Listmania!
My Favorites of 2006 (In no particular order)
By an Amazon.com customer
The InformationThe Information by Beck
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $2.61
This album is extraordinary, taking the funky beats of "Odelay" and "Guero", and meshing them with his heavier, spacey sound influenced by producer Nigel Godrich. I've always liked Beck, and this is definitely my favorite of his albums, which is a bold statement! If nothing else, buy it for the packaging, which is revolutionary. You'll see!
At War with the MysticsAt War with the Mystics by The Flaming Lips
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $3.20
The Lips continue to evolve and get better, and this album is further proof. The same spacey, epic rock feel as "Yoshimi", but with a more political message and rocked-out edge. Buy it!
The EraserThe Eraser by Thom Yorke
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $3.99
Thom's solo project definitely impresses. Fans of the blippy, "Kid A" era Radiohead should be all over this! I've got a soft spot for Thom, so I'm loving it.
The Long RoadThe Long Road by Anomaly
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $2.98
Amazing album from this Chicago-based producer, and easily one of my top five on this list! A lengthy, beautiful blend of hip-hop beats & samples, live guitar, glitchy electro and B.o.C.-esque ambiance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
You Are Beautiful at All TimesYou Are Beautiful at All Times by Yppah
Buy new: $12.98 / Used from: $17.61
Astonishing debut from Ninja Tune's newest signee, from Texas of all places! Seriously though, this is an impressive blend of electro beats and post rock guitar & bass. It's kind of hard to find right now, but do whatever you can to buy this!
A Lazarus Taxon [3-CDs + 1 DVD]A Lazarus Taxon [3-CDs + 1 DVD] by Tortoise
Buy used from: $18.99
This will be the gem of any true Tortoise fan's collection. 3 CDs of rare B-sides and remixes, and a DVD chalked full of incredible live performances...I think I've gone to heaven!
Fire ShepherdsFire Shepherds by Loka
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $2.75
Okay...seriously, where does Ninja Tune find all of this amazing shtt! This ensemble from the UK creates epic, updated jazz fusion somehat in the vein of Cinematic Orchestra or Jaga Jazzist, not that this could be a bad thing! These influences aside, this album is original and stellar.
Days to ComeDays to Come by Bonobo
Buy used from: $9.19
The monkey-man music magician is back! This album definitely retains the vibe of earlier work, but added vocals and more live instrumentation give it a really full sound and somewhat of a new direction. Me like!
Stepping Stones: The Self-Remixed BestStepping Stones: The Self-Remixed Best by DJ Krush
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $7.78
This is a remixed best-of album from DJ Krush, the Japanese head-nodder, and it's quite possibly my favorite of his many releases. The first disc is all vocal collabos, and the second is full of dope instrumentals! Throw it in late at night!
The Audience's ListeningThe Audience's Listening by Cut Chemist
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $1.92
Cut's first pure solo outing far surpasses anything he's done with J5 in my opinion. This album seriously took me back to the first time I heard Shadow's "Endtroducing", and I've been playing it steadily since!
DonutsDonuts by J Dilla
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $7.40
Rest in peace Dilla, you left us with an astonishing mix of gritty and soulful instrumentals. Hip-hop fans need to spread the word and keep this artist's name alive for future generations.
The Beat Konducta, Vol. 1-2The Beat Konducta, Vol. 1-2 by Madlib
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $5.38
The blunted beat genius throws down a thirty-something track batch of instrumentals that come and go, but are there for just long enough to be slammin! A must for fans of instrumental hip-hop.
Midnight GreenMidnight Green by Modill
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $13.57
Chi-town producer/MC duo K-Kruz & Racecar have come together to form Modill, and they drop some of the illest underground hip-hop in years. Mix in some special guests like Diverse, Thaione Davis & Dave from De La... you can't miss with this one!
Beat JourneyBeat Journey by Dr. Who Dat?
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $8.37
Very nice set of instrumental hip-hop that takes me back to those beautiful days of early-'90s East Coast beats! Excursions into Brazilian grooves and retro film score sounds add nice touches as well. This one's hot!!
Another Early EveningAnother Early Evening by Earmint
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $0.56
Wonderfully crafted underground hip-hop from this burgeoning Chicago producer, featuring the likes of Diverse, Murs & Roc C. Excellent instrumentals interspersed throughout the album as well. Buy this!
ContinuumContinuum by Reminder
Buy new: $12.98 / Used from: $0.05
The first solo outing from Josh Abrahms, longtime bassist in the Chicago scene, turns out to be a stunner, filled with live instrumentation over thumping MPC grooves! Give this a listen.
Mirrors for EyesMirrors for Eyes by Caural
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $1.97
Another outstanding album from Zach Mastoon, the talented young producer out of NYC. This guy doesn't get enough props! In my opinion this is his most fleshed-out release to date, with great instrumentals & vocal appearances. Check it ouuuuut...
RemixesRemixes by Four Tet
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $4.86
Master producer Four Tet puts out a nice double disc of remixes. The first disc he remixes everything from Madvillain to Beth Orton, and the second features other great artists remixing Four Tet. Cool idea, smokin' album!
Body RiddleBody Riddle by Clark
Buy used from: $8.98
Excellent release from techno groove guru Chris Clark. Smashing, chopped-up drums meet warm analogue synths and unique sound collages. I'm feelin' it!
19831983 by Flying Lotus
Buy new: $10.98 / Used from: $9.99
Synth-laden funk, underground West Coast hip-hop and tidbits of spiritual jazz produced by a member of the illustrious Coltrane family. You know I'm all over this!
SingularSingular by A Cloud Mireya
Buy new: $12.98 / Used from: $2.02
More pastoral, shoe-gazing folktronica from the ubiquitous Scott Herren, teamed this time with the beautiful vocals of Claudia Deheza, who appeared previously on "Surrounded By Silence". Very lush vibe here, with tranced-out vocal harmonies and delicate arrangements. Pick it up!
An Announcement to AnswerAn Announcement to Answer by Quantic
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $6.25
Excellent mix of funk, jazz, latin and hip-hop from British DJ/musician Quantic. Sweet instrumentals and well-done vocal collabos make this a solid album from start to finish.
The Lost TakeThe Lost Take by Dosh
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $4.69
Brilliant solo release from Martin Dosh, multi-instrumentalist known for his contributions to Fog & Lateduster. Lush strings blend with fuzzy guitars, horns and keyboards, all backed by Dosh's strong beats on the kit as well as programmed drums. Highly recommended!
Beat RomanticBeat Romantic by Talkdemonic
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $4.49
A little short for a full-length in my opinion, but killer stuff regardless! This duo really carves out there own niche, creating jazzy electro grooves layered with banjo, viola and other interesting acoustic instruments. Bravo!
Out LouderOut Louder by Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $4.98
MMW team up with guitarist John Scofield for the first time since the seminal "A Go Go" album in '98. Fans of the avant-funk fusion thing will not be disappointed!
St. ElsewhereSt. Elsewhere by Gnarls Barkley
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $1.99
This one's starting to get a little played out by now, but I have to give credit where credit is due. Dangermouse & Cee-Lo make beautiful neo-soul-funk craziness!