Quinta-feira 14 Dez 2006, 1h:22
All right, so someone asked me what my top 10 albums released in 2006 are, and I kind of struggled to come up with a list. I went through iTunes and discovered I only bought 19 albums released in 2006 (I think I bought 133 albums this past year total).
This is kind of a mixed list of favorite albums (ones I just like) and ones that I think are deserving of being the "best of 2006" title. I hope that distinction is one that other people understand.
Anyway, here goes… I wrote this as a message at first and then realized I should just post it. The descriptions are not incredibly well-thought out or anything. I might edit this majorly later, but finals are almost over and I should probably focus on finishing strong.
In no particular order:
Time WIthout Consequence
Not as amazing as I was expecting, but still solid. A few really good tracks, mainly from the Four Songs EP, though. Alexi Murdoch is a talented musician with a lot of potential, but I don't think it all comes through on this album.
Roots & Crowns
Really started getting into this group this year. A friend of mine randomly bought another CD about a year ago and liked it, but I got this on emusic and love the entire thing. Very strong from start to finish. Love their rootsy sound and feel. I really feel like a part of the music when I listen to it, like I'm ingrained in it. This is an album I am glad to be putting in the top 10. I will definitely be buying more from Califone in the future.
9
I guess this is not as much a favorite of mine as I feel like I should choose it. It's good. Not anything like O… doesn't quite have that extra, undefinable "something" that made O such a surprise hit album, mainstream or not. A little too much angst for my liking… not the delicate touch that O has. I still love Damien Rice.
These Are Jokes
Demetri Martin is hilarious. Kicking myself for not getting to his show in Chicago. Smart and observant fellow - went to Yale for his undergrad and then got a full ride to NYU law school, but decided to follow his heart and be a comedian.
White Limousine
Again, I feel like I should pick this more than i want to choose it. I love Duncan Sheik. And though this is not my favorite of his albums, it is really a good piece of work. It's art. Beautiful arrangements, sometimes overly political for the sake of being political, but still amazing Duncan. Saw him live finally last February, too, which made me appreciate and love the album more.
Gary Jules
Kind of late for a self-titled album, but very good the whole album through. Mellow, acoustic goodness. I love his lyrical style. It's not breathtakingly amazing, but it's simple without being shallow. Gary Jules is a respectable artist who keeps me interested.
Mr. Lemons
This is another one I feel happy about putting in my top 10. I would almost say I am proud to have Glen Phillips on my list. Solid, great new work from a veteran songwriter. He really does keep getting better. The passion put into this album is apparent and very welcome.
Subtitulo
Again, very happy to choose this. Love Josh Rouse, and I love how he picked up the Spanish style by choosing to move to Spain with his girlfriend. You can read his influences in the music, but it's not overpowering like some artists can be. This album reminds me of childhood in a serene, happy way, with a mature approach. Joyful, carefree. Probably one of my top 20 favorite albums of all time.
Gather Up
Okay, this is one of my top 5 albums of all time, probably. Definitely top 10. Favorite and good. I loved Eastmountainsouth, but Peter Bradley Adams really shines on this album. The pure sound immerses me in the music and the story it tells or idea it puts out. Lyrically, lovely. Reminds me that music can just be beautiful. No strings attached… Adams' love for what he does really comes through on this album. It reminds me that music is just that: music. No industry politics or attempt to make something "cool and indie" or incredibly innovative. It really is pure music. Plus, some of the lyrics came at the perfect time in my life, so that definitely is a personal plus for me. I feel like I am floating away to a better world when I listen to this album. I just want to be lost in the music and pursue my dreams and better things.
Honorable Mentions:
Stadium Arcadium: because I feel like I should say it. Good (2-disc) album, though. I like RHCP, but I wouldn't label myself as RHCP fan. This is not the first album I've bought by them by any means.
St. Elsewhere: Hey, I bought it. "Crazy" was a great summer song, I'll admit. Was a little disappointed by the hype surrounding the album, but it's music for when I feel like having fun. And it does its job.
Propain: Okay, not that you like this but it's kind of backpacker, underground hip hop. Long overdue because of problems with the label, I am glad to finally see this come out and its timelessness is apparent. I am always happy to see them put out new music.
All the Roadrunning: Good music, but it's more of the kind of album I listen to at certain times, and only as a whole album. A few standout tracks I'll listen to on shuffle, but still a solid album overall.
James Taylor at Christmas: I love Christmas music, and I love James Taylor.
Not sure why this isn't in the top 10, but I guess it's definitely top 11:
Ganging Up On the Sun: I had a Guster-obsessive phase at some point. It went away for a long time until I found out I was going to see them live this past summer a couple of days before the actual show. I downloaded the album on iTunes and had a great time at the concert. I like that their style somewhat changes, but the sound is still distinctly Guster.
I also want to mention Amos Lee, who came out with a new album, Supply and Demand, this year. I haven't bought it yet (am waiting to get it at my local store back at home), but I'm sure it's great. I saw him live for free at some crappy bar before he released any full-length albums, and I really like this guy.
Anyways, that's all I have to say. If you'd like any recommendations of stand-out tracks from any of the albums I've listed, feel free to ask. I'd love to help out.
I hope this was worth reading… Good night! (And good luck to anyone else going through the hell that is finals.)