Best Albums of 2006: 40 - 31

40. Scissor Sisters
Ta-Dah

It’s time for party mania. There’s only one thing you need to do: Pop in the new Scissor Sisters disc. Party on. If this one doesn’t get your feet tapping, I don’t know what will. You will find that there’s more fun packed in this gem than you can ever possibly imagine. The musical spectrum consists of power dance rock, melodic blues, enduring pop anthems, rock ballets, and even a little jazz. But much like a party, this one can’t last forever. Although its initial impact might knock your socks off, prolonged listening to Ta-Dah will cause that captivating power to fade and lose some of its fun. Nonetheless, a little fun is never a bad thing.

39. The Decemberists
The Crane Wife

This one sure as hell sounds like Death Cab, but not much like last year’s Picaresque. They’ve expanded the story lines for their literate infused music to create 9-minute ballads that are simply phenomenal. Although I’m not really sure what’s going on in the story, it makes for a jolly skip and compelling listen. Their confidence echoes throughout each song and reveals their inconsistencies; something that much be improved so that Colin Meloy can create his artistic masterpiece.

38. The Streets
Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living

On the opening track, Mike Skinner proclaims “This time I’m drying my eyes, and a fucking nose bleed.” That sums up the change in The Streets. He has switched from a drunken stoner to a coke fiend, and you can feel it in the songs. Now that he is a famous star, we deal with more trivial issues and more serious drugs. Although most of the songs are faster and about his personal life, the treasures here are his slower songs (All Goes out the Window and Never Went to Church).

37. The Roots
Game Theory

They’ve gone back to their roots on this one baby. This is the darkest, heaviest, and most stylish Roots album to date. The craftsmanship far surpasses anything they have done in the past, and the unrelenting focus is evident on every track. They even decided to add a tribute to one of the greatest men in the history of hip-hop, Jay Dilla. My only complaint is that this album might not have sounded quite as good if it had not come out in 2006; a year with relatively few breakthrough rap albums

36. Yo La Tengo
I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass

Aside from having the longest and most annoying album name, this is a great disc. Its dreamy, uninhibited, and cohesive indie rock. The electronic side of Yo La Tengo has vanished, but the sharper and more focused rock element is shinning through with equal force. Yo La Tengo prove that they have decided to revisit their Velvet Underground roots.

35. Various Artists
Death Row’s Greatest Hits: The Chronicles

The Chronicles is an excellent greatest hits album from the world of west coast gangster rap. All the tracks (except one) come from the proclaimed rap artists Dr. Dre, 2pac, and Snoop Dogg. The album will allow you to fall in love with some of the greatest rap songs of our time. Light up a blunt, grab a bottle of Hennessey, wave your hands (like you just don’t care), and spin this disc; it’s a party pack of fun.

34. Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

The raw elements of British punk rock combine with Franz Ferdinand-esque pop to create a fist pounding musical extravaganza. This disc delves into groovy jams and dance beats, while still maintaining the aura of a mosh pit. While the song-writing is conventional and blunt, the Arctic Monkey’s aggressive attitude allows them to reinvent the wheel. You won’t find better driving music all summer.

33. The Rapture
Pieces of the People We Love

Say goodbye to Head Automatica, and say hello to The Rapture. Pieces of the People We Love is the most groovy dance punk frenzy of the year. Although the album trails off a little at the end, the majority of the tracks will have you rocking out from start to finish. The only thing The Rapture needs to fashion a better sound is a little more lyrical development. Highlight tracks include “The Devil” and “Don Gon Do It”.

32. Califone
Roots & Crowns

A soulful revival of folk music filled with delicacy and delight. Although its tough to reinvent the future, Califone has refurbished their folky Wilco-ish sound and layered it with sunny day porch music. Some of the songs are a little less captivating, but most will be the perfect fit to your musical repertoire.

31. Moby
Go: The Very Best of Moby

Moby is one of the most influential people in our era of musical progression. His experimental electronic dub and piano driven sampling has produced dozens of chart topping singles that are all packed into this stellar compilation. Additionally, the album features remixes and live versions of some of his best hits. A great disc to expand your ambitious musical library.