ario's favorite albums of 2006
01. Helios - Eingya
This album saved me many a time this year. I discovered it right before a friend passed away and it sustained me through some tough times. Incredibly beautiful.
02. The Knife - Silent Shout
Over-hyped and hated on by many... to me, it's a great combination of pop, experimental, and electronic sounds all coming together in a cohesive package. I love their entire vibe and aesthetic.
03. Thom Yorke - The Eraser
Thom keeps things simple, yet interesting... similar to Radiohead, but different enough to call all his own.
04. Burial - Burial
Such a fresh sounding and evil record... would make the perfect soundtrack to a homicide.
05. Ben Watt - Buzzin' Fly Vol. 3
I found this one completely on accident, literally sitting on a counter, discarded at work. I had no idea what it was thanks to the crazy cover art, but after a few listens, I was completely hooked. Provided the soundtrack to many a run and makes me really miss Everything But the Girl. I only wish good house music like this came into my life more often.
06. Girl Talk - Night Ripper
The "Endtroducing" of party music. Incredibly addictive and fun to listen to. I can only imagine how bad a case of A.D.D. this guy must have.
07. Tool - 10,000 Days
Like all Tool records, this took awhile to grow on me, but once it did, I saw the light like I do every time. Seeing them live certainly helped too. They're still keeping things heavy, but with a high IQ.
08. Booka Shade - Movements
Expertly crafted melodic techno... can't wait to see them live in '07!
09. Trentemoller - Last Resort
Great mix of dub and techno... the newest addition to the list... still getting my head around it.
10. Ellen Allien & Apparat - Orchestra of Bubbles
I love how this record draws upon the strengths of both artists... you can hear each person's contributions distinctly, but they come together into a cohesive whole. I only hope they get together to make music again!
Honorable Mentions...
Camille - Le Fil
Jeff Samuel - Step
Pet Shop Boys - Fundamental
Zombi - Surface to Air
The Modern Institute - Excellent Swimmer
Junior Boys - So This is Goodbye
Squarepusher - Hello Everything
Boxcutter - Oneric
Machinefabriek - Marijn
Proem - You Shall Have Ever Been
Justin Tmberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds
Clark - Body Riddle
Some recommended albums by friends that I'm just now getting into...
Bitcrush - In Distance
Ontayso - Procesameinto Digital Dos
Vert - Some Beans & an Octopus
Alva Noto - For
Joanna Newsom - Ys
Miwon - Pale Glitter
Tim Hecker - Harmony in Ultraviolet
Klimek - Music to Fall Asleep
Previous years: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001
other good lists: Proem, Zojirushi, Pitchfork, Amadeeeep
If you think I've missed out on something big, lemme know in the comments!