some great al***s in 2006
Posted by: fred simon on 08 January 2007
Not a definitive or exhaustive "best of" list, just a bunch of albums released in 2006 I thought were really great, in no particular order:
1. The Beatles -
LOVE ... nothing less than a masterpiece in my view
2. John Mayer -
Continuum ... I wasn't a huge fan before, but I sure am now based solely on this album; I could go on and on about how great this record is, and it just gets better with each spin
3. Keith Jarrett -
The Carnegie Hall Concert ... sublime
4. Ignacio Berroa -
Codes ... spectacular, and sensitive, Afro-Cuban jazz
5. Shawn Colvin -
These Four Walls ... one of the great singer/songwriters of our time, or of any time
6. Sara Isaksson and Rebecka Törnqvist -
Fire In the Hole ... two wonderful Swedish singers sing Steely Dan with intimate accompaniment
7. Larry Goldings -
Quartet ... if you like really good music, this album's for you ... I can't say enough about this record; Larry is one of the best pianists and organists making music these days and he's at the top of his game here ... it's technically a jazz album, but its deep musicality transcends genre
8. Corinne Bailey Rae -
Corinne Bailey Rae ... a breath of fresh air from a new student of the old school
9. Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau -
Metheny/Mehldau ... two of the best musicians of out time, or of any time, in their first meeting
10. Various Artists -
Gospel Music (Hyena label) ... the good old stuff, and the real deal ... if you hanker for something of real substance, depth, and soul, this is what you need ... never mind the religion, this is humanity
11. The Beatles -
LOVE ... yes, I think this album is so brilliant and thrilling I listed it twice
That's all for now ... I've left out a lot of really great shit. Oh, well ...
All best,
Fred
http://myspace.com/fredsimon Posted on: 08 January 2007 by DenisA
I'm sure you knew Peter Green sang that in 1969
You cant help about the shape your in
Bet you can sing, not sure about pretty, are your my legs thin?
But dont ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well ...
Hope we can see you on your 'Conquering Europe Tour'. With a little help from your friends, you can get by!!
Denis
Posted on: 08 January 2007 by Guido Fawkes
Fred - I know you said it wasn't exhaustive, but you didn't list my favourite album of 2006
Scott Walker - The Drift
Posted on: 08 January 2007 by Malky
Amy Winehouse's Back To Black. An astoundingly great album. Raw, visceral, powerful songs of love and betrayal. Superb Motown pastiche and a voice you just cannot believe is coming out of the mouth of a twenty four year old white woman from London.
Just gets better with every play. Tried to get tickets for Shepherds Bush. Damn, sold out, both nights.
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by ewemon
Can't really say that anything stood out for me this year. Liked quite a lot of discs but none that at the moment anyway would make an all time Top Ten
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by Gianluigi Mazzorana
quote:
Originally posted by fred simon:
That's all for now ... I've left out a lot of really great shit. Oh, well ...
All best,
Fred
http://myspace.com/fredsimon
Hi Fred!
I see you work for Flying Fish (is it a piece of Rounder?) and i do remember things like Sweet honey in the rock, Pete Seeger, Country Gazette, John Renbourn, Shady Groove Band, Leadbelly, Bill Morrissey and so many others that i can't recall.
All people i did send on air in the good old times around 1990!
But that was the time of the great GRP artists...................
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Nostalgia!
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by Gianluigi Mazzorana
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
Fred - I know you said it wasn't exhaustive, but you didn't list my favourite album of 2006
Scott Walker - The Drift
Some of the best works of the last years with "Tilt"!
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by Chris Kelly
"On an Island" David Gilmour was a lovely album.
"Living With War" Neil Young
"Face the Promise" Bob Seger
"Modern Times" Bob Dylan
"The Road to Escondido" JJ Cale and Eric Clapton and even "A Bigger Bang" Rolling Stones
For me, the veterans have proved that they can still the newbies a thing or two! And there were several excellent re-releases of older stuff too.
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by Chris Kelly
still SHOW the newbies of course!
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by rocketboy
Also have to add 'Slow New York' by Richard Julian... hope it is released on vinyl.
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by rocketboy
I must add the caveat that I love 'Continuum'... with the exception of the truly horrible Hendrix cover. If you have any doubt, time to break out 'Axis'...
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by rupert bear
My three favourites:
'The Town and the City' by Los Lobos, the best by the great veterans since 'Kiko' in my opinion;
'Veneer' by Jose Gonzalez - I just like it;
'Morph the Cat' by Donald Fagen - inevitable, and the players aren't as good as they were 25 years ago, but still better than most.
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by Bananahead
Someone To Drive You Home - The Long Blondes
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Costello Music - The Fratellis
Riot City Blues - Primal Scream
Nigel
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by Guido Fawkes
I forgot
Scribbled In Chalk by Karine Polwart - that was released last year and is very very good (not quite as good as Faultlines).
Definitely worth searching out is
Tales of Light and Darkness by
Angie PalmerAlso
Colours Are Brighter deserves a mention even if it only has one truly great track - namely the superb
David Wainwright's Feet by the best band in the land. Quite like the Snow Patrol cut too.
Though
The Drift remains by favourite album of 2006 - not sure why the local record filed it under 'Easy Listening'.
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by SteveGa
Tom Waits - Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards should be added I think.
Steve
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by Gianluigi Mazzorana
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
not sure why the local record filed it under 'Easy Listening'.
Btw i find it more friendly and "easy" than a lot of pop "bum bum"!
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by bornwina
Bit of a dissapointing year for my tastes I thought with the shining exception of Shack , The Corner of Miles and Gil - psychedelic solos, jangling guitars, beautiful harmonies - heavy Byrds influences
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by DenisA
Last year saw my best purchases in a long time. Some released much earlier, but favourites nonetheless …
Steve Adey - all things real; On 'I See A Darkness' Steve is close to Johnny Cash's masterfull rendition. Great Folk atmosphere, but led by Piano rather than acoustic guitar.
21st century schizoid band - pictures of a city; Original King Crimson on fire minus Robert Fripp. First four albums covered, Led by Jakko M. Jakszyk whose voice captures Lake/Boz/Whetton. Highly recommended Live Recording.
Robert Fripp - Exposure; Released in 1979 and great vocals from Peter Hammill, Daryl Hall, Peter Gabriel and a great gig in the sky type vocal by Terry Roche on 'Exposure'.
David Sylvian / Robert Fripp - damage: Live; This was almost King Crimson with Sylvian/Fripp on their "Road To Graceland" tour in 1993.
Nine Horses - snow borne sorrow; David Sylvian has really got under my skin and this as goog as anything Iv'e heard him produce. 'The banality of evil' is my current favourite of this terrific album.
John Mayer Trio - Try!; Another excellent 'live' album with the top rythym section of Steve Jordan & Pino Palladino. Don't forget John will be appearing on 'Live from Abbey Road' on 23 March.
The Dears - gang of losers; A great follow up to 'No cities left', shows that Murray Lightburn has more hooks than a fishing tackle shop. The gig at Koko last year was truely uplifting, can't wait till their next tour.
Donald Fagen - morph the cat; Finally some good guitar parts, well played by John Herrington. I wish Donald could give us one more SD album with a 'Scam' & 'Countdown' vibe.
Sara & Rebecka - fire in the hole; Gunnar, The Music Room owes you a debt of gratitude. I think the Mods should send you a complementory forcione cd/dvd.
The Beatles - love; I agree with Fred, George Martin & Son have created a work of love here. The Cirque crew need to get to the UK ASAP.
Porcupine Tree - stupid dream; Like most of Steven Wilson's music creation, this re-release has slowly won me over. I was introduced to PT 3 years ago on this Forum by Nick Lees and it has been the most rewarding musical journey I've ever had. Musical Progression is what drives Steven and the breadth of his output has no boundaries.
Denis
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by rocketboy:
I must add the caveat that I love 'Continuum'... with the exception of the truly horrible Hendrix cover. If you have any doubt, time to break out 'Axis'...
I couldn't disagree more. Recently having dug both versions, I can't think of a single "horrible" thing about Mayer's.
Fred
Posted on: 09 January 2007 by SteveGa
quote:
Originally posted by Gianluigi Mazzorana:
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
not sure why the local record filed it under 'Easy Listening'.
Btw i find it more friendly and "easy" than a lot of pop "bum bum"!
Also depends on what else you listen to. I have a pile of relaxing stuff for unwinding to as well!
Posted on: 10 January 2007 by rocketboy
quote:
Originally posted by fred simon:
quote:
Originally posted by rocketboy:
I must add the caveat that I love 'Continuum'... with the exception of the truly horrible Hendrix cover. If you have any doubt, time to break out 'Axis'...
I couldn't disagree more. Recently having dug both versions, I can't think of a single "horrible" thing about Mayer's.
Fred
Really...?!?!? I don't know what else to say if you can't hear the difference. Nothing against Mr. Mayer. He's a great player, but he's no Hendrix...
Posted on: 10 January 2007 by Gunnar Jansson
quote:
Originally posted by DenisA:
Last year saw my best purchases in a long time. Some released much earlier, but favourites nonetheless …
Steve Adey - all things real; On 'I See A Darkness' Steve is close to Johnny Cash's masterfull rendition. Great Folk atmosphere, but led by Piano rather than acoustic guitar.
21st century schizoid band - pictures of a city; Original King Crimson on fire minus Robert Fripp. First four albums covered, Led by Jakko M. Jakszyk whose voice captures Lake/Boz/Whetton. Highly recommended Live Recording.
Robert Fripp - Exposure; Released in 1979 and great vocals from Peter Hammill, Daryl Hall, Peter Gabriel and a great gig in the sky type vocal by Terry Roche on 'Exposure'.
David Sylvian / Robert Fripp - damage: Live; This was almost King Crimson with Sylvian/Fripp on their "Road To Graceland" tour in 1993.
Nine Horses - snow borne sorrow; David Sylvian has really got under my skin and this as goog as anything Iv'e heard him produce. 'The banality of evil' is my current favourite of this terrific album.
John Mayer Trio - Try!; Another excellent 'live' album with the top rythym section of Steve Jordan & Pino Palladino. Don't forget John will be appearing on 'Live from Abbey Road' on 23 March.
The Dears - gang of losers; A great follow up to 'No cities left', shows that Murray Lightburn has more hooks than a fishing tackle shop. The gig at Koko last year was truely uplifting, can't wait till their next tour.
Donald Fagen - morph the cat; Finally some good guitar parts, well played by John Herrington. I wish Donald could give us one more SD album with a 'Scam' & 'Countdown' vibe.
Sara & Rebecka - fire in the hole; Gunnar, The Music Room owes you a debt of gratitude. I think the Mods should send you a complementory forcione cd/dvd.
The Beatles - love; I agree with Fred, George Martin & Son have created a work of love here. The Cirque crew need to get to the UK ASAP.
Porcupine Tree - stupid dream; Like most of Steven Wilson's music creation, this re-release has slowly won me over. I was introduced to PT 3 years ago on this Forum by Nick Lees and it has been the most rewarding musical journey I've ever had. Musical Progression is what drives Steven and the breadth of his output has no boundaries.
Denis
To Denis:
Thank you again. I truly appreciate your kind words.
This year for me was not so much finding new releases as going back and finding already released album. And rediscovering music.
Perhaps because of to much work and too little time.
2006 releases I really liked:
Tool: 10,000 days
Lena Willemark: Älvdalens elektriska
Beatles: Love
Sara Isakasson & Rebecca Törnqvist: Fire in the hole
Discovering:
Fred Simon: Dreamhouse
Anders Widmark featuring Sara Isaksson
Frifot: Sluring
Porcupine tree: in absentia
And rediscovering:
The entire Kraftwerk catalogue
To Fred Simon:
The dreamhouse album is...GREAT!
BTW did you get hold of Lena Willemark´s album Windogur?
Best
Posted on: 10 January 2007 by Gianluigi Mazzorana
quote:
Originally posted by SteveGa:
Also depends on what else you listen to. I have a pile of relaxing stuff for unwinding to as well!
Hi Steve!
Walker's Drift is some of the most relaxing complications i've ever heard.
I start relaxing when i can follow the music and when music takes me inside the plot.
Listening to a new record i usually sit keeping eyes and mind open and critical.
I think: "now hit me if you can".
I hate "new age".
I hate all that stuff that should calm and move but which is so rethorical to make me angry and lose concentration and amazement.
I've listened to some of Walker's works and thought i was listening to the best anti-pop and anti-compromise camouflage ever, despite the perfect arrangement and balance of records like "3" (if you listen carefully).
"The drift" is only a point in what i consider a rising (someone think descending) evolution parabola and hope for some more.
I humble think you should get this record and let him take you inside a real dream of images and ambients.
Cheers!
Gianluigi
Posted on: 10 January 2007 by DenisA
Gunnar:
I would like to return the compliment to you and recommend another swedish band
moonbabies. Just check the Amazon link for samples and 5 star reviews. The site has 3 quick time videos. I read the review of
The Orange Billboard from
Darla about 2 years ago and didn't regret it.
Moonbabies are: Carinia Johansson & Ola Frick and musically describe themselves as
easy pop beats & experimental underwater moods. The arrangements and musicianship are first class and Definitely not a cheap sounding indie band. One thing to note is each track takes a while to warm up and then change direction, so the videos might be better.
Let me know what you think.
Denis
Posted on: 10 January 2007 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by Gianluigi Mazzorana:
I hate "new age".
More correctly, you hate
bad new age music. And you probably hate bad jazz, bad pop, and bad classical, too.
Really, there's no such thing as new age, or jazz, or whatever ... it's all music, and some is good, some is bad.
But even if we do accept the term, check out these very fine albums on the grandaddy of all new age labels, Windham Hill:
Premonition - Paul McCandless
Vapor Drawings - Mark Isham
Heresay - Paul McCandless
Door X - David Torn
And, if I may be so bold, this one, too:
Usually/Always - Fred Simon
These are all albums of really good music which happen to be designated as "new age."
All best,
Fred
Posted on: 10 January 2007 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by rocketboy:
quote:
Originally posted by fred simon:
quote:
Originally posted by rocketboy:
I must add the caveat that I love 'Continuum'... with the exception of the truly horrible Hendrix cover. If you have any doubt, time to break out 'Axis'...
I couldn't disagree more. Recently having dug both versions, I can't think of a single "horrible" thing about Mayer's.
Fred
Really...?!?!? I don't know what else to say if you can't hear the difference. Nothing against Mr. Mayer. He's a great player, but he's no Hendrix...
Of course Mayer is no Hendrix, but why does that mean his version is "truly horrible"? Exactly what is horrible in Mayer's version? Bad notes? Poor phrasing? Bad intonation? Lack of dynamics? Lack of dramatic narrative (i.e., storytelling)? Poor rhythm? Lack of ensemble cohesion? No swing, no verve, no swagger? Lack in variety of tone and coloration? Lack of passion? Lack of soul?
To say that Mayer is no Hendrix is a given. Of course I hear a difference, but it's not a difference in quality.
All best,
Fred
