2006 - Top 10 Albums

It's only a month late, but here is my attempt at a top ten list. To be honest with you, I'm not the biggest fan of list-making (I'd rather read others' and steal their selections), but seeing as I'm planning on talking about the albums of 2006 I DIDN'T like, I thought it would be appropriarte to at least do some form of sumation. Choosing 10 albums was hard enough, ranking them would have just been impossible. So here are my favourite albums of 2006, in alphabetical order.


Belle & Sebastion - The Life Pursuit
2006 was the year I got into Belle & Sebastian and while the experience was more about the band in general, this album sums in up perfectly. It’s full of variety and full of their signature charm.

MP3: To Be Myself Completely



The Crayon Fields - Animal Bells
The moment I saw these guys live, I fell in love with them. A bunch of nerds making twee pop is surprisingly cute. This album is brimming with joy and sure to keep your spirits up.

MP3: Impossible Things



CSS - Cansei De Ser Sexy
I really shouldn’t like this album as much as do. Since when has dirty electro pop been my thing? My only regret is that I never got to see the album translated into a live show.

MP3: Alcohol



Dappled Cities Fly - Granddance
This album proved that Dappled Cities Fly are more than just an awesome pub band. With its quirky creativity and dual falsettos, it will finally gain them the attention they deserve.

MP3: Granddance



The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
I really didn’t like The Decemberists’ last album so had very low expectations for this one. Not only did it meet these expectations but far surpassed them. It’s folk music with a refreshing twist.

MP3: The Landlord's Daughter



Figurines - Skeleton
Scandinavians fared quite well in 2006. This particular album quickly became a favourite thanks to its mix of exciting changes and heartfelt ballads.

MP3: All Night



Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
One very clear evolution of my tastes over the last year has been towards slower music. This album is the perfect example and I would describe it as nothing less than heavenly.

MP3: Roscoe



Peter Bjorn And John - Writer's Block
What makes this album so enjoyable is the sheer level of charm. It’s a challenge not to fall in love with it. It turned out to be so different to what ‘Young Folks’ suggested and impressed me greatly.

MP3: Let's Call It Off



Red Riders - Replica Replica
This band is yet to disappoint me. Every song they release, every show they put on just reinforces my respect for them. This debut album is bursting with energy and sure to get your feet moving

MP3: Scream



The Sleepy Jackson - Personality
I haven’t enjoyed this album anywhere near as much as I should have. With each listen I gradually appreciate just how beautiful it is. Luke Steele would not have settled for anything less ridiculous.

MP3: Devil Was In My Yard




Sparklehorse - Dreamt For Lightyears...
This is another album where my like for it surprised even myself. Soft and slow generally isn’t my thing but Sparklehorse managed to transcend this trend with this very special album

MP3: Don't Take My Sunshine Away



Tapes 'n Tapes - The Loon
Never before has an album grown on me so much. I have no idea why I kept giving it more chances but I’m glad I did because I eventually came to realise why everyone else raved about it.

MP3: Cowbell



Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You...
I can’t believe I lived without this band for so long. This album simply blew me away. I've never heard a band attempt so many varying styles on the one album and pull I off so successfully

Mp3: The Room Got Heavy



I think that was 13. Oh well...

2006 - A Year In Review

Sure it’s a bit late, but I thought that nothing would be more appropriate than to review the entire year of 2006, seeing what music I listened to and how I felt about it. It is also an opportunity to take a look back at this blog’s first year, even if it did only begin in May. This list may be rather extensive but in no way is it a complete snapshot of the past year. It’s missing EPs, albums I’m yet to discover, albums I’ve forgotten, albums I ignored and of course old albums that I only just discovered. But at least it will at least give you a general idea of what were some of last years biggest albums and which you should perhaps check out. Click the band name to find out more (courtesy of myspace) and click the album to see what I wrote about it.

LOVED

Belle & Sebastion - The Life Pursuit
The Crayon Fields - Animal Bells
CSS - Cansei De Ser Sexy
Dappled Cities Fly - Granddance
The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
Figurines - Skeleton
Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
Peter Bjorn And John - Writer's Block
Red Riders - Replica Replica
The Sleepy Jackson - Personality
Sparklehorse - Dreamt For Lightyears...
Tapes 'n Tapes - The Loon
Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You...


THOROUGHLY ENJOYED

...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - So Divided
Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am….
Band Of Horses - Everything All The Time
The Capes - Hello
The Chalets - Check In
Evangelicals - So Gone
The Grates - Gravity Won't Get You High
Hilotrons – Bella Simone
Islands - Islands
The Kooks - Inside In / Inside Out
Lily Allen - Alright Still
The Long Blondes – Someone To Drive You Home
The Lovely Feathers - Hind, Hind Legs
Maritime - We, The Vehicles
Mates Of State – Bring It Back
Oh No! Oh My! - Oh No! Oh My!
The Panda Band - This Vital Chapter
Phoenix - It's Never Been Like That
The Pipettes - We Are The Pippettes
The Rapture - Pieces Of The People We Love
The Strokes – First Impressions Of Earth
Tap Tap - Lanzafame
TV On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain
Wolf & Cub - Vessels


LIKED

Augie March – Moo, You Bloody Choir
Be Your Own Pet – Be Your Own Pet
Beirut - The Gulgag Orkestar
Ben Kweller – Ben Kweller
Candy Bars – On Cutting Tigers In Half…
Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out Of This Country
Cold War Kids - Robbers & Cowards
The Dears – Gang Of Losers
Danielson - Ships
Delays - You See Colours
Final Fantasy - He Poos Clouds
The Futureheads – News & Tributes
Gerling - 4
Guillemots – Through The Window Pane
The Hidden Cameras - Awoo
Howling Bells – Howling Bells
I’m From Barcelona – Let Me Introduce My Friends
Jack Ladder – Not Worth Waiting For
Jet - Shine On
Joanna Newsom - Ys
Kasabian - Empire
The Killers - Sam's Town
Love Is All - Nine Times That Same Song
The Mint Chicks – Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!
Muse – Black Holes And Revelations
The Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldiers
Razorlight - Razorlight
Starlight Mints - Drowaton
Sure Juror - Smut
The Vines – Vision Valley
The Walkmen – A Hundred Miles Off
Youth Group – Casino Twilight Dogs
The Zutons – Tired Of Hangin’ Around


DIDN'T LIKE

Beck - The Information
Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies
Girl Talk - Night Ripper
Hot Chip – The Warning
Junior Boys – So This Is Goodbye
Liars - Drum's Not Dead
Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah
Sunset Rubdown – Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Swan Lake – Beast Moans
The Thermals – The Body The Blood The Machine
Thom Yorke - Eraser
Thunderbirds Are Now! – Make History
Xiu Xiu – The Air Force

Ah finished. Finally I feel like I can put 2006 behind me and concentrate on the new year. Not only was that 83 albums, but even more ridiculously, it was 83 myspace links. If you missed some of these albums, CHECK THEM OUT. And I know it should go without saying, but if you find something you like, consider buying the album or going to a show and keep supporting those artists!!

2006 - Best?

Once upon a time I looked at end-of-year lists as an easy way find the best new music. These days I’m considerably more up to date and these lists are now populated mostly by albums I’m already familiar with. Now the only really purpose of these lists (though still relevant) is to give me an interesting insight into the tastes of others. It is around this time that I begin to notice all the albums that received plenty of praise but which I never liked. I usually go back to make sure I didn’t miss something, but many of these ‘best of 2006’ albums remain as duds in my mind. Over the course of the year, you’ve found out what albums I did like, now it’s time to see what I didn’t like. You may have thought I’ve missed quite a few of this year’s biggest albums; perhaps I just hated them? There’s various degrees of dislike here, from ‘enjoyed it but was lacking something’ to ‘what couldn’t anybody possibly see in that’. I should also note that none of these albums have just been heard once and then dismissed. I have listened to each of them many times, tried my hardest to like them, but just been unable to. And the losers are...

CONTROVERSY WILL ENSUE! While I hope this feature will challenge peoples' perceptions of what this year's best albums are, it really is more about me noting some of the albums I didn't like. This doesn't necessarily mean they're bad, and if you liked them, feel free to challenge my challenge. To each his own...

Final Fantasy - He Poos Clouds

To win the title of best artist is an achievement in any country. But to do it in Canada is monumental. As anyone who follows the indie music scene would know, Canada has become a hot spot for up and coming musicians, even beginning to challenge the USA’s dominance. Well this year a number of Canadian blogs got together to choose their favourite; the winner was Final Fantasy. I had found the first Final Fantasy album enjoyable at times, but ultimately too unorthodox for my liking. I basically feel the same way about this year’s He Poos Clouds. Sure I’ve been branching out into more and more obscure territory of late, but with Final Fantasy I don’t feel the same level of attraction that I’ve had with other bands. I think the problem is that this music appears to lack depth. The combination of vocals and violins works well, but at times it seems to be missing something. I crave a richer sound, with a bit more variation and I think that’s why the song below is my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, there are some brilliant moments on this album, but as a complete package, it fails to excite.

MP3: This Lamb Sells Condos

Joanna Newsom - Ys

I’d never heard of Joanna Newsom before this year and then all of a sudden she was receiving rave reviews and topping year end lists. While I found her album brilliant at times, it’s not the kind of CD I can see myself listening to much in the future. Her voice is incredible; there’s no questioning that. And the harp, backed by an orchestra is most definitely impressive. Yet despite this, it’s not for me. It’s like I can see this excellent record in the distance but something’s preventing me from getting close. This barrier is almost identical to the way I felt towards Sigur Ros. That was until I saw them live and had one of the best experiences of my life. This gives me feeling that I really need to see Joanna Newsom live before I'll fully appreciate her; Sean’s review only confirms this. Until then I guess I'll have to keep working away at the cd. I'm getting there, even if it is taking me a while.

MP3: Emily

Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies

Destroyer…what’s with this guy? Has anyone else noticed that he doesn’t actually sound that good? I mean there are plenty of singers out there with dodgy voices, but most of them manage to make it work in their favour…he just annoys me. While his songs were usually my least favourite with The New Pornographers, I don’t remember them being that bad. The music on this solo album however just sounds awkward and lost. From what I’ve read, many of the people who like his music point to the lyrical content. For me, lyrics play second fiddle. If I like the sound of a song, the lyrics can tip the balance between love and hate. But if I don’t like the music to begin with, the lyrics mean nothing. I fail to see how he is so revered; to me he just comes off as a b-grade musician. Am I missing something?

MP3: Painter In Your Pocket

Cold War Kids - Robbers & Cowards

I always find it a bit dodgy when bands reuse popular songs from old EPs in an album. While it may in fact make the album more enjoyable, it always gives me the impression that they struggled to write new material and paints a rather bleak picture for the future. So when Cold War Kids decided to take their two successful EPs, lump them together and call it an album, I wasn't the least bit impressed. I couldn’t help but think that the title, Robbers & Cowards, was a fitting description of their action. It’s no surprise that they made such a decision; these EPs both received quite a bit of positive attention, especially from the blogging community and I guess the band didn't want these songs wasted on the often overlooked EP format. But as it stands, I have absolutely no respect for this ‘album’. I found the EPs enjoyable at times, but they were far perfect. I would have much preferred to wait for a debut album composed of new material; that would have been the true test. Clearly they weren't prepared for this and it leaves me wondering what hope the future holds for this band.

MP3: Passing The Hat

Thom Yorke - The Eraser

There is no doubt that Radiohead have incredible pulling power. There seems to be only two types of fans; those who have a limited experience with them and think they’re alright (myself included) and those who border on obsession. It’s a sign of an incredible band when anyone who actually takes the time to listen to their music, falls in love with them. Yet despite these obvious signs, many people who absolutely adore OK Computer and have all the other albums sitting on their computer (myself included), never bother to listen to them. Disappointing, I know. But I wonder whether this trend of obsession hasn’t tainted the judgement behind some of the praise directed towards this Thom Yorke solo project. Because from my position (a fan who isn’t yet obsessed), I found it rather unspectacular. Was this album brilliant in its own right or was it just good enough to quench the thirst created by previous Radiohead greatness? I probably haven't listened enough to either to give a valid opinion but at the moment I’m leaning towards the latter .

MP3: Cymbal Rush

Beirut - Gulag Orkestar

Quite a lot of hype was generated by Beirut’s album and so naturally I had to check it out. I was giving it the regular treatment of a few repeat listens and though I found it a bit weird, I was also beginning to see why it was receiving praise. Then one day when I was giving someone a lift, I put it on to continue my familiarisation with it. About two songs in, this guy turned to me and said ‘Man, what the fuck is this shit?’ Now I have absolutely no respect for this person’s musical taste but it did make me stop and think ‘Yes, what am I listening to?’ Call me crazy, but I don’t think Balkan Gypsy music is my thing! Sure I see the artistry within this music and highly enjoy it at times, but I doubt I’ll be putting it on at my next party or even during a long car trip for that matter. In fact, is there ever an occasion for this album?

MP3: Mount Wroclai

Love Is All - Nine Times That Same Song

At times this album is absolutely sublime. Some of the melodies and hooks they produce are incredible and a joy to listen to. BUT. At other times the album is unbearable. The music becomes overcrowded and the vocals make me cringe. It’s such a shame because when they’re good, THEY’RE GOOD. But with nearly every song, they go and stuff it up somewhere along the line. I was so convinced that I could salvage some of this album’s promise that I had this crazy idea to create a medley composed of the best part from each song. Unfortunately my lack of skill came between me and this dream (I still keep the hope alive). While this album may fall short of brilliance, it at least shows that Love Is All have a heap of talent and are a band to look out for in the future.

Mp3: Spinning & Scratching

Liars - Drum's Not Dead

Sometimes when I don’t like an album, I can at least appreciate why others, with different tastes, may enjoy it. This is definitely not the case with Liars' latest album, Drum’s Not Dead. It makes absolutely no sense and whenever I put it on, it either washes straight over my head or I get a headache from trying to concentrate on it. I can’t remember hearing something as boring as this. Normally this sort of reaction would suggest it is simply a poor quality album. But what confuses me is that so many people out there have said how much they love it. To those people, feel free to try and explain what you see in it, but until then I’ll take heart in the fact I’ll never have to listen to it again.

MP3: Let's Not Wrestle Mt. Heart Attack

Honourable Mentions

These are some more albums that I liked to varying degrees, but not enough to warrant them a full review.

I’m From Barcelona – Let Me Introduce My Friends
This 29-piece promised to be the next Polyphonic Spree with this euphoric album. Sadly it contained a few too many flaws, the first of which being they weren’t from Barcelona at all.
MP3: We’re From Barcelona

The Dears – Gang Of Losers
I was all ready to write about this, but when I went to do so, the words just didn’t come out. This lack of inspiration made me realise that maybe I didn’t like it as much as I thought.
MP3: Death or Life We Want You

Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out Of This Country
This album is enjoyable from start to finish and the perfect anthem for mindless wandering. Unfortunately however, it lacks the spark to raise it to the next level
MP3: Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken

The Hidden Cameras - Awoo
This album was lively, fun and at times downright silly. It could have been great, if not for the few serious songs which for me just ruined its charm
MP3: Lollipop

Guillemots – Through The Window Pane
I really liked this album at times ,but while the lead singer may have a great voice, I felt he relied on it a bit too much; enough to put me off
MP3: Trains To Brazil

Dishonourable Mentions

And now for some more albums that I didn't enjoy. Yay!

The Thermals – The Body The Blood The Machine
This album isn’t horrible, but something always turns me off. The spoken vocals? Repitition? Forced delivery? Probably a combination of the lot
MP3: Pillar Of Salt

Sunset Rubdown – Shut Up I Am Dreaming
It seems Spencer Krug has a few too many projects and this is one I don’t much care for. Give me Wolf Parade any day
MP3: They Took A Vote And Said No

Hot Chip – The Warning
This was a real hit and miss CD for me. It’s hard to really get into an electro-pop band when the pop parts are all you’re interested in.
MP3: And I Was A Boy From School

Thunderbirds Are Now! – Make History
With such a cool name and the song below, this band promised to be massive. Unfortunately, this album turned out to be possibly the biggest let down album of the year.
MP3: The Veil Comes Down

Xiu Xiu – The Air Force
I’d heard of this band before, but this album was the first I listened to. All in all a thoroughly unpleasant experience.

Junior Boys – So This Is Goodbye
This album confirmed what I always suspected; that I neither understand or enjoy electronic music

Swan Lake – Beast Moans
‘Supergroup’ eh? Well considering I only like one of three members, Spencer Krug, and I didn’t even enjoy his latest project, this album stood little chance.