More from Ari Stein’s musical highlights of 2006: ‘7. The Devics – Push The Heart. A heartbreaking album fueled by loss, grief and shadows. It’s very rare to see piano based ballads that are not soppy just for the sake of it. The lead singer sings these songs beautifully and it’s an album that seems timeless because of it. 8. Howling Bells – Self-Titled. What can I say? Even though these guys are my brother and sister, they also rightfully earn a place on my top records of the year. I wasn’t the only critic singing their praises . Their album is a dark, romantic masterpiece. 9. Sound Team – Movie Monster. When I heard Alan Moulder (U2, The Killers) was producing this, I was intrigued. A pop record that contains some very catchy moments, it’s like Secret Machines making an album with Spoon. 10. James Holden – At the Controls. Just when you thought all was lost with electronic music, up comes a fantastic new label and a great new artist. Border Community took electronic music into the next stratosphere while James Holden presented The Idiots Are Winning and it brought a smile to the faces of a lot of techno heads. 11. Charlotte Gainsbourg – 5:55. When you’re working with Nigel Godrich, Jarvis Cocker and members of Air, you really ain’t going to lose. Beautiful, pretentious French pop for fans of anything melodic. 12. Thom Yorke – The Eraser. I was afraid I wasn’t going to like it, but while Thom Yorke provides us with many bleak moments on his solo albums, he consistently excites us with his ideas. I still have no idea what he’s saying but the album was just so powerful and haunting. Honorable Mentions: Silversun Pickups; Burial; Hot Chip; Lindstrom; Booka Shade; Isan; Cougar; Loney Dear; The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble; Chihei Hatakeyama; Grizzly Bear; M Craft; Caroline; Johnny Boy; Water Indian Soundtrack. Most Overrated Record: Lily Allen. Best Record Label: Bella Union. Best Gig: Yeah Yeah Yeah’s at the Enmore Theatre. Records you should hear from 2006 that no one has probably heard of yet: Beach House, Under Byen or Teitur. [see also Top Albums of 2006]
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