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
--
Hi, there! Came across your profile on Friendster's homepage. I would've included James Blunt's album on the list (or did that come out last year?), but hey, to every man his own, right? Great blog! Keep it up - and you've seriously intrigued me with your review of Milosh, though I would have to order it all the way here in Brunei.
Posted by: Andie | January 2, 2007 08:33 AM
hi can u be my frend? and me in your frendster...special_ann@yahoo.com
Posted by: Anamay | January 2, 2007 06:40 PM
http://www.myspace.com/06crisis06
Posted by: chisenga | January 4, 2007 02:12 AM
How come Catpower's "The Greatest" and Belle And Sebastian's "The Life Pursuit" is not on your list?
Posted by: Christian | January 4, 2007 10:48 PM
bla bla bla !
Posted by: daniel | January 5, 2007 03:27 AM
I saw this by chance, and I must say, this is a fantastic list. There are some albums I've not heard of, so I'm definitely going to check them out. Thanks so much for this!
Posted by: Walid | January 5, 2007 08:16 PM
nice blog!
Posted by: xjilx | January 5, 2007 11:44 PM
hm?. . . just right 4 me
hehe its good topic
Posted by: x'cykee'x | January 6, 2007 08:09 AM
I will definitely check out Milosh and Built to Spill.
Posted by: Mirror | January 6, 2007 09:18 PM
I'm surprised you didn't include TV on the Radio's Return to Cookie Mountain, seeing you're a fan. Plus, there's no band from the metal genre in your list.
Posted by: Yap | January 7, 2007 09:10 PM
nice bro(・ω・)ノ
Posted by: Gale | January 7, 2007 10:34 PM
hi.........jeff have a nice day.....
Posted by: merly | January 8, 2007 05:22 PM
Hey man I think someone ought to introduce you to psy trance!! :D
Posted by: Cameron | January 8, 2007 05:53 PM
wow, I love James Blunt coz' I'm beautiful....hihi lol
Posted by: katz | January 9, 2007 01:41 AM
how do u become a featured blog?
Posted by: Dong Dong | January 9, 2007 02:43 AM
What? some of the albums u've mentioned are too obscure.. your list is so wrongly biased.
No Muse? MCR? pfft.
Posted by: Uzi | January 9, 2007 05:03 AM
HELLO
Posted by: w | January 9, 2007 07:37 PM
hello your alum is really wonderful!such a wonderful craft!!fabulous!
Posted by: jelita | January 11, 2007 12:14 AM
no comment
Posted by: jean | January 11, 2007 12:24 AM
Hi jeff, honestly i don't know any of this, they're not my kind of music, but hey it is nice blog. You could have include James Blunt as well. he is soo hot!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 11, 2007 07:24 PM
hey!!!! ur page is cool!!!!!
Posted by: mAgIc KnIgHt | January 12, 2007 02:37 AM
what happened to Thom Yorke's the Eraser? i'm pretty sure he should be the highlight of the music world in 2006 :p
Posted by: ViN | January 12, 2007 03:12 AM
everyone goes something up and say"this what i like, this is my fave music,hobby and stuffs like that..... but did you ever felt true happiness? id like to know things that you experience that i am deprived, im pathetic but i have sense, id like to be very communicative to other races if they think same as i do.... :) oh well, that was nonesense, maybe id like to ask someone there to travel me from a far :P
Posted by: rOchelaRio | January 12, 2007 05:17 AM
hello i like to kow you and to take you as my lover cause am still a stundent and am looking for somneone that can take goo care of me.
Posted by: TONY | January 12, 2007 02:10 PM
hello...its nice..we can be friends...\
Posted by: -MiSsyGraCiA- | January 12, 2007 11:15 PM
hi!!! some of the list i hvnt heard.. will checkit out.. keep it up.. add me plzzz
Posted by: ibnu | January 14, 2007 06:08 AM
dude. your music pix are great. i'm all over this. rock on.
Posted by: Jefe | January 15, 2007 12:32 PM
great list!
Posted by: Joshua | January 16, 2007 01:07 PM
=)
Posted by: ' ' 'Glendale | January 18, 2007 01:19 AM
what happened to maiden's album?
Posted by: melvyn | January 18, 2007 07:36 AM
how did yuo become a featured blog? is it bcoz u've the looks?
Posted by: LORNA | January 19, 2007 01:42 AM
u suck man..nd ur type of music...
Posted by: PhEktO | January 20, 2007 08:58 AM
aw, looks like i need some catching up to do :) Thanks for the list. Imma clue you on what i think after ive sampled a few :P kudos!
Posted by: Sushi | January 21, 2007 02:16 AM
hey, nothing in the list is familiar. which ones are trance, dance, electronic?
Posted by: roxxe | January 21, 2007 04:36 PM
where's my chemical romance? i don't know anyone here!
Posted by: b a b e s | January 21, 2007 06:00 PM
good luck
Posted by: EI | January 22, 2007 08:42 PM
hi!! can you be my friends?
Posted by: bernadeth | January 22, 2007 10:37 PM
fantastic...more power....
Posted by: nikki | January 25, 2007 12:59 AM
THIS ARE BIASED CHOICES! tsk tsk tsk.. well it is based on your opinions so we'll let it go. Beck's great. up for real innovation.
Posted by: jellie ann | January 26, 2007 12:54 AM
hi jeff,
i heard ur music in your friendster---rock and roll mcdonalds---and it really caught my attention.that was great,i really love mcdonalds.
anyway,hope we could be friend through friendster...
best regards,
pretty lynnette
Posted by: Lynnette | January 26, 2007 03:42 AM
hey,,,,,,,,,,,,,,! whatz up????
Posted by: mai | January 26, 2007 04:35 PM
fuck non of these are known album
Posted by: -jayson- | January 27, 2007 04:56 AM
hello i have seen you profile and will like to know you more ok am rose lol.. bbye
Posted by: rose | January 27, 2007 12:23 PM
wanna be your friend because you look nice...would u mind?
Posted by: shieeangel | January 29, 2007 07:15 PM
hi there! zunega_cherrychristine@yahoo.com..be my friend(",
Posted by: CherryChristine | January 30, 2007 03:52 AM
hi thats nice profile.........keep up the good emaginations!!!!!! you know when i saw u 1st my heart touch my heart pushing me to become ur child!is that funny?hehehe!yah thats true so thats why i send you like this......u know ur my dream father!
Posted by: MARK ANTHONY | January 30, 2007 08:21 AM
HI Jeff,ur page is sssssoooooo cooooooooooolll!I loving it my frend.Gud luck & more power god bless...Fr.Collado_ann@yahoo.com
Posted by: ann | January 30, 2007 06:51 PM
hi people how r ya? hope i am welcome here!!!
ghatti
Posted by: ghatti | February 3, 2007 09:32 AM
This was very informative. I should have visited this blog sooner! You've got very diverse musical taste.
Posted by: Jon | February 3, 2007 08:32 PM
hi are you ok
Posted by: noel | February 4, 2007 08:14 PM
Goldfrapp's Supernature was released in 2005, and their best work is the first album Felt Mountain... Surely everyone knows that :)
Posted by: Neil | February 7, 2007 02:19 PM
no comment...u look great...
Posted by: jenny | February 8, 2007 05:59 PM
hi i am shantanu . i am decent little guy from central india . i like friend ship with boy and girls of any age. i am just 18 year old from india. i love chatting , surfing and travelling,ete . wanna want friendship with me mail me shantanu_shantanu84@yahoo.com
Posted by: shantanu | February 21, 2007 05:46 AM
Jeff Is this you? … :)!
http://208.109.69.157/funstuff/extra/extra04.asp?strName=Jeff
Posted by: abc | February 27, 2007 12:49 AM
ur cute
Posted by: clenn | February 28, 2007 12:46 AM
dis is really informative for my interests. Tnx dude dis is cool..
Posted by: John Clegg | March 8, 2007 02:46 AM
hello
i will like to be ur friend
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Posted by: amy | March 27, 2007 08:57 AM
hi email
Posted by: zinnah | March 28, 2007 02:25 PM
hi
Posted by: agnes | April 17, 2007 10:28 PM
What about Girl Talk? That totally blew my mind in a way that nothing else this year did.
Posted by: StyleFeeder | April 19, 2007 02:20 PM
MY MSN cmzdh@hotmail.com
Posted by: Jerry | April 26, 2007 06:45 PM
MY MSN cmzdh@hotmail.com
Posted by: Jerry | April 26, 2007 06:58 PM
Nice, you have been in Manila
Did you visit Boracay Island and Cebu. It's nice to visit that. Boracay Island is the best Island in the whole world. just see by yourself, has crystal clear blue water and a white sand. By the here's my friendster email. "treep@yahoo.com
Posted by: treep | April 29, 2007 05:12 AM
What happen to Chris Daughtry's CD. I did not see it on the list
Cheers
Posted by: SEMcents | May 10, 2007 12:58 PM
no Air? put Air! hahahaha
Posted by: i spy ellas | November 28, 2007 08:24 AM
nice blog honey...pls can you add me as your friend.(lerioagullana@yahoo.com)thank you and have a nice day...
Posted by: lherz | December 25, 2007 09:35 PM
hi to all of you guys there!!!this blog are very interesting....
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Posted by: gamblert | January 31, 2008 12:49 PM
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Posted by: arlene | March 11, 2008 07:35 PM
waz up.....your look like a wrestler.are you?hehehehe...im jaz joking.....
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Posted by: John | May 31, 2008 01:00 PM
Hi to everyone. I'm Kennedy from Cameroon and will love to make new friends that are good and sociable.do email me at kenedgine@yshoo.com for more about me and my country and culture
Posted by: kenedy | June 2, 2008 04:14 AM
I just went through your profile and was moved by it. I'm Kennedy from Cameroon and will love to make new friends that are good and sociable.do email me at kenedgine@yahoo.com for more about me and my country and culture
Posted by: kenedy | June 2, 2008 04:20 AM