I apologize for the extensive delay – I think 2006 is, by now, officially over. Thank you for your patience. Without further ado, here are my 10 favorite albums of 2006:

#10 Shearwater – Palo Santo

Palo Santo is a definite grower. While Jonathan Meiburg’s haunting vocals may take a little while to get used to, they will soon become one of the main reasons you like Shearwater. And similar to the vocals, the excellent melodies only fully reveal themselves after several listens…

[mp3] Shearwater :: Nobody

#9 Beach House – Beach House

This album really came out of nowhere. At its core, Beach House is an incredibly simple project. The band consists of two members. The instrumentation rarely expands past an organ and drum machine. The songs plod along at a snail’s pace. Add to all of this some heart-wrenching lyrics and you have the perfect winter album.

[mp3] Beach House :: Apple Orchard

#8 M. Ward – Post-War

M. Ward is one of those artists who, with each new album, manages to both hone and expand his sound. Therefore, it was no surprise that Post-War kicked ass. And while it sounds different than its predecessors, it’s a typical M. Ward album through and through. In other words, more timeless, beautiful indie rock from one of the best singer-songwriters out there.

[mp3] M. Ward :: Post-War

#7 Clipse – Hell Hath No Fury

Let me first say that I do not identify with any of the lyrics on Hell Hath No Fury, which focus mainly on selling cocaine and spending ridiculous sums of money (from the sale of said cocaine). Unlike most hip-hop albums, Clipse don’t waste time on pointless skits and interludes. The twelve tracks never let up, especially if you find yourself hitting the repeat button when the wild ride ends.

[mp3] Clipse :: Hello New World

#6 Joanna Newsom – Ys

In one of the more ambitious projects of 2006, Joanna Newsom’s Ys features only 5 tracks, each of which are at least 7 minutes long. Similar to Beach House, I never thought I’d listen to, let alone enjoy, an album like this. Tracks center around Newsom’s high-pitched, squeaky warble and her harp. Despite this unconventional arrangement, I find something oddly enchanting in Newsom’s delivery. You’ll either love it or hate it.

[mp3] Joanna Newsom :: Emily

#5 The Decemberists – The Crane Wife

I must confess: I wanted to hate The Crane Wife. Much like Sufjan Stevens, the Decemberists either hit or miss the mark. While Colin Meloy’s lyrics are top-notch, the songs tend to wear thin once the story becomes familiar. Meloy’s best moments are also his most personal ones (see “I Was Meant For the Stage” from Her Majesty). Luckily, The Crane Wife hits way more than it misses, though I’m still hoping the next Decemberists’ album is a more personal affair.

[mp3] The Decemberists :: Sons & Daughters

#4 Califone – Roots & Crowns

After at least 15 listens, I’m still coming to appreciate Califone’s Roots & Crowns. It’s not a difficult listen, but you actually have to listen to it in order to absorb it. I have the bad habit of putting music on in the background and forgetting about it. And since nothing on the album grabs you immediately, I felt nothing after several listens. But like most great albums, Roots & Crowns is a grower. While the track posted below is technically not on Roots & Crowns, it’s very representative of the album’s sound.

[mp3] Califone :: Ladders

#3 The Twilight Singers – Powder Burns

This shouldn’t be too surprising of a choice – I mentioned in my previous post that Powder Burns would make my Top 10 Albums of 2006 list. And here it is. The #3 slot. There’s not too much more to say about the Twilight Singers that I haven’t said before. They are one of the most under-appreciated bands out there today. Please give them your undivided attention.

[mp3] The Twilight Singers :: Forty Dollars

#2 Grizzly Bear – Yellow House

Wow, this is a long post. I’m kinda running out of things to say and laziness is setting in. Which reminds me: Yellow House is a lazy album. Not lazy in that nothing happens, but lazy in that it doesn’t rush to get where its going. Songs develop slowly, and take several twists and turns before coming to a close. Grizzly Bear sound like a softer, mellower My Morning Jacket, which is probably why I like them so much.

[mp3] Grizzly Bear :: On a Neck, On a Spit

#1 TV On the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain

Even before its release, Return of Cookie Mountain had album of the year written all over it. I may have mentioned in my Weekly Download post about TV On the Radio that I was digging the album. That was a few months ago but nothing has changed since then. Return to Cookie Mountain rocks. It’s the exact opposite Yellow House. Confused, angry, and disgusted, Return to Cookie Mountain is a challenging yet ultimately rewarding journey.

[mp3] TV On the Radio :: I Was a Lover

Any thoughts?