Last.FM Don’t Lie (Like I Probably Would):
The Top 11 Albums That I Wore Out In 2006
Disclaimer: I can't pick favorites. I just can't. Terrified my underlying indie-rock-snobbery would surface during this exercise, I turned to my honest
Last.fm page to reveal the new albums I actually couldn't stop listening to this year.
Also, I'm not a player I just crush a lot so there's a section for that too. Without further ado.....
11. ¡Forward,Russia! – Give Me A Wall
All the tracks have numbered titles (and not in logical order, mind you) so I couldn't tell you my favorites but just listen to the whole album cause it's that good. And you can't beat their cute matching shirts!
My band crush: Drummer Katie Nicholls. She must be one tough chick to tour with all those dudes! And c'mon the drums? Nice!
9. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood

I have a serious girl crush on Neko. First of all, her name is cool. Second, homegirl has got some pretty intense pipes. She is the real deal, folks. I pretty much love everything she touches and this album is no exception.
My band crush:
Duh.
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Neko Interview on Pitchfork Media+
More on An Aquarium Drunkard+
Neko Case on the Hype Machine8. Girl Talk - Night Ripper
I don't know much about the fine art of mixing and/or mash-ups, but I do know that seeing Greg Gillis live was one of the sweatiest shows I attended all year. Instant dance party! The plus of this album? Thinking of
Night Ripper first (rather than Ciara) when hearing her songs...which is inevitable when working at AOL Music.
My band crush:
No comment.+
Complete, Insane List of all the samples on the album+
Show Review at Heart On A Stick+
Girl Talk on the Hype Machine7. Mew - Mew And The Glass Handed Kites
Of all the wonderful
Interface podcasts we have recorded this year, Mew's was one of my absolute favorites. I simply fell in love with this Danish band's dreamy album.
My band crush: Guitarist Bo Madsen ...but only when he had
THIS mustashe.
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The Interface with Mew+
More on Mew at Chromewaves+
Mew on the Hype Machine6. Malajube - Trompe-L'oeil
This French-Canadian band dishes out upbeat indie pop-rock.
Scott & Amrit dubbed them a 'Band To Watch' in August and am I ever so glad. I mean, I can't understand a word they're saying but it's catchy so I love it!
My band crush: Keyboardist/Vocalist Thomas Augustin. What a cutie. I don't know if I should admit this but I actually took his picture when seeing them live. (Note: I am not a blogger or a professional photographer) OK. I shouldn't have said that. Don't judge me. Admire him
HERE. He shows up at about 1:00 and is the one doing the cute yelling.
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Malajube on Myspace+
More on Malajube on Stereogum+
Malajube on the Hype Machine
5. Beirut - Gulag Orkestar

20-year-old Zach Condon burst onto the scene out of nowhere and exploded this year. With good reason as 'Gulag Orkestar' is stellar. I adore this album. Ukuleles, Trumpets and Accordions! Oh My!
My band crush:
The ukulele.+
'And The bloGOD Said Let There Be Beirut' on Brooklyn Vegan+
Interview on Pitchfork Media+
Beirut on the Hype Machine4. My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
I really didn't want to like 'The Black Parade.' However, something made me listen and then I just couldn't stop myself from playing it over and over. What can I say? I love dramatics. (Note: see #10)
My band crush: I haven't really perused photos of the band to pick a favorite so I'm going with
THIS Gerard for now.
3. The Sounds - Dying To Say This To You
For a few solid months, this album was my weekday 6pm album. Whenever I was dragging, I would blast 'Dying To Say This To You' at my cube and it would fill me with the energy to plug out a few more hours of work.
My band crush: Frontwoman
Maja Ivarsson. She's just so darn cute, tiny & charismatic.
2. Jonezetta - Popularity
A fun, dancy album. This Clinton, Mississippi band delivered two of my most listened to tracks of the year: 'Backstabber' and 'Hot Machete.' You simply won't be able to sit still!
My band crush: Guitarist Kyle Howe.
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More Jonezetta on Myspace (& be their friend!)+
Enter the Hot Machete Remix contest1. Regina Spektor - Begin To Hope
While I admit that I'm not the biggest Regina fan due to her extreme quirkiness at times, I absolutely love this album. It does something for me. With standout opening tracks, I was hooked from the beginning. 'Samson'? Simply stunning. There's no denying that the girl can sing. I just like her so much better when she's doing the singing and not the clucking, etc.
My band crush: Regina when she's not making
super odd noises or saying
completely random lyrics. Tell me a story!
Agree? Disagree? Pick a fight with me below.