Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Off The Record Top 15: Part 3 (Grace's Picks)

Indescribably filled with wonderful records by numerous bands, 2006 has possibly been the best year of music for me. How a group of people can put together such an insanely amazing record beats me. Each album to their own, I must comment that it was extremely hard to pick 15 albums, let alone the top spot, but each one was so monumentally terrific in their own right or way, well, they just deserved a spot. Below is my list for the top 15 albums of 2006. Enjoy!



01. M. Ward - Post-War
Undeniably beautiful and soothing music thrown in a thought-provoking album title. You don't see that combination everyday! Perfection. Absolute perfection.



M. Ward Today's Undertaking


02. Love is All - Nine Times That Same Song
The 5-piece Swedish band have got me dancing to their spectacularly manic tunes. Energetic, confident and rowdy and amusing lyrics about liking the same type of cheese. They'll be in Australia in March for Laneway.


Love is All Busy Doing Nothing


03. The Blow - Paper Television
The Blow is one of the most creative duos in indie music history. What appeals to me is its quirky, enigmatic vibe and the witty, playful lyrics - which are sung beautifully. I recently saw them at Newtown Theatre, and it was an amazing experience.


The Blow Babay (Eat a Critter, Feel Its Wrath)


04. Joanna Newsom - Ys
Indulge in lesser known instruments and include a full orchestra. The finished product is eccentric and innocent; everything is whimsical and exquisitely produced.



Joanna Newsom Cosmia


05. TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain
TV on the Radio is intense and complex. Songs are epic and enthralling and layered, which is heightened further by the execution of certain sounds/effects. Simply amazing!


TV on the Radio Wash the Day


06. Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country
I love Camera Obscura. These gentle, nostalgic melodies with melancholic lyrics and wistful vocals make for the most uplifting experience. This is by far the best Camera Obscura album.


Camera Obscura If Looks Could Kill


07. The Long Blondes - Someone To Drive You Home
The Long Blondes appeal to me in every imaginable factor. The image, musically, and the general feeling. It reminds me of the 50s so very much. All songs are incredibly catchy.


The Long Blondes Separated By Motorways


08. Camille - Le Fil
Her songs just radiate with innocence and mysteriousness. They still remain fresh and catchy after many listens and her beatboxing is used to the record's advantage so very well.


Camille J'Ai Tort


09. Belle and Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
It's really a daydream, all songs are so light. While they remain lyrically and musically sound, they have evolved tremendously. Belle and Sebastian never cease to amaze me!


Belle and Sebastian Sukie in the Graveyard


10. Islands - Return to the Sea
From the remains of The Unicorns comes Islands. They are insidiously trippy and so awesomely organic, I love listening to Islands on a sunny day. I can't wait for their second album.


Islands Jogging Gorgeous Summer


11. Nouvelle Vague - Bande à Part
Nouvelle Vague's second album is surprisingly pleasant! I usually gawk at the thought of covers, but these are so seamlessly constructed and are interpreted extremely different to the original, the pay-off is immense.


Nouvelle Vague Dancing With Myself


12. Phoenix - It's Never Been Like That
A strong return from these French gentlemen, Alphabetical was lacking from what United had left off with. Using many simple, but striking musical arrangements, It's Never Been Like That is a smooth as record. I can't wait to catch them at V!


Phoenix Long Distance Call


13. Tilly and the Wall - Bottom of Barrels
The sophomore album from tap-dancing aficionados have returned with the same fun-loving, exuberant warmth I love. Listening to their songs make me want to take up tap-dancing.


Tilly and the Wall Bad Education


14. The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes
Oh so catchy and reminiscent of the 60s girl groups, it makes you want to dance endlessly. With choreographed dance moves, matching outfits and the cutest backing band, The Pipettes are dazzling.


The Pipettes Pull Shapes


15. Mates of State - Bring It Back
Known for the shifting rhythms, and simultaneous male/female harmonies, the duo have widened their musical palette with this album. Mates of State are still vibrant and thrilling as ever.


Mates of State Think Long

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| 4:51 pm | 2 Comments |

2 Comments:

  • The M. Ward is fantastic, can't wait to see him in January. I love Islands, TVOTR and Joanna as well. Some of your selections are probably a little too poppy for my tastes but i enjoyed reading your list.

    By Blogger Wayne Massingham, at 10:07 pm, December 27, 2006  

  • Only #4?? haha. Nice list. Adore Ys Wanna exchange links? contact me.

    By Blogger K, at 7:39 pm, January 03, 2007  

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