Top 2 CDs of 2006

Here's my selection for the best vocal and the best instrumental CD of 2006, for rock/pop music. First, my criteria. Personality is everything. When I hear someone playing, I love to realize "No-one else in the world would think of doing that": the Joe Zawinul/Garth Hudson/Mike Oldifeld class of musicians. Similarly, when I hear someone singing, I love to think "In some way, I know that person now": the Al Green/Carole King/James Bowman class of singers.

Best instrumental CD? Squarepusher Hello Everything in particular The Modern Bass Guitar which really shows how far the goalposts have moved for live digital musicians.

Best sung CD? Yusef An Other Cup I'd have preferred more of the old aggressiveness (don't laugh), more Jean Rousel, more post-1974 sounds, and few extra vocal takes. But while it doesn't make me want to convert to Islam, other singers sound shallow and insincere after it.