Reflections 2006: Sounds
This post is the first of the last posts for 2006 in which I’ll reflect on the inspirations, disappointments, influences and nonsense of Joe Manafo’s 2006. This installment will cover top albums.
To be honest, I didn’t buy/listen to a lot of new music in 2006 so this list includes music in my collection that I’ve revisited over the last twelve months.
Music to Think By
David Bazan: Fewer Moving Parts - Masterful storytelling, droning vocals, catchy grooves. My best purchase of the year.
Simon & Garfunkel/Peter, Paul & Mary/Mamas & the Papas - Folk!
Music to Rock Out To
Alexis on Fire: Crisis - Crunches, screams, a fun no thought required album.
UnderOath: Define the Great Line - More metal, less lyrical than their last release, but WOW…this album really grew on me the more I listened to it. Seeing them in London this summer was a treat too.
Zao: Liberate Te Ex Inferis - Dating back to 1999, this one was old school, but most likely their best album and best line up.
Retro Stylings
Elvis Presley: Boy from Tupelo - The birth of Rock? Probably. Either way the simplicity and innocence of these recordings has made for some great travlin’ music to sing along to. Thanks to Biro for putting this album in my hands.
Johnny Cash: The Legend of Johnny Cash - Who can tell a tale better than Cash?
Brian Setzer Orchestra: Jump Jive and Wail - I’ve always been a fan of big band music and Setzer does the genre justice even with his modern compositions.
Obscure
Francis Cheer - My pal John Gerard formerly of Nicola Tessla (RIP) has dropped this track on this MySpace page. I hope there’s more where this came from.
Winter Took His Life - A little late to make the list, but some good stuff nonetheless. Thanks to Pernell for the tip.
Filed by Joe at December 28th, 2006 under soundtrack of life