Best 5 Albums of 2006
Friday, December 22nd, 2006 - 8:42pm
It's been a good year for music, whatever your tastes are. I generally like to look back at the albums that came out during the year and see which ones I enjoyed the most and which ones stayed with me. I also like the idea of sharing this type of selection with other individuals, since my suggestions might insight someone to check out an artist they might not have considered before (and vice versa, of course). So, here goes!
Muse – Black Holes and Revelations
A fantastic album with some truly stellar tracks, this trio released an album that stands on firm ground with their previous release (the stellar "˜Absolution'). Songs 2, 3 and 4 (Starlight, Supermassive Black Hold & Map of the Problematique, respectively) form a solid triumvirate of aural pleasure that consistently flick my head banging switch to the "˜On' position. I have a hard time listening to them separately, since they all flow so well together. The other tracks on the album are all extremely solid but the closing song, the galloping future-western Knights of Cydonia is another extremely strong tune with some definitely Queen influences shinning through.
BT – This Binary Universe
I posted something about this album earlier this year, and it's still an enigmatic piece of music to my ears. It's possibly one of the best sounding records I've ever heard, and the fact the it comes on CD & DVD in the same package is really unique: you can listen to the CD in any CD player, while the DVD adds a visual element and upgrades the sound to 5.1 Surround. And listening to it in 5.1 borders on a spiritual experience. The album is very meditative and hypnotizing at its core, letting the music do all the talking (since there are no lyrics on the album). At times, it can be deep and reflective and at others, be completely joyful. Truly a work of art.
As an aside: The DVD contains all the same tracks as the CD, only with an added visual element engineered by BT himself. I have a really hard time getting through the last track on the DVD without crying. It's called "˜Good Morning Kaia', and it's a piece Brian Transeau (BT) composed for his firstborn baby girl. The video consists of pictures and home-movies of Brian and his daughter, accompanied by a message from the proud father himself. It's seriously one of the most touching things I've ever seen in my life, and as a father, I can totally relate with the message he's sharing with his daughter and applaud him for expressing so eloquently what millions of parents feel for their children.
Dresden Dolls – Yes, Virginia
A recent discovery of mine: people on the Ars Technica boards were talking about this release and saying how it was one of the best albums of the year and I had never heard of it. So after listening to a few clips online that spiked my interest, I picked it up this week. It's absolutely unique and I completely believe it belongs in the best of the year. To describe it would be to borrow the Dolls' own description from their website: it's cabaret punk. The music is mostly just piano and drums, but it's insane how FULL the music sounds! The lyrics are extremely clever, and Amanda Palmer's voice is unique and entrancing, just like the music itself. It's vigorous, original, theatrical and genuinely a refreshing sound. I'd recommend anyone check out "˜Backstabber' or "˜My Alcoholic Friends' for a good idea what they sound like.
St. Elsewhere – Gnarls Barkley
Everybody knows their first single, "˜Crazy'. On the strength of that song, I picked up the album. And really, how can you go wrong when the first track on your album is called "˜Go-Go Gadget Gospel'? The album works shines as a whole, with songs flowing in and out of each other and sometimes stylistically mixing 2 genres that typically wouldn't work so well together into a cohesive piece. I think a lot of that has to do with the schizophrenic feeling behind the whole album. It's a challenging and original album with fantastic rhythms and catchy hooks.
K-Os – Atlantis: Hymns for Disco
K-Os is a hip-hop genius, period. He harkens back to when hip-hop had a soul (in my opinion). He's not one to rap about "˜hos' & "˜money' & being "˜in da club'. His lyrics are intelligent and tackle some interesting themes, from record industry corruption to positivity and unity: a far cry from most commercial hip-hop we hear on the radio. His songs are also really difficult to pin down: some have a definite 50's RnB vibe to them, while others wouldn't sound out of place on a Police album. K-Os is as comfortable rapping (which he does with aplomb) as he is with signing, so it brings an interesting dynamic to the album. While not as powerful as his previous release (the fantastic "˜Joyful Rebellion'), it's still an excellent record.
Surprise of the year:
Justin Timberlake – FutureSex / LoveSounds
There, I said it: this is a good album. My wife actually bought it shortly after release, and as much as I wanted to dislike it, there are some truly good tracks on the album. I'm not fond of the whole thing, but the first five songs on the CD are really good. There are definite shades of Prince on this album, but Timberlake (under the strong guidance and production work of Timbaland) really shines at moments. Lyrically he goes from "˜all confidence' to pathetic desperation. Those first five songs are really different from what he's done before and push the pop music envelope, but then (in my mind) some of the later songs don't really live up to the implied earlier potential and fall back a bit to the "˜same old, same old' thing we've heard from him before. All in all, it's a pop/funk collage that's very difficult to resist, and I actually applaud Timberlake for taking a chance with the record (now that's something I never thought I'd type!).
Cerebri Music - Play. Rewind. Repeat.
Twitter | Xbox Live: dhaelis | PSN: dhaelis
I see distressingly little classic rock or mid-90s punk and ska on that list.
Elysium: The democratization of the web ... has installed an illusion of a digital first amendment that protects speech no matter how poorly spelled or stupid.
XBL: E Munnie
elementsofmeaning.blogspot.com
Well, I am talking about original albums released during 2006, not what I bought in 2006. That would be a different list altogether.
Cerebri Music - Play. Rewind. Repeat.
Twitter | Xbox Live: dhaelis | PSN: dhaelis
Tangent:
Crap of the Year: Slayer- Christ Illusion
There's no illusion to this heap of Jell-O Instant Thrash. The only thing missing is the fake crowd noise, and Haunting the Chapel lives!
Cool of the Year: Tool- 10,000 Days
Pretentious at times, but solid sound and crunch. Like Rice Krispies. Too bad the next album will be out around, oh, 2010.
Thank You of the Year: Metallica- No Re-St. Anger
Let's take some time and put some production into the next album, will you, boys? You've got a really good bass player, so use him.
Shoulda Binna Contendah: Mushroomhead- Savior Sorrow
Savior money and hit Limewire. You may just delete the tracks you downloaded- and they were FREE.
Take Me Seriously, Seriouslier: Ministry- Rio Grande Blood
Ok, so you hate Republicans, you think the government destroyed the Twin Towers, and George Bush is evil. Does that give you license to re-release Psalm 69 with different lyrics?
You're Still Around? That's so 80s: Napalm Death- Smear Campaign
I think I've heard this one before, several times.
Thanks For More: Beck- Nausea
We need more, and Mars needs women. Cheers!
Recycle That Tune One More Time: Red Hot Chili Peppers- Dani California
Stop. Please. Just stop.
Put the Make-Up Back On: Stone Sour- Come What(ever) May
(repeat chorus 10 times)
Cause I'm looking at you through the glass
Don't know how much time has passed
All I know is that it feels like forever
But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,
sitting all alone inside your head
... SHUT UP, DICK!
MaxShrek .. The reason you keep falling, is there is no bottom.
Horror Vacui
I'm sorry, and this may be the official sign that I'm approaching "over the hill" status, but I have to say the following:
I just don't get Gnarls Barkley.
I've tried. Really. Listened to the album, and I just don't get it. I don't think it's all that innovative, and often times crosses the boring threshold.
I'm a fan of all styles...here are my choices:
1. Ray Davies - Other People's Lives
2. Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - All the Roadrunning/Real Live Roadrunning
3. Chris Whitley - Reiter In
4. Spoon - Gimme Fiction (I think this *might* be 2005, but I didn't buy it till this year:)
5. Love - The Beatles (Wow..what a fantasic remix/representation of these songs. They really sound "fresh", and I don't think I've ever heard the Beatles vocals sound better)
-Fan
There can be only one.
"I'm absolutely retarded. Not 100% sure why." - atom
"Dhelor + intarwebs = Great ideas." - wordsmythe
"Do I what I do: hate everyone." - Quintin_Stone
My tops of the year?
St. Elsewhere-Gnarls Barkley
I really liked the combination of Ce-Lo and Danger Mouse. On the edge and retro at the same time.
Game Theory-The Roots
Instant classic.
Shake The Sheets-Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
It took a couple of listens, but this is straight up, political, blow out the speakers goodness.
In Search of Sunrise #5 (Los Angeles)-Tiesto
The latest in the series, and my favorite of them. Perfect balance of tracks.
Citrus-Asobi Seksu
I've heard the whole album, and it makes it for New Years alone. Here's how the website describes the album:
Honorable Mentions:
Frontline (EP)-Captain
Silly, jangly but infectious Brit-pop. The lead singer sounds like Dave Gahan with a speech impediment.
Return to Cookie Mountain-TV on the Radio
Would have been in the top 5 if Ted Leo didn't rock so much.
I concur that JT is not all that bad, but I'm waiting for his transformation as the male version of Bjork before putting him in any list. It's coming!
Blog: GameFinance
Twitter: justinmwhitaker
Aww man. You beat me to a music post.
IAWTC.
XBL / Art / Blog (09/20) / Buy! (10/07)
Here's some of what I bought and enjoyed that came out this year.
Knives Don't Have Your Back - Emily Haines
Revelations - Audioslave
Whatever People Say I am... - The Arctic Monkeys
Show Your Bones - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Chemical City - Sam Roberts
The Sufferer and The Witness - Rise Against
Billy Talent II - Billy Talent
Carnavas - Silversun Pickups
Dying to Say This to You - The Sounds
Alright, Still - Lily Allen
Loose - Nelly Furtado
One X - Three Days Grace
I know that's more than five but I liked a lot of stuff this year. I bought some other albums this year but I can't say I like them as much as the stuff above yet.
The only things that spring to mind:
In Bocca Al Lupo - Murder by Death
Come Clarity - In Flames
Well, I don't like to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good amateur rectal photographer. Would you like to see my portfolio?
Song of the Week: ...on Facebook...
I just wanted to stop back in here to note that, according to Pandora, Catch 22, Reel Big Fish, and Less Than Jake are all still touring.
Elysium: The democratization of the web ... has installed an illusion of a digital first amendment that protects speech no matter how poorly spelled or stupid.
XBL: E Munnie
elementsofmeaning.blogspot.com
I've never been one to buy more than half a dozen new albums a year (would cut into my book money and time), so 10.000 Days almost wins by default.
And if I haven't seen further, it's because those bloody giants blocked my sight.
My quick list for this year
Mogwai - Mr Beast
Lambchop - Damaged
Secret Machines - 10 Silver Drops
Tool - 10,000 Days
Rammstein - Volkerball
"sous les paves, la plage !!"
Eve-Online : Elizabeth Lockley
Right there with ya. I find Crazy mildly catchy, but can't stand the album.
.. in no particular order:
Wolfmother - Wolfmother
Modern Times - Dylan
Broken Toy Soldiers - The Raconteurs
10,000 Days - Tool (album surprised me, I'm not the biggest Tool fan)
Stadium Arcadium - RHCP
Xbox Live: Chumtastic
I .. am a long time browser of these forums .. and finally signed up for this post
The Sounds - Dying to say this to you (so awesomely retro 80's .. I LOVE synth)
Goldfrapp - Supernature
Rock Kills Kid - Are you nervous
The Hush Sounds - Like Vines
The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
actually theres more than 5 that are my favorite .. some of these are re-listed by me .. and some of the others I like are listed by others ..
Off the top of my head:
Earth to America - Widespread Panic (pretty "accessible" album by WSP standards)
Elko - Railroad Earth (never heard of them before this, what a great surprise)
Safety in Numbers - Umphrey's McGee (they keep getting better, my favorite active band right now)
Bar 17 - Trey Anastasio (got kind of a bad rap, I liked it)
I felt like High & Mighty - Gov't Mule was a touch disappointing. But any opportunity to see Mule live is an opportunity you must take.
My top five:
5. M.Ward - "Post-War"
4. Gyptian - "Untitled (music by spliff) mixtape"
3. Witch - "Witch"
2. Benoit Pioulard - "Precis"
1. Man Man - "Six Demon Bag"
I did a somewhat in-depth post with reasonings on my blog here. I also wrote up a few notes on other albums I really liked this year.
I never have the time anymore to find new music. I bought three albums this year and they all rock:
Ben Folds - Supersunnyspeedgraphic
Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah
Muse - Black Holes and Revelations
The darkness comes and the darkness goes
Last.fm
Buying music is so pase.
(I'm kidding. Really.)
Blog: GameFinance
Twitter: justinmwhitaker
10,000 Days, I kind of like the new Muse too, nothing else really grabbed me this year I guess.
But Days is such a great album. Caught them on the latest tour twice, the title track is mind blowingly awesome live. Tool reigns surpreme. I do think this may be the last album for them though. I dont see them coming back after another 5+ year break.
Xbox Live Gamertag : Barab
EVE: Hannibal Dax
I would add the amazing Ys by Joanna Newsom.
1. Sunset Rubdown - Shut Up I am Dreaming
2. Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat
3. ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - So Divided
4. Islands - Return to the Sea
5. The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
I didn't even know The Dresden Dolls had a new album out this year until I read this thread. I'll have to check it out.
"YOU SPOIL, YOU GET SPOILED! AAAAHAHAHAHAHA!"
I liked her contribution to The Postal Service's 'Give Up' album, is her own stuff similar?
I've been meaning to check these guys out. Would you recommend I start with this album, or check out their prior one? I heard that one was good as well.
I haven't listened to their first album, but on the strength alone of 'Yes, Virginia' I'll definitely have to pick it up sometime.
I didn't even know he had a new album! I'll have to check it out.
Cerebri Music - Play. Rewind. Repeat.
Twitter | Xbox Live: dhaelis | PSN: dhaelis
Jenny Lewis: Her work in Rilo Kiley and as a solo artist are pretty much nothing like her vocal work in The Postal Service. She's an amazing singer, and I love her, but Rilo Kiley is appropriately billed as "alt-country" and Rabbit Fur Coat is a gospel album. But if you're willing to still run with it after realizing that, Rabbit Fur Coat is a great album. If you wanted to try out Rilo Kiley, I'd recommend "The Execution of All Things", but only because it's my personal favorite. For extra enjoyment, track down or download any pressing of the Rilo Kiley "Initial Friend" EP. The track list varies, but it's different from any of their other stuff, mainly because it feels like they haven't found their "sound", so it's all over the board. It's an interesting look at how they became what they are today, because you can pick out the pieces of it even from an early album like that. If you really dig The Postal Service and only like her vocals on that album, there's still good news for you, because there's rumbles of a second album being worked on depending on Ben Gibbard's (Death Cab for Cutie, he's the male lead vocal in Postal Service) and Jenny Lewis's schedules, as Jimmy T. (I can never spell his name right, but if you like the music in the Postal Service, he's the guy who made it, he also has a solo album out under the name Dntel you might like) has said he's open to the idea.
The Decemberists: They have four albums out, but I wouldn't start with The Crane Wife. Not that it's not good, just that they have a very specific weird storytelling way of making music, and I'm not sure I'd enjoy it half as much if I hadn't already spent years listening to their first three albums. Castaways and Cutouts is their first album, and that's a good place to start, but Her Majesty The Decemberists is my personal favorite. If you've never heard of Neutral Milk Hotel and you like The Decemberists, you should give "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" a try, because they owe a huge musical debt to that album. It's an amazing piece of work.
Ha, I missed that too. I didn't realize he had a new one out either. Awhile ago the other guys from Ben Folds formed a band called "International Orange" that was pretty good, but they dissolved before even releasing a full album. The EP's worth tracking down though. Their slogan was "It rhymes with rock!" (Ha, ha, orange, get it?)
"YOU SPOIL, YOU GET SPOILED! AAAAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Pretty sure that was a 2004 release.
edit: Yup, October 18, 2004.
XBox Live|Tshirts|xfire | Last.fm
God damn, even after one listen through, I'm loving the new Dresden Dolls. I may have to bump something else off the top 5.
"YOU SPOIL, YOU GET SPOILED! AAAAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Double post.
Blog: GameFinance
Twitter: justinmwhitaker
Well, I just found it. *shrugs*
I guess TVOTR is back on the list!
Blog: GameFinance
Twitter: justinmwhitaker
Boys and Girls in America - The Hold Steady
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not - The Arctic Monkeys
Supersunnyspeedgraphic - Ben Folds
Black Holes and Revelations - Muse
Show Your Bones - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Time traveling terrorists are no laughing matter, Malor." - *Legion* quote #30201
XBox Live: Novopain
Quick 5:
Beth Orton - Comfort of Strangers
Jon Auer - Songs From the Year of Our Demise
Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass
The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
Asobi Seksu - Citrus
Gonna have to go with Tool's 10,000 Days as my number one as well.
I don't think I bought four other new releases all year though. I bought lots of old albums this year.
XBLive: Thin J
PSN: Thin_J
I don't imagine master craftsmen leaping away from completed projects and shouting "Done, motherf*ckers! - 1Dgaf