This list only includes things that got a U.S. release in 2006...

1. Mojave 3 - Puzzles Like You [Neil and Co. can even do upbeat roots-rock.]

2. Editors - The Back Room [Riffs a-plenty plus that voice.]

3. Keane - Under The Iron Sea [Contains some of their best tunes ever.]

4. The Hourly Radio - History Will Never... [Hooks + Atmosphere = debut of '06]

5. Mew - And The Glass Handed Kits [Seeing them live seals the deal.]

6. Midlake - Trials of Van Occupanther [A beautifully somber 70's mood piece.]

7. Boy Kill Boy - Civilian [Great urgent guitar-pop.]

8. Sean Lennon - Friendly Fire [Maudlin pop perfection ala Elliott Smith.]

9. Morrissey - Ringleader... [Not his best, but still good in the grand scheme.]

10. Margot & The... - The Dust Of Retreat [They're able to pull off quiet and loud.]
first!!
nice list! i forgot editors was this year.
Posted by: julie | Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 10:21 AM
Second!
Mew on both of our lists. I need to get the Midlake record.
Posted by: Ewan | Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 11:20 AM
oh and a fun fact for you, you've seen them all live this year except for keane and midlake who were on the same tour that got cancelled!
Posted by: julie | Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Oh, it's time for the lists already... :-)
Posted by: Pete | Wednesday, December 06, 2006 at 03:49 PM
Holy crap. 2-7 are on my list also. I never understood the piss poor rating Keane got on Pitchfork. This album is even better than their debut. On a side note, glad you liking the Low vs. Diamond I emailed you about a while ago.
Posted by: snickerdoodle | Thursday, December 07, 2006 at 12:46 AM
After all the whining you put Mozzer on your list Torr?! Knock me ovah with a featha!
Posted by: xolondon | Thursday, December 07, 2006 at 10:59 AM
have you heard Trespassers William "Having"? That's my fave of the year... like Mazzy Star and the Sundays...
http://www.myspace.com/trespasserswilliam
Posted by: Mr Green | Saturday, December 09, 2006 at 09:27 AM