Album(s) of the Year

I believe these to be the best albums released in 2006. I consider a "best album" to be one that makes an impact as a package, not just one song. That said, my eligibility rules are far more simple than the Grammy Awards. And I hope you find these selections more tasteful. Buy them today and support these artists. In no specific order....

Blowoff "Blowoff"
If there were a gay bar that played great rock and roll, this would be on the playlist. An 80s music hero, Bob Mould (Husker Du & Sugar), makes great butch dance music with some dynamic rock and roll. His best in years. Plus, these men are not hard to look at.







Pet Shop Boys "Fundamentalism" (bonus disc)
Back together with uber-producer Trevor Horn, as it should be. A great political statement, and it’s easy to dance to. “In Private” is among the gayest songs ever recorded and timely considering all the political and religious "outings" we've seen in 2006. And PSBs are SO fun in concert-- thanks Pat and Dave.





The Hold Steady “Boys & Girls in America”
This is the band we all drank to in college as they covered songs by other bands. Only better. And they write their own songs. Great rock and roll and harmonies to humm along to. As Jan would say: good clean fun.







TV on the Radio “Return to Cookie Mountain”
Simply put, nobody makes music like this. Nobody. And David Bowie sings back-up. You can't go wrong.











Carbon Leaf “Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat”
The best album title of the year. And hooks and folkish guitars abound. Sounds like The Fray meets Foo Fighters meets The Cranberries.








Scissor Sisters “Ta-Dah”
Speaking of great album titles, here’s the gayest one of the year. And it contains, hands down, the best song of the year that never saw the light of day: I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ featuring Elton John. Why was that song not a hit? More fun. Just not always clean.






Corinne Bailey Rae
THE breakout artist of the year. Amazing voice. Great songwriting. And hooks that make me breathless. And she's just 24 years old. Girl, put your records on. And hopefully win a Grammy.




















A tie: John Mayer “Continuum” and Elton John “The Captain & the Kid” John Mayer grows up. And writes the album to be played at the DNC in Denver. Mayer finally realizes that he’s not Jimi Hendrix, but that he’s one great songwriter. And thanks to Elton John, which is why “Captain and the Kid” is tied here because if Elton did not exist, Mayer would be a working security at rock concerts instead of having women's underwear thrown at him when he performs.


Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris “ All The Roadrunning”
This couple was born to make music together. Songs that move you.










"Taking the Long Way” Dixie Chicks
Not only are they talented, but they’re right. But left. Forget everything you think you know about country music. And remember everything you know the First Amendment.









"Begin to Hope" Regina Spektor
Why has Starbucks not discovered her? Spektor shares more of herself in one song than most artists do in a career. Intimate. Amazing. Goes great with a latte. I hope we've only began to hear the impact this album will have. Stay tuned for Regina Spektor.






Coming up next, the best singles of the year.