I was hoping to have this countdown finished by the end of 2006, but it didn't quite happen. So here's to a great 2007 as the countdown continues...
30. The Greatest - Cat Power (Matador) [buy it here]
Chan Marshall heads to Memphis and teams up with some legendary local soul musicians to craft one of the more straightforward albums of her career, and what a treat it is.
Check Out: "The Greatest", "Where Is My Love"
29. Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam (J) [buy it here]
Forget the naysayers, forget those waiting for another Ten. Pearl Jam has consistently been putting out overlooked and underappreciated albums, this is just another in that string - and the most satisfying from start to finish since the '90s.
Check Out: "Marker In The Sand", "Come Back"
28. Yellow House - Grizzly Bear (Warp) [buy it here]
This Brooklyn-based band turns the intriguing sketches of their debut album into full-fledged epic experimental pop songs, full of a hazy and dreamlike quality that never fails to astound.
Check Out: "Easier", "Knife"
27. Remember the Night Parties - Oxford Collapse (Sub Pop) [buy it here]
Is it too soon for early 1990's indie rock nostalgia? Apparently not, especially when done this well. Oxford Collapse combines the best elements of the last decade of American indie (even emo, back when that term actually meant somthing) on their spectacular third album.
Check Out: "Please Visit Our National Parks", "Molasses"
26. Alright, Still - Lily Allen (EMI) [buy it here]
The UK pop sensation of 2006 simply oozes charm throughout each of this disc's eleven tracks, she'll be bringing her spunky wit to these shores early in the '07.
Check Out: "LDN", "Smile"
25. Age of Winters - The Sword (Kemado) [buy it here]
These Austinites churn out pummeling down-tempo retro metal that recalls the mighty Black Sabbath more than once over the course of this heavy disc.
Check Out: "Freya", "Winter's Wolves"
24. The Crane Wife - The Decemberists (Capitol) [buy it here]
America's favorite hyper-literate indie rockers jump to a major label and discover prog rock on their excellent fourth album.
Check Out: "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)", "The Crane Wife, Pts. 1 & 2"
23. Sam's Town - The Killers (Island) [buy it here]
For their long-awaited sophomore album, the band ditches the glitz of Vegas for the grime of backroad Americana via the pomp and circumstance of U2 and Springsteen. Even more surprising? It actually words.
Check Out: "This River is Wild", "Read My Mind"
22. Rather Ripped - Sonic Youth (Geffen) [buy it here]
The elder statesmen of noisy indie rock once again prove they can rock harder than kids one third their age. It's a bit more focused and concise than the some of the other recent offerings, but that doesn't make it any less exciting or engaging.
Check Out: "Pink Steam", "Incinerate"
21. The Shining - J Dilla (BBE) [buy it here]
The late Dilla's second outstanding album of this year, this is the more traditional hip-hop of the two. Teaming up with emcess like Busta Rhymes, Guilty Simpson, Black Thought, and Common this is an excellent showcase of the producer's talent.
Check Out: "Baby", "So Far To Go"
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