A Baker's Dozen Plus One: Albums of 2006

1 - Modern Times, Bob Dylan
2 - Black Cadillac, Rosanne Cash
3 - Songs For Christmas, Sufjan Stevens
4 - Love, The Beatles
5 - The Seeger Sessions, Bruce Springsteen
6 - American V: A Hundred Highways, Johnny Cash
7 - The Town and The City, Los Lobos
8 - One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This, New York Dolls
9 - The Information, Beck
10 - Living With War, Neil Young

Honorable Mention: Dixie Chicks' Taking The Long Way, Tom Petty's Highway Companion, Pearl Jam, Prince's 3121

Random Notes

- How is it that Bob Dylan can record three consecutive masterpieces after not having released a single album of original tunes between 1976 and 1997 which came close to deserving that label? While it may be one of the enduring mysteries of the rock 'n roll era, I'm sure that the answer is there somewhere within the recesses of Dylan's brain. A partial answer may be found in Chronicles Vol. I, his idiosyncratic but highly entertaining autobiography - for whatever reason he lost his inspiration, and while there were great songs in that 21-year period, there was nothing that, in and of itself, would justify his claim as the greatest American rock and roller, aside from Elvis himself. On Modern Times, Dylan demonstrates clearly that he has mastered American popular music from 1930 on - 30s pop, blues shuffles, all-out rockers - he nails them all.

- Rosanne Cash's tribute to her late parents is her best album; deeply affecting and brilliantly recorded.

- Sufjan Stevens may not hit the right notes on every song, but his 5-CD set (a compilation of home recordings made as Christmas presents for friends and family) never wavers in its spirit. The best pop Christmas album since We Three Kings by The Roches was released in 1990.

- Love is not only a heartfelt tribute to The Beatles, it is proof positive of George Martin's brilliance as a producer. Even if you own every single one of these songs, this is a must-have.

- As previously noted, The Seeger Sessions is the sound of a great artist having fun, and sometimes making great art in the process.

- It's time to make room on Mt. Rushmore for Johnny Cash.

- The depth and breadth of Los Lobos' work over a 25-year period is astonishing, and this was one of their best. From the playfullness of "A Dog And A Bone" to the social commentary of much of the album, an exquisite example of a band of true professionals at their best.

- New York Dolls? Are you kidding me? Yes, there is life in David Johansen.

- Is Beck's work authentic? Does it really matter?

- Whether you agree with his politics or not, Neil Young deserves credit for trying. And the guitars sizzle.