The Music Of 2006
With the arrival of 2007, I would like to take this opportunity to present my opinions on the music of 2006 - that is, I will post what I think were the best albums and a list of my favorite songs (that I think will fit on a single CD, that is). Enjoy!
THE TEN BEST ALBUMS OF 2006
01. Bob Dylan - Modern Times
It's been five years since Bob Dylan's last album, but the wait was worth it. "Modern Times" is Dylan's latest foray into the world of old-fashioned blues and country tunes, and he sounds like he's having a blast every minute. His voice hasn't been this expressive in decades and his band's intense. Songs such as "Thunder On The Mountain," "Rollin' & Tumblin'," and "Someday Baby" crackle with fiery energy. Dylan nicely balances these electrically-charged numbers with gorgeous ballads, my favorites being "Spirit On The Water" and "Workingman's Blues #2." The best song on the album is "Ain't Talkin'," a bleak but powerful and haunting portrait of a dying world. Give this one a listen. It's a masterpiece.
02. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Those familiar with the music of Pete Seeger probably expected this album to be similar to 2005's "Devils & Dust" - spare and acoustic with a track selection of mostly ballads. This isn't the case. There's a Dixieland horn section, fiddles, and accordions playing songs that not only include ballads but fast-tempo free-for-alls. This is not music being played but music being MADE, and it's hard not to get swept up in the spirit of things. This music is joyful and exuberant. You're wrong, though, if you think these old tunes have lost their significance - just listen to "Mrs. McGrath," an old Irish ballad, on which Springsteen sings "All foreign wars, I do proclaim / Live on blood and a mother's pain."
03. Beck - The Information
If it's not official yet, it soon will be: the Beck of olden days is gone. Beck's latest album, "The Information," falls somewhere between the gentle folk of "Sea Change" and the more wild "Guero." Teaming again with producer Nigel Godrich, Beck makes up for the lack of careening eclecticism that defined his older albums (such as "Odelay") with precise craftsmanship, something those older albums lacked, and the result is the most focused record he's ever made. While not for all tastes - this is, as Beck described it, a quasi hip-hop album - those willing to give it a listen (I recommend "Elevator Music," "Think I'm In Love," "Nausea," and "1000BPM") will find it's full of its own rewards.
04. Electric Six - Switzerland
Electric Six's first two albums were party albums all the way - just listen to songs like "Dance Commander, "Danger! High Voltage," "Gay Bar," and "Dance Epidemic." The band's third release, "Switzerland," suggests that the party may be drawing to a close and there'll be some ugly hangovers in the morning. The songs have a downbeat feel to them, starting with the druggy opener "The Band In Hell" and continuing through the rest of the album. The band still has some party left in it, though, as evidenced by "Pulling The Plug On The Party" and "Slices Of You." There's even "Chocolate Pope," a gleefully stupid throwaway at the end of the album. But don't be surprised if their next record is a little darker.
05. The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
Fans of the White Stripes had been wondering for years what Jack White would sound like with a full band. They got their wish when he formed the Raconteurs. This is power pop at its best - Brendan Benson gets to rock harder than he does normally, and White gets to escape from the restrictions of the White Stripes. The album's a little short, just over half an hour, but the songs speak for themselves. The best ones on here - "Steady, As She Goes," "Broken Boy Solider," "Yellow Sun," and the slow-burning "Blue Veins" - are some of the best songs I've heard from White. And try as hard as he might, he nonetheless overshadows everyone else in the group. It's okay, though - I wouldn't have it any other way.
06. Paul Simon - Surprise
At first glance the biggest surprise of Paul Simon's latest release is the presence of electronic music guru Brian Eno, who is credited on the back with providing the "sonic landscapes." Once you get past this unexpected pairing, you realize the two complement each other well. Eno's contributions are just what the songs needed, pulling them into focus. This is an album you have to listen to more than once, but it's worth it. Simon's lyrics are pure poetry and there are some lovely melodies here, although few are outright hummable. I suggest "Outrageous," "Wartime Prayers" (which features an absolutely gorgeous chorus), and the closer, "Father & Daughter." You'll be glad you gave this one a listen.
07. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
In recent years the Red Hot Chili Peppers have made a startling transition from a sex-obsessed rock-funk-rap group to a more melodic and mature pop-rock band. "Stadium Arcadium," the band's first double album, is the culmination of their journey, encompassing everything they were then and everything they are now. Take a listen to the opener, "Dani California," and the moronically titled "Hump de Bump" for proof. The production, by Rick Rubin, is a little flat, but the sharp songwriting, expressive singing by Anthony Kiedis, and wonderful interplay between guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea keep things interesting. Those who doubt the Chili Peppers' power should give this a spin. It'll prove them wrong.
08. Indigo Girls - Despite Our Differences
The Indigo Girls return for their best release in years. The group has made some changes with their switch to Hollywood Records; the sweeping political statements have been replaced with stronger hooks and some of the prettiest harmonies the Girls have put on record. The songs are excellent as well. The opener, "Pendulum Swinger," is classic Indigo Girls, followed by the great "Little Perennials" and "Run." P!nk, whom the Girls backed on her greatest song yet, "Dear Mr. President," makes an appearance on "Rock & Roll Heaven's Gate." "Last Tears" ends the album on a wonderful note, a gorgeous but not overly sentimental ballad. Those who thought the Indigo Girls couldn't be relevant are proved wrong by this terrific album.
09. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way
The Dixie Chicks shed some of their country persona and add a little rock for their most mainstream release yet. And they make it quite clear, despite pressure caused by lead singer Natalie Maines' controversial remarks about President Bush, that they're not ready to make nice. Rick Rubin again provides a flat production, but the songs are so strong they shine through anyway, the highlights being "The Long Way Around," "Not Ready To Make Nice," "Everybody Knows," "Lullaby," "Silent House," and "I Hope." These are confident songs, with gorgeous harmonies and a diverse array of textures. The Dixie Chicks are confident too, and it'll be interesting to see where they go from here.
10. Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing
The cover of "Last Man Standing" portrays Jerry Lee Lewis standing at a flaming piano, his fingers digging into the keys. The image is appropriate. He may be seventy-three, but the Killer still rocks harder than nearly anyone else around, including the Who's Who of rock and country stars who accompany him on this duets album. In fact, he dominates the proceedings so much his guests can hardly keep up with him. The songs benefit from the sheer energy the performers give them; take a listen to "Rock & Roll" with Jimmie Page, or "Pink Cadillac," where Bruce Springsteen is stuck singing backup to his own song. In an era where the stars usually overpower the main act, it's nice to hear a record like this.
RUNNERS UP: Bob Segar - Face The Promise, Elton John - The Captain & The Kid, P!nk - I'm Not Dead, Neil Young - Living With War, Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint - The River In Reverse
MIX '06
01. Bob Dylan - Modern Times - Thunder On The Mountain
02. Beck - The Information - Elevator Music
03. Indigo Girls - Despite Our Differences - Pendulum Swinger
04. Bob Segar - Face The Promise - Wreck This Heart
05. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way - The Long Away Around
06. P!nk - I'm Not Dead - Stupid Girls
07. Electric Six - Switzerland - The Band In Hell
08. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium - Dani California
09. The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soliders - Steady, As She Goes
10. Elton John - The Captain & The Kid - Just Like Noah's Ark
11. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions: O Mary Don't You Weep
12. Neil Young - Living With War - Let's Impeach The President
13. Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing - Pink Cadillac
14. Bob Dylan - Modern Times - Someday Baby
15. Paul Simon - Surprise - Wartime Prayers
16. P!nk - I'm Not Dead - Dear Mr. President
17. Beck - The Information - Nausea
18. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions - Erie Canal
19. Electric Six - Switzerland - Pulling The Plug On The Party
20. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way - I Hope
THE TEN BEST ALBUMS OF 2006
01. Bob Dylan - Modern Times
It's been five years since Bob Dylan's last album, but the wait was worth it. "Modern Times" is Dylan's latest foray into the world of old-fashioned blues and country tunes, and he sounds like he's having a blast every minute. His voice hasn't been this expressive in decades and his band's intense. Songs such as "Thunder On The Mountain," "Rollin' & Tumblin'," and "Someday Baby" crackle with fiery energy. Dylan nicely balances these electrically-charged numbers with gorgeous ballads, my favorites being "Spirit On The Water" and "Workingman's Blues #2." The best song on the album is "Ain't Talkin'," a bleak but powerful and haunting portrait of a dying world. Give this one a listen. It's a masterpiece.
02. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Those familiar with the music of Pete Seeger probably expected this album to be similar to 2005's "Devils & Dust" - spare and acoustic with a track selection of mostly ballads. This isn't the case. There's a Dixieland horn section, fiddles, and accordions playing songs that not only include ballads but fast-tempo free-for-alls. This is not music being played but music being MADE, and it's hard not to get swept up in the spirit of things. This music is joyful and exuberant. You're wrong, though, if you think these old tunes have lost their significance - just listen to "Mrs. McGrath," an old Irish ballad, on which Springsteen sings "All foreign wars, I do proclaim / Live on blood and a mother's pain."
03. Beck - The Information
If it's not official yet, it soon will be: the Beck of olden days is gone. Beck's latest album, "The Information," falls somewhere between the gentle folk of "Sea Change" and the more wild "Guero." Teaming again with producer Nigel Godrich, Beck makes up for the lack of careening eclecticism that defined his older albums (such as "Odelay") with precise craftsmanship, something those older albums lacked, and the result is the most focused record he's ever made. While not for all tastes - this is, as Beck described it, a quasi hip-hop album - those willing to give it a listen (I recommend "Elevator Music," "Think I'm In Love," "Nausea," and "1000BPM") will find it's full of its own rewards.
04. Electric Six - Switzerland
Electric Six's first two albums were party albums all the way - just listen to songs like "Dance Commander, "Danger! High Voltage," "Gay Bar," and "Dance Epidemic." The band's third release, "Switzerland," suggests that the party may be drawing to a close and there'll be some ugly hangovers in the morning. The songs have a downbeat feel to them, starting with the druggy opener "The Band In Hell" and continuing through the rest of the album. The band still has some party left in it, though, as evidenced by "Pulling The Plug On The Party" and "Slices Of You." There's even "Chocolate Pope," a gleefully stupid throwaway at the end of the album. But don't be surprised if their next record is a little darker.
05. The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
Fans of the White Stripes had been wondering for years what Jack White would sound like with a full band. They got their wish when he formed the Raconteurs. This is power pop at its best - Brendan Benson gets to rock harder than he does normally, and White gets to escape from the restrictions of the White Stripes. The album's a little short, just over half an hour, but the songs speak for themselves. The best ones on here - "Steady, As She Goes," "Broken Boy Solider," "Yellow Sun," and the slow-burning "Blue Veins" - are some of the best songs I've heard from White. And try as hard as he might, he nonetheless overshadows everyone else in the group. It's okay, though - I wouldn't have it any other way.
06. Paul Simon - Surprise
At first glance the biggest surprise of Paul Simon's latest release is the presence of electronic music guru Brian Eno, who is credited on the back with providing the "sonic landscapes." Once you get past this unexpected pairing, you realize the two complement each other well. Eno's contributions are just what the songs needed, pulling them into focus. This is an album you have to listen to more than once, but it's worth it. Simon's lyrics are pure poetry and there are some lovely melodies here, although few are outright hummable. I suggest "Outrageous," "Wartime Prayers" (which features an absolutely gorgeous chorus), and the closer, "Father & Daughter." You'll be glad you gave this one a listen.
07. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
In recent years the Red Hot Chili Peppers have made a startling transition from a sex-obsessed rock-funk-rap group to a more melodic and mature pop-rock band. "Stadium Arcadium," the band's first double album, is the culmination of their journey, encompassing everything they were then and everything they are now. Take a listen to the opener, "Dani California," and the moronically titled "Hump de Bump" for proof. The production, by Rick Rubin, is a little flat, but the sharp songwriting, expressive singing by Anthony Kiedis, and wonderful interplay between guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea keep things interesting. Those who doubt the Chili Peppers' power should give this a spin. It'll prove them wrong.
08. Indigo Girls - Despite Our Differences
The Indigo Girls return for their best release in years. The group has made some changes with their switch to Hollywood Records; the sweeping political statements have been replaced with stronger hooks and some of the prettiest harmonies the Girls have put on record. The songs are excellent as well. The opener, "Pendulum Swinger," is classic Indigo Girls, followed by the great "Little Perennials" and "Run." P!nk, whom the Girls backed on her greatest song yet, "Dear Mr. President," makes an appearance on "Rock & Roll Heaven's Gate." "Last Tears" ends the album on a wonderful note, a gorgeous but not overly sentimental ballad. Those who thought the Indigo Girls couldn't be relevant are proved wrong by this terrific album.
09. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way
The Dixie Chicks shed some of their country persona and add a little rock for their most mainstream release yet. And they make it quite clear, despite pressure caused by lead singer Natalie Maines' controversial remarks about President Bush, that they're not ready to make nice. Rick Rubin again provides a flat production, but the songs are so strong they shine through anyway, the highlights being "The Long Way Around," "Not Ready To Make Nice," "Everybody Knows," "Lullaby," "Silent House," and "I Hope." These are confident songs, with gorgeous harmonies and a diverse array of textures. The Dixie Chicks are confident too, and it'll be interesting to see where they go from here.
10. Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing
The cover of "Last Man Standing" portrays Jerry Lee Lewis standing at a flaming piano, his fingers digging into the keys. The image is appropriate. He may be seventy-three, but the Killer still rocks harder than nearly anyone else around, including the Who's Who of rock and country stars who accompany him on this duets album. In fact, he dominates the proceedings so much his guests can hardly keep up with him. The songs benefit from the sheer energy the performers give them; take a listen to "Rock & Roll" with Jimmie Page, or "Pink Cadillac," where Bruce Springsteen is stuck singing backup to his own song. In an era where the stars usually overpower the main act, it's nice to hear a record like this.
RUNNERS UP: Bob Segar - Face The Promise, Elton John - The Captain & The Kid, P!nk - I'm Not Dead, Neil Young - Living With War, Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint - The River In Reverse
MIX '06
01. Bob Dylan - Modern Times - Thunder On The Mountain
02. Beck - The Information - Elevator Music
03. Indigo Girls - Despite Our Differences - Pendulum Swinger
04. Bob Segar - Face The Promise - Wreck This Heart
05. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way - The Long Away Around
06. P!nk - I'm Not Dead - Stupid Girls
07. Electric Six - Switzerland - The Band In Hell
08. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium - Dani California
09. The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soliders - Steady, As She Goes
10. Elton John - The Captain & The Kid - Just Like Noah's Ark
11. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions: O Mary Don't You Weep
12. Neil Young - Living With War - Let's Impeach The President
13. Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing - Pink Cadillac
14. Bob Dylan - Modern Times - Someday Baby
15. Paul Simon - Surprise - Wartime Prayers
16. P!nk - I'm Not Dead - Dear Mr. President
17. Beck - The Information - Nausea
18. Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions - Erie Canal
19. Electric Six - Switzerland - Pulling The Plug On The Party
20. Dixie Chicks - Taking The Long Way - I Hope