CT Writers’ Top 10 (or less) Music of 2006
11 January 2007
Jacob’s our ringer when it comes to writing about music. We wanted to also put together some of our own lists to compare to each other, and see how much indie cred we got when we put it up against Jacob’s. There are five lists below, and not too many repeats, unless you count Beck’s new album ‘The Information’ and John Mayer’s ‘Continuum’, but you really can’t mention those albums enough. — scott
Alisa
Gravity|Love by Sandra McCracken
Fans to Sandra McCracken have been waiting for an album like this since her first project, The Crucible. Sandra’s first instrument is the piano, which covered her first album leaving us wanting more. Not to say the folk rock she is known for isn’t alive on the album. Far from it, most of these songs are better live with a band supporting McCracken. Gravity|Love captures life on the road apart from one you love. Grabbing things from her life, books or music that have effected her life into her music. An ode to the Beatles with “Goodbye George”. A crowed favorite “Chattanooga” finally captured on an album. There is a feel of experimentation on this record, which is okay for a few songs and appreciate the art behind it.
Post War by M. Ward
Best musical discovery for me this year. Being well aquatinted with this album after seeing a live performance of M. Ward, just cant seem to get enough of it. Its hard to capture one sound to describe M.Ward’s music which is what he’d probably going for. With this veil of mystery behind him and the art he creates which seems to make the music spark more in the fans. Some songs would be considered alternative country where some are pure rock and roll sounding. The talent of songwriting that is displayed on this record blends well with his unique voice makes this a must have album for anything who likes great art.
Gather Up by Peter Bradley Adams
Part of the once duet, eastmountainsouth, this is Peter Bradley Adam’s first solo release. To all eastmountainsouth fans out there who wished for more music, I highly recommend picking this one up. The familiar sounds of the departed band touch this album but at the same time it has its own different feel. Those of you new to this name, the album is full of great lyrics paired with folk-rock sound. Peter Bradley Adam is a story teller with his songs, whether about himself or others around him. Its indy and its good.
Oh! Gravity by Switchfoot
This album just released a day after Christmas but, I can safety say its one my favorite albums of 2006. Oh!Gravity is Switchfoot’s sixth offering to the music world. Their sound has ever so shifted of their early days of Legends of Chin to their last album, Nothing is sound. Oh! Gravity is a nice blend of the rock-pop sound with a power ballad thrown in to keep a good mix. The overall theme of the album is living a fuller life, since we only have one life to live. With the New Year, what better music to let rest in your mind?
Brandi
1. Brandi Carlile – Brandi Carlile
This girl is unbelievable. She has this great deep growly voice, but it’s also really strong when she sings the high notes. The music has kind of a Bonnie Raitt/Indigo Girls/Patty Griffin thing going on, and she will go from ballads to full out rock in the same song. She plays with a full band, including a cello, and the sound is really full. The ultimate music compliment from me is to say a song is pretty, and hers are. But they completely rock. It’s pretty rock. And it’s amazing. Highlights: “Tragedy”, “Throw It All Away”
2. Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out of This Country
Girly floaty pop. I came across this Glasgow band completely randomly, through a passing mention on a website I hardly ever read, and was immediately hooked. Lead singer Traceyanne Campbell’s voice is ethereal and cutesy at the same time, and it completely works. The sound is sweet and sugary, and the lyrics weave stories of heartbreaks and kiss-offs. Highlights: “Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken, “The False Contender”
3. The Beatles - Love
I had my doubts about this one. I grew up on the Beatles, and I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to mess with greatness, especially for the sake of a Vegas show. I mean, really? But I was wrong, wrong, wrong. George Martin and his son took the individual tracks from the original songs and remastered them, layering parts from different songs to create something both familiar and new. The result is an album that offers fresh takes on your favorite Beatles tracks. The songs sound crisp, clean and full. I don’t care if you don’t think you need anymore Beatles albums. You’re wrong. You need this one. Highlights: “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, “Blackbird/Yesterday”
4. Beck – The Information
I don’t know a lot about Beck. But I know that this album get in your head and stays there. It’s rock, folk, hip-hop, electronic, soul and about a million other things all wrapped up into one crazy record. It pushes what pop music can be and how it’s marketed and released. Beck stretched the traditional record label model with this album, and I hope others follow suit. If nothing else, buy it for the stickers. Highlights: “Strange Apparitionâ€, “We Dance Aloneâ€
5. Neko Case – Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
Some days are just Neko Case kind of days. Her sound is alt-country-ish, her voice strong and clear and folky. But it’s her songwriting that really gets to me – she crafts stories that pinpoint an exact moment in time and put you right in the middle of it. A good choice for fans of narrative songwriting; perfect for anyone who grew up on Loretta and Patsy. Highlights: “A Widow’s Toastâ€, “That Teenage Feelingâ€
6. Leigh Nash – Blue on Blue
I’m not ashamed – I started listening to Sixpence None the Richer in college after “Kiss Me†came out. I loved that stupid song. When Divine Discontent came out a few years later, I didn’t listen to anything else for weeks. Their breakup left a big hole in my musical landscape, so I was thrilled to find this solo disc from lead singer Leigh Nash. Her voice is unmistakable, and these songs are a welcome addition to any Sixpence fan’s collection. I could do without the silly “My Idea of Heavenâ€, the first single, but the rest of the album is strong and mellow and full of the melodies that drew me to her and her band in the first place. Highlights: “Nervous In the Light of Dawnâ€, “Between the Linesâ€
7. James Hunter – People Gonna Talk
A white British guy who evokes Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Who saw that coming? James Hunter sings classic blues-y R&B songs that could easily have been playing on the radio when your parents went on their first date. If I didn’t know better, I’d think this record was made 40 years ago by a no name artist in Memphis and was recently uncovered and released. It’s that authentic. These songs put a smile on my face and has me bopping my head every time I hear them. Hightlights: “People Gonna Talkâ€, “Don’t Come Backâ€
8. The Cardigans – Super Extra Gravity
The Cardigans and I have a little bit of history. They had a hit in 1996, “Lovefoolâ€, that was on the Romeo+Juliet soundtrack, which I adored. I was slightly obsessive about that movie and Leonardo DiCaprio in particular (I had been in love with him since the Growing Pains days, that, my friends, is a TRUE FAN) and every time Lovefool came on the radio I cranked it up and danced my fool head off, earnestly encouraging Leo to just say that he loved me, go on and fool me, because I can’t care bout anything but you. I didn’t really pay the band more attention until recently when a friend gave me a song on a mix CD. I had no idea they were still around. This album covers a wide-range of tones, from edgy to bouncy to slow and floaty, and it executes them all with confidence and competence. And lead singer Nina Persson is wearing some crazy awesome shoes on the cover. Highlights: “I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need To Be Nicerâ€, “Drip Drop Teardropâ€
9. Phil Wickham – Phil Wickham
Disclaimer: this is a worship album. I don’t really listen to worship albums. I’ve never been able to get into listening to worship music by myself. But this album found its way into our home and we popped it in on the way to church one morning, and I was blown away. Phil Wickham is a 21-year-old guy from California who writes simple, beautiful songs and sings them with this incredibly strong, sweet voice. His songs are thoughtful pictures of grace, glory and the wonder and awe that come with being a believer in Christ, and they move me to tears more often than I care to admit. Highlights: “Holy Holy Holyâ€, “Graceâ€
10. Keane – Under The Iron Sea
Their first album didn’t grab me at all, but this one definitely did. Whatever they added to the sound really works. I generally shy away from the U2/Coldplay/everyone who wants to be U2 and Coldplay vein of bands, but Keane’s songs get in my head. This album is full and cinematic, and Tom Chaplin’s voice is a perfect match for the melodies. Highlights: “Crystal Ballâ€, “A Bad Dreamâ€
Chad
My musical tastes are pretty simple. I’ve tried to expand my horizons, but I just don’t “get” most of it. I kept coming back to mainstream; mostly mainstream country. Oh well, someone has to support all those music execs. Here is my list of the Best Albums that I listened to this year.
1) Alan Jackson - Precious Memories
This collection of old hymns was originally recorded as a private album for his mom. We should all be thankful he shared it with the rest of us too.
2) Vince Gill - These Days
Any one of these 4 CDs could have been a solid release, but instead he throws them at us all at once.
3) John Mayer - Continuum
Smooooth….
4) The Wreckers - Stand Still, Look Pretty
Michelle Branch pairs with no-name Jessica Harp to form a duo with great harmonies and solid tunes.
5) Dierks Bentley - Long Trip Alone
Dierks is one of the best new artists on the country scene. His first two albums were very solid, and this one continues his streak
Scott
1) John Mayer - Continuum
This album was a perfect follow up to the Trio album. The one word I most use to describe it is ’smooth’. With songs like ‘Slow Dancing in a Burning Room’, ‘Stop This Train’ and ‘I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You)’, John Mayer has moved seamlessly from pop to blues, which according to some interviews, was his purpose from the start. His guitar talents are still tremendous, and the lyrics have evolved for this album that I think it could possibly be his best to date.
2) Family Force 5 - Business Up Front/Party in the Back
I’m not too proud to say that this album was one of my favorite albums of the year. Their live show makes the cd pale in comparison, but I’ll take what I can get. I’m not sure what initially drove me to like them in the first place, whether it was the skulls and guitars logo or their acknowledgement of Contra in a song. Brandi described their album as “a party in the car†and I have not found a better description. They are over the top, they are ridiculous, and they describe their music as ‘crunk rock’, but I like it all anyway. Check out the tracks ‘Drama Queen’ and ‘Supersonic’.
3) Mute Math - Mute Math
One of the most anticipated of the year for me, and it did not disappoint. I had been waiting for this record for almost a year when it came out in January. It met my expectations and then some. The songs I had been familiar with like ‘Chaos’ and ‘Break the Same’ sounded tremendous, as well as the new songs such as ‘Picture’ and ‘Typical’. If you have a chance to check out these guys live, do not miss it. You will not be disappointed.
4) Beck - The Information
Is it possible for Beck to make an album that does not have a song that is just infectious? Give tracks like ‘Think I’m in Love’ or ‘The Information’, and tell me you hate them. The songs are so catchy, and then there are songs like ‘Movie Theme’ that are extremely soothing. Can songs be described as futuristic? ‘Soldier Jane’ makes me think of some sci-fi movie or something. Anyway, enough of the awkward description, ‘The Information’ is one of the best albums of the year, and the cd actually comes with stickers so it’s a make-your-own album cover. What more do you want?
5) Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s – The Dust of Retreat
Sometimes I can be sucked into listening to a band for their name alone, especially if it’s as outlandish as Margot. After the initial listen, if the music can keep me interested, I’ll like the band for more than just the name. This album was recommended by Jacob, and while it has not become my favorite of the year, it did make it into my top 10. Songs like ‘Jen is Bringing the Drugs’, ‘Skeleton Key’, and ‘Quiet as a Mouse’ are DEFINITE highlights.
6) Chris Thile – How to Grow a Woman From the Ground
I had pretty low expectations for this release, because I thought ‘Deceiver’ was too experimental. This new album incorporates some experimenting, as well as including the bluegrass instrumentals, which I thought were missing from ‘Deceiver’. Covers of the White Stripes and the Strokes certainly do not hurt either, especially when they’re done well. Check out tracks like ‘Brakeman’s Blues’ and ‘Watch at Breakdown’.
7) The Decemberists – The Crane Wife
I’ll admit that when I first started listening to this band, I was not an immediate fan. I just thought the lead singer’s voice just had something that annoyed me. There are certain singers that I just cannot get, no matter the musical accompaniment (i.e. Rush). When it was announced they’d be playing New Orleans, I remembered how much my friend Mike liked them in concert, so when Jacob said we should go, I agreed. The show was great, and the songs they did from ‘The Crane Wife’ were amazing. I snagged a copy and have loved listening to it, wishing I could go back to the show knowing the songs. Check out tracks ‘O Valencia’ and ‘The Perfect Crime 2’.
Damien Rice – 9
The first real experience I had with Damien Rice was a show in December 2003. I had heard part of ‘Volcano’, so I figured when my friend Christina said the show would be good, we’d be in for an easy night of acoustic music, relaxing even. Not only was the show unbelievably intense, but the passion with which he sings and the band plays is amazing. The songs could start off nice and quiet, but reach a crescendo that made the hair on my neck stand on end. The follow up for ‘O’ continues in that vain; relatively quiet songs that pack an emotional punch. Just listening to ‘9 Crimes’ with its simple piano and almost whisper singing, but the emotion is still intense. Check out tracks ‘Dogs’ and ‘Cocunut Skins’.
9) The Strokes - First Impressions of Earth
I came late to The Strokes party after the release of ‘Is This It?’ I bought ‘Room on Fire’ but was disappointed. I heard ‘First Impressions of Earth’ was supposed to be great, so I checked it out. Yes, it is great. Yes, it is way better than ‘Room on Fire’. No, you would not be disappointed if you listened to it. Check out tracks ‘Juicebox’ and ‘Vision of Division’.
10) Jason Morant – Open
The instrumentation and the passion Jason sings with make this record stand out from that monotonous synthetic sounding worship that is prevalent these days. I really like this album, especially the arrangement of the strings. ‘51st’ is an instrumental track and it is beautiful, and probably the track I have listened to the most. I’m not one to really listen to a lot of worship music, but this album is a welcome exception. Check out tracks ‘Display My Love’ and ‘Veils’.
Jeff
Mute Math (self-titled)
This was the album of the year for me by a long shot. Wonderful catchy anthems that remind me of earlier U2 and smooth vocals by Paul Meany that remind me of the Police. As great as the CD is, the live show is even better with amazing percussion and all sort of antics by Meany on keytar and the myriad of keyboards on the stage. I really hope this band is only beginning to take off.
Andrew Osenga - The Morning
I’ve raved about this album some here before, but this album really deserves attention in the mainstream. Osenga captures the heart of the young man settling into family life looking forward to time with his family and also casting wistful glances at his younger past. It doesn’t hurt that the album flat out rocks.
The Violet Burning - Drop Dead.
This album is exactly what I want from the Violet Burning. The moody, atmospheric washes combine with Pritzl’s unique vocal and catchy melodies and the album drives from beginning to end. You just can’t sit still listening to this album.
Sandra McCracken - The Builder and The Architect
This may have come out at the very end of 2005. Sandra’s mainstream release Gravity|Love gets honorable mention, but I love this album of hymns. It’s simple and wonderfully arranged with Sandra’s originals woven in between the old classic songs from hymnals.
Keane - Under the Iron Sea
Strong sophomore effort from a band that changed up their signature sound enough to sound not exactly like the first album, but not enough to totally alienate fans of the first album. Too bad their lead singer wrecked their potential tour which would’ve carried them to the next level.
2 Responses to “CT Writers’ Top 10 (or less) Music of 2006”
January 11th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
[...] Head over to the Corner Table to find my (and a few others’) list of the top ten albums of last year. I worked hard on those descriptions, so go say something nice. [...]
January 13th, 2007 at 9:07 am
What an eclectic compilation of faves ! I have to admit…it has given me some new ideas AND encouraged me to give some other artists another try…..