American Music Awards? Forget it. Grammy’s? A scam. Billboard? Fixed. Very rarely can money-greased industry insiders overlook the ties that bind them together in order to find the actual album of the year.

The Music Blog, an interesting Romanian source for a wide variety of musical exploration which I’ve been reading for a while now, had posted a poll earlier this year wherein the blog asked visitors to choose the album of the year from a short list that didn’t particularly appeal to me.

But what actually bothered me was I thought it was far too premature to select the 2006 Album of the Year when it was barely mid-April! But Mihai clearly felt enough good albums had been released by that point to make a winner clear. In my dissent, I’ve been secretly conspiring to find the real album of the year.

I had already discovered a little indie band in January which would make a strong candidate. Not wanting to be premature myself, I’ve been exploring all year both within my favorite genres and into styles I don’t much care for. From Serbia to Congo, Germany to Jamaica. It’s been an interesting auditory year.

When October rolled around, I thought a slamdunk winner might be The Decemberists. But their new album was a major disappointment in entertainment quality. I surmised the dismal failure in 2006 shows exactly how brilliant the production of Chris Walla (of DCFC fame) was on the hugely successful literary masterpiece, Picaresque, in 2005.

Honorable mention in the race to put out the best record of 2006 goes to Revolution Void, who really know how to jam! The new album Thread Soul is available free under a Creative Commons license. Fans of jazz, electronica, and/or lounge in a mature, ecletic mix will enjoy this release.

After listening to samples, I anticipate The Falling Star EP will be an excellent release from B! Machine near the end of the year. It may very well rank as third best when it’s finally released at the very end of the year. Synth aficionados can find it online; it won’t be in your local store.

“Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” was a killer debut from the Arctic Monkeys. It very easily ranks as the second best album of the year. I highly recommend it even though it was being hyped all year long. Critics? Even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while, y’all.

What, then, sits upon the throne this year?

An unmatched, powerhouse recording I first discovered in June.

The album in its’ entirety is the true story of its’ author through a tumultuous time which none of us would care to live through, if we had any choice. While each song is more than capable of standing on its’ own merit for, it very much deserves to be heard as a whole piece as originally intended.

“We Collide” is an outstanding album released in the UK and Germany by a band called Mesh.

I could tell you all about the sophisticated blend of piano, electronica, rock, synthpop, and acoustical intruments all executed in dramatic, emotional, and deeply personal fashion. We could discuss genuine artistry, entertainment value, and levels of quality. But instead I’ll simply help you sample a tiny, little bit for yourself.

No Place Like Home
Room With A View
Crash

If that piques your interest, then you need to understand the songs work best as a continuous flow because a story is being told. You may find the album in local stores, if they import records from the UK. You can certainly buy the album online as well as the maxi-disc for the acclaimed song “My Hands Are Tied.”

…Milt Friedman. The worms and weasels may continue to defy suveranitaţii individuale, yet the world of ideas remains a better place because of you. Thanks for your efforts.

It’s begun.