Out of all the albums I bought or listened to, I could only come up with three truly Albums of Awesomeness for 2006 (That were actually released in 2006). There are other good albums, yes, but these are the albums that stand up on their own for being great albums.
Best Album of the Year
Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country
Incredible songs that make you want listen over and over again. Listen to: Come Back Margaret, The False Contender, Let's Get Out of This Country, Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
Neko Case comes back with another solid album of country, gospel and torch songs that captivate the listener with her distinctive voice
Listen to: A Widow's Toast, Hold On Hold On, That Teenage Feeling, Lion's Jaws, John Saw That Number
The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes
It's a return to the girl group sounds of the sixties, with a y2k attitude! POLKA DOTS
Listen to: Judy, Pull Shapes, Dirty Mind, ABC, Why Did You Stay?