Happy 07

My Top Albums of The Year.
After much deliberation I bring you what I considered the top releases for '06'.

(1) Wolfmother-Wolfmother
Saviors of rawk in 06. The self titled debut was flat out the most consistently rocking album all year. If my year had a soundtrack, Wolfmother was it.



(2) Band Of Horses-Everything All The Time
This album came out of nowhere and surprised me with its staying power. Melodic melodies mixed with a Neil Young meets Jim James vocal.




(3) My Morning Jacket-Okonokos
Speaking of Jim James, MMJ comes in at #3 with a live document of what makes this band so great. This double album is a testament to my declaration of MMJ being the best live band around at the moment.




(4) The Flaming Lips-At War With The Mystics
At times I thought I was the only person who liked this record, even Flaming Lips diehards were apparently disapointed in this effort. I disagree. This a fun Lips record, one that leaves you with giddy excitement akin to one of their live shows.




(5) Secret Machines-Ten Silver Drops
Secret Machines cement their place as a premier rock outfit.
I see only good things ahead for them.



(6) Drive By Truckers-A Blessing And A Curse
The Truckers once again do justice to southern rock. A nice collection of influences represented on this disc.



(7) Gnarls Barkley-St. Elsewhere
Besides the ubiquitos "Crazy" which seems to be universally recognized as the single of the year, St Elswhere shows the dynamic relationship between Cee-Lo & Dangermouse can produce the party record of '06'.




(8) Beck-The Information
Two good records in two years, Beck is on a roll. Once again he manages to combine various influences, at this point, most of his influences are of himself.




(9) The Black Keys-Magic Potion
While Jack White is out playing in a full band, The Black Keys keep the white boy blues flag waving with their most accomplished release to date.



(10) Jenny Lewis And The Watson Twins-Rabbit Fur Coat
Putting Rilo Kiley on hold, Jenny Lewis released her first solo disc with the help of the Watson Twins. This one snuck up on me towards the end of the year.




Honerable Mentions:
Tv On The Radio-Return To Cookie Mountain
Gomez-How we Operate
Thom Yorke-The Eraser
Pearl Jam-Pearl Jam
Muse-Black Holes And Revelations
The Strokes-First Impressions Of Earth
The Raconteurs-Broken Boy Soldiers
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead-So Divided
Bloc Party-A Weekend In The City
The Roots-Game Theory
Vietnam-Vietnam
Deftones-Saturday Night Wrist
Keane-Under The Iron Sea
Loose Fur-Born Again In The USA

Top Concerts I attended in 06:

My Morning Jacket-at The Riviera, Chicago 11/24
The best live band in America.

Wilco at The Auditorium Theatre, Chicago 11/25
Jeff Tweedy & company wrapping up the year in their hometown with two sold out shows at the sonically impecable Auditorium Theatre.

Secret Machines at Park West, Chicago 10/9
In the round at a small venue with the bombastic sound of the Secret Machines.

Pearl Jam at the United Center, Chicago 5/16 & 5/17
I will be the first to say this tour was not as stellar as the '00' or '03' or '05' tours, but for a band like PJ, they will always belong in the elite of live acts.

Flaming Lips at Langerado Music Festival, Sunrise Florida 3/11
The most fun humanly possible at a live show. The Lips are still trancendent.

Wolfmother at Lollapalooza, Chicago 8/5
A coming out party for a great new band.



More Later,
HelperMonkey