Top Albums of 2006 (so far)

So it's getting (sort of) late in the year, so I decided that it's about time to craft my "Top Albums of 2006" list. Now, of course, the year's not over yet, so I have two months to change my mind and make additions, but without further ado, here it is. This year's list is pretty strong, so it's 30 deep.

1. The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America

I'm pretty sure these guys are the best band currently making music right now. Recommended track: Chillout Tent, because it mentions Bowdoin.

2. Beirut - Gulag Orkestar

So this guy's 19-years old and making bizzare Eastern European-influenced folk rock? Meanwhile, I'm sitting here writing about him? Way to make me feel real worthless. Recommended track: Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)

3. The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

Another gem from these guys. A little more prog-y, and something of a concept album. Recommended track: O Valencia!

4. Mates of State - Bring It Back

Very melodic husband and wife indie duo. Recommended track: So Many Ways

5. Exploding Hearts - Shattered

I'm not positive that this counts, because 3/4 of the band is dead, but it's the album that was in progress before a tragic bus crash ended the band. Really great pop-rock. Recommended track: So Bored

6. Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass

For the album title alone. Okay, it's pretty good too. Recommended track: Pass the Hatchet, I Think I'm Godkind

7. Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder

A double-CD from the power-pop greats. As usual, it's fast, loud, and dense. And I mean really dense. Recommended track: 7 Stars

8. Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country

I should have listened to Shane sooner. Very sweet melodic pop. Recommended track: Country Mile

9. Flaming Lips - At War With the Mystics

Another weird and wonderful Flaming Lips album. Kind of a letdown after Yoshimi, but it's still excellent. Recommended track: Free Radicals

10. Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped

How old are these guys now? And they're STILL pumping out tight rock songs? Bands don't usually stay this consistent this long. Recommended track: Incinerate

11. Regina Spektor - Begin to Hope
12. The Essex Green - Cannibal Sea
13. Goldfrapp - Supernatural
14. Pretty Girls Make Graves - Elan Vital
15. Joanna Newsom - Ys
16. Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
17. The Shins - Wincing the Night Away [this might be 2007...]
18. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
19. Walkmen - A Hundred Miles Off
20. Clinic - Visitations
21. Muse - Black Holes & Revelations
22. Built to Spill - You in Reverse
23. Black Keys - Magic Potion
24. Mittens - Fools on a Holiday [notable for one of the top 3 songs of the year, "Looks Like You Could Use a Little Love"]
25. Loose Fur - Born Again in the USA
26. Brazilian Girls - Talk to La Bomb
27. Amps for Christ - Every Eleven Seconds
28. Frank Black - Fast Man Raider Man
29. Thom Yorke - The Eraser [eh...I guess]
30. Wooden Wand & the Sky High Band - Second Attention

Honorable mentions go to Cursive and Rainer Maria.

Edit: Tapes 'n Tapes was released last year. Might have to edit this again if the Shins is released in 2007. Oh, and I don't know why I ranked Neko Case so low. I think I hated her last night.