Apostrophe S

I’ve been watching the blogosphere’s opinions of top albums of the year very closely, and I find the selections are often spot-on as far as creativity and originality go. But sometimes I see records on the lists that I’ve listened to and know that I probably won’t listen to again soon, if ever. There’s something to be said for “art music,” but sometimes catchiness and singability, not to mention good hooks, are what make music last.
So here, I’ve compiled a list of the albums released in 2006 that will survive the New Year on my iPod and may actually get played again.

Now, without furthur ado, and in alphabetical order:

Beirut — The Gulag Orkestar

This album sounded altogether foreign and yet comfortably familiar at the same time. It was perfectly unpretensious, and is one of my favorite discs all around of the year.

Belle & Sebastian — The Life Pursuit

Honestly, I’ve liked about everything Belle & Sebastian have produced since Tigermilk, so it’s no surprise that this — their best album in years — will remain in rotation for the next year.

The Decemberists — The Crane Wife

Only people who are think Aerosmith was the peak of modern music wouldn’t appreciate this stuff. “When the War Came” was particularly enjoyable in my opinion.

Josh Ritter — The Animal Years

It’s something about the combination of Ritter’s voice and his soft picking that make his recordings stand out. Throw in a disc worth of killer songwriting, a touch of ’80s romance rock, and you get The Animal Years.

Man Man — Six Demon Bag

“All I want to be is a shovelly, bobbely, gobbily goo.” Or, as Ellie puts it, pirates on broadway. This made a great Halloween record for something.

Morrissey — Ringleader of the Tormentors

This album makes the list if for “Life is a Pigsty” if nothing else. It’s easily one of Moz’s best tracks to date. But honestly, this is one of those records that probably only appealed to those who like Morrissey already. Those like me.

The Mountain Goats — Get Lonely

John Darnielle is easily one of the best songwriters of our time. And his voice reminds me of people I’ve known in my life, but I can’t explain who or why.

Regina Spektor — Begin to Hope

“On the Radio” has been jumping into my head at least once a day since I first heard it. That’s success on the part of an artist.

Swan Lake — Beast Moans

I don’t know if it’s the understated beats that keep me coming back, or if it’s just that I love trying to imitate Spencer Krug’s singing.

Tapes ‘n’ Tapes — The Loon

Probably one of the most original releases of the year, The Loon was one of those unexpected online discoveries. Thank you Internet.

Tenacious D — The Pick of Destiny

I’m sorry, “Beelzeboss” is one of the most fun songs to sing along to I’ve heard this year. Plus it’s fun to harmonize on the word “fuck.”

Two Gallants — What the Toll Tells

“Long Summer Day” got me through several of them during the summer of ’06 in Bend. Other songs stick in the head like fast food jingles, except that it’s OK to have Two Gallants stuck in your head.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs — Show Your Bones

I built this record up quite a bit in my head before it was released, and I wasn’t disappointed. Something about Karen O’s bluesy vocals over the eccentric melodies and guitars keeps my blood pumping all that much stronger.

Honorable mentions:

Howard Shore — The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Complete Recordings

OK, I won’t be jamming to this in the car during the next 12 months, but this, in combination with the FOTR and the ROTK (expected later this year), has been and will be the Official Soundtrack of Piddling Around the House for me. Only in it’s 3+ hour entirety can you appreciate just what Howard Shore with these film scores. Incredible.

Gnarls Barkley — St. Elsewhere

I haven’t decided if I’m over this one yet or not, but it will probably get a few more spins. We’ll see how much longer it lasts.