My Top 20 Albums of 2006!!

01/04/07 – 1 year and 2 days later… So happy together!
January 4, 2007
Checking in from Michigan
January 17, 2007
01/04/07 – 1 year and 2 days later… So happy together!
January 4, 2007
Checking in from Michigan
January 17, 2007
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MICHAEL GROSVENOR’S TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2006!!
1. 02 BRIAN VANDER ARK- “Angel Put Your Face On”

The 3rd release from The Verve Pipe frontman Brian Vander Ark shows an incredible depth and range of emotional and introspective songs. Since its release in May, Brian’s album has remained my top pick for 2006.

2. 03 GLEN PHILLIPS- “Mr. Lemons”

Having not met his expectations on his first two studio albums, Glen delivers with “Mr. Lemons.” With an honest, gentle, and at times gritty feel, this former Toad The Wet Sprocket frontman becomes an essential in any music collection.

3. 04 GOMEZ – “How We Operate”

Having only limited experience with their past catlog, “How We Operate” grabbed my attention as a smart, creative, and catchy effort. Few bands with multiple lead singers can pull it off this well.

4. 05 ROBINELLA – “Solace For The Lonely”

So much soul and feel in this Tennessee native. Her followup to 2003’s “CC String Band” album finds slicker production, more pop sensibility, and a nice blend of r&b and jazz.

5. BILLY JOEL – “12 Gardens LIVE”

A solid live release from Billy Joel.. Not holding my breath for a new album but happy to hear him performing so well still. My only complaints are the dropping of the key of a few songs and the noticible lack of longtime drummer Liberty DeVitto.

6. JOHN MAYER – “Continuum”

John Mayer continues to impress me with his ever evolving songwriting skills. His 4 stui albums are quite different and he has certainly grown up and that comes out with lead single “Waiting On The World To Change.” Pop smart and one great guitar player.

7. THE BEATLES – “Love”

Famed Beatles producer George Martin indeed put much love and care into reworking these Beatles classics. Hearing new life and energy in these songs is truly inspirational.

8. SNOW PATROL – “Eyes Open”

This album was a slow discover for me, which may have helped it stick around in my playlist longer. Very catchy, sincere, and incredible melodies.

9. MASON JENNINGS – “Boneclouds”

Turned onto me by singer/songwriter Ashton Allen, Mason Jennings’ Major Label debut is a bit of a departure from his previous records with a bit of a darker tone. This shift in mood adds another dimension to this Minnesota songwriter.

10. GOO GOO DOLLS – “Let Love In”

The masters of big soaring choruses, The Goo Goo Dolls do not dissapoint. Great songs, great emotions, and catchy as can be.

11. PRIMUS – “They Can’t All Be Zingers”

One of the most unlikely success stories of the 1990s, Primus did that by doing what they do best. What is that you ask? Well take a listen to this greatest hits album with one of the most talented, quirky, & clever bands of the past 20 years.

12. GARY JULES – “Gary Jules”

Most known for his cover of “Mad World” from Donnie Darko, Gary Jules delivers a very strong album which was recorded, produced, and funded by Gary. Great songs and stories.

13. CALLING MARVIN – “Big White Van”

This very uder the radar Michigan band deliveres a blues / pop / rock album of great tunes. Standout track is the clever “Gas Station Roses” which could be a hit by any Country artist. Also great is the tender “I Do.”

14. http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000G5SIMQ.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_V65008283_.jpg PETER BRADLEY ADAMS – “Gather Up”

One half of eastmountainsouth, Peter Bradley Adams comes with a Beatle-esque tender album with an incredible voice. Toured in 2006 with Ashton Allen, Brian Vander Ark, & Garrison Star. A great live show that I also highly reccomend.

15. SWITCHFOOT – “Oh! Gravity.”

This album was released the day after Christmas so barley made the deadline. This album, while having its share of catchy rock songs, has more artistic creativity than their past album. 6 albums in their career and no sign of slowing down.

16. FOO FIGHTERS – “Skin & Bones”

An incredible live/acoustic album from this great band features many Foo Fighters classics stripped down to their pure song element. I reccomend the great cut “Next Year.”

17. THE WORKING TITLE – “About Face”

The album that was 3 years in the making finally sees the light of day. This South Carolina band brings a unique vocal style with great musicianship. Stll flying under the radar, The Working Title has more to offer than others swimming in the same pool.

18. PETE YORN – “Nightcrawler”

Everything Pete Yorn releases will forever be compared to his incredible debut “Musicforthemorningafter.” This new record, “Nightcrawler” is a little less focused. With some different production, this album might pop more.

19. SHAWN MULLINS – “9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor”

Shawn’s first album in 5 years is much more stripped down than the slick “Beneath The Velvet Sun.” With Shawn’s grtty storytelling at its finest, “9th Ward” is sure to firmly plant Shawn Mullins back on the music map.

20. BUTCH WALKER – “The Rise And Fall Of..”

Powerpop master and an in demand producer, Butch Walker stretches is material further with a unique production approach. Some great songs on this record range from rock to tender, however, many of them translate much better on the live show.