If you were wondering, the
Rocky marathon that my girlfriend and I had at our apartment yesterday went
very well. After seeing them in all in a row I will say that 1, 2 and
3 work the best while 4 was bloated and 5 was in desperate need of better
editing, better music and better casting. Would it be too much to say
that when I see Rocky Balboa tonight I will probably pee my pants a
little? Probably not. Enjoy the next part of the list.
#15) Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
I got into this album a little late but once I did I couldn't get it out of
my head, especially after I saw the band open for Wolfmother and Dead
Meadow. With Brian Auberts capitvating vocals and the band's distorted
take on early 90's rock I think that the band has all of the tools to be
around for a long time, if you haven't listened to this then go out and do
so now.
:Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye:
#14) The Mars Volta Amputechture
Despite the fact that I felt their last album was bloated, I completely
loved it. Amputechture does a nice job of bringing the band back to
Earth while still being able to dish out some of the best prog rock around.
There are just some killer songs on this disc that are almost exhausting to
hear and if they didn't draw such large and annoying crowds I would see them
live again.
:The Mars Volta - Day Of The Baphomets:
#13) TV On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain
When I saw these guys early in the year I kind of thought that the new songs
left a lot to be desired. I think my reason for feeling that way
because the way in which I heard the new songs, which I will get into later
in the week, but once I got ahold of the album I completely fell in love
with it. I have no problem in saying that their Interscope debut was
one of the most unique, albeit slightly inconsistent, albums of the year.
As you may of noticed I just mentioned Interscope which means you will have
to jump to
Myspace for the music.
#12) The Hold Steady - Boys And Girls In America
I have been a huge fan of this band for years and I absolutely love the fact
that they roll out quality albums every year. I was actually going to
put this album higher but it didn't stick with me like their last two albums
and it still managed to come in at #12! I think that just goes to show
how talented Craig Finn and Co. really are.
:The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy:
#11) Be Your Own Pet - Self Titled
For a band that generally writes two minute garage rock songs this album has
more depth than I thought possible. I was kind of expecting a large
number of forgettable thrash-esque songs given their young age and their
reputation for crazy performances, but I was way off and instead they have a
disc that has a lot of material that either buries itself in my head or
makes me want to jump around the room.
:Be Your Own Pet - Adventure:
- Top 5 EPs Of 2006
-
1. Ambulette - The Lottery
2. Lvy League - London Bridges
3. Buck 65 - Dirty Work
4. Langhorne Slim - Engine
5. Xrayok - Like Life
Denali was
always a favorite of me during their short run and while
Ambulette is a bit more pop-conscience I still think that
they are just as amazing. On the other it could all be
because of how much respect I have for Maura Davis, who has
a voice that is probably the most beautiful and haunting
thing I have ever heard.
Ivy League and Xrayok both had EPs that were meant to serve
as introductions for the bands and I think that they
accomplished that goal while managing to peak my interest in
what their inevitable full lengths will sound like.
There are EPs everywhere so being able to catch someone's
attention with only a couple of songs is pretty spectacular.
As for Buck 65 and Langhorne Slim, both of their EPs are
just a blast.
I don't have a lot to say about these labels, they are just
a few of the ones that I think are making great move after
great move.
-
John Laird -
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otherwise expressly stated, all text in this blog and any
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