(no subject)
well it's new years eve which means i'm gonig to post my top albums of the year, please feel free to comment, flame, complain, etc., well, here goes:
25. Yo La Tengo - I am not Afraid of You and I will Beat Your Ass. What can I say about Yo La Tengo that hasn’t been droven into the ground by numerous indie-rock critics over the last twenty years? Nothing, it’s all been said, and it’s all true, Yo La Tengo is “that” band, the one that everyone who listens to indie-rock knows and has a certain respect for, but unlike mainstream acts they seem to have gotten better with age, as this is one of their best albums ever. It runs the gamut from trippy, jazzy, jam songs, to beautiful pop, to acoustic ballads, and it all does it amazingly
24. The Flaming Lips - At War With the Mystics. This was a very good album, but not what I was expecting, it wasn’t even the best flaming lips album of the year (that award goes to Morrissey), but it was still full of Wayne Coyne’s soaring vocals, layered music, and with the lack of a polyphonic spree album this year, this album wins the award for “best album to huff fumes and play board games to”
23. The Killers - Sam’s Town. After “Hot Fuss” I didn’t think the Killers would be able to top their success or their ability to write an incredibly catchy pop album. I was right. They seem to have dropped the British vibe, which is a shame because next to the futureheads, they were my favourite of that lot, and left behind lipstick and Duran Duran for whiskey and John Mellancamp, but they just don’t do it well, and you can tell far too often that instead of doing what cam naturally they wanted to “evolve” and not get lumped in with all the other bands that sound like Gang of four. The album has it’s high points, and they are always when the band lets go and makes me want to dance, but when trying to write another “Born to Run” they leave me flat
22. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions. Speaking of “born to Run” Bruce Springsteen’s latest effort was also a direct attempt to channel someone else, but instead of try and fail he just made a cover album. Pete Seeger is one of folk music’s true treasures, and the boss certainly did him justice on this album, normally I am not a fan of his work but he really seemed to enjoy making this album, and he seems so genuinely happy to be recording Seeger’s songs
21. John Legend - Once Again. John Legend is a smooth motherfucker, I mean he is quite possibly the only guy I would want to play in the middle of a candlelight dinner, in hopes of getting laid. The man has one of the best voices I have ever heard, and he can write a beautiful love song, as he showcases on this album. Take my advice, R. Kelly simply isn’t going to cut it much longer as the smooth voiced king of R&B. Hail to the new Chief
20. Band of Horses - Everything all the time. This album is a pretty good straightforward indie-pop album. There is nothing amazing and perfect about it but it certainly is a super great album, it just is missing something that makes it great. I cannot place it but there’s a piece missing in this band that puts them below perfect, but still a wonderful group, and this album is quite pleasing
19. Math and Physics Club - I just hears this album a few days back, and I honestly have to say that I thought it was yet another Belle and Sebastian album. This is a great album full of catchy lyrics, singalong tunes, and twee-esque guitars, I highly recommend them, however they certainly aren’t original which loses them points in my book, otherwise a great up an coming band
18. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Not even the best solo album from a new pornographer this year, but an absolutely beautiful album, Neko Case has garnered a lot of comparisons to Jenny Lewis this year (indie queen makes country album) but while Lewis seems like someone who wanted to make a country album, Case seems like country artist, he voice sounds much older than her 36 years it is somewhat reminiscent of June Carter, and the album is full of songs that sound perfect for accompanying an aging southern woman on a lonely night out in the country
17. Hank Williams III - Straight to Hell. It’s no secret that Hank Williams is without a doubt my all time favourite country artist, and his grandson certainly has the family resemblance, while his father was a huge star, he didn’t seem like the son of the legend, but Hank III sounds like he’s channeling grandpa when he sings. However, it isn’t just the voice, he is a rabble rousing, fighting, drinking, cussing, machine, and that gene just may be more important in the Williams family than the musical one
16. Rhapsody of Fire - Triumph or agony. Formerly known as just Rhapsody, this Italian epic-metal band is far and away the tops of the lot, while Dragonforce is so over the top they seem like a parody of themselves, and Nightwish is just too goth, Rhapsody of Fire is just the right mix of melodic harmonies, choirs, organs, and pure guitar shredding to be the perfect soundtrack for all your dragon slaying needs
15. Whiskey and Co. - Leaving the Nightlife. This florida band is most certainly greater than the sum of it’s parts. Coming together from different punk and hardcore bands in Florida they created this country band, and released a sonically beautiful album that is both somber and uplifting. It seems to tell the story of someone who wants, more than the life she has, but can’t seem to escape the rut her life has become through work and alcoholism. Not as good as their debut album but a masterpiece nonetheless
14. Mos Def - Tru3 Magic. Hip hop is not dead, and this is the proof. Mos Def’s new album is more of the same angry, political, and socially conscious hip-hop we’ve come to expect. He has tracks on Bush, Iraq, Katrina, and other things that makes republicans go “couldn’t we have just kept you on the plantation”
13. Say anything - Is a real boy. If Chris Carabba grew a pair, and knew how to rock, he would be this band. Mixing heartfelt lyrics with an awesome pop-punk sound this album made you wish punk was popular again, just so we could have a better chance at a gem of an album like this. The guy’s gravelly voice reminds me somewhat of Against Me!, but without all the political stuff, just the fun punk rock
12. My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the black parade. Fuck off!, now that that’s done, let me explain why I love this album, since you are already laughing at me. This is a true concept album, it mixes genres, catchy songs, vocals and music so grandiose that it reminisces Queen, and other large scale productions. This album would be perfect as a musical, and My Chemical Romance deserve their place in the hearts of teenagers everywhere because they can make a hell of an album
11. Dresden Dolls - Yes Virginia. Punk Cabaret’s favourite group returned with this album in 2006. While it wasn’t quite as great as their previous effort, this album brought more great tracks sung by the beautiful Amanda Palmer, and lots of wonderful pop piano songs. This band is far too often overlooked because of their live shows and theatrical production, but they make music plain and simple. Music that can touch the soul and make you glad that this kind of music exists
10, Morrissey - Ringleader of the tormentors. Morrissey’s new album was a wonderful work of art, best described by the review I wrote when it came out: those of you reading this know me, so you obviously know that I usually take to calling the smiths my all-time favorite band, while in reality they would be in a triple threat match with third eye blind and bright eyes with an ending that I couldn't predict because I love them all so much. Well Morrissey's new album is not the smiths, I don't expect Morrissey to be the smiths but I do expect him to be the Mozzer and he was in full form here. The album is different from anything he's ever done. The Smiths were made by Moz's witty wordplay and Johnny Marr's guitar craft, but once he went solo, the music was less sing-along poppy melancholy (Billy Corgan better be paying this guy residuals) and much more of the sad lyrics with sad music, the stuff is good because of a voice that can be recognized by Pierre Desloges, but I was always left somewhat dry without the sound that Marr created. After "Maladjusted" I had no real interest in viewing his solo work as brilliant, so when he finally released "You are the Quarry" after 7 years of nothing I had no clue how it would be, well it seemed as if Moz had the same opinion that I did, because the album was essentially a Smiths album, which a loved,
so now, going into the new album "Ringleader of the Tormenters" it has become a question of what kind of album it would be, the answer, is that he decided not to create a sappy solo album or a poppy smiths album he wrote a somewhat trippy, experimental Flaming Lips album. The album opens with guitar riffs that seem more suited for Jimmy Page than Boz Boorer. Much of this is thanks to Jessy Tobias replacing Alain White, in fact one of the strongest tracks on the album "you have killed me"was co-written by Tobias, in other words if we know Morrissey this guy will not last long when he gets crushed by the ego of the Moz, because be honest, the only thing larger than his ego is his talent. The album also implements pipe organ more than any non- gospel album should be able to get away with, yet in the context it seems perfect, he also uses tracks like "life is a pigsty" to play around with fun toys, and he obviously likes the way his voice sounds slightly echoed over raindrops. This album is a departure from anything he has done before and I think it will bring on a new light in his career, anyone thinking that in his late 40's he would be stuck doing the same thing, had been proven dead wrong, unlike other bands that refuse to adapt or change and keep cranking out the same music for 20+ years (rolling stones I am looking in your direction) Moz has changed like a proverbial chameleon, and will be warming the hearts of his fans for years to come
09. Alan Jackson - Precious memories. This is Alan Jackson’s gospel album, full of old classics that I grew up on with my grandmother, and there is nobody on the planet that can sing like Alan Jackson. This collection brought me to tears when I first heard these classic songs sung by Jackson’s soothing southern baritone. Jackson is the best thing country music has going for it today and I was certainly impressed with this tribute to the songs he grew up on.
08. Belle and Sebastian - The life pursuit. This band could not make a bad album. I absolutely love everything this group has ever done. This album is more of their super brand of Scottish twee-pop. Tons of blues influenced, guitar music topped off by the sweet vocals of Stuart Murdoch, but still keeping the “chamber pop” sound they popularized with their cellos, flutes, and clarinets.
07. Jenny Lewis - Rabbit Fur Coat. Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley decided to make a country album also, and while it didn’t seem as authentic as Neko Case, it produced much better songs. She has an absolutely beautiful voice, and she certainly showcases it here, making for a sad, yet hopeful album. Almost as if Lewis’ voice can give hope to the same people who are saddened by her words
06. Ben Kweller - Self Titled. Kweller's rapid maturing pattern most certainly continues here. And he makes it clear that this is his most personal album to date, by naming the album after his own name. And you can tell by the lyrics that he has finally found a way to express his innermost feelings, self-doubts, fears, and experiences. He is a tenderheart, a romantic, a delicate flower, and even at times a tortured genius, and his lyrics scream this throughout this album. And the vehicle for which he delivers these lyrics is simply phenomenal, only heightened by the fact that he plays every single note on every single instrument on this album. This album's music is not too weird, not too traditional, not too indie, and not too pop, it's just right; he finds a perfect medium between making good music and making radio-friendly singles that should become huge hits if it is to believed that the American public has any idea of what good music is. He is a pop genius all his own, and this is an ultra-melodic pop masterwork, and without a doubt, his magnum opus to date.
05. The Lemonheads - Self Titled. It had been 10 years since the lemonheads last release, but it certainly was worth the wait. Evan dando proves here that he is still as good at rocking as he was then and that he deserves his “alterna-grandpa hipster cred.” He makes the same wonderful music that he did for all those years, but with an invigorated passion that has been lacking in most modern music.
04. Weird Al - Straight Outta Lynwood - the parody master was back this year with another great album, a welcome surprise after “poodle hat”, featuring parodies of R. Kelly, Taylor Hicks, and green day among others he also has some great originals/style parodies that showcase both his comedic genius, vocal prowess, and ear for making great music
03. Two Gallants - What the toll tells. Two Gallants weave urgent back-alley storytelling with no-frills instrumentation that alternately boils with visceral fervor and mourns with plaintive restraint. The youthful duo play a strain of rock that falls somewhere between folk, punk, and old-time blues and the resulting sound is much more than the sum of its parts. Two Gallants draw on Old West images and themes of revenge, redemption, and shifty morality to create wide-swinging moods trafficking in brash ferocity, repentant regret, and freewheelin' Americana.
02.Destroyer - Destroyer’s rubies. I never would have guessed that Destroyer had the capacity to create an album such as this. Also of the New Pornographers, Dan Bejar's vision, as leans toward the avant-garde, a series of formless songs with expert lyricism that he sings over the full instrumentation with the seeming spontaneity of some great 60's jazz.
01.Good Clean Fun - Between Christian Rock and a Hard Place. If you prefer a little fun with your music, then do we have an album for you! After bands like Crucial Youth and Gorilla Biscuits broke up, hardcore began to lose the main reason many kids got into hardcore way back then, and that was fun. Good clean fun got together and went around the country preaching their message of positive hardcore. This is a refreshing hardcore disc that touches on everything from MySpace to vampires. This album truly does but the “ha” back in hardcore
once again feel free to discuss my opinions
25. Yo La Tengo - I am not Afraid of You and I will Beat Your Ass. What can I say about Yo La Tengo that hasn’t been droven into the ground by numerous indie-rock critics over the last twenty years? Nothing, it’s all been said, and it’s all true, Yo La Tengo is “that” band, the one that everyone who listens to indie-rock knows and has a certain respect for, but unlike mainstream acts they seem to have gotten better with age, as this is one of their best albums ever. It runs the gamut from trippy, jazzy, jam songs, to beautiful pop, to acoustic ballads, and it all does it amazingly
24. The Flaming Lips - At War With the Mystics. This was a very good album, but not what I was expecting, it wasn’t even the best flaming lips album of the year (that award goes to Morrissey), but it was still full of Wayne Coyne’s soaring vocals, layered music, and with the lack of a polyphonic spree album this year, this album wins the award for “best album to huff fumes and play board games to”
23. The Killers - Sam’s Town. After “Hot Fuss” I didn’t think the Killers would be able to top their success or their ability to write an incredibly catchy pop album. I was right. They seem to have dropped the British vibe, which is a shame because next to the futureheads, they were my favourite of that lot, and left behind lipstick and Duran Duran for whiskey and John Mellancamp, but they just don’t do it well, and you can tell far too often that instead of doing what cam naturally they wanted to “evolve” and not get lumped in with all the other bands that sound like Gang of four. The album has it’s high points, and they are always when the band lets go and makes me want to dance, but when trying to write another “Born to Run” they leave me flat
22. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions. Speaking of “born to Run” Bruce Springsteen’s latest effort was also a direct attempt to channel someone else, but instead of try and fail he just made a cover album. Pete Seeger is one of folk music’s true treasures, and the boss certainly did him justice on this album, normally I am not a fan of his work but he really seemed to enjoy making this album, and he seems so genuinely happy to be recording Seeger’s songs
21. John Legend - Once Again. John Legend is a smooth motherfucker, I mean he is quite possibly the only guy I would want to play in the middle of a candlelight dinner, in hopes of getting laid. The man has one of the best voices I have ever heard, and he can write a beautiful love song, as he showcases on this album. Take my advice, R. Kelly simply isn’t going to cut it much longer as the smooth voiced king of R&B. Hail to the new Chief
20. Band of Horses - Everything all the time. This album is a pretty good straightforward indie-pop album. There is nothing amazing and perfect about it but it certainly is a super great album, it just is missing something that makes it great. I cannot place it but there’s a piece missing in this band that puts them below perfect, but still a wonderful group, and this album is quite pleasing
19. Math and Physics Club - I just hears this album a few days back, and I honestly have to say that I thought it was yet another Belle and Sebastian album. This is a great album full of catchy lyrics, singalong tunes, and twee-esque guitars, I highly recommend them, however they certainly aren’t original which loses them points in my book, otherwise a great up an coming band
18. Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Not even the best solo album from a new pornographer this year, but an absolutely beautiful album, Neko Case has garnered a lot of comparisons to Jenny Lewis this year (indie queen makes country album) but while Lewis seems like someone who wanted to make a country album, Case seems like country artist, he voice sounds much older than her 36 years it is somewhat reminiscent of June Carter, and the album is full of songs that sound perfect for accompanying an aging southern woman on a lonely night out in the country
17. Hank Williams III - Straight to Hell. It’s no secret that Hank Williams is without a doubt my all time favourite country artist, and his grandson certainly has the family resemblance, while his father was a huge star, he didn’t seem like the son of the legend, but Hank III sounds like he’s channeling grandpa when he sings. However, it isn’t just the voice, he is a rabble rousing, fighting, drinking, cussing, machine, and that gene just may be more important in the Williams family than the musical one
16. Rhapsody of Fire - Triumph or agony. Formerly known as just Rhapsody, this Italian epic-metal band is far and away the tops of the lot, while Dragonforce is so over the top they seem like a parody of themselves, and Nightwish is just too goth, Rhapsody of Fire is just the right mix of melodic harmonies, choirs, organs, and pure guitar shredding to be the perfect soundtrack for all your dragon slaying needs
15. Whiskey and Co. - Leaving the Nightlife. This florida band is most certainly greater than the sum of it’s parts. Coming together from different punk and hardcore bands in Florida they created this country band, and released a sonically beautiful album that is both somber and uplifting. It seems to tell the story of someone who wants, more than the life she has, but can’t seem to escape the rut her life has become through work and alcoholism. Not as good as their debut album but a masterpiece nonetheless
14. Mos Def - Tru3 Magic. Hip hop is not dead, and this is the proof. Mos Def’s new album is more of the same angry, political, and socially conscious hip-hop we’ve come to expect. He has tracks on Bush, Iraq, Katrina, and other things that makes republicans go “couldn’t we have just kept you on the plantation”
13. Say anything - Is a real boy. If Chris Carabba grew a pair, and knew how to rock, he would be this band. Mixing heartfelt lyrics with an awesome pop-punk sound this album made you wish punk was popular again, just so we could have a better chance at a gem of an album like this. The guy’s gravelly voice reminds me somewhat of Against Me!, but without all the political stuff, just the fun punk rock
12. My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the black parade. Fuck off!, now that that’s done, let me explain why I love this album, since you are already laughing at me. This is a true concept album, it mixes genres, catchy songs, vocals and music so grandiose that it reminisces Queen, and other large scale productions. This album would be perfect as a musical, and My Chemical Romance deserve their place in the hearts of teenagers everywhere because they can make a hell of an album
11. Dresden Dolls - Yes Virginia. Punk Cabaret’s favourite group returned with this album in 2006. While it wasn’t quite as great as their previous effort, this album brought more great tracks sung by the beautiful Amanda Palmer, and lots of wonderful pop piano songs. This band is far too often overlooked because of their live shows and theatrical production, but they make music plain and simple. Music that can touch the soul and make you glad that this kind of music exists
10, Morrissey - Ringleader of the tormentors. Morrissey’s new album was a wonderful work of art, best described by the review I wrote when it came out: those of you reading this know me, so you obviously know that I usually take to calling the smiths my all-time favorite band, while in reality they would be in a triple threat match with third eye blind and bright eyes with an ending that I couldn't predict because I love them all so much. Well Morrissey's new album is not the smiths, I don't expect Morrissey to be the smiths but I do expect him to be the Mozzer and he was in full form here. The album is different from anything he's ever done. The Smiths were made by Moz's witty wordplay and Johnny Marr's guitar craft, but once he went solo, the music was less sing-along poppy melancholy (Billy Corgan better be paying this guy residuals) and much more of the sad lyrics with sad music, the stuff is good because of a voice that can be recognized by Pierre Desloges, but I was always left somewhat dry without the sound that Marr created. After "Maladjusted" I had no real interest in viewing his solo work as brilliant, so when he finally released "You are the Quarry" after 7 years of nothing I had no clue how it would be, well it seemed as if Moz had the same opinion that I did, because the album was essentially a Smiths album, which a loved,
so now, going into the new album "Ringleader of the Tormenters" it has become a question of what kind of album it would be, the answer, is that he decided not to create a sappy solo album or a poppy smiths album he wrote a somewhat trippy, experimental Flaming Lips album. The album opens with guitar riffs that seem more suited for Jimmy Page than Boz Boorer. Much of this is thanks to Jessy Tobias replacing Alain White, in fact one of the strongest tracks on the album "you have killed me"was co-written by Tobias, in other words if we know Morrissey this guy will not last long when he gets crushed by the ego of the Moz, because be honest, the only thing larger than his ego is his talent. The album also implements pipe organ more than any non- gospel album should be able to get away with, yet in the context it seems perfect, he also uses tracks like "life is a pigsty" to play around with fun toys, and he obviously likes the way his voice sounds slightly echoed over raindrops. This album is a departure from anything he has done before and I think it will bring on a new light in his career, anyone thinking that in his late 40's he would be stuck doing the same thing, had been proven dead wrong, unlike other bands that refuse to adapt or change and keep cranking out the same music for 20+ years (rolling stones I am looking in your direction) Moz has changed like a proverbial chameleon, and will be warming the hearts of his fans for years to come
09. Alan Jackson - Precious memories. This is Alan Jackson’s gospel album, full of old classics that I grew up on with my grandmother, and there is nobody on the planet that can sing like Alan Jackson. This collection brought me to tears when I first heard these classic songs sung by Jackson’s soothing southern baritone. Jackson is the best thing country music has going for it today and I was certainly impressed with this tribute to the songs he grew up on.
08. Belle and Sebastian - The life pursuit. This band could not make a bad album. I absolutely love everything this group has ever done. This album is more of their super brand of Scottish twee-pop. Tons of blues influenced, guitar music topped off by the sweet vocals of Stuart Murdoch, but still keeping the “chamber pop” sound they popularized with their cellos, flutes, and clarinets.
07. Jenny Lewis - Rabbit Fur Coat. Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley decided to make a country album also, and while it didn’t seem as authentic as Neko Case, it produced much better songs. She has an absolutely beautiful voice, and she certainly showcases it here, making for a sad, yet hopeful album. Almost as if Lewis’ voice can give hope to the same people who are saddened by her words
06. Ben Kweller - Self Titled. Kweller's rapid maturing pattern most certainly continues here. And he makes it clear that this is his most personal album to date, by naming the album after his own name. And you can tell by the lyrics that he has finally found a way to express his innermost feelings, self-doubts, fears, and experiences. He is a tenderheart, a romantic, a delicate flower, and even at times a tortured genius, and his lyrics scream this throughout this album. And the vehicle for which he delivers these lyrics is simply phenomenal, only heightened by the fact that he plays every single note on every single instrument on this album. This album's music is not too weird, not too traditional, not too indie, and not too pop, it's just right; he finds a perfect medium between making good music and making radio-friendly singles that should become huge hits if it is to believed that the American public has any idea of what good music is. He is a pop genius all his own, and this is an ultra-melodic pop masterwork, and without a doubt, his magnum opus to date.
05. The Lemonheads - Self Titled. It had been 10 years since the lemonheads last release, but it certainly was worth the wait. Evan dando proves here that he is still as good at rocking as he was then and that he deserves his “alterna-grandpa hipster cred.” He makes the same wonderful music that he did for all those years, but with an invigorated passion that has been lacking in most modern music.
04. Weird Al - Straight Outta Lynwood - the parody master was back this year with another great album, a welcome surprise after “poodle hat”, featuring parodies of R. Kelly, Taylor Hicks, and green day among others he also has some great originals/style parodies that showcase both his comedic genius, vocal prowess, and ear for making great music
03. Two Gallants - What the toll tells. Two Gallants weave urgent back-alley storytelling with no-frills instrumentation that alternately boils with visceral fervor and mourns with plaintive restraint. The youthful duo play a strain of rock that falls somewhere between folk, punk, and old-time blues and the resulting sound is much more than the sum of its parts. Two Gallants draw on Old West images and themes of revenge, redemption, and shifty morality to create wide-swinging moods trafficking in brash ferocity, repentant regret, and freewheelin' Americana.
02.Destroyer - Destroyer’s rubies. I never would have guessed that Destroyer had the capacity to create an album such as this. Also of the New Pornographers, Dan Bejar's vision, as leans toward the avant-garde, a series of formless songs with expert lyricism that he sings over the full instrumentation with the seeming spontaneity of some great 60's jazz.
01.Good Clean Fun - Between Christian Rock and a Hard Place. If you prefer a little fun with your music, then do we have an album for you! After bands like Crucial Youth and Gorilla Biscuits broke up, hardcore began to lose the main reason many kids got into hardcore way back then, and that was fun. Good clean fun got together and went around the country preaching their message of positive hardcore. This is a refreshing hardcore disc that touches on everything from MySpace to vampires. This album truly does but the “ha” back in hardcore
once again feel free to discuss my opinions