Start the Countdown

It's time, CSVMAD readers! Oh yes.
We're going to start counting down the 20 best albums of 2006. Here's out it is going to work:

We're going to give you 20-16 and 15-11 in the coming days. Then, Patrick and I will be releasing albums 10-1 (2 at a time, like the animals in Noah's ark) as we flood you with the best music of the year.

Notice: We're going to make a playlist available made up of select songs from the albums that are part of the countdown.

So don't wake up just yet, or else you might miss Sandburg's Top 20 in your dream.

20. Matisyahu-Youth
I have to give props to Matisyahu, who seems to have outlasted the novelty label that everyone has placed upon him. I must admit that I was more impressed by his first album, Shake off the Dust...Arise, but Youth sees Matisyahu expanding his musical capabilities. Isn't it refreshing to see someone devoutly religious only encouraging people to discover what kind of religiosity works for them? Yes, yes it is.
Buy Youth here.
Listen to "Jerusalem" as part of Sandburg's Top 20 Playlist.

19. Jamie Lidell-Multiply
Jamie Lidell used to make freaky electronic music. A lot of it was not very good. Then Jamie Lidell discovered he had an amazing voice. Lidell then made awesome music. Multiply features retro-style, funky grooves that gets jazzed up and 'bluesed' down by Lidell's vocals. It seems like Lidell has opened the door and it doesn't look like the door is closing anytime soon.
Buy Multiply here. Also check out Multiply Additions here.
Listen to "Multiply" as part of Sandburg's Top 20 Playlist.

18. The Damnwells-Air Stereo
I just posted about these guys, so that this selection wouldn't come out of left field. If you don't remember what we wrote or you just got here because of elbo.ws, then read the post here.
Buy Air Stereo here.
Listen to "I've Got You" as part of Sandburg's Top 20 Playlist.

17. The Kooks-Inside In Inside Out
The Kooks could be terrible. Thank God they're not. The Kooks have got that severe British accent that can sometimes be a total detriment to the sound. But The Kooks have managed to pull it all together and create an awesome rock album that's both catchy and interesting.

Buy Inside In Inside Out here.
Listen to "She Moves in Her Own Way" as part of Sandburg's Top 20 Playlist.

16. Bernard Fanning-Tea & Sympathy
Read what we wrote about him in this post.
Buy Tea & Sympathy here.
Listen to "Further Down the Road" as part of Sandburg's Top 20 Playlist.