#1 Album of 2006 + Sandburg's Top 20 of 2006 Mix

Drum roll please....

1. Under the Influence of Giants-Under the Influence of Giants
Maybe you're a little surprised by this selection, or maybe you're giving me that sly nod of semi-approval, or maybe (just maybe) you're thinking that I'm dead on. After careful deliberation over all the albums considered, I kept coming back to this one. Under the Influence of Giants is the album Sting and the Police would have made in 2006. It's edgy, but it isn't cookie-cutter. Under the Influence of Giants (UTIOG) have created the polyester of indie rock-pop, genre-spanning music. You're not really sure what exactly to call it, but when the falsetto starts to sound and the chords start to play, you just accept that this album is extraordinary. Think Eric Clapton, Sting and The Police, Maroon 5 (but much better), and various late 80s bands that are un-namable at this point.
There's a great deal of harmony in the album as a whole. They certainly complement each other vocally, but I'm more impressed with the way they incorporate intricate melodies, bridges, and solos into the songs themselves. Nothing is redundant or boring. This album is a well-planned party and everyone is invited. So check your presumptions at the door and just enjoy it. Whatever your tastes, this album is sure to please. For once, being 'Under the Influence' is a darn good thing.
Buy Under the Influence of Giants here.
Listen to "I Love You" and "Mama's Room" (an extra song!!) as part of Sandburg's Top 20 Playlist.

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Sandburg's Top 20 Playlist includes:
(21 songs, 1:21:56 total time, 123.6 MB)
Song Name-Artist
1. Jerusalem - Matisyahu
2. Multiply - Jamie Lidell
3. I've Got You - The Damnwells
4. She Moves in Her Own Way - The Kooks
5. Further Down the Road - Bernard Fanning
6. 1BR/1BA - Vienna Teng
7. Reach for Love - Ollabelle
8. Fall To Pieces - Razorlight
9. Three More Days - Ray LaMontagne
10. Napoleon Says - Phoenix
11. Heal Over - KT Tunstall
12. Today - Zero 7
13. Time Bomb - The Format
14. For The Price Of A Cup Of Tea - Belle & Sebastian
15. No Man's Land - Sufjan Stevens
16. His Majesty Rides - Josh Rouse
17. The Big Bang Jump! - Office
18. Riga Girls - The Weepies
19. Blue Mind - Alexi Murdoch
20. I Love You - Under the Influence of Giants
21. Mama's Room - Under the Influence of Giants

Let's not forget that there were some albums that didn't make the cut but are still worthy of praise...

Tobias Froberg-Somewhere in the City
Califone-Roots and Crowns
Jim Noir-Tower of Love
Josh Ritter-The Animal Years
Sonya Kitchell-Words Came Back to Me
Gomez-How We Operate
Cat Power-The Greatest
Sia-Colour the Small One