Unveiling top albums of the year

I love lists almost as much as I love roast beef sandwiches on potato bread with provolone… I love lists almost as much as I love roast beef sandwiches on potato bread with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and spicy mustard on both slices from Eddie’s; in other words, a lot. That being said, I am also completely indecisive.

These two traits put together, along with my unhealthy obsession with music, all too often lead to me sitting in front of my computer for exorbitant periods while involved in conversations like these:

“Hey, who do you think is the number one British punk band from the 1970’s?”

(Roommate ignores question, continues to play “Madden.”)

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s totally the Clash.”

(Roommate nods, scores a touchdown.)

Nonetheless, the end of the year provides me with a rare and obvious opportunity for a rock ‘n’ roll list – The Best Albums of the Year.

Before I unveil my list, I must list some conditions so as to avoid the wrath of the indie music elite who would likely have my head on a turntable. First: I have not yet heard TV on the Radio’s Return to Cookie Mountain, Joanna Newsom’s Ys or The Hold Steady’s Boys and Girls in America. So they’re (probably unfairly) not on this list. Second: Well, I just don’t think the Arctic Monkeys are all that good. So you won’t see them either.

Without further ado, The Best Six Albums of 2006.

6. St. Elsewhere by Gnarls Barkley

So that single, “Crazy,” was played and played until it became more annoying than trying to get to the keg at a basement party in Oakland. But, luckily for the mad scientists of Gnarls Barkley, the rest of St. Elsewhere is just as catchy and, in many cases, a whole lot more fun. This record is the party album of 2006.

Danger Mouse, the man also responsible for the Beatles/Jay-Z fusion The Grey Album, creates beats that beg to be danced to, complete with flailing horn sections and drum machines with more loops than a roller coaster. Cee-Lo, the band’s soulful half, sings his pudgy little heart out with addictive hooks and playful lyrics. This pairing of electronic and soul music creates something totally new and totally crazy.

5. God and the Devil are Raging Inside Me by Brand New

The emodudes of Brand New pushed “tortured soul” to a whole new level in 2006. Instead of writing songs about girls, frontman Jesse Lacey turned his anguish toward God, with stunning results. The tunes on God and the Devil are all beautifully interweaving guitar lines and fragile vocals