What's a concert blog if I don't post something about my favourite concerts of the past year? The list includes all the concerts I've seen this year, not just ones I saw in the Bay Area. If I was there, then it was eligible for inclusion. So, I looked at all 105 shows I attended this year and here's what I thought were the best:
1. Belle & Sebastian, The Shins – Hollywood Bowl, 6 July 2006
The ambience of the Hollywood Bowl plus the spectacular L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying the pop tunes of Belle & Sebastian plus the abundance of wine, great food, even greater friends and perfect weather made this one of the best concerts of my life. And chasing Stuart and dancing with him near the stage? Can this concert be beat? Unless I get Liam's tambourine and get to sing with the Gallaghers at an Oasis show -- then it's almost impossible.
2. Sufjan Stevens – Lincoln Center, New York, 14 January 2006
Thanks to Craigslist, I was able to get two tickets to the early show of this highly coveted concert. After paying a well worth it premium from the Starbucks employee who sold me the tickets (and giving us free soy lattes), this cold and snowy winter night turned into a fantastic event of sight, sound and emotion. Sufjan Stevens. Full orchestra. Very small concert space in Lincoln Center. Backdrop: Columbus Circle and Central Park with the snow falling. Ahhhh...picturesque.
3. Sufjan Stevens – Zellerbach Hall, 10 October 2006
Backed by a full orchestra and a Marin based choir group, Sufjan put on an all-around memorable show filled with surround sound song and inflatable Santas. Which reminds me, I forgot to inflate the Santa for my Christmas party! Damn it! Damn it!
4. Radiohead – Berkeley Greek Theatre, 24 June 2006
The best Radiohead concert ever! The perfect setlist filled with regular Radiohead live favourites and rare tunes like "Black Star" and "True Love Waits."
5. Art Brut – Bottom of the Hill, 20 March 2006
My first Art Brut show and apparently many more in 2006. This is the band I saw the most this year and they lived up to the live hype. Eddie Argos will be in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.
6. Love is All – Popscene, 2 November 2006
Even though the sound was crap, Love is All were spectacular at Popscene that night. Their energy and clever lyrics, such as the ones in "Busy Doing Nothing," made this a lively show. Even if I was the only one into it.
7. Daft Punk – Coachella Festival, 29 April 2006
The pyramid, the hot desert evening and the sheer perfection of sound blending from one song to another. Manifique!
8. Arctic Monkeys - GAMH, 13 March 2006
Diss the Arctic Monkeys all you want, but they put on a fantastic live show. The guitar work is mesmerizing and I was fully involved with the pogo/moshing crowd at this show.
9. We Are Scientists, Art Brut, Spinto Band – The Fillmore, 2 October 2006
Just an all around fun show from start to finish.
10. Cat Power – Palace of Fine Arts, 4 May 2006
The biggest surprise of the year is me liking Cat Power. It took me almost 11 years to realize how great she was. Better late than never. But this show in particular, she wasn't crazy. She was just calm, collective and coherent. Fancy that?
11. The Faint, Ratatat – Mezzanine, 5 December 2006
This didn't make my top 10 only because my car got vandalised after the show. Otherwise, best Faint show ever!
12. Ladytron, CSS – The Fillmore, 16 October 2006
Dance, dance, dance. Non-stop.
13. The Knife – Mezzanine, 3 November 2006
The visuals were just fantastic. I still wonder how they could do all that stuff live.
14. Belle & Sebastian, New Pornographers – Nokia Theatre, NY, 3 March 2006
Any concert where my friends and I start a dance party in the back is a great one in my book. My two friends and I were just dancing like crazy and then the crowd around us followed suit. When my other friend came back from the concession stand, she couldn't believe it! Then she danced with us.
15. Fischerspooner – Mezzanine, 26 August 2006
I don't know what got into me and my friend at this show. Just mad dancing!
And the rest of them:
16. The Killers - Popscene, 24 August 2006
17. Beirut – GAMH, 20 October 2006
18. Mew – Popscene, 19 October 2006
19. The Gossip – Bottom of the Hill, 27 January 2006
20. Tapes N Tapes, Cold War Kids – Café du Nord, 17 July 2006
21. St. Etienne, Every Move a Picture – The Fillmore, 17 February 2006
22. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins – The Fillmore, 30 October 2006
23. Mogwai – The Fillmore, 27 May 2006
24. Boy Least Likely To – GAMH, 2 June 2006
25. Camera Obscura – GAMH, 20 July 2006
28 December 2006
26 December 2006
Joanna Newsom (GAMH, 20 December 2006)
The last show of the year! Oh so many of them and it was nice to end the 2006 concert season with none other than the lovely Joanna Newsom. Her new album, Ys, is very polished compared to The Milk-Eyed Mender. At first listen, I thought that this new album was too long, too pretty and not raw enough. In other words, I didn't like it. However, after a few listens, it grew on me. Songs like "Emily" are really pretty, but damn it's long! It's like Be Here Now: great tunes, but prolonged.
Her live show didn't disappoint. Granted, I had way too much wine at the Inhabitat.com party before I went there, but I still enjoyed the show. The GAMH was packed and I could barely see since Joanna is pretty tiny and the stage isn't exactly that high. She played all of Ys, if my recollection is correct, including "Emily." Also, some of my favourites from Milk-Eyed including "The Book of Right-On," "Sprout and the Bean" and "Sadie." I wanted to hear "Cassiopeia" as well, but beggars can't be choosers.
Her live show gave the song from Ys some edge. Unlike the album, where the studio was able to polish off the rough edges, performing those same songs live sounded a lot like her Milk-Eyed songs: simple, beautiful and, at times, haunting.
Beer Rating:
1/2
Her live show didn't disappoint. Granted, I had way too much wine at the Inhabitat.com party before I went there, but I still enjoyed the show. The GAMH was packed and I could barely see since Joanna is pretty tiny and the stage isn't exactly that high. She played all of Ys, if my recollection is correct, including "Emily." Also, some of my favourites from Milk-Eyed including "The Book of Right-On," "Sprout and the Bean" and "Sadie." I wanted to hear "Cassiopeia" as well, but beggars can't be choosers.
Her live show gave the song from Ys some edge. Unlike the album, where the studio was able to polish off the rough edges, performing those same songs live sounded a lot like her Milk-Eyed songs: simple, beautiful and, at times, haunting.
Beer Rating:
1/219 December 2006
Calendar Updated: New Shows Added
January
08 - Lady Sovereign @ Mezzanine
27 - Keane @ Berkeley Community Theatre
February
01 - Moving Units @ Cafe du Nord
04 - M. Ward @ Bimbo's
09 - Neko Case and Merle Haggard @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland
28 - John Vanderslice @ The Independent
28 - Sebadoh @ GAMH
March
01 - Snow Patrol, OK GO @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
01 - French Kicks @ Slim's
02 - Jolie Holland @ The Fillmore
02 - The Dandy Warhols @ Mezzanine
02 - Ted Leo + The Pharmacists @ GAMH
02 - Autolux, Snowden, Malajube @ The Independent
03 - The Spinto Band @ Rickshaw Stop
03 - Clinic, Earlimart @ The Independent
04 - Midlake @ Bottom of the Hill
April
27 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival @ Indio Polo Grounds
28 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival @ Indio Polo Grounds
29 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival @ Indio Polo Grounds
08 - Lady Sovereign @ Mezzanine
27 - Keane @ Berkeley Community Theatre
February
01 - Moving Units @ Cafe du Nord
04 - M. Ward @ Bimbo's
09 - Neko Case and Merle Haggard @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland
28 - John Vanderslice @ The Independent
28 - Sebadoh @ GAMH
March
01 - Snow Patrol, OK GO @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
01 - French Kicks @ Slim's
02 - Jolie Holland @ The Fillmore
02 - The Dandy Warhols @ Mezzanine
02 - Ted Leo + The Pharmacists @ GAMH
02 - Autolux, Snowden, Malajube @ The Independent
03 - The Spinto Band @ Rickshaw Stop
03 - Clinic, Earlimart @ The Independent
04 - Midlake @ Bottom of the Hill
April
27 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival @ Indio Polo Grounds
28 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival @ Indio Polo Grounds
29 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival @ Indio Polo Grounds
10 December 2006
The Faint, Ladytron (Hollywood Palladium, 7 December 2006)
Here we go again.
I flew down to Los Angeles to see The Faint play with Ladytron and Ratatat at the crappy Palladium. I haven't been to the Palladium since Blur played there in 1997. I wasn't excited to see a band play there then, and I certainly wasn't pleased to see a show there nine years later.
What I forgot to mention in my previous post was that this whole thing was sponsored by Camel cigarettes. I have no problem with certain advertisers promoting a show, but something about cigarettes makes me feel uneasy. Well, whatever. The only weird part was seeing all this Camel paraphanelia everywhere. Otherwise, I didn't pay much attention to all that.
I didn't see Ratatat, but I would imagine their set was similar to their S.F. one.
Ladytron I saw and they were pretty good. They were better when I saw them play the Fillmore because of the visuals. And I think they were in better spirits. It was the 5th time they played L.A. and they played pretty much the same songs they've been playing the entire tour. I was in the back for their set, and danced accordingly to "Destroy Everything You Touch" and "Seventeen."
Then the Faint. They started off with the same song, but I didn't have the drive to go see them up close.
That was my initial feeling. When I saw Blur at the same venue nine years earlier, I was in the same disposition. Then when the second song played, I made a mad dash to the front.
And I did the same thing here.
Same exact set list. I got more bruises, sore muscles and plenty of sweat. My size S shirt turned into an XL.
Cheers to the security guards for keeping an eye on the crowd and giving us water. I am eternally grateful.
Beer Rating: 0 Beer
I flew down to Los Angeles to see The Faint play with Ladytron and Ratatat at the crappy Palladium. I haven't been to the Palladium since Blur played there in 1997. I wasn't excited to see a band play there then, and I certainly wasn't pleased to see a show there nine years later.
What I forgot to mention in my previous post was that this whole thing was sponsored by Camel cigarettes. I have no problem with certain advertisers promoting a show, but something about cigarettes makes me feel uneasy. Well, whatever. The only weird part was seeing all this Camel paraphanelia everywhere. Otherwise, I didn't pay much attention to all that.
I didn't see Ratatat, but I would imagine their set was similar to their S.F. one.
Ladytron I saw and they were pretty good. They were better when I saw them play the Fillmore because of the visuals. And I think they were in better spirits. It was the 5th time they played L.A. and they played pretty much the same songs they've been playing the entire tour. I was in the back for their set, and danced accordingly to "Destroy Everything You Touch" and "Seventeen."
Then the Faint. They started off with the same song, but I didn't have the drive to go see them up close.
That was my initial feeling. When I saw Blur at the same venue nine years earlier, I was in the same disposition. Then when the second song played, I made a mad dash to the front.
And I did the same thing here.
Same exact set list. I got more bruises, sore muscles and plenty of sweat. My size S shirt turned into an XL.
Cheers to the security guards for keeping an eye on the crowd and giving us water. I am eternally grateful.
Beer Rating: 0 Beer
The Faint, Ratatat (Mezzanine, 5 December 2006)
I was so excited to see The Faint and Ratatat last Tuesday night. So much so that I made it a goal for me to dance like crazy, with or without any friends around me. Well, mission accomplished.
Ratatat came on first and they were great. They were a lot tighter than when I first saw them in San Diego two years ago. They were accompanied by a keyboardist this time and they played a lot of songs from Classics and some from their self-titled debut. Highlights include "Wildcats," which got a giggle from some of the crowd because of the cougar sounds. Biggest reception was for "Seventeen Years." Very tight and enjoyable set. Definitely a great way to start the night.
The Faint came on shortly therafter. I found my way to the very front and was excited to be in the middle of it all. As the show progressed, I somehow found myself front and center of the crowd. Unlike their show with Bright Eyes, The Faint didn't have the great visual set-up. The visuals were the same, but there was a lack of screens and lighting. Minimal, yes, but their performance more than made up for any visual scarcity.
They started off with "Dropkick the Punks," which I found odd. Once they started that, the crowd started to push forward and I got caught. I was hopping around like mad, and even more so during the next song, "Paranoiattack."
Naturally, they played a few new songs called, "Metal Hawks," "Geeks Were Right," "Fish in a Womb" and "Seduced." All the songs were pretty good, but I'm sure once their new album comes out, I will better appreciate these songs.
Definite highlights were "Let the Poison Spill", which caused me to dance a lot and get bruised on my arms and legs. The last three songs were just intense, with "Desperate Guys," "Glass Danse," and "Worked Up So Sexual." I was about to faint at this point (pun intended).
They ended their set with "Birth" and "Agenda Suicide."
So, the end result? I was bruised in several places of my body, I was drenched in awesomeness from head to toe, deaf ears, I got a setlist and a new track jacket. Fantastic show from start to finish.
Here's the complete setlist:
Dropkick the Punks
Paranoiattack
Call Call
Metal Hawks
How Could I Forget?
I Disappear
Hospital
Geeks Were Right
Posed to Death
Let the Poison Spill
In Concert
Fish in a Womb
Desperate Guys
Glass Danse
Worked Up So Sexual
------
Seduced
Birth
Agenda Suicide
Beer Rating: 0 Beer
Ratatat came on first and they were great. They were a lot tighter than when I first saw them in San Diego two years ago. They were accompanied by a keyboardist this time and they played a lot of songs from Classics and some from their self-titled debut. Highlights include "Wildcats," which got a giggle from some of the crowd because of the cougar sounds. Biggest reception was for "Seventeen Years." Very tight and enjoyable set. Definitely a great way to start the night.
The Faint came on shortly therafter. I found my way to the very front and was excited to be in the middle of it all. As the show progressed, I somehow found myself front and center of the crowd. Unlike their show with Bright Eyes, The Faint didn't have the great visual set-up. The visuals were the same, but there was a lack of screens and lighting. Minimal, yes, but their performance more than made up for any visual scarcity.
They started off with "Dropkick the Punks," which I found odd. Once they started that, the crowd started to push forward and I got caught. I was hopping around like mad, and even more so during the next song, "Paranoiattack."
Naturally, they played a few new songs called, "Metal Hawks," "Geeks Were Right," "Fish in a Womb" and "Seduced." All the songs were pretty good, but I'm sure once their new album comes out, I will better appreciate these songs.
Definite highlights were "Let the Poison Spill", which caused me to dance a lot and get bruised on my arms and legs. The last three songs were just intense, with "Desperate Guys," "Glass Danse," and "Worked Up So Sexual." I was about to faint at this point (pun intended).
They ended their set with "Birth" and "Agenda Suicide."
So, the end result? I was bruised in several places of my body, I was drenched in awesomeness from head to toe, deaf ears, I got a setlist and a new track jacket. Fantastic show from start to finish.
Here's the complete setlist:
Dropkick the Punks
Paranoiattack
Call Call
Metal Hawks
How Could I Forget?
I Disappear
Hospital
Geeks Were Right
Posed to Death
Let the Poison Spill
In Concert
Fish in a Womb
Desperate Guys
Glass Danse
Worked Up So Sexual
------
Seduced
Birth
Agenda Suicide
Beer Rating: 0 Beer
04 December 2006
Best Albums of 2006
There were over 144 albums or EPs that I downloaded onto my iTunes this year. A rather surprising number and, indeed, packs quite a wallop on the wallet. Of those 144, here are my top 50 albums of 2006:
1.
Cat Power – The Greatest
A sober Chan Marshall creates the best album of the year. Solid from start to finish, with a true blues band accompanying each and every word. I will no longer call her Crap Power. But I will still call Blonde Redhead “Blonde Shitehead”.
2.
Mew – And the Glass Handed Kites
Listen to “Apocalpyso,” “Special” and “Zookeeper’s Boy” in order. The way each song flows from one to the other makes it one of the best consecutive tracks I’ve ever heard.
3.
Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am Not
These guys are just so much fun and full of energy. With clever lyrics to boot. “And all the weekend rock stars are in their toilets, practicing their lines.” Need I say more?
4.
The Rapture – Pieces of the People We Love
According to my iTunes, the song of the summer, “Get Myself Into It,” was played 20 times. It’s such a fun album, but gets weak after “WAYUH.”
5.
Belle & Sebastian – The Life Pursuit
Pure indie pop at it’s finest. “Funny Little Frog” and “White Collar Boy” pay homage to the 1960’s.
6.
Girl Talk – Night Ripper
This beats anything Party Ben has ever made. Sheer brilliance in mixing. Don’t call this a mash up album.
7.
Cansei De Ser Sexy – CSS
Who would have thought that Brazilians can make such clever electro dance pop? In English nonetheless? Not me, that's for sure. “…Death from Above” drives me crazy.
8.
Love is All – Nine Times the Same Song
One of the most underrated bands that ever came out of Sweden. The horns in “Busy Doing Nothing” are just amazing.
9.
Band of Horses – Everything All the Time
A mellow album that displays strong singer/songwriter elements. “Funeral” and “Great Salt Lake” are definite classics.
10.
Beirut – Gulag Orkestar
A 20 year old from Albuquerque, New Mexico making Eastern European gypsy music. Go figure. “Postcards from Italy” is a keeper.
11.
Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out of This Country
Indie pop veterans do it again. “If Looks Could Kill” and “Lloyd I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken” are the hits.
12.
The Knife – Silent Shout
Darker sounding than Deep Cuts, The Knife is establishing itself as the premiere live electronic act of today.
13.
Mogwai– Mr. Beast
Another fine gem from these Scots. As intense as Come On Die Young but a lot shorter. It's not the length of the song, it's how you use it.
14.
Destroyer – Destroyer’s Rubies
I’m convinced that Dan Bejar and A.C. Newman are robots. They sound so similar. And, like robots, they are flawless in what they do.
15.
The Gossip – Standing in the Way of Control
Punk + R&B = The Gossip. Beth Ditto is most deserving to be on the NME Cool List this year.
16.
I’m From Barcelona – Let Me Introduce My Friends
This 20+ member indie pop outfit from Sweden has created a song that describes my trials and tribulations of waking up from Monday through Friday.
17.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins – Rabbit Furcoat
An album so strong that Rilo Kiley better be careful.
18.
Tap Tap– Lanzafame
I still don’t think they sound like the Arcade Fire, but this album was one of the few hidden gems this year.
19.
Xiu Xiu – The Air Force
You haven’t seen a video until you see “Boy Soprano.”
20.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Show Your Bones
Way different than Fever to Tell. While others chided them for it, I applaud Karen O. for changing it up.
21.
Midlake – The Trials of Van Occupanther
After seeing them open up for the Flaming Lips this year, a definite must-see and must-hear band. Melodic indie rock.
22.
Shearwater – Palo Santo
Okkervil River but not as good.
23.
Tapes 'N Tapes – The Loon
One of the most overhyped bands in the blog world. They back it up with this album...sort of.
24.
Sufjan Stevens – The Avalanche
Wasn’t too sure to include this since it’s mostly extras from Illinoise. But I like “Dear Mr. Supercomputer” and all the versions of “Chicago.”
25.
Annuals – Be He Me
Watch out in 2007. I think Chapel Hill will become the next Omaha.
26.
Talkdemonic – Beat Romantic
Where the hell was I when this was released? And how come I just found out about them? Brilliant.
27.
The Black Heart Procession – The Spell
Representing the 619, this band makes me proud to say that I am a native San Diegan. Otherwise, I’m from San Francisco.
28.
The Delays – You See Colours
At first, I thought this was crap. Then it grew on me. I love it.
29.
Ima Robot – Monument to the Masses
Sounds like their previous album. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
30.
The Fratellis – Costello Music
One of the few NME bands that was actually worth the hype.
31.
The Decemberists – The Crane Wife
Too repetitive. How many times do you really need to say "perfect crime"? Sounds a lot like the other albums. But it’s still good.
32.
Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton – Knives Don’t Have Your Back
Beautiful piano in all of the songs. A complete and refreshing departure from Metric.
33.
Joanna Newsom – Ys
Much more polished than The Milk-Eyed Mender and some songs are just damn long. But still great.
34.
Lily Allen – Alright Still
So, shoot me if I like Lily Allen. I saw you dancing to “Smile” at Popscene fucker. Yeah, you know who you are.
35.
Lady Sovereign – Public Warning
“If you love me then, thank you! If you hate me then, fuck you!” Yeah, simple, huh? How come you couldn’t think of a chorus like that?
36.
Malajube – Trompme - L’Oeil
I never quote from Spin but I will now: Malajube is French for “rock that doesn’t suck.” Listen to “Le Crabe” full blast while you’re hitting something or someone. And then run!!!
37.
MSTRKRFT – The Looks
Even though they suck live, this album is great.
38.
Ratatat – Classics
Who would have thought that having a jaguar howling at precise moments in a song can be bloody brilliant? “Wildcat.” Pay $0.99 (or not) and download it.
39.
The Pipettes – We Are the Pipettes
It’s like Back to the Future music, but better. They are the prettiest girls you’ve ever met.
40.
Pretty Girls Make Graves – Elan Vital
Strong album. Just watch out when the lead singer chucks his guitar.
41.
The Blow – Paper Television
“Pile of Gold” is pretty addictive.
42.
Spinto Band – Nice and Nicely Done
Their version of “Oh Mandy” is a lot better than Barry Manilow’s.
43.
Morissey – Ringleader of the Tormentors
The man is a living icon and he continues to make strong albums. While the rest of the Smiths are still trying to figure themselves out.
44.
Oh No! Oh My! – Oh No! Oh My!
They suck live. But this album is pretty good.
45.
Cold War Kids– Robbers & Cowards
Boys from L.A. exhibit so much soul and energy in each of their songs. “Hang Me Up to Dry.” That’s the keeper.
46.
Elf Power – Back to the Web
Yeah, I’m behind with these Elf Power guys. If you’re longing to hear something even remotely close to Jeff Mangum’s Neutral Milk Hotel, this is your album.
47.
Sparklehorse – Dreamt of Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain
After all this time, they finally released an album. And it’s just “okay” compared to the others.
48.
Phoenix – It’s Never Been Like That
Weakest album of their discography. But still some catchy songs like “Napoleon Says.”
49.
Islands – Return to the Sea
The Unicorns? Who are the Unicorns?
50.
The Killers – Sam’s Town
Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis
OK. You must be wondering why I have two albums in number 50. It's my list and I can do whatever I want. You can give me shit for putting The Killers in my top 50. But I like “When You Were Young” and “Johnny.” And Ms. Julie S. was right when she said to me at 1am "give the KING of Britpop his rightful place in the top 50." With songs about about fat kids ("Fat Children"), dead beats ("Don't Let Him Waste Your Time") and C U Next Tuesdays ("Cunts are Still Running the World"), who am I to argue?
1.
Cat Power – The Greatest
A sober Chan Marshall creates the best album of the year. Solid from start to finish, with a true blues band accompanying each and every word. I will no longer call her Crap Power. But I will still call Blonde Redhead “Blonde Shitehead”.
2.
Mew – And the Glass Handed Kites
Listen to “Apocalpyso,” “Special” and “Zookeeper’s Boy” in order. The way each song flows from one to the other makes it one of the best consecutive tracks I’ve ever heard.
3.
Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I Am Not
These guys are just so much fun and full of energy. With clever lyrics to boot. “And all the weekend rock stars are in their toilets, practicing their lines.” Need I say more?
4.
The Rapture – Pieces of the People We Love
According to my iTunes, the song of the summer, “Get Myself Into It,” was played 20 times. It’s such a fun album, but gets weak after “WAYUH.”
5.
Belle & Sebastian – The Life Pursuit
Pure indie pop at it’s finest. “Funny Little Frog” and “White Collar Boy” pay homage to the 1960’s.
6.
Girl Talk – Night Ripper
This beats anything Party Ben has ever made. Sheer brilliance in mixing. Don’t call this a mash up album.
7.
Cansei De Ser Sexy – CSS
Who would have thought that Brazilians can make such clever electro dance pop? In English nonetheless? Not me, that's for sure. “…Death from Above” drives me crazy.
8.
Love is All – Nine Times the Same Song
One of the most underrated bands that ever came out of Sweden. The horns in “Busy Doing Nothing” are just amazing.
9.
Band of Horses – Everything All the Time
A mellow album that displays strong singer/songwriter elements. “Funeral” and “Great Salt Lake” are definite classics.
10.
Beirut – Gulag Orkestar
A 20 year old from Albuquerque, New Mexico making Eastern European gypsy music. Go figure. “Postcards from Italy” is a keeper.
11.
Camera Obscura – Let’s Get Out of This Country
Indie pop veterans do it again. “If Looks Could Kill” and “Lloyd I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken” are the hits.
12.
The Knife – Silent Shout
Darker sounding than Deep Cuts, The Knife is establishing itself as the premiere live electronic act of today.
13.
Mogwai– Mr. Beast
Another fine gem from these Scots. As intense as Come On Die Young but a lot shorter. It's not the length of the song, it's how you use it.
14.
Destroyer – Destroyer’s Rubies
I’m convinced that Dan Bejar and A.C. Newman are robots. They sound so similar. And, like robots, they are flawless in what they do.
15.
The Gossip – Standing in the Way of Control
Punk + R&B = The Gossip. Beth Ditto is most deserving to be on the NME Cool List this year.
16.
I’m From Barcelona – Let Me Introduce My Friends
This 20+ member indie pop outfit from Sweden has created a song that describes my trials and tribulations of waking up from Monday through Friday.
17.
Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins – Rabbit Furcoat
An album so strong that Rilo Kiley better be careful.
18.
Tap Tap– Lanzafame
I still don’t think they sound like the Arcade Fire, but this album was one of the few hidden gems this year.
19.
Xiu Xiu – The Air Force
You haven’t seen a video until you see “Boy Soprano.”
20.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Show Your Bones
Way different than Fever to Tell. While others chided them for it, I applaud Karen O. for changing it up.
21.
Midlake – The Trials of Van Occupanther
After seeing them open up for the Flaming Lips this year, a definite must-see and must-hear band. Melodic indie rock.
22.
Shearwater – Palo Santo
Okkervil River but not as good.
23.
Tapes 'N Tapes – The Loon
One of the most overhyped bands in the blog world. They back it up with this album...sort of.
24.
Sufjan Stevens – The Avalanche
Wasn’t too sure to include this since it’s mostly extras from Illinoise. But I like “Dear Mr. Supercomputer” and all the versions of “Chicago.”
25.
Annuals – Be He Me
Watch out in 2007. I think Chapel Hill will become the next Omaha.
26.
Talkdemonic – Beat Romantic
Where the hell was I when this was released? And how come I just found out about them? Brilliant.
27.
The Black Heart Procession – The Spell
Representing the 619, this band makes me proud to say that I am a native San Diegan. Otherwise, I’m from San Francisco.
28.
The Delays – You See Colours
At first, I thought this was crap. Then it grew on me. I love it.
29.
Ima Robot – Monument to the Masses
Sounds like their previous album. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
30.
The Fratellis – Costello Music
One of the few NME bands that was actually worth the hype.
31.
The Decemberists – The Crane Wife
Too repetitive. How many times do you really need to say "perfect crime"? Sounds a lot like the other albums. But it’s still good.
32.
Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton – Knives Don’t Have Your Back
Beautiful piano in all of the songs. A complete and refreshing departure from Metric.
33.
Joanna Newsom – Ys
Much more polished than The Milk-Eyed Mender and some songs are just damn long. But still great.
34.
Lily Allen – Alright Still
So, shoot me if I like Lily Allen. I saw you dancing to “Smile” at Popscene fucker. Yeah, you know who you are.
35.
Lady Sovereign – Public Warning
“If you love me then, thank you! If you hate me then, fuck you!” Yeah, simple, huh? How come you couldn’t think of a chorus like that?
36.
Malajube – Trompme - L’Oeil
I never quote from Spin but I will now: Malajube is French for “rock that doesn’t suck.” Listen to “Le Crabe” full blast while you’re hitting something or someone. And then run!!!
37.
MSTRKRFT – The Looks
Even though they suck live, this album is great.
38.
Ratatat – Classics
Who would have thought that having a jaguar howling at precise moments in a song can be bloody brilliant? “Wildcat.” Pay $0.99 (or not) and download it.
39.
The Pipettes – We Are the Pipettes
It’s like Back to the Future music, but better. They are the prettiest girls you’ve ever met.
40.
Pretty Girls Make Graves – Elan Vital
Strong album. Just watch out when the lead singer chucks his guitar.
41.
The Blow – Paper Television
“Pile of Gold” is pretty addictive.
42.
Spinto Band – Nice and Nicely Done
Their version of “Oh Mandy” is a lot better than Barry Manilow’s.
43.
Morissey – Ringleader of the Tormentors
The man is a living icon and he continues to make strong albums. While the rest of the Smiths are still trying to figure themselves out.
44.
Oh No! Oh My! – Oh No! Oh My!
They suck live. But this album is pretty good.
45.
Cold War Kids– Robbers & Cowards
Boys from L.A. exhibit so much soul and energy in each of their songs. “Hang Me Up to Dry.” That’s the keeper.
46.
Elf Power – Back to the Web
Yeah, I’m behind with these Elf Power guys. If you’re longing to hear something even remotely close to Jeff Mangum’s Neutral Milk Hotel, this is your album.
47.
Sparklehorse – Dreamt of Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain
After all this time, they finally released an album. And it’s just “okay” compared to the others.
48.
Phoenix – It’s Never Been Like That
Weakest album of their discography. But still some catchy songs like “Napoleon Says.”
49.
Islands – Return to the Sea
The Unicorns? Who are the Unicorns?
50.
The Killers – Sam’s Town
Jarvis Cocker - Jarvis
OK. You must be wondering why I have two albums in number 50. It's my list and I can do whatever I want. You can give me shit for putting The Killers in my top 50. But I like “When You Were Young” and “Johnny.” And Ms. Julie S. was right when she said to me at 1am "give the KING of Britpop his rightful place in the top 50." With songs about about fat kids ("Fat Children"), dead beats ("Don't Let Him Waste Your Time") and C U Next Tuesdays ("Cunts are Still Running the World"), who am I to argue?
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