What can I say about the end of year lists apart from that I love 'em?! They differ from week to week and there have been several changes since my initial compiling began. I had better post it now as it will more than likely change tomorrow!
Best Albums:
Well I have to say 2006 was not that great a year for albums in my view. I was struggling whilst compiling this list and any more than 10 choices would have presented a right dilemma. Shorter albums seem to be back in vogue this year. I generally cannot stand albums over 50 minutes in length whilst those on 35 minutes or under feature quite highly when going through my choices. I plumped for Visible Forms by Audrey as my Number One for the simple reason that it bettered the songs on 2005's début EP, something I thought was impossible. It's a beautiful and timeless recording.
Before anyone comments I know The Electric Pop Group's album has just come out but I have been playing it to death at Last FM! In any case I wanted to pre-empt 2007 lists!
1) Audrey - Visible Forms
2) The Besties - Singer
3) The Electric Pop Group - The Electric Pop Group
4) Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes
5) Irene - Apple Bay
Best Singles:
2006 was quite a year for the 7" single despite my trusty turntable finally breaking down. There were some pretty fine singles from Lucky Soul, Fanfarlo, Bridge Gang, Aberfeldy and Camera Obscura to name but a few.
Kids Records put out a string of fine 7" releases and one of them, in the shape of Mighty Six Ninety, would have made the top spot until Strange Idol's released their fantastic début release. C86 updated for the 21st century dance floor it's a simple but effective single.
1) Strange Idols - It's No Fun
2) Mighty Six Ninety - Keeping You In Mind
3) Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
4) Pipettes - Pull Shapes
5) Santa Dog - Belle De Jour/
Envelopes - Free Jazz
Best Live Act:
No contest this year as I was simply blown away by Dressy Bessy at Pow To the People in April. A few old timers make an appearance in the shape of The Wedding Present and The Loft whilst I was pretty impressed by The Brakes. The Bridge Gang. Well they always appear because they are bloody good live. Hopefully next year they will play venues outside of London. Bands missing the list include Fonda 500, Santa Dog and Lucky Soul. Special mention should also be given to Chris TT who stirred the ol' socialist blood in my veins at the Truck Festival.
1) Dressy Bessy
2) The Wedding Present
3) The Bridge Gang
4) The Brakes
5) The Loft
Best Comp/Reissue Album
2006 was a pretty good year for the compilation with many failing to make the cut such as The Dog box, Dance To The Radio, Egg Records and Thee SPC compilations to say the least. Ian at How Does It Feel To Be Loved put together the album that could be classed as C06. CD86, despite my initial scepticism, is a pretty good and enjoyable album from years gone by. Cherry Red was the best re-issue label for me in 2006 and two of their releases appear (The Loft & Darling Buds).
1) Various - Kids At The Club
2) Various - CD86
3) The Loft - Magpie Eyes: 1982-85
4) Sarandon - The Completest Library
5) Darling Buds - Pop Said
Best Albums:
Well I have to say 2006 was not that great a year for albums in my view. I was struggling whilst compiling this list and any more than 10 choices would have presented a right dilemma. Shorter albums seem to be back in vogue this year. I generally cannot stand albums over 50 minutes in length whilst those on 35 minutes or under feature quite highly when going through my choices. I plumped for Visible Forms by Audrey as my Number One for the simple reason that it bettered the songs on 2005's début EP, something I thought was impossible. It's a beautiful and timeless recording.
Before anyone comments I know The Electric Pop Group's album has just come out but I have been playing it to death at Last FM! In any case I wanted to pre-empt 2007 lists!
1) Audrey - Visible Forms
2) The Besties - Singer
3) The Electric Pop Group - The Electric Pop Group
4) Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes
5) Irene - Apple Bay
Best Singles:
2006 was quite a year for the 7" single despite my trusty turntable finally breaking down. There were some pretty fine singles from Lucky Soul, Fanfarlo, Bridge Gang, Aberfeldy and Camera Obscura to name but a few.
Kids Records put out a string of fine 7" releases and one of them, in the shape of Mighty Six Ninety, would have made the top spot until Strange Idol's released their fantastic début release. C86 updated for the 21st century dance floor it's a simple but effective single.
1) Strange Idols - It's No Fun
2) Mighty Six Ninety - Keeping You In Mind
3) Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
4) Pipettes - Pull Shapes
5) Santa Dog - Belle De Jour/
Envelopes - Free Jazz
Best Live Act:
No contest this year as I was simply blown away by Dressy Bessy at Pow To the People in April. A few old timers make an appearance in the shape of The Wedding Present and The Loft whilst I was pretty impressed by The Brakes. The Bridge Gang. Well they always appear because they are bloody good live. Hopefully next year they will play venues outside of London. Bands missing the list include Fonda 500, Santa Dog and Lucky Soul. Special mention should also be given to Chris TT who stirred the ol' socialist blood in my veins at the Truck Festival.
1) Dressy Bessy
2) The Wedding Present
3) The Bridge Gang
4) The Brakes
5) The Loft
Best Comp/Reissue Album
2006 was a pretty good year for the compilation with many failing to make the cut such as The Dog box, Dance To The Radio, Egg Records and Thee SPC compilations to say the least. Ian at How Does It Feel To Be Loved put together the album that could be classed as C06. CD86, despite my initial scepticism, is a pretty good and enjoyable album from years gone by. Cherry Red was the best re-issue label for me in 2006 and two of their releases appear (The Loft & Darling Buds).
1) Various - Kids At The Club
2) Various - CD86
3) The Loft - Magpie Eyes: 1982-85
4) Sarandon - The Completest Library
5) Darling Buds - Pop Said
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