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So, this new year is now three months old; not quite so new anymore. Times have been pretty good, as has the music. While not a stellar three months for releases, there have been many solid releases that have kept me happy and excited while listening to them. Here is my list for the TOP 5 albums released so far in 2006, along with some honorable mentions:
5. Burst-Origo: A heavy yet lovely album from this Swedish band. The riffs are heavy, the music is loud, and everything sounds incredible. (Relapse)
4. No Trigger-Cayoneer: If the idea of a band sounding like a mixture between Strike Anywhere and A Wilhelm Scream sounds good to you, then you will love this album as much as I do. (Nitro)
3. The Loved Ones-Keep Your Heart: Melodic pop punk that maintains its integrity instead of writing something that could go straight to the mainstream. The Loved Ones have what it takes to make a lot of people notice them. (Fat)
2. The New Amsterdams-Story Like a Scar: Matt Pryor is back with The New Amsterdams, and I couldn't be happier. This album has some more upbeat moments, remiscent of The Get Up Kids, but there are still the slow, sad sounding hopeful songs that I have come to know and love with this band. (Vagrant)
1. The Lawrence Arms-Oh, Calcutta!: I absolutely love this album, and can listen to "Like a Record Player" on repeat and not get sick of it. This is easily the best material that the band has ever written, and is the early front runner for Album of the Year. (Fat)
There are two EPs that I feel deserve special attention:
Blood on the Tracks: I really dig this emo indie pop rock band. Their songs are very catchy and put me in a relaxed mood. (Em Dash)
NOFX-Never Trust a Hippy: If the six songs on here are any indication of what to expect on their upcoming Wolves in Wolves Clothing, than this may be the best material they have written since Punk in Drublic, and we all know how good that album was. (Fat)
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Anti Flag-For Blood and Empire, Armalite, Neko Case-Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, October Fall-A Season in Hell, Ranchy-Death Pop Romance, Rise and Fall-Into Oblivion, Some Girls-Heaven's Pregnant Teens, The Sword-Age of Winters, and Rocky Votolato-Makers.
Written by: RF