The Top 10 Albums of 2006...
compiled by Jefe and Jennie-Kay
Well…it’s been another year packed with music from all genres and regions of the globe. From the US and beyond, we’d like to give a special thanks to XLR8R Magazine (SF) for keeping us informed of the latest artists and releases. As you can imagine, it’s a difficult task getting to the top 10. After countless hours of commuting with the ipod, internet radio, (and we can’t forget the hard drive in Jefe’s car)…we’ve narrowed it down to the top ten BEST albums to hit shelves in 06. If you haven’t experienced all these wonders, do yourself a favor and make it your 2007 resolution to give them a listen.
1. Cut Copy – Fabric Live 29, DJ Mix
Following up their electro-pop debut Bright Like Neon Love, the Melborne trio’s Fabric mix is just ridiculously fun — it's stocked with a bagful of 80’s-meets electro tracks that can keep any dance floor moving. Cut Copy demonstrates that delving deep into the crates can pay off big. Apparently, we’re not the only ones who feel this way, the band’s New Year’s Eve show in Melbourne is SOLD OUT! Congrats for bringing good music to the masses!
For the full Friendster review, click here.
Milosh’s sophomore album is the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day. Rumor has it he was inspired to write this album after he parted ways with his girlfriend. He explores typical post-breakup issues, beautifully combining guilt, loneliness, and melancholy in tracks that are musically complex and so comforting to the newly torn heart. The final product equals an electronic masterpiece with honest soul. A must have for your “milk-your-feelings” collection.
What can we say? It’s Beck…and it’s another classic. Beck's work is always brilliant in a raw way, and he's continually maturing as a master of melding genres. Tracks that top our list include the title track, ‘The Information’, and ‘Think I’m in Love’. If you haven’t heard them yet, you will soon. What's going on with Starbucks selling this album? Have they jumped on the Beckwagon too? Here's to grande-low fat-beck-lattes in '07!
4. Ghostface Killah – Fishscale
The hardest working member of the Wu family is back! Ghostface is the one-man army keeping that late 90’s hip hop sound alive. Backing him up on Fishscale are familiar partners-in-rhyme such as Raekwon (who sounds his best in years), Cappadonna, and Trife as well as an extensive squad of underground producers that include Just Blaze, Pete Rock, MF Doom, and the late J-Dilla. We haven’t heard an album like this since…well, his 2000 masterpiece, Supreme Clientele. Also, Ghost couldn’t wait for ‘07 to drop the next full length. More Fish, the follow-up to Fishscale, recently hit the shelves. Whew, what a year for Ghost!
5. Thievery Corporation – Versions
For those that don’t know, Thievery Corporation are respected veterans of the eclectic down-tempo scene. Versions continues the trend of the seamless multi-genre, trans-ethnic mix; however, there is a pervasive Indian twang in this album. Of note are the Middle East-via-Bombay grooves of ‘Trans-Global Underground’, the sultry singing of Ustad Sultan Khan, and the subtle citar of ‘Anoushka Shankar’. This is another must for a slow roll in the hay…did we just say that? We did.
6. Gilles Peterson – Back in Brazil
Our BBC hero from the UK came through this year with his second classic Brazilian compilation. He continues to explore the region’s rich musical culture with hand-selected tracks. This is a great Sunday morning album which pairs well with coffee and casual conversation. Both of Peterson’s CDs are unmixed. The first CD is comprised of the soulful, jazzy, and sometimes funky hip beats of the 60's and 70's. The second is more upbeat and a better bet for a small home-base dance party.
Also, special thanks to the BBC for the recent Friendster coverage regarding the upcoming social networking special they’re airing in early 07! (shameless plug)
7. Built to Spill – You in Reverse
We waited five years for a new Built to Spill album….and the wait was worth it. This band has been delivering fresh baked indie rock for years now. The boys from Idaho, yes Idaho, bring a number of great tunes together on You in Reverse, including the up-tempo ‘Going Against Your Mind’, the radio hit ‘Liar’, and the mellow closer ‘The Wait’. All in all, another classic.
If you’re new to Built to Spill, also pick up two of their previous albums—Ultimate Alternative Wavers and Keep it Like a Secret.
It was a big year for the Teddybears as their famed album Rock’n’Roll High School made it’s way to the US. Prior to ‘06, this album was only available on the flipside of the Atlantic. Apparently, that wasn’t enough for this Stockholm trio, as Fresh was released worldwide! With Fresh, the Teddybears continue their journey into the rock-meets-electronica mash-up sound. We highly recommend ‘Little Stereo’ off Fresh and ‘Yours to Keep’ off of Rock’n’Roll High School. Also, the band was sought out by Cadillac for their track ‘Punkrocker’ (used in a television commercial) and by EA Sports FIFA 2006 for ‘Cobrastyle’. What’s next for these guys?
Hail the new queen of disco!! Ooh La La…Goldfrapp is like a blast from the late 70’s/early 80’s. Think Blondie meets Nina. You know you listened to both back in the day : ). Some consider Goldfrapp a geeky sex symbol for the smart boy crowd. We don’t agree completely. This album appeals to both the pop and electronic crowds equally, and it will likely find its way into clubs and underground dance scene a la remixes. You may even catch clips as you view this fall’s must-see Hollywood blockbuster… You heard it here first.
10. The Album Leaf – Into the Blue Again
The Album Leaf’s Into the Blue Again rounds out our list. This is a great soundtrack for a mellow evening at home. Jimmy La’Velle, the group’s songwriter and classically trained pianist from San Diego, follows in the footsteps of bands such as Pinback. His tracks layer keyboards and strings to create eclectic and emotional compositions. For mellow electronic music, this is perfection.
Honorable Mention: Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere
Sorry Gnarls we’re not crazy about St. Elswhere--but we’re giving you an honorable mention here for the stellar performance at Coachella 2006! Keep up the good work. Also, watch out for TV on the Radio...Spin Magazine gave them # 1 album of '06
Happy New Year! Cheers to ’07.
Jefe and Jennie-Kay
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