Thy Top Ten For Those Daring to View

Ken's 2006 Extravaganza

10
Artic Monkeys- Whatever People say I am, That is What I am Not
Screw the hype. The disc is pretty inventive and energetic. Just enough mess to keep it garage-y with melody and groove to show they can actually play.
9
Jennifer O’Connor- Over the mountain, across the valley and back to the stars
I liked the stripped down sound and heartfelt lyrics. If Liz put this out instead of the crap she did put out we’d all be salivating over it.
8
Todd Snyder- The Devil In Me
No on skewers Bush more creatively than he. That alone puts this in my top 10. Clever lyrics with interesting stories with an ending moral everyone can appreciate.
7
Neil Young- Living with War
Neil doesn’t age. He rips what he doesn't like head on and hits the mark. Rough and tough rock with a message. Long live Neil.
6
Bob Dylan- Modern Times
Bob is Bob and when armed with a great backing band he puts out great material. So he lifted a few things. Cut him a break and enjoy the ride down memory lane.
5
Built to Spill- You in reverse
Music that is done off the cuff, or at least sounds that way. Jam feel without being a jam band as this has melody. Good guitar work and the best Neil Young impressionist ever.
4
Thermals- the Body, the Blood, the Machine
This band keeps getting better. Not just a straight 4/4 strum rock band they've expanded their song structure prowess in taking on my favortie secular subject.
3
Subways- Young for Eternity
This one grew on me. The more I listened the more I wanted to listen.Simple rock with good alternating male/female vocals.I question their lasting power but we one can wish.
2
Decemberists- The Crane Wife
Hell with you all this is a great album. Colin's song writing is unique an "olde" shool and his songs fit his voice. Some say too Prog, but I say Prog as Abbey Road.
1
Hold Steady- Boys and Girls of America
At first I had a problem with the keyboards being up front and that Craig is actually singing not spewing. But the more I listened the more the genious poured out. Smart lyric, hard driving rock- nothing to dislike.