Category Archives: 2006 Favorites

Donewaiting.Com Presents Party With the Universe Presents Dipset Appreciaton Night

dipsetint

This very website is throwing an event at Columbus’ Premier nightclub Spice Bar. This time around its Dipset Appreciation Night featuring the Catalyst covering Diplomat songs backed by Triceratops.
Myself, Johnny Cashola, & Detox will be playing all your Dipset standards throughout the evening.
Dirtnap will host.

For more info or if you have any sense of whats proper and decent during these troubled times please check out Party With the Universe Myspace

Donewaiting.com Favorite Albums of 2006: Andrew Patton

I hope you haven’t been holding your breath for this! It has been another year of good music, and another year where I’m really not ready to produce a “Top of the Year” list in December and it takes until January. I made a late-year push to catch up on a great deal of music that I missed earlier on, but fell short in getting familiar with most of those releases. So I have assembled a Top 5 that I’m pretty sure of, 10 other top records that I really don’t know how to rank, and a local list. Enjoy!

1. Ghostface Killah, “More Fish”
A wide variety of critics have placed Ghostface’s first album of 2006, Fishscale, in their year-end lists. I don’t agree with that assessment, however, as I have a handful of “rap nerd” quibbles with that album, and there’s some songs I just don’t like. I did like the album, however, so when this sequel came out, I was ready to love it. And love it I do! After a short skit rings in 2007, Ghost starts ripping the old Eric B & Rakim “Juice (Know the Ledge)” beat to pieces, and doesn’t really let up. Though this definitely feels like a Theodore Unit album at times, the contributions from folks like Trife and Shawn Wigs don’t let their mentor down. The beats provided set a fine backdrop for the varied subject matter, especially in the case of “You Know I’m No Good,” Mark Ronson’s sultry funk bomb which also features vocals from Amy Winehouse. There are many ways to define quality, and what exactly an “album of the year” is. For me in 2006, More Fish came out at exactly the right time (right after that Nas album LET ME DOWN) and hit me where I live. Thanks, Ghost!

2. The Lindsay, “Dragged Out”
In a year where Columbus put out an ungodly pile of solid recordings, this one stood above the rest. Dragged Out is an instant Columbus classic that begs for hours of repeated listens. Here’s what I said upon its release.

3. Eagles of Death Metal, “Death By Sexy”
Sometimes you just have to throw up your devil horns and rock out. Josh Homme, Jesse Hughes, and their cast of characters put together a nonstop headbanger that helped get me through the year. Yes, it’s cheesy, but what’s wrong with that?
MP3: I Want You So Hard

4. The Blue Van, “Dear Independence”
I got around to their 2005 album The Art of Rolling much too late to consider for last year’s list, but this year’s album from the Danish rockers builds even more on their promise as harbingers of tuneful rock with real soul. There are plenty of snazzy uptempo rockers on this plate, but ballad-ish “Don’t Leave Me Blue,” which oozes heartachy soul all over the place, takes the cake as the best song here and one of my favorite songs of 2006.

5. SSM, “SSM”
These Detroit boys’ debut on Alive Records is a bit on the confusing side, as there’s some garage, some electronics, some songs about alien love, and other wackiness. Overall, however, they are mainly concerned with rocking out however they see fit. I would often listen to this one a few times in a row without even noticing. Strangely addictive.

My “Other 10” and “Local 10” after the jump.
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20 for 2006: Tankboy's Heavy Rotations

daltrey_tankboy.JPG2006 is the year that will go down in my personal history as being kind of “meh” in music. I think it’s actually kind of telling that I literally put off compiling my own “year-end” list until two days before the year actually ends. Sure, you had all sorts of new developments, scandals, and the continuing downward trend of the Major labels as their business models grew creakier by the hour to talk about if you wanted. Actually, industry-wise, there was all kinds of excitement, huh? But for me,while the year was marked by lots of solid albums, there just weren’t that many “sweet baby Jesus that’s AWESOME!” discs.

As a matter of fact, and this is probably a trend furthered by the whole downloading / mp3 blogger / consumer choice thing, 2006 was a stronger year for me as far as single songs were concerned.

Indie-dance continued to rise in stature, and while albums from pop titans like Justin and Xtina failed as complete works, they dished out some killer tracks nonetheless. So maybe bands are spending less time creating albums and more time crafting tracks as a result of the mp3 revolution. I mean, my listening habits have certainly changed since I started carrying 10,000 songs around with me every day instead of a couple CDs worth of music. Doesn’t it stand to reason that most artists are undergoing this same change in habit as well? I’m stating the obvious here, but I think it needs to be said.

So with that in mind, I present you with the discs that were played most often in my ears. They’re not ranked in any particular order, and I’m not even claiming they’re all artistic masterpieces, but they are the albums I found myself digging through the constantly crashing surf of new music to return to.

My top twenty, after the jump.
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Donewaiting.com Favorite Music of 2006: Craig Ness

This year, I was more apt to be fond of individual songs from artists rather than entire releases. I can only name two albums from this year that shine from end to end. But there was no shortage of single songs that kept me hopeful about the state of rock music. So, here are a couple albums and a bunch of songs that made my year.

Album of the Year: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins, “Rabbit Fur Coat”
How does today’s modern blogger decide which album reigned supreme in 2006? The science of my method
simply comes down this this: far and away, this is the album that I
listened to the most this year. It’s airtight in theme and style. Although there’s a formula of simple
arrangements, acoustic guitars and harmonies in every song, it never
gets boring. It’s filled with gorgeous vocals, americana guitar
licks, and sharp lyrics from a narrator questioning modern morality.
MP3: Rise Up (With Fists!)
BUY: Amazon.com

Album of the Year (runner up): Sparklehorse, “Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain”
The mysterious man who records music on a mountaintop in North Carolina has pulled off another beauty. As usual, Mark Linkous creates a surreal audio landscape through a steady diet of vintage distortion from obsolete instruments and staticky fuzz from wire recordings.

Songs of the Year

1. Beirut, “Postcards from Italy”
As we continue to mourn the death of Neutral Milk Hotel and get teased by the sporadic appearances of Jeff Mangum, we have this to keep us company.
MP3: Postcards from Italy

2. Thom Yorke, “The Clock”
I’m a sucker for Radiohead, Nigel Godrich production, and synthesized beeps. But after seeing a solo, live, stripped down acoustic performance like this one, I gotta believe this guy could make an interesting song by hitting a spoon against his teeth.
VIDEO: The Clock
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Donewaiting.com Favorite Albums of 2006: Kiesha Jenkins

1. The Decemberists – “The Crane Wife”
The indie rock band that everyone loves to hate is in top form with their fourth full-length album, a sprawling prog-rock infused masterpiece that’s – gasp!- danceable! New label Capitol hasn’t exactly reeled them in – the album’s title track is based on a Japanese folk tale – but the band has produced a couple of radio-ready tracks. “O Valencia!” and “The Perfect Crime 2” are simply delightful. If the band’s recent performance at the Lifestyles Communities Pavilion is any indication, The Decemberists are ready and willing to take on their new ‘indie rock star’ status.

2. Miranda Sound – “Western Reserve”
Columbus’ hardest working four-piece brings its A-Game to its third album. “Western Reserve” is much more autobiographical than Miranda Sound’s first two albums, a grown-up look at the disappointments, break-ups and acceptance of mortality that accompany turning 30. But don’t go thinking this is some depressing, shoe-gazer album; in fact, it rocks plenty hard thanks to producer J. Robbins’ able hand. I, luckily, was able to see “Western Reserve” during its creation, from one or two songs performed during shows to the beautiful album it now is, and I couldn’t be prouder of my boys.

Disclosure: Donewaiting.com’s record label, Sunken Treasure Records, released this album.

3. The Long Winters – “Putting the Days to Bed”
Sometimes, a band really just comes out of nowhere with an album that becomes your favorite. I’ve enjoyed The Long Winters since seeing them open for The Decemberists a few years ago, but this year the band really bowled me over with “Putting the Days to Bed.” John Roderick has an amazing way with lyrics, rocking phrases like “they got file folders and dry erase boards” and “you weighed your suitcase down, but it still wouldn’t sink”. This is an infinitely sing-alongable album, one of those just made for playing loudly on your car stereo in August with the windows down and the sun shining too brightly. “Honest” is the standout here, a tale of a mother warning her daughter not to fall in love with a singer.
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Donewaiting.com Favorite Albums of 2006: Chip Midnight

This one goes to 11. After a not-so-close examination of the music that I listened to a lot in 2006, the following 11 emerged as CDs that received multiple spins which makes them rather extraordinary in my book. Rather than writing 20 words about what each band sounds like, I’ve decided to give you an interesting fact about the band.

1. The Damnwells – "Air Stereo"

Interesting fact: Lead singer Alex Dezen appears ever-so-briefly as the "punk kid" in the movie "The Professional" starring Natalie Portman in her first film role. His part was left on the cutting room floor but might be included in the "deleted scenes" portion of the DVD.
Watch: The Damnwells live at the Ottobar (10/11/06)
Buy: Amazon

2. The Shys – "Astoria"

Interesting fact: The band was originally called The Gun Shys but changed their name to avoid confusion with the solo folk/punk act Gunshy.
Watch: The Shy’s "Easy on the Eyes"
Buy: Amazon

3. Silversun Pickups – "Carnavas"

Interesting fact: The band’s original drummer – lead singer/guitarist Brian Aubert’s (now ex-) girlfriend – was named Elvira.
Watch: Silversun Pickups perform "Lazy Eye" on Letterman
Buy: Amazon

4. Model/Actress – "Model/Actress" EP

Interesting fact: Todd Phillips was in a band called Other Star People with Xander Smith (Run Run Run) and Jennifer Precious Finch (L7/The Shocker)
Listen: Model/Actress on MySpace
Buy: Amazon

5. Veruca Salt – "VSIV"

Interesting fact: The band made a behind-the-scenes documentary about the recording of the new album which can be downloaded here.
Watch: Veruca Salt performing "So Weird" live on CDUSA
Buy: Amazon

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Donewaiting.com Favorite Albums of 2006: David A. Cobb

I thought it was tough to choose my favorite albums last year, but 2006 proved to be just as difficult. There were a lot of albums I really enjoyed this year, including releases by Sean Lennon, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Flaming Lips, Eagles of Death Metal, M. Ward, Jeremy Enigk, Mogwai, and Isis (among others). However, none of these records stuck with me as much as the following. Here are my favorite 20 albums of 2006.

PS: Check Houston Calling soon for my favorite Houston releases of 2006.

1. French Kicks, “Two Thousand”
These guys could have glommed onto the synth-pop disco revival like fellow NYC band The Rapture, but instead French Kicks chose to scrap their punky feel and reverted to a more eighties Britrock mode. A few of these songs never left my head once I heard them.
MP3: Also Ran
BUY: Amazon

2. The Damnwells, “Air Stereo”
It’s starting to sound as if this Brooklyn-based band can do no wrong–many thought “Bastards of the Beat” would be their pinnacle but “Air Stereo” contains some of the band’s strongest material to date.
MP3: Louisville
BUY: Amazon

3. Band of Horses, “Everything All The Time”

The music’s mellow and beautiful, and the singer’s vocals are wonderful and unique. This is destined to be a classic.
MP3: Funeral
BUY: Amazon

4. Gnarls Barkley, “St. Elsewhere”

I jumped on the bandwagon with everyone else for these guys. Everyone’s heard Crazy, but if that’s the extent of your knowledge of this album your ears are being done a disservice–the blend of soul, funk, hip-hop and electronica is catchy and addictive.
VIDEO: Gone Daddy Gone
BUY: Amazon

5. Wolfmother, “Wolfmother”

I was sold even before seeing their set at this year’s SXSW in Austin. The band’s mixture of classic rock and blues is irresistable.
MP3: Woman
BUY: Amazon
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Donewaiting.com Favorites of 2006: Ben Chenoweth

Best albums, huh? Well, after compiling a list of almost 50 I thought worthy of at least consideration, it was pretty apparent that I had really listened to too few, and had no idea what constituted ‘best.’ A much simpler question to answer was simply which CDs saw the most action on my stereo, and which ones drained the most life out of my iPod. In an effort generally avoid additional hard decisions, I also stripped out the local acts and put them into their own category. That may be a disservice to a couple of them, as it was a strong year for Columbus bands and certainly a few would have breached my general Top 10. So here’s what I came up with- a dirty dozen plus a few honorable mentions. The best? I doubt it, but it’s what’s been keeping me busy.

1. Band of Horses, “Everything all the time”
Because I’m pretty sure I won’t be alone in this, picking Band of Horses for my number one seems almost a cop out. It’s like voting Troy Smith for the Heisman. While perhaps not undeniable, the consensus surrounding this record does hint at the quality of the songs. I find myself being drawn back to it’s sweeping highs and lows.
MP3: The Funeral
BUY:: Amazon.com

2. Built to Spill, “You In Reverse”
I’m not above admitting that part of my attachment to this particular album is based on a long love affair with Built to Spill, but I think I have enough objectivity (maybe) to suggest that even a new listener might be enthralled with the weird paring of Doug Martsch’s nasal falsetto with the three-guitar rock attack. Rather than repeat myself, you can find my more complete thoughts here.
Video: Conventional Wisdom
BUY:: Amazon.com

3. Silversun Pickups, “Carnavas”
Considering that their debut EP topped my list last year, and that this years full length is generally more of the same, I’d be remiss not put this one towards the top. While sometimes accused of reworking the 90s era grunge sound, the band is far from a retro ripoff act. While comparisons to Smashing Pumpkins abound in the press (of which there’s been a plethora), to me these songs seemed as fresh and energetic as they did familiar. More of my thoughts here.
Video: Lazy Eye
BUY:: Amazon.com

4. Heartless Bastards, “All This Time”
With all the critical acclaim being generated by The Hold Steady this year, the term “best bar band in world” is being tossed about rather casually. Yeah they’re good, but they’re also from Brooklyn- so when I’m looking for something really blue collar, I’d be happy to put the good ol’ midwestern Heartless Bastards up against just about anyone as a soundtrack to my whiskey drinking. The HBs have really nailed it on this one, with a grit and muscle that implies their rock heritage, but also a quiet intelligence and sincerity that might make one think first of Cat Power. The pace and unpretentiousness of this album very much gives it a bluesy, American river-town feel.
MP3: Into the Open
BUY:: Amazon.com

5. Sonic Youth, “Rather Ripped”
I’m sure a lot of music fans have a long history with Sonic Youth, and while I’ve got a cassette of Daydream Nation somewhere, my interest is far from fanaticism. I think that’s in some part due to my feeling that the music they’ve made has always been interesting, smart, and has the air of importance about it, it hasn’t always been that easy for me to listen to. How many times have I sat down to pay my bills or eat dinner and just simply picked something a bit more pleasant to throw in the player? Perhaps the purists will consider me a dilettante for saying so, but this record combined all that is edgy and visceral about SY with a joyfulness and pop sense that actually made me want to listen to it. Over and over, in fact.
Video: Incinerate
BUY:: Amazon.com
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The Black Swans’ Favorite Albums of 2006

We’ve asked some friends to give us their favorite album list of 2006. This one comes from Jerry from The Black Swans. You might remember the Black Swan Tour Diary we ran back in September.

Anyway, onto Jerry’s list:

————-
jerry.jpgThough the webmaster on this here page is right on his list that Jenny Lewis should be on top of something, but I watch Youtube with the sound off, so cute sheets be damned and then knock the twee rambles of mainstream indie college grads out the window with her. Old men (and woman), some now gone, choked out all the best this year. Kids sound like children and I’ve been a man for a couple years now, so all gone home little ones without life in your blood/guitar, here’s what I heard this year, over and over, no order, nothing like money:

Donewaiting.com’s Favorite Albums of 2006: Robert Duffy

Time to roll out the year end lists. I’ll be posting a seperate Favorite Albums from Columbus OH soon, but for now here’s the nine albums I played the most this year:

1. Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins, “Rabbit Fur Coat”
There is a timeless quality of all of the songs on this album that really hit my brain in all the right spots. I’ve never been that big a fan of Rilo Kiley, but I am now the #1 Jenny Lewis fan. Even though this album came out in January, it’s still on constant rotation at the end of the year.
MP3: Rise Up (With Fists!)
BUY:: Amazon.com
MUSIC: Hype Machine | elbo.ws

2. The Decemberists, “The Crane Wife”
It ain’t easy being a Decemberists fan these day, with the backlash at an all time high. But fuck it, this is a great album. This band continues to create a great world all their own, and with each album it gets bigger and more vibrant.
VIDEO: O’ Valencia!
BUY: Amazon
MUSIC: Hype Machine | elbo.ws

3. Dirty on Purpose, “Hallelujah Sirens”
While some bands lean heavier on either their songwriting or musical capabilities, Dirty on Purpose are a rare total package — mastering both sides of the equation. While I love the vocals, I would probably play an instrumental version of the record just as much. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also one of the best new live acts out there.
MP3:: Light Pollution (Live at KEXP)
BUY: Amazon
MUSIC:: Hype Machine | elbo.ws

4. Centro-Matic, “Fort Recovery”
I love the way Will Johnson tells a story in songs, and “Fort Recovery” continues this trend. This band needs to be a lot more popular than they are, people, so become a fan pronto.
MP3: Triggers and Trash Heaps
BUY: Amazon
MUSIC: Hype Machine | elbo.ws

5. Teeth of the Hydra, “Greenland”
I admit that I don’t like a lot of heavy music, but when it clicks, it clicks hard. “Greenland” is an epic masterpiece, an album that shakes my organs when I play it loud. And that is a good thing.
MORE: Website
BUY: Amazon
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