2006 has been a magnificent year for truly great albums and one of the best years ever. It’s also been a year in which the musical diversity of our selection has also never been greater. You may be surprised at the absence of Razorlight or The Feeling or albums included in the summer’s Mercury Nationwide Music Prize. Perhaps it’s because we look deeper, we listen longer, and are more judgmental. Perhaps it’s because we set our sights much higher, and ignore the hype that follows certain acts. Ultimately we offer a fully independent view of music, most of which you won’t hear on UK radio - for now anyway. In January 2007, if you live within striking distance of Wrexham, you will be able to hear all of these albums in our weekly radio show on Wrexham’s newest FM radio station ( more details later), and hopefully a little later on our webcasts.

All albums selected were released between January 2006 and December 2006, and while a few may not have received a full UK release they were available via our affiliate online retailer, Amazon. If you a serious, eclectic music lover and continue to seek inspiration, look no further.

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova THE SWELL SEASON. Plateau

An emotional and musical tour de force from the Frames lead man and our most played album in 2006.

Damien Rice 9. 14th Floor

The big question is whether Rice’s second album would exceed the quality and emotional power of O. It did.

Deftones SATURDAY NIGHT WRIST. Maverick

A truly devastating and innovative heavy metal album which saw the Deftones return to their melodic ways.

Imogen Heap SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. Megaphone

This album marks the point at which Heap came out of the shadows and conquered the USA. A pop masterpiece is ever there was one.

The Frames THE COST. Plateau

Ireland’s most loved band and criminally ignored by the UK media. This album is superb and includes the anthem for our turbulent times, ‘People Get Ready.’

Regina Spektor BEGIN TO HOPE. Sire

A superb pop/folk album full of amazing twists and turns. It’s also a highly original and accessible piece of work from a great young live performer.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela RODRIGO Y GABRIELA. Rubyworks

This Mexican acoustic guitar duo live in Ireland where this instrumental album went to the top of the album chart. Listen and you’ll see why.

Patricia Barber MYTHOLOGIES. Blue Note

Chicago’s Barber based the writing of this amazing jazz record on the work of an ancient Roman poet. It’s an accessible jazz masterpiece from one of the best in the business.

The Howling Bells THE HOWLING BELLS. Bella Union

Mainstream rock of the highest quality from an Australian band capable of flooring a crowd live. And one of several great albums from indie label, Bella Union in 2006.

Archie Bronson Outfit DERDANG DERDANG. Domino

This powerfully rhythmic punk rock record beat the shit out of Arctic Monkeys or indeed any other guitar band in 2006. It’s as cool as fuck, and then some…

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Ani DiFranco REPRIEVE. Righteous Babe

The finest female folk singer/songwriter in the world today, and creator of a meticulous string of records exhibiting supreme integrity, emotional and sonic power. This is no exception.

My Latest Novel WOLVES. Bella Union

Highly original Folk rock debut from this UK band who can also deliver the goods live. One of the UK’s most interesting bands right now, and this album is a real treasure.

Lupen Crook ACCIDENTS OCCUR WHILE SLEEPING. Tap ‘n Tin

The UK’s most distinctive and original singer/songwriter and an album that makes one stop and think, laugh and cry. I recently saw a live show that blew me away with its emotional intensity.

Fionn Regan THE END OF HISTORY. Bella Union

An intensely introspective and beautiful album from an Irish singer/songwriter well on the road to matching the success of fellow countryman Damien Rice. A gorgeous debut.

Devics PUSH THE HEART. Bella Union

A gentle, contemplative soft rock album, strong on melody with penetrating vocal performances from Sara Lov.

Josh Ritter THE ANIMAL YEARS. V2

Singer/songwriter Ritter’s best album by far. Every song has a powerful message backed by superb melodies and confident vocals. An epic, bold album.

Calexico GARDEN RUIN. City Slang

The band has taken a more mainstream country rock route with this album and it’s paid off handsomely. My favourite Calexico album, and for lovers of country rock, a must-have.

Flipron BISCUITS FOR CERBERUS. Tiny Dog

This eccentric British band have created an album with several unique qualities including that of humour. There’s also a mix of moods and pace that’s endearing.

Midlake THE TRIALS OF VAN OCCUPANTHER. Bella Union

Lovely harmonies, lovely melodies and lyrics, an a gentle vibe that is mesmerising. A beautiful album.

Jennifer Terran FULL MOON IN 3. Grizelda

This American singer/songwriter writes and sings the most emotionally intense music, and this album is a most beautiful example. Available from www.amazon.com and her own website.

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Sarah Harmer I’M A MOUNTAIN. Zoe

With this album Harmer has at last tapped her real potential as a singer/songwriter. There’s a gentle, optimistic country folk vibe that’s irresistible.

Wolfmother WOLFMOTHER. Modular

This young Australian threesome record in the classic rock style adding their own modern twists and turns. An accomplished rock album.

The Trews DEN OF THIEVES. Epic

Another superb, traditionally moulded rock album from a Canadian band that provided one of our live highlights of 2006.

Laibach VOLK. Mute

Take national anthems from a dozen countries, translate them into the rock language, while adding your take on that country. Laibach has created a unique and compelling album.

The Fever IN THE CITY OF SLEEP. Kemado Records

A raw rock dissertation of the highest quality, and diverse in pace and mood. A fabulous record that deserves more attention.

Grandaddy JUST LIKE THE FAMBLY CAT. V2

A fond and fabulous farewell from the band that turned rock on its head and came up smelling so, so sweet.

The Strokes FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EARTH. Rough Trade

The band’s second album and its best. Fresh, inventive, highly rhythmic and beautifully produced.

Soledad Brothers THE HARDEST WALK. Loog

Solid rock riffs, vocals, and songs bursting with life. Try to keep your feet from tapping when this baby spins.

Neil Young LIVING WITH WAR. Reprise

Written and recorded in weeks rather than months, Young’s disillusionment with his country’s president is reflected in simple yet powerful musical terms.

Ed Harcourt THE BEAUTIFUL LIE. Heavenly

Harcourt gets better and more adventurous with each album, and this is his best.

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The Vines VISION VALLEY. Heavenly

The band came of age with this album and the future’s looking bright…

Cut Chemist THE AUDIENCE IS LISTENING. Warner

This album has a eclectic sound that Cut Chemist has created by drawing from his vast knowledge and huge collection of music. It’s fantastic.

Morning Runner WILDERNESS IS PARADISE NOW. Parlophone

The band to watch out for in 2007 based on this glorious, passionate debut.

The Storys THE STORYS. Korova

The new Welsh band who can country rock as good as the Americans. This album proves it.

Sergeant Buzfuz THE JEWELLED CARRIAGEWAY. Blang

Ignore the act’s silly name and just listen to the music. This is memorable and distinctive folk pop from a truly independent spirit.

Thrice VHEISSU. Mercury

The band has carved out a solid lead in the emo metal stakes with this adventurous record.

Anemo SLOWBURN. City Canyon

The natural successor to Heart with hugely melodic songs and a female lead vocal as powerful as they come. A really great record.

My Chemical Romance THE BLACK PARADE. Reprise

A brave concept album that works big-time. The question now is just how big will this band become…

Yellowcard LIGHTS AND SOUNDS. Parlophone

An epic and tuneful heavy rock record from Yellowcard.

Public Symphony PUBLIC SYMPHONY. PS

An intriguing mix of soul and pop with glorious instrumental arrangements and great tunes.

Muse BLACK HOLES & REVELATIONS. Warner Brothers

Gloriously over-the-top and larger than life.

Mohair SMALL TALK. Ear Candy

For many reviewers this album seemed to slip under the radar which is a shame as its an excellent album with strong hints of ELO, and much more.

Vega 4 YOU AND OTHERS. Columbia

Pop rock just doesn’t get much better than this. The new Ocean Colour Scene?