BEST OF 2006

Posted on 21st Dec 06 by Liam Tyrrell | 0

Artist: Albums" Artists and Gigs
Author: DROP"D TEAM

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Scott Edgar

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Top 3 Irish Albums

DUKE SPECIAL " SONGS FROM THE DEEP FOREST
A magnificent work of art with each individually packaged vinyl disc beautifully illustrated and packaged in a box set that could at worst be described as "cute". The supreme art of the packaging is bettered only by the well"crafted tunes inside.

IAIN ARCHER " MAGNETIC NORTH
The first single from this album proclaims "when it kicks in you"ll know it"" Finally Archer has released an album which distinguishes himself as a gifted solo artist and proves that there is more to the man than simply being Snow Patrol"s ex"guitarist.

SNOW PATROL " EYES OPEN
"It"s not as easy as willing it all to be right" " You"ve got to work your ass off for years on the underground scene to become this good. Then you"ve got to be ready to take the jealous flack from everyone else on your old scene. Who cares if it"s gone a little bit Coldplay for Gary and the boys. This album is packed with brilliantly written songs. Enjoy the success it brings" lads.

Top 3 International Albums

GET CAPE WEAR CAPE FLY " CHRONICLES OF A BOHEMIAN TEENAGER
Emo was so 2005" 2006 was the year of fusion. Sam Duckworth fabricates songs from trippy little electronica beats" acoustic guitars" powerfully emotive vocals and with his eyes firmly focussed on the world we live in. And it works"

THE GUILLEMOTS " THROUGH THE WINDOW PANE
"Made Up Lovesong "43" and "Trains To Brazil" are clearly the stand out tracks on this album laced throughout with raw emotion" orchestral overdubs and birdsong. It may not be as strong as the live performance but stands head and shoulders above any other indie release this year.

REGINA SPEKTOR " BEGIN TO HOPE
Sometimes it takes something a little different to make a wonderful album. A female vocalist rather than a male" a piano rather than a guitar and a quirky outlook on love and life rather than the monotonous soundtrack to unrequited love we expect from most albums. This album has it all and more.

Best Irish Male

DUKE SPECIAL
It"s been a truly special year for Belfast"born Peter Wilson as he has gone from small hometown pub gigs to Jools Holland performances and sell"out European tours. The songs are unashamedly catchy " the live performances often like a music hall singalong. The Duke couldn"t have chosen a more apt surname for this year.

Best Irish Female

LISA HANNIGAN
Finally" this year has given the delightfully voiced Lisa Hannigan a chance to shine. Slowly but surely she is emerging from the shadow of Damien Rice"s ego to show off her talents in a whole new light. Her work on the "Cake Sale" album is nothing short of beautiful while Damien"s latest release has given her another chance to shine.

Best International Male

SUFJAN STEVENS
The last few years have seen a frantic schedule of releases from the consistent Mr. Stevens. Airplay on American TV shows such as The OC and Scrubs have done wonders to promote some of the hidden gems on those albums and when Snow Patrol namecheck you on a multi"platinum album" you know you"ve made it.

Best International Female

REGINA SPEKTOR
Regina Spektor was almost unheard of this time last year by most but this year has seen her release a huge album of beautifully written songs and a low"key tour where we got the last chance to catch her in more intimate venues.

Top Song of the Year

DUKE SPECIAL " EVERYBODY WANTS A LITTLE SOMETHING
Peter Wilson croons "I don"t get those pop and idol shows. Everybody knows that the good things take a little longer." during another catchy verse of another instantly hummable song. It has taken a while but songs like this show up every reality show star for the fraud they are.

Gig of the Year

THE GUILLEMOTS IN THE MANDELA HALL" BELFAST
Old world charm meets modern day technology in a musical feast that not even a shamefully rude Belfast crowd couldn"t spoil. Songs soaring through the winter air taking us somewhere entirely more beautiful.

Tips for 2007

LAURA STEVENSON
One of very few good female artists currently gigging on the scene with songs that will tug at the heartstrings of every listening boy and girl. This girl can summon more emotion in the delivery of each line than many of today"s plastic pop stars have ever experienced in their lives.

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Jason Golden

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TOP 3 IRISH ALBUMS

Fionn Regan " The End Of History
"It is an album of lazy assurance" delicate most of the time and always shimmering with intimacy that" deservingly" projects Fionn Regan right into the blinding limelight. Best debut since O."

The Immediate " In Towers And Clouds
"Best described by Gary Drop"D """The Immediate should pat themselves on the back in the knowledge that they attempted to create such a diverse debut album. But the fact they"ve done it in such a successful fashion separates them from any other band out there. This is the best album released by any Irish band this year.""" Second best in my opinion."

Humanzi " Tremors
"Loud" rough and mostly inspiring" this is a record guaranteed to remove those pesky cobwebs from the ceiling of your living room."

TOP 3 INTERNATIONAL ALBUMS

Tapes N Tapes " The Loon
" 'The Loon' is a quirky" low"key" lo"fi delight" the world needs to hear a record as spooky and as special as this. Blew me away."

Guillemots " Through The Window Pane
"a record to cherish" something to put on when the chips are down" and that rare thing" one that will almost certainly be loved in equal measure many years down the line."

Cat Power " The Greatest
"acoustic" dreamily textured" these songs reflect the maturity of a songwriter at the top of her powers. Shows a new side to the Cat Power we thought we knew."

BEST IRISH MALE

Fionn Regan
"A fine debut album" successful tours throughout Ireland and the UK and a break through in the US. Fionn is the man of the moment with a promise of great things to come."

BEST IRISH FEMALE

Lisa Hannigan
"Tough choice seeing as she has never released any solo material but her contribution to both Damien Rice"s 9 and The Cake Sale album were amazing. C"mon Lisa" give us the solo album we are waiting for."

BEST INTERNATIONAL MALE

Thom Yorke
"Consistently proving his worth with Radiohead" 2006 saw the release of his first full solo offering" "The Eraser". An amazing mind"fuck of an album from an equally amazing talent."

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEMALE

Regina Spektor
"An amazing year for an amazing artist. "Mary Ann Meets the Grave Digger" is a stunning synopsis of her early work and "Begin To Hope" proved she can exist at the forefront of pop music while maintaining her unique style."

BEST GIG OF THE YEAR

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah" live at Oxegen
"the energy inside the tent for this gig was surreal. A stunning performance. Possibly the best gig I"ve ever witnessed."

TIPS FOR 2007

Klaxons" Voxtrot" Cold War Kids.

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Dave Scanlon

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Top 3 Irish albums

Cowboy X " Who are these people"
Probably in my favourite 3 albums of the year actually. As slick a piece of electro"pop as you're likely to find.

Director " We thrive on big cities
I can't get "Big cities" out of my head. For the past month. And I've only heard half the album.

The Immediate " in towers and clouds
Great band" great album" lovely blokes. They make their mothers proud so they do. The title track in particular is a cracker.

Top 3 international albums

Scott Matthews " Passing stranger
1 dead Buckley + 1 Paul Brady "yeah" I know" but he sounds like him"" + a wee bit of chilled led zep + eastern grooves = one fantastic album.

The Futureheads " News and tributes
A little more maturity" a little less Bush "kate". Who said the second album had to be difficult"

Mogwai " Mr beast.
Accessible post"rock" Check.
Best album to date" Yup" check.
Great song titles" Check. "Take a bow" Glasgow mega"snake"

Honourable mentions
Elephant eyelash" Imogen heap " speak for yourself" Minus the bear " Menos el oso.

"All from 2005" but I only discovered them this year."

Best Irish male

Duke Special
Oh come on" it had to be" Have you heard the original version of freewheel" Melancholic pop at it's finest. We applaud you sir.

Best Irish female

Well my sister hasn't released and album yet" so……Gemma Hayes.
I really wish she'd stop doing that yank whine thing" but boy that lass can write a good choon.

Best international male

Guy Garvey
Well Elbow only just made it outside my top gig"s" of the year" and the man's just a legend. Search for elbow's live version of that amerie song if you don't believe me. Legend.

Best international female

REGINA SPEKTOR
yes yes and triple yes. Best gig of the year. "See best gig" Check out her songs Carbon Monoxide or Oedipus for a handy starter.

Top song of the year

Scott Matthews " elusive
Absolutely captivating. Like aural bubble bath. You know" in a good way.

Gig of the year

Regina Spektor " Whelans.
Ah just check out my review. Magical.

Tips for 2007

Erm" bellx1"
There's this band from dublin called "halves" that I've heard good things about. They're shameless with their publicity though.

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Liam Tyrell

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3 Irish Albums..

em.. Slow year for me.. Didn"t buy an Irish album.. Oops… well" I don't get paid so I"m always broke" what do you expect"

3 International albums

Dan Saratin " Join…
The man is back with mariachi in tow. This boy is the ultimate singer songwriter. Bring off the virgins and bring on the dancers. Fabuloso.

And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead " So Divided…
The Texans go all Floyd… only out a few weeks but its a piece of work alright… the critics hate it" but then again" I am one and I love it…

Electric Six " Switzerland.
The smartest of all the smart ass bands with another blistering set of one liners wrapped in zany synth punk. Ahh Dick Valentine" you'd shake the pants off any girl…

Best Irish Male:

oh God… em… Pass.. unless" did Richie Kavanagh release anything new this year""

Best Irish Female:

hmmmmmmm…… nope" can't seem to find anything in my brain filling this particular category.. NEXT>>>

Best International Male

Dan Sartain…
For his all round coolness and indescribable talent.. And also cos even though he's a skinny fucker" he'll still fight ya""

Best International Female

meh.. Didn"t buy any of them either..

Best Irish Band

The Worthwhile Experience..
freakin funk genius and their guitarist plays it behind his head… you will not see a better show.. Record to come in the New Year.

Best International Band

The Flaming Lips for their constant goodwill and fantabulous album… nothing like a summer with the lips""

Best Song

I Want You So Hard "Boy's Bad News" " Eagles of Death Metal…
does exactly what it says on the tin.. Nice work.

Gig of the Year

Daft Punk" Marley Park…
crazy Space Robots do their thing and the world goes crazy… i can still see the lights that burned into my retina that night… a beautiful" beautiful occasion…

honourable mention:
Tenacious D" RDS" the band go electric only to get electrocuted and end up in hell… where they promptly finish out the set.. like a pantomine for burly rockers.. Genius.

TIPS for 2007

Scissors For Lefty to go global.. The Shins to go even globaller.. Butterfly Explosion to make a noise outside Ireland.. Carry an umbrella if it looks cloudy… Make sure your laces are tied before getting on a bike…

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Cian O Callaghan

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3 Irish Albums

Si Schroeder: Coping Mechanisms
Simply one of the most perfect albums of the year. Breathtaking layered soundscapes that brush" pulse" jar and soar over hushed vocals enunciating sublime lyrics. I am not exaggerating when I saw that this is the best Irish album I"ve heard in a decade.

Dae Kim: Matador
Songs for a crushed heart poured over two guitars" bass and drums. It rocks" it swoons" ethereal and crushing. Quality stuff.

Ten Past Seven: Shut up Your Face
Instrumental rock from the Cork based Kerry boys. Another intense release from the outstanding Out On A Limb Records.

3 International Albums

Cat Power: The Greatest
The impeccable Chan Marshall returned earlier this year backed by Al Green"s studio band" to produce one of the most astonishingly beautiful collaborations ever put to record. If you"re a fan of Chan"s previous "often intensely harrowing" work" it may take you some time to get into this one" but once you"re there" The Greatest shows everyone involved at the top of their game. A thoroughly inspirational record in every sense of the word.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy: The Letting Go
The ever prolific Will Oldham relocated to Iceland to record The Letting Go" shacking up with Bjork producer Valgeir Sigurosson. The result is the Bonnie Prince"s best album since I See A Darkness. Sigurosson"s string arrangements frame the songs in just enough frosty light" while backing vocals from Dawn "The Fawn" McCarthy and skeletal drums from Dirty Three"s Jim White provide the perfect foil to Oldham"s songs of love" pain and redemption. Flawless.

Scott Walker: The Drift
The first in eleven years from Mr Engle is another severe listen. 68 minutes of what for the most part couldn"t accurately be described as music. The Balkans" Mussolini and 911 are mashed up in phantasmagorical lyrics" vast expanses of silence and ear shattering violent eruptions of noise. A genuinely frightening listen" speckled with moments of manic hilarity.

Best Irish Male

Si Schroeder.
No question. No Competition

Best Irish Female

DJ Kool Drool
As I don"t think I actually bought any Irish releases by a female artist this year" I"m going to go with Foggy Notions" D.J. Kool Drool" who introduced me to some great music during the year and made me dance on more than one occasion.

Best International Male

Bob Dylan
I"m being diplomatic with the international section this year in trying to get at least some of those individuals who blew my mind with great albums into my list. With this in mind I"m choosing the mighty Dylan as my man of the year. 2006 saw him release his 43rd album" an astounding set of songs and another high point in an unmatched career. I had a great time also seeing him in the Marquee this Summer.

Best International Female

Joanna Newsom
In continuation of the diplomacy I have to give a mention to Joanna Newsom" whose amazing Ys might just be the most unique album of the year. Stellar stuff from the 24 year old that leaves us all to wonder and fret as to what might come next.

Gig of the Year

Came So Far For Beauty: An Evening of Leonard Cohen Songs "Point Theatre Dublin"
Nick Cave" Lou Reed" Laurie Anderson" Beth Orton" Jarvis Cocker" Teddy Thompson" Mary Margaret O" Hara""the list goes on" performing Cohen"s songs with an amazing band" Could there be any competition" I don"t think so. Although seeing Casiotone for the Painfully Alone for six euro in a tiny basement club in Berlin was pretty awesome as well"

Tips for 2007

Dinky Loop/Sunday Morning
The alter egos that are Dinky Loop/Sunday Morning are making some of the best tunes coming out of Cork" Ireland" the world etc" Watch this space for the upcoming interview.

Song of the Year

Cunts are still running the world: Jarvis Cocker

The perfect deadpan summation of the harsh realities of the world we live
in. Jarvis for the Christmas Number 1 anyone"

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Ann Marie McCarthy

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3 Irish Albums..

Damien Rice " 9

I don't care what the critics say" it's still damn good. No"one does emotion like Damo. Or is it just me"
I know sometimes you cry…and I know sometimes you wanna die….

Jezery " Be Wide
Independent release from these boys in January" setting the foundation for a band that if they get their fuckin act together could take over the Irish music scene.

……………I don't have a number 3………….whoops.

3 International albums

Wolfmother " Wolfmother
Oh my God it's Led Zeppelin but ten times better and with new and improved hair"""

Beatles " Love
I'm not sure if this should count but it was definitely one of my favourites from the year. To a young 'un like me" the Beatles can sound old and tired" particularly in terms of sound quality" this just strips the whole thing back and gives it a freshness that's really hard to capture. I swear there were nearly tears in my eyes.

The Gossip " Standing in the Way of Control
It's rock. And it's fun. Now since when did that happen"""

Best Irish Male:

Damien Rice.
Love him.

Best Irish Female:

Hmmmmm" Lisa Hannigan has an unreal voice though I haven't heard much of her own stuff

Best International Male

Nothing comes to mind straight away

Best International Female

PJ Harvey.
She didn't really do much this year but I'm in love with her so I don't care.

Best Irish Band

Beveren's Toy.
Original all"rounders that you know will go far

Best International Band
Eagles of Death Metal

Best Song

Over and Over " Hot Chip
Rock 'n roll made while on ecstacy

Gig of the Year

I didn't go to any big gigs this year "sob" so I'd have to say Jezery in An Cruiscin Lan in March I think. Back when the band seemed to have energy and drive "and okay" drugs" it was the gig that gave me back my thirst for the local music scene.

TIPS for 2007

Beveren's Toy get interest from record labels" Lisa Hannigan gets a top 5 Irish album" The Blizzards fail to make it in the UK" "are these tips or predictions"""I just don't know" Arctic Monkey's second album is labelled "disappointing" by someone" Bodyrox don't do anything else good" Greg " Shane become major dance/house stars" Drop"D starts getting some proper coverage and mentions" Miko "I think that's his name…" makes it big and we finally figure out whether Hot Hot Heat are still out there

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Mark McCarthy

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Top 3 Irish albums

DUKE SPECIAL " SONGS FROM THE DEEP FOREST
A breath of fresh air from Peter Wilson and his various capable musicians. Music to be melancholy to but not akin to the pain of singer"songwriter lament" music to be filled with joy and hope also. Feel good songs that appear at first simplistic. One of the sweetest voices heard in a long time and all crafted together with such passion and wizardly delivery. Every track is a winner.

HUMANZI " TREMORS
A high"pitched yelp launches diet pills and magazines and from there the album contains some of the finest and thunderous rock tunes to come from these shores this year. Pulsating" pulverising bass lines" riffs to elevate and an overall sound to get any dancefloor or arena into a mad frenzy.

TEN PAST SEVEN " SHUT UP YOUR FACE
The first album release of note this year. No singles. Purveyors of some of the finest instrumental music Ten Past Seven"s debut was done in their own style right down to the clever artwork from the sleeve to the reflective material on the cover used to decipher the sleeve. Lasted the pace all year.

Top 3 international albums

MUSE " BLACK HOLES AND REVELATIONS
What else would you expect from Muse. This time around they "felt free to do what we wanted". Pat yourselves on the back now lads for making the right choice. Best work to date.

KASABIAN " EMPIRE

Well then Noel Gallagher has pronounced them "the best band in England"" so what does that make Oasis Noel" Kasabian wanted an album that propelled them higher up the musical food chain. What they ended up with was a gem of disco beat and glam heaven. Throw in your standard British rock and a few songs of reflection and they might just have found themselves as heirs to the crown. Empire " I wonder where they got the name from"

ARCTIC MONKEYS " WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM" THAT"S WHAT I"M NOT
Alex turner" "Don"t believe the hype". Yeah" Well screw that"

Best Irish male

DUKE SPECIAL
The man from up north has indeed something special about him. Damien Rice finally returned home for a 2nd release and new boy Fionn Regan is stepping up to the plate. In reality they didn"t have a chance.

Best Irish female

LISA HANNIGAN
Equally beautiful in voice and elegance Lisa Hannigan returned with more musical minutes on "9" than on "O". Add to that her contribution to the "Cake Sale" and I can"t wait to find out wht happens to Lisa next.

Best international male

THOM YORKE
Question: How can one man transcend so many genres and still make great music"
Question: How can one person have so much creativity" Question: Would his solo stuff be as good as Radiohead"s"
Answer: Of Course. He"s a genius"

Best international female

Not a lot to choose from. Will go with Regina Spector gets it on class alone.

Top song of the year

Oooh" It"s a tough one innit"

So Over and Over isn"t actually from this year. You only Live once is a great mantra to have. Black Holes And Revelations will help you realise why. Reconnect with the Irish scene and Director. The Guillemots want to take Trains To Brazil and I would have hopped on too. But I"m splitting it in two.

Irish

Last Night I Nearly Died " Duke Special.
This song fills me with so much emotion. It reminds me why I cannot live without music. It restored my faith in a lot of things. Powerful and magic" yes we have a winner"

International

Young Folks " Peter" Bjorn and John.
One drunken night when I actually did bring a girl home I tried to impress her and my mate with what I called song of the year" I"m too proud to change my mind now"

Gig of the year

The Strokes " Oxegen.
Now I cannot for the life of me put a figure on the amount of gigs I went to see this year from the awful to the average to the awesome. This band came on stage" blew me away and I forgot all about everything else. Go on Julian" get down and dirty" or just wet like the rest of us" The wind and rain couldn"t keep me away from The Strokes that day. And WHAT a day"

Best Marketing Campaign of the Year.
Director " We Thrive on letting everyone know we"re coming to your City" If only more bands had more people backing them in this way.

Tips for 2007

Ireland to rightly take its place as one of the best breeding grounds of music in the world. In a generation where everybody wants to become famous there are only so many that can shine through. Take your pick.

The Immediate" Director" The Blizzards seem to be ones touted for big things. Humanzi will take a short break while their drummer has an operation on his eardrum" time for writing lads"
Waiting Room to finally release their new album and blow everyone away. Hope Is Noise to have an album out early next year and if they catch a break will do well. Delorentos same" new album and a keen attitude could herald big things.
Ash to remind us all what we"ve been missing. Beveren"s Toy to make some noise"
Fionn Regan to become even more successful. More great Other Voices Shows.
Will Pete Doherty quell those who are thirsty for his blood"
Jodavino for the Eurovision"
Rulers Of The Planet to make people deaf"
Fred to rule the world"
Exit: Persued By A Bear to win Murphy"s Live final.
Someone to notice Jezery"

Remember people" bands play in smaller venues before they get big. So catch "em while you can"

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Nicola Marie O Riordan

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Top 3 Irish albums

Republic of Loose " Aaagghh"

What can I say I know all the words and even have dances to all the songs…..sad huh. I also dissect the set list after every one of their gigs like a nervous student does after an exam.

The Blizzards " The Blizzards

It's not usually my style but Bressie's lyrics are hilarious. I like the way he enthusiastically offers up the story to each song in interviews. I also like the way they slip in a genre that is usually lost to the charts i.e. ska.

Bell X1 " Flock

I know it was out end of last year but this was the year for Flock. What can I say" "When my hand brushed against yours I thought I'd collapse." Possibly one of the strongest lyrics of the year.

Top 3 international albums

Hot Chip " The Warning
"Over and Over" is highly boogietastic. I love it. The biggest "underground" album of the year.

Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah " Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah
Well if Bowie likes them then they must be good. No seriously this year I was mostly mistaking this band for Arcade Fire. After numerous arguements in the pub followed by week of which "one is this Arcade Fire or Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah"" I went out bout it and fell in love with it

Best Irish male

Mick Flannery

He's a genius. His voice is amazing he did not "contarary to popular belief" steal it from Tom Waits.

Best Irish female

Aine Duffy

I heard lots about her and finally had the pleasure of seeing her live on the jazz weekend. A month later I met her while I was pushing my drunken cousin up Summerhill in a trolley on his 18th. She kindly offered to help. When I realised who she was I nearly had heart failure ha ha. My fav female singer helping me push my lil cousin up Summerhill in a trolley.

Best international male

Justin Timberlake
Go 'head be gone with it….who's ur sexyback. Oooh possibly my most contraversial admission. He is definatley best international male in my eyes"

Best international female

Hmm that's a tough one.

Well I loved Gwen Stefani's Love Angel Music Baby but if she carrys on yodellin she can feck off"

Top song of the year

Republic of Loose " Come Back Girl

The lyrics are outstanding anyone who thinks it's a radio friendly pop track listen again.

Gig of the year

Republic of Loose " Dingle

Ah what a gig. Got to party with my fav band.

Tips for 2007

Neon Flea Circus.

Watch out world the circus is in town"