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Website: www.islandsareforever.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/islandsareforever
Download: “Don’t Call me Whitney, Bobby”
It took me a few listens to get in to Islands. I was never a fan of Nick Diamonds former band The Unicorns. His band mate and drummer from The Unicorns, J’aime Tambeur, joined him and 5 other Montreal musicians to comlete this 7 piece indie pop extravaganza. Only shortly after the release J’aime quit the band but Islands promised to keep moving forward. There is so much music coming out of Montreal these days that it’s hard to take it all seriously. The sound on Islands has a playful and almost child like appeal to it, which didn’t sit well at first but with multiple listens it began to grow on me. But while I don’t feel they came out with the best album of 2006, they sure came out with one of the best song titles in “Don’t Call Me Whitney, Bobby.”
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Website: www.cometsonfire.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/cometsonfirerockinblues
Download: “Jaybird”
I was introduced to two Ben Chasny groups this year. First I picked up Six Organs of Admittance and then Comets on Fire. I remember hearing about them a year or so ago through Stereogum but it was just one of those passing glances that never ended in a thorough listen. I’m glad they resurfaced as their 4th and apparently their most subued album to date, Avatar, has the perfect mix of blues and hard rock. The rock legends would be proud of this 21st century group. You would only hope that some day true rock and roll will make a come back. These fellas sure are making a strong push in that direction.
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Website: www.yolatengo.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/yolatengo
Download: “Mr. Tough”
The laundry list of album’s from Yo La Tengo is now up to 15 with their 2006 release. That’s not including their covers album that released as well in 2006 but as the title entails, they murder the classics. So how does this wife/husband outfit keep things fresh, by calling their latest album “I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass.” It’s that simple. My favorite aspect of Yo La Tengo is their heavy focus on percussion. You can always find a clave beat hidden in the background of their songs. While percussion is a focus, the melody is never sacrificed.
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Website: www.partydream.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/partydream
Download: “Shadow Grip”
If you want to get the party started, you need to look no further. Gil Mantera and Ultimate Donny will make sure that your guests are on the dance floor, shaking their behinds to electronic porn, ehm, I mean rock music. And if you throw in a 30 rack of PBR, they’ll be your best friend for life. Brothers Gil Mantera and Ultimate Donny put out Bloodsongs this year but it was their live show that turned me in to a complete fan. The album grew on me once I saw their show. It’s one of those experiences you want to keep reliving and there’s no better way then tossing in Bloogsongs. Their album is on sale for $10 so get them while their hot.
I’m realizing that I can’t keep giving little descriptions for every album otherwise I’ll never get to my Top Ten. Jeez, there is just so much music that one year brings to the table. So, 2006 Albums of 2006: Part 3 will be just the album image, myspace page, official page and song download. And remember, you can purchase the album by clicking on the album image.
