Top 31 of 2006: #1

The Flaming Lips: “At War with the Mystics”
Released: April 4, 2006

If you’re at all familiar with me or my blog, you already had this one figured out a long time ago. I am absolutely in love with The Flaming Lips. Just when you thought they couldn’t top 2001’s “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots,” they bust out this amazing album and you just can’t help but love it. It will make you believe in the power of rock music again. Not just because it rocks your balls clean off (it does), but also because it’s socially conscious without being too preachy, funny without being raunchy, and beautiful without being boring. All in all, it’s one of the most amazing musical experiences that I’ve ever had, and one that will undoubtedly stay with me for years and years to come. Of all the albums that came out in 2006, only this one would have received a perfect 10 out of 10 Stars from me. In fact, of all the albums I’ve ever heard in my life, there’s only about 3 or 4 other ones that could receive that honor. The Flaming Lips have blown my mind time after time, and every time I listen to “At War with the Mystics” I find new things to love about it. That’s what being a musical genius is all about. Don’t get it twisted, The Flaming Lips are the real deal. Even after two decades of being in the public eye, they continue to put out great music.

For that, The Flaming Lips cap off my list of the Top 31 Albums of 2006!

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #1
The Dears – “Ballad of Humankindness” from the album Gang of Losers.

Top 31 of 2006: #2

Zero 7: “The Garden”

Released: June 6, 2006

Read what I’m about to write. It’s important that you do. I absolutely, positively did not like Zero 7’s “The Garden” the first time that I listened to it. Not one bit. At that point, my only familiarity with the group was Sia Furler, whose album I had been digging for a few months, and that “In the Waiting Line” song from the Garden State soundtrack. That’s it. So I’m not sure what I was expecting, initially, but it must have been much different than what I actually heard. You see, when I first heard the album, I thought “That’s nice” and then set it aside. A few weeks later when I had nothing else to listen to, I put it in. Whoah! I was immediately enthralled by the elaborate compositions, Sia’s amazing voice, and some great lyrics. Not to mention Jose Gonzalez, who finally gives us a reason to know who he is. Honestly, I have not been able to find an album this year that is as flawless as this one, including my #1. There is simply nothing to hate about “The Garden.” Nothing. Perfect music and vocals. Never overboard. Never boring. It is, by far, the one album that everyone, and I mean everyone (my dad likes it), can enjoy from start to finish! If you haven’t heard it, I hate you! If you’ve heard it and you dislike it, give me your name, address, and most convenient time to pay you a visit. And then listen to it again! In my review for “The Garden” I stated, “If you don’t like Zero 7, you don’t like music!” I’m sticking with that.

For blowing me away…eventually, Zero 7 lands at #2.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #2

Camera Obscura – “Lloyd, I’m Ready to be Heartbroken” from the album Let’s Get Out of this Country.

Top 31 of 2006: #3

The Elected: “Sun, Sun, Sun”

Released: January 24, 2006

At the end of 2005, I was pretty clueless as to what great albums would be released this year. One thing I was eagerly anticipating, however, was the date January 24. On that day, the two important halves of Rilo Kiley would each release their own album. Jenny Lewis released “Rabbit Fur Coat” and Blake Sennet’s “other band” would release “Sun, Sun, Sun!” Which one was I more eagerly anticipating? Jenny Lewis’ album, to be sure. I loved The Elected’s first album, but I had yet to hear what a Jenny Lewis solo album would sound like. I was pumped. Then the day finally came and Jenny Lewis did nothing but disappoint with her “I want to be an old-timey country singer” act. It got all the hype, however, while “Sun, Sun, Sun” was quietly swept under the rug of journalistic nonsense. Well, Audio Overflow wasn’t around then, but it is now, and I’m here to say that “Sun, Sun, Sun” is not only worlds better than “Rabbit Fur Coat,” but it’s one of the absolute best albums to come out in 2006! Blake Sennet’s songwriting skills have never been better, or more apparent, and the album flows from beginning to end with such whistful grace that it’s easy to find yourself lost in it from time to time. It’s been nearly a year since this album was released and it’s still getting regular plays in my stereo! In a year where I’ve bought more albums than I did my first 18 years, that’s saying a hell of a lot! So really, I know that Jenny Lewis rode the wave of hype this year all the way to Top 10 lists, but who are you going to trust? Trust me! The Elected stole the show on January 24, 2006, and now in December, they continue to pwn the hell out of Jenny Lewis. This is one album that everyone can enjoy!

For totally making me fall out of love with Jenny Lewis, The Elected is voted into the #3 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #3

The Elected – “Fireflies in a Steel Mill” from the album Sun, Sun, Sun.

Top 31 of 2006: #4

The Decemberists: “The Crane Wife”
Released: October 3, 2006

The Decemberists signed to Capitol Records? Who would’ve thought? Even more so, who would’ve guessed that the band whose sound was so anti-mainstream would not only sign with a major record label, but stay true to their sound? I wasn’t one of those people. The Decemberists have long had a special place in my heart. They released 3 solid albums in the last couple of years, so I was eagerly anticipating “The Crane Wife.” But even all my familiarity with the band couldn’t prepare me for the greatness of this album! Find me a bad song on this one. I dare you! Go ahead and try, but you won’t be able to find one. There’s not even a low point on the album. Straight from the start, the album never lets up. Sure, their appearance on The Colbert Report was extremely underwhelming, but that’s to be expected from a Colbert special report. So just forget about that! Forget about what? Exactly! Try buying it. You’ll love it!

For being so good that I can’t write about how good it is but I struggle and end up just typing a paragraph of nonsense, The Decemberists make it to #4.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #4
The Flaming Lips – “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah Song” from the album At War with the Mystics.

Top 31 of 2006: #5

The Streets: “The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living”
Released: April 25, 2006

It’s not too often that I really like a rap album, or like one for more than a month for that matter. They are boring, uninventive, and generally lose all their appeal within a couple of listens. That’s why so many rap stars are here today, gone tomorrow. Only the great live on in the hearts and minds of their fans years after they release an album. Go ahead and chalk up The Streets on my list of “Favorite Rappers Ever.” This album is not Mike Skinner’s first album, it’s his third, and like most Americans who heard the first two, I was not pleased. Calling them rap was a disgrace to the rap genre (which itself is a disgrace to music). It was mostly a steady beat, and Mike talking. Yeah, not really my style, even if the lyrical content was through the roof (it was). But when “The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living” came out, I was shocked to hear not only one of the catchiest rap albums I’ve ever heard, but also one of the funniest and the best. The fact that Mike is British should be a huge side note on this one. Sure, it’s blatantly obvious that he is, but even if he wasn’t, the album would still be awesome. So buy it. Please.

For totally blowing my mind, The Streets make it in the top 5.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #5
Mates of State – “Punchlines” from the album Bring It Back.

Top 31 of 2006: #6

My Brightest Diamond: “Bring Me the Workhorse”

Released: August 22, 2006

What is there to say about Shara Worden and My Brightest Diamond that I haven’t already said? Her voice is amazing. Her character is confusing. Her lyrics are somewhat strange, and I love everything about it! My Brightest Diamond is the best album to come from a female solo-artist this year! Bar none! Forget all the hype about K.T. What’s-her-name or Corinne Boring Rae, thier popularity and hype is pushed by a few million dollars and major record labels. My Brightest Diamond’s hype is centered around her talent and unique style of music. She gets it out there by touring endlessly, and perhaps leeching off of Sufjan Stevens a little too much. But still, this girl amazes me everytime I listen to her album, which is something I can’t say about those other two artists. With every listen, everytime you press play, you’ll discover something new to love about My Brightest Diamond. You’ll have a new favorite song every week! You’ll realize things you never realized before (like how an eerie amount of songs is about cute animals dying). And if all that isn’t enough, you’ll want to see her live (like I did), and it will amaze you to no end (just how does a 5’0″ girl sing like an opera fat lady?). Are you getting it? Do you understand? I’m telling to buy “Bring Me the Workhorse” without hesitation. It will change your life!

For making me believe in magic, My Brightest Diamond swoops into the #6 spot!

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #6

Sufjan Stevens – “No Man’s Land” from the album The Avalanche.

Top 31 of 2006: #7

Cursive: “Happy Hollow”
Released: August 22, 2006

Talk about irony. When I finalized my list for the top 31 of 2006, back in late November, I did the math to see which band would be revealed on Christmas Day. Turns out, it’s Cursive, the band that single-handedly tore Christianity a new one this year. So maybe that’s not your thing. That’s cool, it’s not really mine either. But come on, to deny the awesomeness of “Happy Hollow” is to deny your carnal desire to rock out! Sure, the lyrical content may not be to your suiting, but who doesn’t like a full brass section blaring while some guy is screaming about the big bang theory? Personally, I can’t think of a better way to hear about the big bang. “Happy Hollow” is not the happiest album, but it’s one of the most forceful albums of the year and surprisingly more vicious than Cursive’s previous album “The Ugly Organ.” So if you refuse to listen to it simply because of the lyrical content, well, you’re really missing out on something special. Heathenistic, for sure. But a special kind of heathenism. That’s something to have a “Merry Christmas” about.

For rocking my (and Jesus’) balls off, Cursive lands in the #7 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #7

The Divine Comedy – “To Die a Virgin” from the album Victory for the Comic Muse.

Top 31 of 2006: #8

The Dears: “Gang of Losers”
Released: October 3, 2006

Back in August, I released a little list that no one besides me read (because it was on this site). It listed my favorite Canadian albums of all time, and a little band called The Dears made it to #2 on that list with “No Cities Left.” Then October rolls around and that same band drops “Gang of Losers” which, if it weren’t for a couple songs, would undoubtedly be my #1 album of the year! Murray Lightburn just sings his heart out on this album, with such blind passion that it’s both beautiful and frightening, often at the same time. When I first listened to it, I was really not all that impressed (I wasn’t really listening). But for the sake of reviewing it, and because I’m a huge Dears fan, I kept on listening. My initial reaction was stupid! This album is better than “No Cities Left” in almost every imaginable way. The music is better, Murray’s lyrics are better, and the girls are still unimaginably hot. So really, I know I’ve just been comparing this album to their last the whole time, but that’s because The Dears are a band that’s so unfathomably different (mostly by being simple, and earnest) from every other band today, that there is no appropriate comparison. Buy this album! Don’t listen to 30 second clips on Amazon.com and then buy it. Just buy it. Because, honestly, “Gang of Losers” is an album that everyone can really enjoy, and it’s an album that will rock your balls off and then make you cry about it. That’s power!

For, well, rocking my balls off and then making me cry about it, I proudly present The Dears with my #8 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #8
My Brightest Diamond – “Something of an End” from the album Bring Me the Workhorse.

Top 31 of 2006: #9

Headlights: “Kill Them With Kindness”
Released: August 29, 2006

We’re finally into single digits, and I can think of no better way to welcome them in than with one of my absolute favorite albums of the year (after all, it is #9). For over a year now, I’ve subscribed to Under the Radar Magazine, probably the last remaining music album today (because it’s actually just about music). In that period, the magazine has helped me discover plenty of music that I otherwise would have been oblivious to. The Dears, The Divine Comedy, The Hidden Cameras, The Most Serene Republic, Isabelle Campbell, The American Analog Set, Bell Orchestre, and Calexico just to name a few (or a lot, depending on your perspective). This year, I “discovered” Headlights, and I’ve been in love with this band ever since. Their debut album, “Kill Them With Kindness,” is an amalgam of all sorts of different music; be it shoe gazing pop songs, upbeat beach tunes, or synth-heavy 80s throwbacks. The cool thing about it though, is that they do them all so well, that it doesn’t even sound like you’re listening to a different band on every track. That puts it light years ahead of bands like Fountains of Wayne, who rely solely on the “mix-tape” album for their appeal. No, Headlights is by far one of the best new artists of 2006, and their near-flawless album should not go unnoticed (even though it basically has).

For being the best “renaissance band” around, Headlights makes it to #9.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #9
The Dears – “Bandwagoneers” from the album Gang of Losers.

Top 31 of 2006: #10

Mates of State: “Bring It Back”
Released: March 21, 2006

“Bring It Back” was one of the first albums I ever reviewed, way back when Audio Overflow was still Cale is the Balls!!! As fate would have it, both Mates of State and myself remain the balls to this day! Of course, that’s no special feat for a guy like me, but for a band that’s one heck of an accomplishment! Back when it debuted, I hailed it as the first great album of 2006! As time passed, however, the undeniably catchy pop hooks of this duo began to wear a little thin on me. In fact, the only song from this album that I can still listen on repeat for hours is “Punchlines,” a song I didn’t even note as a Key Track when I reviewed it. So needless to say, a lot of things have changed since “Bring It Back” came out. But one thing is still certain; this is still a fantastic album. Any Mates of State fan who has yet to check it out isn’t really a fan, and anyone else who hasn’t heard it probably should be reading Rolling Stone, rather than Audio Overflow. Take my word for it (why wouldn’t you?), “Bring It Back” is the most accomplished Mates of State album to date, as well as the most complex. So add it to your collection, or at least download it. Sure, I’ve moved on to bigger and better things for the most part, but it wasn’t easy letting go of this one.

For staying adorable, Mates of State tip-toes their way into the top 10!

Top 31 Songs 2006: #10

The Decemberists – “Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)” from the album The Crane Wife.