Top albums released this year, according to my ear and brain:

• Ratatat Classics – That tiger sample not only rocks, but had an influence in fashion.
• Knife, The Silent Shout – Simply the best.
• Be Your Own Pet Be Your Own Pet – YYYs for the kids!
• Sounds, The Dying To Say This To You – Finally, a non-idiotic balance of ’80s glam and rock.
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs Show Your Bones – An album so good only one rag managed to understand it.
• Aquarium, The Aquarium, The – The best DC band right NOW. Product is weak, so if you listen, max the bass and turn down the high ends a tad.
• Strokes, The First Impressions Of Earth – Great album that made me also realize how good the second album is.

Here are the best albums I heard, but not released, this year:

• Dolphy, Eric Out To Lunch – Amazing.
• Pitch Black Afro Styling Gel – If this country has any taste, whatsoever, African hip hop will blow up soon.
• Knife, The Deep Cut’s – The Knife’s three albums are on my best albums heard in 2006 list. Need I say more?
• Knife, The Knife, The – Why no one told me about these guys before will remain one of the world’s greatest crimes against Jason. Thanks LA!
• Sonic Youth – During a two week period I listened to Sonic Youth’s entire discography. Mind blowing. Shame on past relationshippees for not forcing me to sit down and focus.
• Hot Chip Coming On Strong – Too bad LA ruined the follow up for me by putting one of the tracks on loop.