POWER OF POP ALBUMS OF 2006
1. The Decemberists – Crane Wife
Do 12-minute progressive rock suites, murder ballads and jangly pop tunes make for a commercial major label debut? Certainly not, but it does make Crane Wife the album of the year.
2. Yo La Tengo – I’m Not Afraid of You and I’ll Kick Your Ass
An almost comprehensive treatise on rock history but in sound! With no two tracks sounding alike, Yo La Tengo flex their eclectic muscle to maximum effect. A dizzying experience.
3. Pernice Brothers – Live a Little
Our chamber pop darlings have returned with a spine-tingling set that recalls the Bee Gees, Zombies, Nick Drake & the Left Banke. Joe Pernice has never been in better voice.
4. Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus Three – Ole Tarantula
Ah, it had to come, the psychedelic folk-rock blues masterpiece for this decade. Conclusively proving that when Robyn elects to rock out, there are precious few who can come near his wild mercurial splendor.
Joanna Newsom is unique with a style, technique and attitude all her own. With Van Dyke Parks providing a wondrous conduit with the past, Joanna Newsom’s eyes are firmly focused on the future.
