As I’ve mentioned before, I was moving and getting settled for most of the early part of 2006. As such, I present the DV faithful with the Top 14 of 2005 and 2006:
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14. Nickel Creek — Why Should The Fire Die?
Newgrass wunderkinds Nickel Creek break out of their sophomore slump with a tight, powerful CD of brilliant music.
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13. Blackmore’s Night — Winter Carols
I don’t often put holiday music on this list, but I had to in this case. Candace Night has the most beautiful voice currently recording.
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12. Il Divo — Siempre
Yes, they’re manufactured. Yes, they’re still incredible. Powerful vocals and harmonies make this romantic album the Get Lucky CD of 2006.
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11. America — Here And Now
I haven’t reviewed this one yet, but it’s stayed in my CD drive at work since I opened it.
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10. Culann’s Hounds — Year Of The Dog
Music to drink and dance by. San Francisco’s Culann’s Hounds puts out Irish music for the masses.
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9. Sam Bush — Laps In Seven
The master of the mandolin does it again. Be the first on your block to own a great CD with a song in 7/4 time.
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8. Rig The Jig — Finding The Gold
More good Irish music that’s not sappy New Age crap. Between “Please Don’t Bury Me” and “Supermarket Wine,” this is great stuff.
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7. Eleni Karaindrou — Elegy For The Uprooting
Majestic, magical classical music, recorded live in Karaindrou’s home town. Not to be missed.
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6. Manhattan Transfer — Symphony Sessions
One of the greatest harmony ensembles in history live with a symphony orchestra. What more can you ask for?
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5. The Muckrakers — Front Of The Parade
In a truly just world, they’d be famous. As it is, Louisville, Kentucky’s The Muckrakers is the best straight-ahead rock band I’ve heard in a long time…
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4. Carbon Leaf — Love Loss Hope Repeat
…except for maybe these guys. Carbon Leaf comes back with a kick-ass follow-up to their incredible Indian Summer.
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3. Kate Bush — Aerial
More mature and wiser, the Princess of Faerie becomes the Queen on this breathtaking two-album set.
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2. Phideaux — The Great Leap
Indescribably brilliant. Help spread the gospel of Phideaux, brothers and sisters.
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1. Soundtrack — Spring Awakening
I listen to it daily. It haunts my dreams. Incredible -– and the CD of the Year.
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