my favorites of 2006

i'm not certain that art can be qualified. i'm not a huge believer in "best of" lists or art being awarded trophies. that being said, i do like the idea of reflecting on the year's artistic output and listing some of my favorites. so here they are.

movies

"the proposition" directed by john hillcoat
this is an incredible film written by nick cave. it is one of the most evil films i have ever seen, and also, one of the most beautiful. it is haunting and provoking. check out my write-up on it in my archives.

also,
"stranger than fiction" directed by marc forster
"the departed" directed by martin scorsese
"the last king of scotland" by kevin macdonald
"babel" by alejandro gonzález iñárritu
"dave chappelle's block party" directed by michel gondry
"little miss sunshine" directed by dayton / faris

records

"roots & crowns" by califone
the music defies description, but this record may be this creative bands best yet. maybe. think brian eno going into the studio with ralph stanley.

also,
"nuclear daydream" by joseph arthur
"nashville" by solomon burke
"begin to hope" by regina spektor
"let's get out of this country" by camera obscura
"the loon" by tapes n' tapes
"the brave and the bold" tortoise and bonnie "prince" billy
"a blessing and a curse" by the drive-by truckers
"i'm not afraid of you and i will beat your ass" by yo la tengo
"modern times" by bob dylan
"boys and girls in america" by the hold steady
"the boxing mirror" by alejandro escovedo

letters

"what is the what" by dave eggers
an important story written by an author with a redemptive agenda. it is also reported that the proceeds from the book will go to valentino achak deng foundation, to help restore sudan and it's refugees. buy it for that alone. read it to become a better person.

also,
"the road" by cormac mccarthy
"the driftless area" by tom drury