My Best of 2006

Hello Everyone.

Here are my 2 cents on best of lists. A disclaimer, I do not necessarily think these 10 albums are the "best albums musically" or anything like that, they are simply my favorite 10 albums, or the albums that did the most for me this year.

Here you go, if you want a specific album, just let me know and I will post it.

1) Phoenix-It’s Never Been Like That

2) OH NO! OH MY!-ST

3) The Stills-Without Feathers

4) Razorlight-ST

5) Peter, Bjorn and John-Writers Block

6) Murs and 9^th Wonder-Murray’s Revenge

7) Beck-The Information

8) Band of Horses-Everything All The Time

9) Islands-Return to the Sea

10) Justin Timberlake-FutureSex/LoveSounds

Honorable Mentions:

1) Tokyo Police Club-A Lesson in Crime (This would be above, but it is only 16 minutes long)

2) Built To Spill-You in Reverse

3) Jarvis Cocker-Jarvis

4) The Magic Numbers-Those the Brokes (Out in the UK in 2006, USA is 2007)

5) Ratatat-Classics

6) The Decemberists-The Crane Wife

7) Ghostland Observatory-Paparazzi Lightning

8) The Whitest Boy Alive-Dreams

9) Lupe Fiasco-Food and Liquor

10) Guillemots-Through the Window Pane

11) I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness-Fear Is On Our Side

12) Voxtrot -3 EP’s

13) Maritime-We The Vehicles

14) Ghostface Killah-Fishscales

15) The Kooks-Inside In/Inside Out

And if you care, my favorite movies of 2006 are:

1) CHILDREN OF MEN
2) BRICK
3) UNITED 93
4) BORAT
5) JACKASS 2 (Yes, seriously)


Films I have not seen yet but expect them to be on this lists are: The Departed, Pan's Labyrinth, Half Nelson, Babel...many more, I see to many movies for work so I don't get out that much if they are not a Universal flick.

Explosions in the Sky - All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone

Post-rock, or music for your New Year's Day hangover. Enjoy.

Year of the Dog - 10 Songs from 2006

Similar to my previous post listing my favorite albums of 2006, here are some my favorite songs of the year. This was a tough list to create since I kept it to only 10 songs. But this list reflects those songs that caught my ear and stayed there. I've uploaded the playlist for those of you that don't already have these tunes. Enjoy.

1. The Great Salt Lake | Band Of Horses
2. Chinese Translation | M. Ward
3. Rabbit Fur Coat | Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins
4. John Saw That Number | Neko Case
5. Born In The U.K. | Badly Drawn Boy
6. Bush-League Psych-Out Stuff | P.O.S.
7. Original King | Brother Ali
8. Get Your Curse | His Name Is Alive
9. Clogged Castle | BOAT
10. Do You Believe In Rapture? | Sonic Youth

The Beatles - Love

Ever wondered what classic Beatles tunes would sound like if they where in the hands of someone with ProTools? Well no need to lie awake at night and wonder, the result is Love. This is a remix of classic songs by the Beatles (from the original 4 track recordings) by George Martin and his son Giles Martin. This was done for the Cirque du Soleil Vegas show of the same name. Sounds like it would be a load of crap, right? Sounds like it could be like that Billy Joel musical, or heaven forbid the Bob Dylan one.

Suprisingly it is not as bad as you would think. Love has a big thing going for it, it is the original Beatle music, and producers that are familiar and love the original material

I enjoyed the album, it never got too "clever." Beatle songs are like the U.S. Constitution. Either you feel that they way they are record is the way they should remain for the end of time and should not be f'd with or you feel that they can be changed and evolve with the times. I as with the constitution fall some where in the middle. Beatle songs where close to perfect when they were recorded and in an essence timeless, this is why there are so many bad Beatle covers (G Love's Blackbird and most of the I am Sam soundtrack). Now the timelssness of their songs make it so adaptable to change (ie Rufus Wainwright Across the Universe). When it is done with care and respect it can make something magical.

Love is close to magical. Giles intertwines several classic Beatle tunes to make a swirling sonic experience that continues to make the listener think about what they are hearing but also of the original tunes. Unfortunately this is a gimmick and with all gimmicks I can see it getting old really fast. Love will not be a lasting album in the Beatle's pantheon of great records, but an interesting footnote in their ever expanding mythology.

All Songs Considered recently did a show that interviewed Giles Martin and talked extensively about the record and the project. If you are interested I would suggest downloading their podcast on it. If you don't subscribe to their podcast you should because it is really good.

I have included the art work from the album for you reading pleasure.

***This post updated while listening to Rufus Wainwright, no particular album but just some songs by him.***

Low - Drums and Guns

I was first introduced to Low by Greg who gave me a copy of their 2001 release, Things We Lost in the Fire. It took a very long time for the album to sink in. For some reason I didn't get it at the time. But one day it clicked, and now Low is one of my favorite bands currently recording. Granted their live shows are as slow and tedious as you might imagine, but if you are familiar with their music, seeing them live can be an impressive experience.

I am very happy to share their upcoming release, Drums and Guns. On first listen, this album is every bit as good as last year's, The Great Destroyer. If you've seen Low live this past year, you will most likely recognize several of the songs which have been reworked for this album. There is a stunning version of Murderer which has been a staple at live shows recently. Producer Dave Fridmann, who also helped on The Great Destroyer, joins Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker once again to hone Low's haunting sound. Zak Sally has apparently been replaced by bassist Matt Livingston, both in the studio and at live shows. Drums and Guns is haunting and terrifying both in lyrics and tone. Apparently, Alan has gone through some dark times recently and these songs are the result. Drums and Guns is scheduled for release on March 20, 2007.

Enjoy.

A Christmas Gift from David Gilmour

It's the long-awaited impromptu acoustic rendition of David Gilmour playing Syd Barrett's Dark Globe. He premiered it at the Clam Castle show in Austria last summer, without even having played it at the soundcheck or having rehearsed it! The performance was so emotional, the entire band and crew spontaneously applauded when he finished.

Also posted is an Arnold Layne video of David Gilmore, Rick Wright, David Bowie, and band performing a great early Pink Floyd song that Syd wrote.

David Gilmour | On An Island

Merry Christmas

Happy Christmas (War is Over) | John Lennon
Ding Dong Ding Dong | George Harrison
Father Christmas | Kinks
A Christmas Song | Jethro Tull
Little Drummer Boy/Silent Night | Jimi Hendrix
Blue Christmas | Elvis Presley
Santa Baby | Marilyn Monroe
I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas | Bing Crosby
Linus and Lucy | Vince Guaraldi Trio
Hanukkah Song 1 | Adam Sandler
Christmas Parodies | Jimmy Fallon

Ho Ho Ho! It is Christmas Time!

So I got two little presents for all of you. First of which is a little Christmas mix I put together. It is reminiscent of the "card" I sent in 2003. Here is the Track listing:

1. Snowflake Music - Mark Mothersbaugh
2. Welcome Christmas - Dr. Suess
3. Christmastime is Here (Instrumental) - Vince Guaraldi Trio
4. I Saw Three Ships - Darol Anger
5. Love Came Down at Christmas - Shawn Colvin
6. Christmas Is Near - Dr. Ralph Stanley
7. Winter Weather - Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
8. Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
9. White Christmas - Esquivel
10. You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch - Aimee Mann
11. Zat You Santa Claus - Louis Armstrong
12. Santa Claus - They Might Be Giants
13. Silent Night - Johnny Cash
14. Joy To the World - Eef Barzelay
15. I Love NYE - Badly Drawn Boy
16. Careless Santa - Mono Puff
17. welcome christmas (reprise) - califone

Also as a bonus I have put up "The Night Before Christmas" as read by Bob Dylan. It is wonderful. Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas.

Midlake - The Trails of Van Occupanther

I'm sure there are more than a few great new albums that I missed this year. I missed this one when it was released and almost avoided it completely because the first review I read of this album compared Midlake to Fleet Wood Mac. I do not like Fleet Wood Mac, but I'll let you decide for yourself if the comparison is valid. So, after hearing the single, Young Bride, I decided to give this album a chance. I'm glad I did. If you haven't heard The Trails of Van Occupanther yet, it's worth the download if only for the opening track, Roscoe, and the aforementioned single. Although, the remainder stands up very well as a complete album. Enjoy and happy Christmases.

The Shins — Wincing The Night Away

Here is the much talked about leak of their upcoming album. There are lots of tight catchy pop songs with ambitious melodies. The Shins have a certain sound and are sticking with it.

Ultramagnetc MC's

Sam's recent post and Hartzell's constant reminders have inspired me to add some more influential hip-hop to the scene. Ultramagnetic MC's came out of the Bronx block parties of the 80's sounding like no other group around. Apparently the first group to use a sampler as a live instrument and the first to trust a former psychiatric patient with the mic. Kool Keith's unconventional lyrics and timing along with Mo Luv's danceable break-beats and experimental sound make Ultramagnetic a group that can't be ignored. Their first and best release, Critical Beatdown, may sound dated now but in 1988 it took underground hip-hop by storm.

I'm also offering up Ultra's first studio release in 11-years. Due out in 2007, I was hoping it would remind me of what influenced the underground scene in the 80's and 90's. Unfortunately, it come across as dated and the lyrics forced. There is nothing fresh here. But I offer it up anyway at Sam's request.

Enjoy.

The Who - Odds & Sods

I am also posting The Who "Odds and Sods" a collection of unreleased material, rarities, and outtakes released in 1974. It is a quirky collection of songs that are fun to listen to. Enjoy

The Who - Endless Wire

"Endless Wire" is the first new studio album/original material by The Who in twenty-four years. If you are a Who fan give it a listen. At one time in my life their music spoke to me. It had the right mixture of aggressive rhythms, wild drumming, great base lines, and of course angst lyrics. What more does a young adolescence male need?

The second part of my Birthday gift to all of you, goes along with the Best of 2006.

My personal favorite album of 2006 is still PHOENIX-It's Never Been Like That.

My second favorite album is this, PETER BJORN AND JOHN-Writers Block.

You may have heard the ridiculous first single, Young Folks, with the addictive whistled opening, and chorus that will gladly stay in your head for weeks. Easily my vote for Best Song of 2006, by such a long distance, I can't even think of number 2. (Although it is Long Distance Call by Phoenix)

This album is so amazing, you may have to check your pants, pinch yourself, or simply wipe the tears away from your face. Seriously though, I don't want to build it up anymore.

Please just download it, listen to it, love it, and pass it off to people. Oh, and do it quick because the rumor is that Coke or Budweiser just bought the rites to Young Folks, and Grey's Anatomy already played it during one of their episodes.

I don't want to write about what it sounds like or anything clever or not so clever about it. It truly just deserves a listen from beginning to end, and you will be hooked.

I seriously believe that after the first and second listen, it could end up on many of your Best of 2006 lists. (Don't get me wrong, I love Badly Drawn Boy more than the next guy, but this album makes Born in the UK look like the latest release from Danity Kane)

The Magic Numbers-Those the Brokes

Hello Everyone,

Today is my birthday and I am feeling like giving things to other people.

My first gift to you all is the AMAZING new album from British brothers and sisters, THE MAGIC NUMBERS-THOSE THE BROKES.

This is their second album, and criminally does not come out in the U.S until February or March.

With sounds rooted in the 60's harmonies of beach pop, as well as modern Brit Pop and the lovingly titled Twee movement, THE MAGIC NUMBERS craft excellent pop songs that both move you and tickle and love bone. God, I am so cheesy sometimes.

Comprised of 2 sets of brothers and sisters, with simple pop harmonies and lyrics about love and joy and relationships, this is a perfect companion album to a bad day, a new girlfriend, a break-up, a long drive, a first date, a horrible Bears loss to the Vikings, or simply during the day in the office.

Happy Birthday from Me to all of you!!

How Cold Can Coldcut Get?

Coldcut is the seminal UK hip-hop production team of Jonathan More and Matt Black, a team that can be credited as much as anyone with advancing the hip-hop scene on British shores. Their style tends toward urban breaks, ambient dub, and jungle music, and anyone familiar with Ninja Tune Records can thank these two blokes: they started the label on the success of their early bootleg EPs.

What I've posted here is one of my favorite mixes, "70 Minutes of Madness", compiled by Coldcut as part of the Journeys by DJ series in 1995. Check the way they throw down the hilarious/bad-ass Kung-Fu film dialog in the beginning, move effortlessly into dub/reggae, slide over into urban breaks ("do you like scratchin'?"), and throw down some absolutely sick mixes. Nearly every important hip-hop break is represented on this mix at some point (the ubiquitous Stubblefield break, the Zeppelin break, an Eddie Bo break), as well as a lot of hip-hop artists like Mantronix (dig how they drop just a few moments of "King of the Beats" halfway through).

For hip-hop heads, this thing is geeky fun. The production is pretty slick, totally sick, and for an 11-year-old mix, remarkably fresh. Enjoy!

Posted while listening to Change (Makes You Want to Hustle) by Donald Byrd

a holler for some songs

Hey, does anyone still have that singles mix I posted a few weeks ago? I accidentally deleted some of the songs from my hard drive, and I NEED THOSE SONGS.

If someone could re-post, that would be tits.

EDIT: The relevant blog post is here

The Current's Top 89 of 2006

This is the time of year when music professionals and fans alike start compiling lists of their favorite releases of the past year. While I think these lists are a bit silly and pretentious, it's still fun to look back over the past year and remember what caught your ear. I know I have an iTunes playlist dedicated to this task. So, Minnesota Public Radio's very own, 89.3 The Current, is asking it's listeners to pick their top albums out of more than 700 that debuted on air in 2006. If anything, it's chance to throw your name in the hat for a new iPod.

Here's the list I came up with. See how important I am?

P.O.S. | Audition
Badly Drawn Boy | Born In The U.K.
The Decemberists | The Crane Wife
DeVotchka | Curse Your Little Heart
His Name is Alive | Detrola
Band of Horses | Everything All the Time
Neko Case | Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
Cat Power | The Greatest
The Roots | Game Theory
Belle & Sebastian | The Life Pursuit
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy | The Letting Go
Mr. Lif | Mo' Mega
Murs & 9th Wonder | Murray's Revenge
M. Ward | Post-War
Califone | Roots & Crowns
Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins | Rabbit Fur Coat
Sonic Youth | Rather Ripped
TV On The Radio | Return To Cookie Mountain
Boat | Songs That You Might Not Like
Wolfmother | Wolfmother

Gob Iron - Death Songs for the Living

While not the Will Arnet inspired Banana Grabber death metal opus I was hoping for, Gob Iron is an interesting piece of music. Gob Iron is a UK slang for harmonica. and the band is a collaboration between Son Volt front man Jay Farrar and Varaline multi-instrumentalist Andres Parker.

Death Songs for the Living is album composed of folk tunes, are reworked to the duo's own stylistic musings. Where the music is not much of a departure from Farrar's work with Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo the album is interesting a quite good. The album could be best described as close cousin to that of Tupelo's March 18-20, 1992. Farrar playing the part of, well Jay Farrar, and Anders playing Jeff Tweedy. Both adding their own finger prints on each of the songs. The biggest complaint is that Anders doesn't play a bigger role vocally on the album. Anders voice sounds like a young Billy Bragg and is a bit fresh (at least to my ears) then Farrar's lazy pseudo-southern drawl.

Highlights on the album on are, "Hard Times," "Hills of Mexico," and "Death is Only a Dream."

***This post updated while watching Boston Legal***

Jay Bennett - The Magnificent Defeat

I while back I posted something and mentioned that I was listening to Jay Bennett's The Magnificent Defeat. Klein freaked and wanted to have the album. Now, it took me awhile, but here it is for Klein and the rest of you. But before I you go and download it let me give you my two cents, which inevitably will become a dollar you didn't ask for.

Jay Bennett got his first musical chops while in Titanic Love Affair. TLA was a middling power pop group from Urbana IL. Think Mudhoney without the Seattle Sound. Nothing special. Jay toiled in this band as well as Steve Pride and His Blood Kin. Jay's real talent was found in producing and engineering. He also taught Math. Jay engineered albums for low end alt country acts such as Tim Easton, Allison Moorer, and Sheryl Crow. His relationship with Allison Moorer eventually brought him to the notice of Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Jeff brought Jay on to Wilco as a touring member for AM. Jay was made a full member while recording the fantastic Being There. Jay played everything under the sun on that record. This would eventually become Jay's m.o. multi-instrumentalist.

Jeff found a unique writing partner in Jay. Jay was also the driving force behind the groups collaboration with English troubadour Billy Bragg on the Mermaid Avenue Records. Jeff and Jay's most fruitful collaboration was 1999's Summerteeth. It was Jay's crowning achievement in Wilco. He was able to put his stamp of a Beach Boy's-esqe harmonies and arrangments. Jeff really needed Jay and Jay needed Jeff. They worked well as a writing/producing team. 2001 brought about Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. And well if you have not seen Sam Jones' documentary "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart," about the making of that record, I cannot do the story justice. My suggestion is that you rent it. The short of is Jay left the band under dubious circumstances. "A circle can only have one center."

Jay was now free to do what he wanted. His first forary into solo music is to team up with a long time friend, Edward Burch and recorded the modest The Palace at 4 am and Palace 1919. The songs where great, a mix of stuff he and Jeff wrote but did not record for YHF, the Mermaid Avenue sessions and others.

Jay then went off on his own with the Ryan Adam's-esqe task of recording three albums in one year. First of which was Bigger Then Blue. Jay's second album The Beloved Enemy came out just 6 months later. Of course, marriage, divorce, and producing an album for Blues Traveler can put a cramp in anyone's plans. The third of the trilogy did not come out in 2006.

That brings us to this point. The Magnificent Defeat is a mess of an album. Apparently is culled from 70 + songs. It never finds it voice, it jumps from style to style with no reason to do so. Also the production is short of terrible. Jay, who is so enamored with the fact that he can play 50 instruments feels as though he should play them on every song. With several effects and vocal changes thrown in their for good measure. The album feels like someone who has discovered Pro-tools for the first time. The album is overindulgent and pretenious. With that being said there are some great songs on it. The opener "Slow Beautiful, Seconds Faster" is what is right and wrong about this album. "5th Grade" is what is right about song writing. "I Feel Fine" reminds us about why we fell in Love with Big Star and the like. The album is worth a listen, maybe a couple if you are big Summerteeth fan. Enjoy.


***This post updated while listening to Amiee Mann's I'm with Stupid***