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TOP 25 NON-METAL ALBUMS OF 2006... THE SUFFERING!!! IT'S OVER!!!

1 Feb 2007, 03:17

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alright... No introduction, let's just do this thing (the reviews/snippets about each album are going to be shorter or from previous writings, as I figure that's better than simply never getting this done).



25. Rise Against – The Sufferer and The Witness


Why?: Like Punk? Like powerful choruses and mob chants that you can chant along to while opening the car windows? Then this is an album you'll enjoy.



24. Headlights - Kill Them With Kindness


Why?: Great indie pop with female and male vocals.



23. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium


Why?: Sure not every song is a smashing success. But A. It's the Chili Peppers and B. Most of the songs are still great. And that's fairly incredible for a 2 CD album.



22. Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped


Why?: This is my first real experience with Sonic Youth (thank you Jacob), and it is quite an enjoyable one. Big highlights here are the insanely catchy guitar hooks on some of the opening tracks and the later tracks on the album, which are a little more moody and experiemental.


21. Underoath – Define the Great Line


Why?: By far my favorite Underoath album. Here they write some intense and passionate melodic hardcore tunes that impress throughout.



20. Red Sparowes – Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun


Why?: A post-rock record based on the "Great Leap Forward." You wouldn't think instrumental music could make me think so much about specific events but, along with the aid of their gargantuan songtitles, Red Sparowes honestly know how to tell a story.



19. The Flaming Lips – At War With the Mystics


Why?: Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah, AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH aaahhhh AHHH ahhh uh aaaah ahhhhhhh. :-)

and the rest of the album is also great.



18. Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere


Why?: Hip Hop I love. And not just Crazy either.



17. Fear Before the March of Flames – The Always Open Mouth


Why?: This album really surprised me. I had bought Art Damage only a few weeks before this, and didn't like it one bit... However, this is some brooding... apocalyptic post-hardcore.


16. Brand New – The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me


Why?: Another surprise. My initial impressions of Brand New were completely changed by this album. It's again, a very dark and mature album. The song's "Jesus" and "The Archers Bows Have Broken" are particularly amazing.



15. Colour Revolt – Colour Revolt EP


Why?: Gritty, almost Southern hard rock/indie. They put on a great live show that translates well to this short, but rewarding disc.



14. Johnny Cash – American V: A Hundred Highways


Why?: Thouh American IV will always hold a special place in my heart as the greatest American recording, this is still Johnny. And it's still everything that made him a man of music, unabashedly selling his soul on every.single.song.



13. Billy Talent - Billy Talent II


Why?: If you know me, you know my obsession with well done pop-punk. Billy Talent does pop-punk well, and part of that is due to the inclusion of Ben Kowalewicz's impressive/unique vocal stylings, and the participation of the entire band in the vocals department.



12. Alexisonfire – Crisis


Why?: I love Alexisonfire. Another shining example of memorability and high energy in a punk/hardcore laden package. If you also love AOF, have you check out Dallas Green's solo project, City & Colour? Because you really, reallly should. It's in the acoustic, singer-songwriter department, and he seriously floors me.



11. Envy – Insomniac Doze


Why?: Japanese post-rock/screamo. It's a little repetetive, especially the vocals... But that is all redeemed by the springs of inspiration that erupt throughout the album, and then return to serenity.



10. Joanna Newsom – Ys


Why?: Though not quite the faultless masterpiece it's sometimes made out to be, this is surely one of 2006's best albums and provides a brilliant and whimsical voyage to ages long past. The arrangements truly are stellar, and there are those small, almost epic moments and lyrics in certain parts that just get me. The end of Cosmia, in particular, is one of the most grand and awe-inspiring moments I've ever experienced in music. My only complaint is that some of the vocal melodies start sounding samey to me, lacking that extra bit of variety I desire in a perfect musical experience.

Still, this is a glorious album.



09. The Dear Hunter – Act I: The Lake South, The River North


Why?: Are you a fan of horns, strings, and all sorts of layered instruments, lush arrangements, resplendant vocal harmonies? If you look at my charts you know I'm a fan of this sort of thing (Sufjan, Anathallo, etc.). As mastermind of The Dear Hunter, Casey Crescenzo pulls out all the stops, creating a short, yet brilliant album that does the whole "indie rock symphony" thing in a very original way.



08. Man Man – Six Demon Bag


Why?: A truly crazy musical journey that has you tapping your toes one minute, then howling like a wild animal the next... and then both. For me it strikes some insane balance between old-timey, vaudville type landscapes, and just.... weirdness. I am still pissed I haven't seen these guys yet *slaps self in face*.



07. Final Fantasy - He Poos Clouds


Why?: While not quite as upfront and creative with his string arrangements as he was in his first album... Owen Pallett's newest Final Fantasy album is a bit more haunting and mysterious. And personally, I think it's just a tad better in the songwriting department as well.



06. Sufjan Stevens – The Avalanche


Why?: Yes we all know the story. "It's just like Illinois," "It's not as good," "I like it but he's just doing the same thing again." Yeah, who cares. It's still Sufjan, and the man has yet to do something I honestly don't at least really, really, really like.



05. My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade


Why?: Why are so many seemingly against music for entertainment. This album is ridiculous, grand and over-dramatic... and I love it for those qualities. My Chemical Romance are not the greatest artists on the face of the earth. But they are exemplorary entertainers. This is musical entertainment at its finest.



04. The Mars Volta – Amputechture


Why?: This is the best tMV album I've yet heard. It's psychadelic, but not totally incoherant. It's experimental, but doesnt' meander too much. It has a good balance of crazy/spastic songs and laid back ones. The big highlight, however, is their horn and sax usage. So many instrumental moments, particularly those involving those instruments, remind me of King Crimson.



03. The Format – Dog Problems


Why?: Yet another "Indie goes marching band" category canidate. This album is both entertaining and honest... Not excessively deep, but a cut above your avergage break-up record in terms of lyrical quality.



02. mewithoutYou – Brother, Sister


Why?: Simply put, a spiritually moving experience. I'm not going to explain this album, if you haven't heard it. Do.



01. Anathallo - Floating World


Why?: "Anathallo are one of a kind, and Floating World is a masterpiece. Balancing between the lush instrumental usage of Sufjan Stevens (again, you know I love this stuff), and adding in some serious atmosphere and depth, Floating World is an incredible album that must be listened to as a whole. Anathallo uses horns, chains, drumsticks, and various other instruments to portray some absolutely beautiful and unique music. Part of the album, Hanasakajiji (I-IV) follows an old Japanese folktale called "Grandfather Cherry Blossom." In addition to that section of the album, there's a lot of Japanese folklore and poetry thrown in, not to mention the album cover, which is an intricate Japanese art cutout. The album doesn’t necessarily have individual catchy songs but is, rather, set up like an actual, large composition of music, making Anathallo more of a progressive band than a rock or pop outfit. This is one of my favorite albums from the past few years, and I believe I could listen to it an indefinite amount of times and love it ever more."




honorable mentions

Cursive - Happy Hollow
Why?: First few songs: Amazing. The rest just isn't up to the impossibly high bar set on The Ugly Organ.

Cold War Kids - You know what. The more I listen to this album, the more I appreciate its more laid back, bluesy side.

Damien Rice - 9
Why?: Again, the beginning is beautiful. Some of the female/male harmonies give me chills, as well as the string arrangements. But he gets a little tedious after the 4th track.

Deftones - Saturday Night Wrist
Why?: I was never the biggest deftones fan, but I really enjoy this album. A few of the songs just don't do much for me, but ones like "Hole in the Earth," "Cherry Waves," and "Rats! Rats! Rats!" hit the spot.

Gatsby's American Dream - Gatsbys American Dream
Why?: Their back with their fun, literary referencing, pop-punkish tendencies. It's a good album, but not quite as good as Volcano, imo. Also, what's up with dropping the apostrophe in "GatsbYS" eh? I thought you guys were readers.

Gomez - How We Operate
Why?: A really nice set of alt-country tinged pop songs. And their from Europe? Interesting.

Grizzly Bear - Yellow House
Why?: So nice.... so dreamy.....

John Mayer - Continuum
Why?: Despite his ill-fated attempt at making poignant political statements, Mr. Mayer's newest had me impressed. A few songs should've been cut near the end, however... Although I do enjoy the last track.

Joshua Radin - We Were Hear
Why?: Have you listened to the song "Sundrenched World?" Well, you should. url=http://www.last.fm/user/modernpilgrim/]Adam can attest that you haven't truly fallen asleep if you haven't done it after listening to that song.

Malajube - Trompe-l'oeil
Why?: Ceci est la musique qui me fait heureux.

Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
Why? Reminds me of some great pop music from years before I was born. Quite enjoyable, though some of the songs lag a tad in quality.

Muse - Black Holes and Revelations
Why?: Muse is a band that will impress me with a handful of songs on an album, but never causes me to truly appreciate their albums as full works. This is no exception... But they're getting closer.






Alright, that's it. I'll admit I got lazy with this one, but let's face it... None of us want to read that crap anyway. And let me assure you, despite my negligence for detail, this was an AMAZING year for music.... overwhelmingly so. I started out with about 50 albums that I thought could all be contenders, and had a really hard time narrowing this all down. Please let me know what I missed, and why you think I'm a moron :-)

Comments

  • weezescorcho wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 03:40
    I didn't even read it yet but i want to be first comment.

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  • weezescorcho wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 03:46
    Hmm Rise Against and MCR are both on it. Reminds me of the best day ever that will be happening in 24 days.

    Okay here is my take. I am going to listen to the newest MV becuase of this, I won't promise I'll like it at all.

    Format was quite the surprise.

    You will get flamed for having MCR above (insert band name here)

    No Arctic Monkeys = FAIL jkjkjkjkj

    I think just for the trombone player, Anathallo deserves #1 lol

    Final Fantasy and Man Man being high are freakin' awesome.

    Okay no album I got you into was on for this year, but it is my goal to get you into at least one for next year. I'll comment later when more comes.

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  • OfChampions wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 05:45
    Haven't even really known of Man Man, but apparently, its something I need to look into. A few of these albums were surprising, but overall, some quality choices followed by... well... blunt... but sufficient reasons. A solid list; hard to do with 25 albums and the labors of putting such a list together.


    Don't think I'd stand right with you on a good deal of that stuff, but then... I don't listen to as much music so... :(

    Insta-pwn.

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  • OfChampions wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 05:46
    Oh but Flaming Lips inclusion where their new album has been.. from what I've seen... somewhat overlooked. Nice catch.

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  • SirTheory wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 06:28
    my only comment is... Underoath before Sonic Youth????
    WTholyF???

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  • ershtor wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 07:26
    Some nice inclusions on there. And some surprising ones as well. I have not yet listened to the new Flaming Lips album, but very much intend to.

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  • [deleted-user] wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 15:27
    Good list. Agreed about Muse. That lead guy has some amazing piano skills but you almost never get to hear it.
  • Colleen123 wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 18:50
    Pretty good list! Billy Talent and Alexisonfire? You must be Canadian! But I agree that both were good albums. Would've liked to see The Raconteurs on there, but other than that, you covered most of my picks for the year:)

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  • Colleen123 wrote:
    1 Feb 2007, 18:51
    Ha, okay, so apparently you're not Canadian :P Glad to see some Canadiana on your list :)

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  • [deleted-user] wrote:
    2 Feb 2007, 02:11
    Despite the rushed, cynical, and overall bad attitude that basically floods this top-list (*frowns disapprovingly*)... I'm glad to see you've finally written it.

    I knew Anathallo would be number one :-). Totally respect that. mewithoutYou... more like MNEHwithoutYou :-\.

    Spenser, when you said quite the surprise in regards to The Format... did you mean you were surprised it made Matt's list? Or that you were surprised by how good the album was when you yourself listened to it? Anyway, yeah... I expected to see Dog Problems on here... didn't know it would be quite as high as it is, but I definitely approve!

    Mars Volta and MCR -- yeah, I'm cool with those too. But yeah, *shrugs*... I would have pegged Sufjan as above both of them. Or at least above MCR.

    I want to hear The Dear Hunter sometime. I presume I'd like them?

    In passing... have you heard of Jose Gonzalez? allmusic compares him to the likes of Nick Drake and Elliot Smith. I listened to about 45 seconds of him earlier tonight, and he definitely seemed worth checking out... hm. Of course, you can only really fit so many of those nice singer-songwriter types into your interests, right? Oh well.
  • weezescorcho wrote:
    2 Feb 2007, 06:09
    I was surprised it made the list so high, Lauver. I mean I didn't know about the band before this year, I figured it was stupid like The Fray etc.

    I was surprised on both actually.

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  • Quickdive wrote:
    2 Feb 2007, 22:33
    For some reason I feel strangely compelled to say that this list does in fact suck. But what does saying that accomplish? Just seems like mindless bashing and that is definitely not something I am exactly wont to do... I am now in quite a pickle ;_;

    Oh well, since I devoted so much time to writing this, might as well post it. Maybe somebody'll tell me in no uncertain terms why I'm wrong? That it's not wrong that the only really good stuff on the list is placed on 10 and somewhere very near the bottom?

    That would rule so much! =)

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  • ToothandNail04 wrote:
    2 Feb 2007, 23:28
    ^ What the HELL are you talking about?

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  • ToothandNail04 wrote:
    2 Feb 2007, 23:44
    And in terms of the list, well...there are some things I would change be it mine, but it really isn't, so I'll just tell you what my thoughts are.

    mewithoutYou, in my opinion, tops everything that came out this year, even Anathallo. However, I've never been able to appreciate Anathallo quite as much as you could, for some reason or another. I prefer seeing them live over listening on the album...but I still believe it's one of the ten best this year. Just not about mewithoutYou.

    On that note, a big TOLD YA SO from Brandon and I.

    The new Mars Volta is good, and had I purchased it before I made my list, it definitely would have been included. In fact...are there rules against editing my list over a month later?

    For some reason, MCR is a band I could never get into. I can admit that they write some good music and some extremely catchy songs, but it's just nothing that strikes my fancy. The new album, while being probably more interesting than Three Cheers, seems to strike my fancy even less than the latter. Possibly because I've never really been into Queen or bands of that nature?

    I definitely need to buy that Man Man CD. Listened to it with Brandon the other day and while the vocals didn't ensnare me immediately, it's certainly some interesting, quirky stuff that I'd love to behold.

    Flaming Lips is a band that everything points to me liking but I still haven't tried them out. That will most likely change this year.

    Colour Revolt's EP was excellent, despite the shock at Purple Door when I realized I paid $10 for an EP (it made no mention of it being one anywhere on the album...)

    Joanna Newsom's Ys has been on my Albums to Purchase list for awhile...it seems really interesting and according to ChipsVoid (for lack of me knowing his name), it topped mewithoutYou for him this year. Also, the concept of it seems really interesting.

    New Underoath was alright, but it made me realize something...I've never really been as into Underoath as I thought I was.

    Fear Before's new one sounds good, and I semi-enjoy Art Damage...but I'll probably never buy it.

    Billy Talent's new one is something I'd like to check out...whatever that song was that went Silent night for the rest of my life that was playing on our way to pitch n' putt? I heard it again about a month ago and really enjoyed it. Sounds to me like pop-punk that stays away from the cookie-cutter design, which I can dig.

    Brand New has never been a band I've enjoyed...I've never disliked them, but I always found them to be incredibly overrated for their mildly tiresome pop-punk style. However, their new album has been recommended to me by many, and it sounds like a really solid disc. I'll have to get it eventually.

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  • weezescorcho wrote:
    3 Feb 2007, 06:48
    what the hell was that one guy talking about

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  • magnumforce2006 wrote:
    3 Feb 2007, 06:53
    No one knows 0_0

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  • Guranga wrote:
    3 Feb 2007, 21:21
    nice entry + opinions dude, i'll be checking out a couple of the albums I haven't heard =)

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  • Quickdive wrote:
    4 Feb 2007, 10:39
    Here's what the people have to say on the subject of the #1 entry:

    i bought this album after reading so many positive things about it. I fail to get this. it's average at best. Utterly forgettable.

    You gotta love the people sometimes :>

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  • ToothandNail04 wrote:
    4 Feb 2007, 20:15
    ^What the HELL are you talking about?

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  • Youndty wrote:
    5 Feb 2007, 18:31
    Reading this list made me realize that I only own 5-10 albums from 2006. Much of my time this year was spent in the 70s.

    Good stuff though. I'll be sure to check out a few of them, I'm particularly intrigued by Ys. And maybe Amputechture will change my oppinion of tMV.

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  • Leestiff wrote:
    8 Feb 2007, 04:31
    Yes! Thanks for taking the time to make up this list, I appreciate it and look forward to checking some of these albums out, as I have only heard a fraction of them. Man they need to add 6 more hours to the day, just for listening to music.

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  • ToothandNail04 wrote:
    8 Feb 2007, 04:58
    Man man is good good.

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  • [deleted-user] wrote:
    19 Feb 2007, 03:56
    Good list. I've been meaning to check out Brand New and Billy Talent's newest album, and now I will. Also, it's good to see others who like Gnarls Barkley.
  • aujRLY wrote:
    5 Nov 2007, 03:11
    I have never heard of Headlights, but I appreciate guys and girls singing together, so I searched for that album all over the internetz and couldn't find it. I was wondering if maybe you could upload it for me and send me the link? Please? (:

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