Albums of the Year, 2006 – Paul Howard

1. Buzzcocks: Flat-Pack Philosophy
Standout track: Wish I Never Loved You

30 years on from Ever Fallen in Love? Pete Shelley’s still singing about love-gone-wrong, though these days it’s from an adult rather than teen-angst perspective. Still inventive, still joyous, still sing along after all these years.

2. Joanna Newsom: Ys
Standout Track: Emily

I guarantee that the first time you hear this, you’ll be perplexed. Five very long tracks, dense meandering songs, shimmering string arrangements and Joanna plays the Harp. Joanna’s voice is by turns Billie Holiday, Bjork, Kate Bush and thankfully herself. Some critics have even compared this to Van Morrisons Astral Weeks. Persevere for a few plays and suddenly it all snaps into focus. “Come on home now, all my bones are dolorous with Vines”. Brilliantly original, the most important record of the year despite the awful symbolic cover.

3. Basement Jaxx: Crazy Itch Radio
Standout Track: Take Me Back To Your House

Another great album from the Brixton boys. While it might not quite hit the heights of previous releases Kish Kash or Rooty, it’s still intelligent dance floor electronica that you can actually enjoy in your living room. Another great stew of hip-hop, ragga, Latin, R&B, soul, garage and much more besides.

4 .Thea Gilmore: Harpo’s Ghost
Standout Track: The Gambler

It’s been 3 years since Thea’s last album, Avalanche, so welcome back! I’m not convinced that this is her strongest album but a combination of that voice, clever lyrics and a variety of arrangements (from folky introspection to full on rock) ensures this is streets ahead of the singer/songwriter competition. One listen to The Gambler should have you hooked.

5. The Lemonheads: The Lemonheads
Standout Track: Become The Enemy

Remember the Lemonheads? Classic albums like It’s A Shame About Ray defined the early Nineties alt.rock sound. With pop stardom beckoning, Evan Dando lost it in a blizzard of drugs, subsequently releasing sporadic solo albums with only limited appeal to hardcore fans like me. Now the Lemonheads are back – that languid voice, tight arrangements and great tunes – and it’s like they’ve never been away. Rockin’ driving music.