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Top 15 Albums of 2006
by Fake Train
In no order of importance, here's a self-absorbed list of the top fifteen albums that me, myself, and I listened to the most in 2006. Some familiar bands and some newbie's. The following are albums I spun constantly, enjoyed immensely, and highly recommend. Unfortunately, there were no new albums from Fugazi, Jawbox, Shudder To Think, Unwound, or Rocket From the Crypt this past year. I know, I know, I'm still living in the past...
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1. Don Cabellero - World Class Listening Problem (Relapse)
Damon Che is a drumming machine. Seriously, if you can't get into this adventurous Pittsburgh instrumental outfit (now compromised of 3 members of the amazing Creta Bourzia), you have a world class listening problem. I was a little taken back when I heard this was going to be released on Relapse, but shit, who wouldn't want to release an album by this band? Great album, but you definitely need to see Don Cab live to appreciate the musical talent of these guys.
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2. Midlake - The Trials of Van Occupanther (Bella Union)
The Trials of Van Occupanther is hands down one of my favorite releases from this past year. "Young Bride" was one of those tracks that I couldn't stop playing, and "Roscoe" was another cut that was met with constant repeats. Like an old battered sweater you refuse to throw away, Midlake's mid-tempo rock is comforting and hard to let go.
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3. Mogwai - Mr. Beast (Matador)
Ok, I'm going to say it. Mr. Beast is my favorite Mogwai release to date. It's not as calming as previous releases, but these Scottish lads turn the guitars up and let loose. Yes!
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4. Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped (Geffen)
The departure of O'Rourke didn't faze Sonic Youth one bit. Speaking as a long time Sonic Youth fan, the band has been on a nice streak lately releasing amazing album after amazing album. Along with Murray Street and Sonic Nurse, Rather Ripped is a definite must. Be sure to check the recently released rarities compilation Destroyed Room: B-Sides and Rarities, that contains a super extended twenty-five minute version of the tranquil "The Diamond Sea." Oh yeah.
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5. Latterman - .We Are Still Alive (Deep Elm)
Following up the amazing No Matter Where We Go..! (released just a year earlier), this new album is no less powerful, and may just be Latterman's finest delivery to date. Raw, youthful, melodic-punk rock that will make you shout along, Latterman's love of playing vibrantly radiates throughout .We Are Still Alive. Fuck it up punk rock!
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6. In the Pines - Self-titled (Second Nature)
This album makes me want to leave everything behind and move to a secluded cabin out in the middle of some dense forest. Kansas City, Missouri's In the Pines write damn fine mellow rock. But any group that contains two guitars, a pump organ, a violin, a viola, and five vocals is hard to pass up.
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7. Mika Miko - C.Y.C.L.A.B.F (Kill Rock Stars)
A nod to that unrefined Bikini Kill influenced delivery, Mika Miko's debut is full of lovely rawness. Mika Miko's outbursts of emotional excitement are delightful. Sometimes poppy and danceable, sometimes quirky and cutting, but always statically-charged and noisy, C.Y.S.L.A.B.F. is a joy for those that love their punk-rock raw and free from restraint.
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8. JR Ewing - Maelstrom (Dim Mak)
Maelstrom is JR Ewing's swansong. It's a shame because this was one of the more exciting punk-hardcore groups out there. JR Ewing has come a long way since their noisy beginnings and Maelstrom may take some fans by surprise. Its cleaner, more controlled. JR Ewing shows restraint, but that's not to say Maelstrom isn't explosive.it's potent.
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9. Zao - The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here (Ferret)
It's been really interesting to watch the progression of this metal outfit for over ten years. I still vividly remember seeing them when they toured to support their debut All Else Failed (and right before the release of Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation). I'm not Christian, never was, never will be, but Zao's delivery hit me hard (and still does). Their message was preachy in the beginning, but I was there for that metallic output, that raw hardcore and metal duel assault. Today the band consists of a group of amazing musicians that I have had the great pleasure of watching mature and play in countless other bands in and around the Greensburg area over the years. I don't think a band has evolved and changed as much as Zao has, but they are still going at it, creating some of the most uncompromising and intense music of the band's existence. The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here was recorded by Steve Albini, and its one hell of a listen.
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10. Built To Spill - You In Reverse (Warner Bros)
Built To Spill's bearded front-man Doug Martsch has one of the most inviting and sweet voices out there. Since the demise of Martsch's late-great outfit Treepeople, Built To Spill have been conceiving exciting indie-rock for around thirteen years now. You In Reverse is their latest, and it's damn good.
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11. Shook Ones - Facetious Folly Feat (Revelation)
Fast aggressive melodic hardcore that will tickle the aural nerves of those of you that marinate in the sounds of Lifetime and Kid Dynamite. Very cool.
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12. Jeremy Enigk - World Waits (Reincarnate)
I'm sure every Sunny Day Real Estate fan already owns both of Jeremy's solo releases. World Waits, the follow up to the 1996 debut Return of the Frog Queen, is every bit as beguiling as the first release. There's less of an orchestral presence, but Jeremy's vocals radiate as usual. The majestic "Been Here Before" was hit with endless repeats: "A diamond daze / A thousand strands of sunlight in her eyes / Now I wanna give away what I've taken back / Step away with you toward the night."
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13. Russian Circles - Enter (Flameshovel)
Pretty cool instrumental Chicago rockage that reminds me of The Cancer Conspiracy, Mogwai, Pelican, and sometimes even Isis. Enter is a forty-four minute dark epic rock journey you need to experience. Yeah, words just get in the way, and Russian Circles proves this without question.
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14. Melvins - (A) Senile Animal (Ipecac)
Really, who doesn't like the Melvins? On their latest release, King Buzzo and Dale Crover teamed up with Coady Willis and Jared Warren of the Seattle band Big Business. Yeah, two drummers! I had the great opportunity to see these guys tour in support of (A) Senile Animal not too long ago and it was one hell of an energetic show. I've been a fan of these guys for a good fifteen years now, and they rarely disappoint. I'm curious to see how long they will hold onto the new bassist.
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15. El Perro Del Mar - Self-titled (Control Group / Tcg)
This very well might be one of the sweetest sounds I've heard come out of Gothenburg, Sweden. Sarah Assbring's voice is lovely, and her music saccharine.
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Other releases of 2006 to check out:
Norma Jean - Redeemer (Tooth & Nail)
I really like these guys. Norma Jean seems to evolve nicely with each release. Redeemer is heavy but melodic, and it's not as technically chaotic as their latest Botch inspired album O God, the Aftermath, but it's damn good, especially the single "Cemetery Like a Stage."
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Envy - Insomniac Doze (Temporary Residence Limited)
I'm kicking myself for missing these guys when they came through Pittsburgh not too long ago. Hell, they're from Japan, so you know a chance to seem them rock it live is few and far between. Epic like the mighty Isis, but Envy definitely has a sound all their own. Mostly instrumental, Insomniac Doze's adventurous songs will daze and delight all receptive ears.
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The Decemberists - The Crane Wife (Capitol)
Okay okay. So ever snooty reviewer and music mag has this release on their best of list, but you got to admit, The Crane Wife is good stuff. The Decemberists are teller of tales, a unique rock outfit that didn't lose their charm on this major label debut.
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mewithoutYou - Brother, Sister (Tooth & Nail)
This band caught my attention with their single "Paper-Hanger" off their last release Catch for Us the Foxes. I love the video for that song. It transports me back to the good ol' days when 120 Minutes was my secret indie-rock garden to discover new bands and sounds. So I was eager for the new album to drop, and I was very pleased. Hell yeah an atheist like myself can enjoy good Christian rock.especially when the lyrics are clever, insightful, and far from preachy. Rockin' it for G-d is okay with me.
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Isis - In the Absence of Truth (Ipecac)
Isis is a damn fine band. In the Absence of Truth is heavy sonic splendor at its finest. Progressively adventurous, Isis' rhythms slowly build and build and build. In the Absence of Truth takes you on an aural ride that few albums are able to do.
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