First off, once again, a big thanks to everyone who's supporting my thread. Anyway, I have some free time this afternoon so I'm gonna get a head start on my top 20 albums and finally get this list going. Just like last year, I'm not gonna give any grand reviews; instead, I'll talk about why I chose each album. I'm going to begin my top 20 albums list with the
honorable mentions for this year, most of which are albums released in 2005 that I didn't appreciate until now.
Why I chose Anniemal
Annie is someone I didn't know much about, much less appreciate for all her greatness, last year. Her album
Anniemal was released back in 2005, but I just listened to it this year. Back in June, at the Desdemona Music Festival in Cincinnati, she headlined one of the nights and I was in the front row. It was a mind-blowing experience. Her voice is beautiful, she is beautiful as well, and her work is sheer pop genius.
My favorite tracks from Anniemal
3. Chewing Gum - The first single from her that I ever heard, thanks to Subterranean.
2. Me Plus One - I think it's the line "you've got to let it go; it's gone" that does it for me.
1. The Greatest Hit - Man, if you haven't heard this, go download it. Now. That's it.
Why I chose Bleed Like Me
I've always liked Garbage, and even back in 2005, I liked this album pretty much. However, it didn't make my top 10 albums list, and I don't know what I was thinking. As 2006 progressed, I found myself liking Garbage more and more, appreciating their older stuff as well as this fantastic album, which easily gets an honorable mention on my list this year.
My favorite tracks from Bleed Like Me
3. Why Do You Love Me - The single that may be responsible for getting me into the band again.
2. It's All Over But The Crying - A great down-tempo song that really highlights Shirley's amazing voice.
1. Metal Heart - Just an emotional masterpiece. Whenever I listen, it completely captivates me.
Why I chose Twin Cinema
Somehow, the entire year of 2005 went by and I never listened to this album once. I had heard "Use It" on Subterranean a few times, but that song alone didn't motivate me to get the album. Once I finally listened to it in January of this year, I was blown away. Neko Case and friends serve up pure genius on this wonderful 47 minutes of music.
My favorite tracks from Twin Cinema
5. Stacked Crooked - The last track on the album; it draws me in with the haunting intro chords.
4. These Are The Fables - I'll admit it, I just like shouting "MY STREET!" along with the band.
3. The Bones Of An Idol - Probably the best representation of Neko Case's beautiful voice.
2. Twin Cinema - Title track and the first one from the album that I really loved back in January.
1. The Bleeding Heart Show - Top notch from beginning to end; also super fun to sing along with.
Why I chose Straight Outta Lynwood
This album, of course, was released this year, but it's easily the
best comedy album of 2006, making it an honorable mention on my top 20 albums. I couldn't really rank it among the other "real" albums, but it more than deserves an entry on the list. Weird Al proved that he's still got what it takes to make hilarious parodies of modern hits. Most importantly, with "White & Nerdy," he offered up an incredible parody that's his best single in a decade.
My favorite tracks from Straight Outta Lynwood
3. Trapped In The Drive Thru - An epic, hilarious reimagination of R. Kelly's "...Closet" masterpiece.
2. Don't Download This Song - Excellent parody of '80s tribute songs, all the way down to the fade-out ending.
1. White & Nerdy - Instantly became the new nerd anthem. One of the best parodies I've ever heard.
Now that my top 20 albums list is underway, I'll be getting back to my top 120 singles with #60-51 tomorrow. If I have the time, I may also get into the actual 20 albums in my list. All that and more coming up as we head into Christmas! PARTY TIME!
