to quite that level. Thankfully she created an exciting contemporary R&B release. The styles vary wildly, but the CD still manages to sound cohesive. If Kelis can keep making great music, I hope she will always have an outlet to present it with.

4) Nelly Furtado - Loose

Yes, I am notorious for praising an artist for selling out (i.e., Liz Phair). Well here I go again! “Promiscuous” and “Maneater” alone could have forced this album onto my year-end list. Fortunately every other song on here is a winner. Timbaland is definitely the producer of the year and I am so glad he hooked but with Nelstar.

3) Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds

Timbaland continues to earn his producing cred by creating a pop album that is straight out of the future. This is a truly unique and engaging effort that deserved its Grammy nom for Album of the Year.

2) Scissors Sisters - Ta-Dah!

Although only runner up on my list, the title is surely the best one in 2006. The Sisters make a glorious return with wonderfully constructed pop songs that work on so many levels. The 70’s influenced tunes come of blithe at first listen, but further examinations prove their true worth. Hopefully this team will always continue to better and challenge themselves.

1) Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way

Casually dissing the president had to be the best and worst thing to ever happen to the Chicks. Before they created good albums that had patchy spots. Now, fueled by the rage, fear and passion of the “incident”, they have recorded their best record yet. Of course, now it won’t get into as many hands as the previous ones did. Every track, even the love songs, express the true, raw emotions that were created by Natalie’s words on that London stage. “The Long Way Round” and “Bitter End” are perfect songs detailing these emotions without being as obvious as the still terrific “Not Ready To Make Nice”. “Easy Silence” is arguably the most romantic love song ever. Nothing is more telling than being able to melt away into your lovers arms when the world is literally coming down around you. By far, this is the must-have of the year and I will be devastated if does not take the Album of the Year Grammy.

Look for a movie list soon, but that one is going a bit rougher since I have missed so many this year!