(What's the Story) Morning Blog Glory?

2006 proved to be an extraordinary and diverse year in music. I thought I spotted a bit of a pattern, when, at the beginning of the year, artists like James Hunter, Jenny Lewis and Grace Potter stormed onto the scene with soul, gospel, country and blues records that were faithful in structure, yet original in execution. It seemed American roots music was poised to be the story of the year.

But, not so fast! Roots segued into edgier rock, with amazing records coming from by bands fronted by expressive, wailing vocalists- i.e. Cold War Kids and the Kooks.

And then, there's just plain enjoyable, no filler rock and roll with vivid songwriting...whatever the category: Gomez, the Damwells, Ray LaMontagne, Camera Obscura, the Decemberists.

So, here is the trendless story the way I see it concluding in 2006.

ERIK'S TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2006
1.) Eric Lindell- Change in the Weather
2.) Neko Case- Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
3.) Joseph Arthur- Nuclear Daydream
4.) Anders Parker- Anders Parker
5.) Art Brut- Bang Bang Rock and Roll
6.) Cold War Kids- Robbers and Cowards
7.) Grace Potter and the Nocturals- Nothing But the Water
8.) Gomez- How We Operate
9.) Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins- Rabbit Fur Coat
10.) M. Ward- Post War


So, what's your musical story this year?