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| From | "Michael Curry" <mikecurry@hotmail.co.uk> |
| Subject | Top 20 of 2006 |
| Date | Wed, 20 Dec 2006 21:31:49 +0000 |
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Hey all,
Here's my 20 for the year, including some links where you can hear/read
more.
1. Keene Brothers - Blues and Boogie Shoes
A fantastic collaboration that brings out the best in both Robert Pollard
and Tommy Keene. They rock! Great production and not a sniff of filler
anywhere.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:me5j8qbcbtm4
2. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Her beautiful, haunting voice coupled with some of the best songs of the
year. Close to being tops, but the sheer enjoyment factor of the Keene
Brothers keeps this one at number 2.
http://www.myspace.com/nekocase
3. The Format - Dog Problems
Everything that I love about Power Pop on one album. Should be huge. Should
definitely be bigger than The Feeling.
http://www.myspace.com/theformat
4. The Green & Yellow TV - Sinister Barrier
"Five stars, 10 out of 10, two thumbs up, what else can be said about this
A+ effort from a band that just "has it"! The Green and Yellow TV is
essential listening for any fan of melodic, well crafted, perfectly
produced, outstanding power pop". POPBANG.COM - Say no more!
http://www.myspace.com/thegreenandyellowtv
5. Lindsey Buckingham - Under The Skin
A wonderful reminder of what talent this man possesses. Roll on 2007 as
there is supposed to be a rockin' album coming as well.
http://myspace.com/lindseybuckingham
6. Jon Auer - Songs From The Year of Our Demise
It took a while, but once this one had worked its way into my head, it
wouldn't leave. Far better than the recent output from either The Posies or
Big Star, Jon has definitely hit the heights with this one.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:cj9ds37ra39g
7. Pernice Brothers - Live A Little
It must have been a good year for music if a Pernice Brothers record only
makes number 7 in my chart. This is a very strong effort from Joe and the
Gang and is as strong as most of their other releases. Just a shame he can't
afford another UK tour at the mo.
http://myspace.com/pernicebrothers
8. Junior Boys - So This Is Goodbye
Whilst Hot Chip have been picking up the plaudits from the UK music press,
this for me is by far the best Electronica album of 2006. Really strong
songs - great melodies to appeal to any pop fan, and you don't need to be
able to dance to enjoy it. Check it out.
http://www.myspace.com/juniorboys
9. Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther
Is it Soft Rock? Is it Folk Pop? Whatever it is, it sounds great on my
headphones. I totally overlooked this to begin with because some of the
reviews I read just didn't portray it as it really is. This one will stay
around for a while.
http://www.myspace.com/midlake
10. Guster - Ganging Up On The Sun
Best yet from Guster. Consistently strong effort with some real standout
songs. Back to Back tracks "Manifest Destiny" and "One Man Wrecking Machine"
are top notch.
http://www.myspace.com/guster
11. The Nines - Calling Distance Stations
I sort of half love this album. When it rocks it absolutely flies, but for
me there is just too much McCartney-esque schmaltz for it to be in the upper
echelons.
http://www.myspace.com/ninespop
12. Army of Anyone - s/t
A real surprise this one. Definitely not pop, but still highly melodic
metal/rock. Members of Stone Temple Pilots, Filter and Dave Lee Roth's band,
but not like any of these. The rhythm section are superb.
http://www.myspace.com/armyofanyone
13. Cracker - Greenland
As with Guster, I think this is a career best for Cracker. Blues, rock and
country come together to form a fine album by anyone's standards.
http://www.myspace.com/cracker
14. Tommy Keene - Crashing The Ether
Two great albums in a year featuring Tommy Keene. For me, this doesn't have
the overall appeal and longevity of the Keene Brothers' disc, but wow, gotta
love those drums.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:5mh9keztgq7c
15. Wisely - Parador
"Pop hero Willie Wisely convinced 2006 Playmate of the Year Kara Monaco to
appear in the screwball video for his latest single." .....and the album's
really good too!
http://www.myspace.com/wiselymusic
16. Band of Horses - Everything All The Time
Elements of both My Morning Jacket and The Shins in this one. The Great Salt
Lake is the standout moment on the album, but the whole thing is
consistently good. A very strong debut.
http://www.myspace.com/bandofhorses
17. The Who - Endless Wire
Well WHO would have thought it? After all these years, a new Who
album....and it's good. Ok, there are a few clunkers in there (A Man In A
Purple Dress, In The Ether) but the Wire & Glass "mini-opera" is superb.
Hopefully it doesn't end here.
http://www.endlesswire.co.uk/
18. Barenaked Ladies - Are Me
More of the same I guess. If you didn't like 'em before, there probably
isn't a great deal to change your mind here. But if you are a fan you will
be glad they can still put out such a strong set of songs. Just wish I
could have fitted their Caribbean cruise tour into my schedule.
http://www.myspace.com/barenakedladies
19. Josh Rouse - Subtitulo
A good album and yet a disappointment at the same time. I love Nashville so
much, and it overshadows this follow up. I guess it didn't help that the
live show I saw earlier this year was so lacklustre. I guess that sums up
Subtitulo compared to its predecessor.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:bv821v06zzva
20. Tim Finn - Imaginary Kingdom
He's better known for his brother rather than his own music, but I think
this is his strongest effort since Before & After.
http://www.myspace.com/timfinnmusic
Enjoy,
Mike
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