Tag Archives: Decades

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Song of the Day #6,609: ‘Lived in Bars’ – Cat Power

Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…

The Greatest was Atlanta singer-songwriter Cat Power’s seventh studio album, and one that introduced her to a wider audience. It’s certainly the one that introduced her to me, although it took five years for me to pick up a used copy at a favorite record store.

This was my first and only exposure to Cat Power, stage name of Chan Marshall, so I can’t say if it’s par for the course or a departure. Based on the reviews I’ve read, it’s a bit of both, more expansive musically while maintaining her downbeat style.

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Song of the Day #6,608a: ‘The View from the Afternoon’ – Arctic Monkeys

Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…

The fastest-selling debut album in UK history, Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not is a blast of pure post-punk adrenaline and a gripping introduction to one of Britain’s most successful and celebrated bands.

I thought this might be the first Arctic Monkeys song featured on the blog, but I was surprised to see they’ve shown up three times before. Most recently, guest blogger Daniel named the band’s 2022 album The Car as his favorite 2022 release.

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Song of the Day #6,608: ‘Everybody Knows’ – Dixie Chicks

Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…

I came very close to putting the Dixie Chicks album Taking the Long Way on my personal top ten of 2006, but listening to it again I realized I’m very enthused by about half of its tracks and could give or take the rest.

But I definitely wanted to feature it this week because it’s a milestone record with artistic, commercial, and political import — the rare album of true historic cultural significance.

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Song of the Day #6,606a: ‘Act of the Apostle’ – Belle and Sebastian

Continuing a countdown of my favorite albums of 2006…

#1 – The Life Pursuit – Belle and Sebastian

My favorite 2006 album is one of my favorite releases by one of my favorite artists, and therefore a shoo-in for this spot.

After four gentle indie pop releases between the mid-90s and 2000, Scottish septet Belle and Sebastian entered the 2000s with the goal of expanding their sound. Dear Catastrophe Waitress (2003) was their first foray into a more upbeat electronic territory, and The Life Pursuit continued that evolution.

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Song of the Day #6,606: ‘Maybe Sparrow’ – Neko Case

Continuing a countdown of my favorite albums of 2006…

#2 – Fox Confessor Brings the Flood – Neko Case

The fourth album by alt-country singer-songwriter Neko Case is a gothic treasure, as rich and tactile as maple syrup from her home in rural Vermont.

Fox Confessor Brings the Flood spins everyday life into romantic fairy tales, with Case’s pure, aching vocals bringing conviction to every note.

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