December 14th, 2006
Hey, A.V. Club! Why didn't [insert big and/or critically acclaimed release here] make the Top 25? Some of those albums flirted with the bottom of the list, and some received no votes at all. In anticipation of angry letters, here's a compendium of conspicuous absences—and the reasons they didn't make it.
Cat Power, The Greatest (Matador)
Argument for inclusion: Chan Marshall backed by Al Green's band made a moving, beautiful, surprisingly soulful set.
And against: The base of support wasn't broad; it didn't seem to win new fans, and might have confused old diehards.
Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere (Downtown)
Argument for inclusion: The year's catchiest, most ubiquitous single, "Crazy."
And against: Everything else. There's plenty of fun to be had, but the remainder dims near the supernova of "Crazy."
Thom Yorke, The Eraser (XL)
Argument for inclusion: It sounds like a solid Radiohead record! Isn't top-10 status automatic?
And against: Without his cohorts' big guns—and the precious name—it ain't Radiohead.
Joanna Newsom, Ys (Drag City)
Argument for inclusion: Newsom's voice grates, but her talent is clear, and she's got great things ahead.
And against: In spite of gaudy orchestration heaped on by Van Dyke Parks and Jim O'Rourke—not to mention the absurd cover painting of Newsom gussied up like some medieval lady-in-waiting—the empress simply has no clothes this time around.
Lady Sovereign, Public Warning! (Def Jam)
Argument for inclusion: Sov is a charismatic rapper with a unique perspective. Sure, the album has misfires, but try to find a contemporary hip-hop album that doesn't.
And against: The best tracks have trickled out as singles over the past couple of years—and when glued together with lackluster cuts and a throwaway Missy Elliott verse, the result isn't enough to keep things flowing.
Sonic Youth, Rather Ripped (Geffen)
Argument for inclusion: Sonic Youth maintains all of its many strengths without getting stale.
And against: There isn't much more, especially for anyone who loved the urgency and catchiness of 2004's Sonic Nurse.
Clipse, Hell Hath No Fury (Jive)
Argument for inclusion: The long delays were worth it. The Virginia rap duo made a lean, swaggering record that's on par with classics like Ready To Die or Reasonable Doubt.
And against: It's great to hear Clipse back in action after an extended, industry-bullshit-mandated hiatus, but Pharrell's production frequently crosses the thin line separating minimalist from boring. And Hell lacks the emotional depth and complexity that distinguished Clipse's debut.
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