Scott Freeman

Best Albums of 2006 Part Two

It’s already been pointed out that there is an overwhelming number of female artists on my list this year. I think that there are several reasons for that. First, I’m in touch with my feminine side. A real 90s guy, so to speak.
More importantly, they are just great artists who cranked out some stellar work.

Here is my top 10 of the year. Get these albums.

10.5. Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris–All The Roadrunning: You get a bonus album because when I was putting this list together I inexplicably forgot about Rhett Miller. You wouldn’t think that this two seemingly disparate voices would blend together so beautifully. But they do. The sacred ethereal quality to Harris’ vocal lifts Knopfler to heights he has never attained. And in the process he makes the beauty of Harris’ voice a little more tangible to us mortals. This album, recorded over seven years, is a travelogue of heartbreak, hope and redemption. Download This: If This Is Goodbye

10. Brett Dennen–So Much More: If Van Morrison had a guitar-playing, folk-singing child, it would be Dennen. He’s getting lumped in with Jack Johnson, but that’s not fair. This guy can write a song that is much more grounded and real than Johnson. His songs are vivid and powerful with a voice that conveys vulnerability. He looks like he is 12 years old but there is great wisdom in these lyrics. Download This: Ain’t No Reason

9. Dixie Chicks–Taking The Long Way: Hate them all you want. But these Chicks rock. This album is, at turns, reflective and defiant. Vulnerable and at arms-length. But regardless of how you slice it, their musicianship is unsurpassed. These are songs of family, hope and longing. Download This: The Long Way Around

8. Rhett Miller–The Believer: The Old 97’s frontman returns with another stellar solo outing on the heels of 2002’s must-have The Instigator. The title song is a tribute to the late, great Elliot Smith. Every song here is brimming with regret and hope. Miller is a master craftsman of catchy tunes. Download This: Help Me, Suzanne

7. Indigo Girls–Despite Our Differences: After all these years I still don’t know which one is which. And that’s the way I like it. Their voices blend together in anthems of protest, love and social awareness. I didn’t think they could record an album that I would enjoy more than Become You, but I was wrong. This album rocks from start to finish with defiance wrapped around a tender core. If you havent listened to them in a while, it’s high time to check them out again. Download This: Rock and Roll Heaven’s Gate or Pendulum Swinger

6. Tilly and The Wall–Bottoms of Barrels: It’s hard to classify this Omaha quintet. Take a folk sensibility, 60s psychedelia, soaring harmonies, hand claps and the obligatory tap-dancing member of the band and you have the most eclectic and fun band out there. They describe themselves, aptly, as having “pockets full of melodies and a lot of pockets.” They are products of the Conor Oberst machine. And that’s a good thing. You won’t find an album that will put a bigger smile on your face. Download this: Sing Songs Along and Rainbows in the Dark

5. Neko Case–Fox Confessor Brings The Flood: You won’t forget this album after you hear it the first time. Her voice is transcendent and she has made an album that is making all of the best of lists. Deservedly so, for this is a sonic masterpiece. You make get lost in her voice, but don’t let that obscure the sheer weight of those lyrics, exploring working class themes and love for those who have fallen through the cracks. Download This, Hold On, Hold On

4. Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins–Rabbit Fur Coat: This might be higher if I had listened to it earlier. But, man, this is incredible. Don’t call Lewis a former child actress any longer. The Rilo Kiley singer gets better and better and in this solo debut stakes her territory as a top-notch songwriter. Her voice is enchantingly soulful with a quality of that verges on pure heart-break. This album is rife with songs of spiritual seeking and tremendous stories. Download This: Rabbit Fur Coat.

3. Kasey Chambers–Carnival: My wife is a little freaked out by how much I love Kasey Chambers. But it’s that voice. I can’t get it out of my head. It’s not the best, but it might be my favorite of all time. There is this childlike vulnerability to her vocal that leaves me speechless. In fact, if you listen, you can often hear the break in her singing. I find it enthralling. This album, though not as great as her debut The Captain, but I still can’t stop playing it. It seems that this Aussie has disappointed her long-time fan base with this more commercial effort. But it still rocks. Download This: The Rain

2. Mark Erelli–Hope and Other Casualties: Only Springsteen has recorded as indelible a 9/11 reaction album. This song is born out of the destruction and calamity of one of the darkest days our nation has ever experienced. But out of that carnage comes an album brimming with love and hope. Every song resonates with the power to respond, not with vengeance, but with all that is innately good in us. It is the album to listen to when we wish to stop and reflect as to how we should behave. And more importantly, how we are all children of God. Download This: The Only Way

1. Josh Ritter–The Animal Years: This 29 year old can write. His entry into this years field is unsurpassed in genius, artistry and daring. I defy you to listen to this artist and not be wowed by the greatness of an album that is destined to become one of the most important in rock history. This is his Blonde on Blonde. From the aching “Girl in the War” (video below) to the sonic 9 and a half minute tour-de-force of “Thin Blue Flame” this is, hands down, the album of the year. Download This: Thin Blue Flame

There you have it. The twenty best albums of the year. I didn’t mess with links but, by all means, scope them out on youtube, myspace and their personal websites. You won’t be sorry.

One side note: Sandi Thom, the august, Kate Campbell, Hem, Brett Dennen, Neko Case, Mark Erelli and Josh Ritter are all available on emusic. Sign up and get 25 free downloads. Get an invitation from me and I get 50 free downloads. If you are interested, let me know.