Top Ten Indie-Rock Albums of 2006

If you mostly listen to top-forty music, you've probably never heard of most of these bands- but you should have. These are the top indie-rock releases of 2006, and part of the charm is that you'll probably never hear them on the radio.

1. 9 by Damien Rice
9 is the kind of album you would throw on when you just want to listen to amazing mellow music. Although slightly depressing lyrics and instrumentals are a trademark of Damien Rices'- 9 will haunt you long after you've stopped listening. His music from his previous album, O, as well as the music from 9 has been featured on many television shows including Grey's Anatomy.9 is the second full length studio album to be released by Damien Rice. The songs "9 Crimes", "The Animals Were Gone", and "Accidental Babies" are highlights of the album. You can listen to "9 Crimes" on Damien Rice's MySpace page if you want to get a feel for his sound.

2. Noise Floor (Rarities: 1998-2005) by Bright Eyes
Bright Eyes mainly consists of lead singer and guitarist, Conor Oberst. The other instrumentals on all Bright Eyes albums are done by rotating musicians. Bright Eyes has long been known for eye-opening lyrics and strangely pleasant instrumentals. Noise Floor is a plethora of mostly unreleased and rare tracks by Bright Eyes. You can basically hear the evolution of Conor Oberst's voice and sound as you go through each song on the album. Noise Floor is the ninth album by Bright Eyes. "I Will Be Grateful For This Day", "Happy Birthday To Me (Feb.15)", and "When the Curious Girl Realizes She is Under Glass, Again" are highlights from this must-have Bright Eyes album. You can listen to songs by Bright Eyes on their MySpace page if you want to get a feel for their sound.