Editing the BC Magazine Best Album of 2006 was a big help to me in compiling my own. There was never a question in my mind as to which album I would select for top honors. Seeing the albums my co-conspirators selected reminded me of just how many great records were released this year. It is good to be reminded of this because the “too cool for school” kids (yes, I mean you, Pitchfork) will try to convince you nothing good is being made these days. That is bullshit. There are a ton of great records waiting to be discovered. I was going to say you just have to work a little harder to find them, but I am taking care of that for you.

These “Best Of” lists can sometimes be a work in progress. Sure, I can rattle off a list of the best albums I listened to with a 2006 copyright. Five years from now I could buy a 2006 album, one I missed, that would render this list moot. It could happen, but I am prepared to boldly proclaim these to be the best albums of 2006... that I heard in 2006.

I have divided my list into two categories: one for new albums and another for compilations, re-issues, and box sets.  I have also listed my current favorite track from each of the new albums.  In many cases, my favorite song on these albums has changed many times over.  These are the songs that are doing it for me today and if you are on limited funds, these are the songs I would check out first.  Of course, you will still need all of these albums.  This is just to get you started.  One last thing before we get to the list.  The links that follow will take you to those albums on this list I had the chance to review throughout the year.  With that, behold, my Best of 2006.  Happy New Year!

Best New Albums of 2006:

1. Guster – Ganging Up on the Sun: I know some of you wish I would promise to make 2007 a Guster-free year. That won’t happen. I listened to this album from beginning to end three times on the way to ring in the new year with friends in South Carolina. There may be no such thing as a perfect record, but Ganging Up on the Sun comes damn close. So many times an album is proclaimed to be the best of the year and is forgotten by next year. I cannot imagine that happening here. Current Favorite Track: "Satellite."

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