Favourite albums of 2006

Hello y'all and Happy New Year! For those of my readers who are music fans, I thought I would give you a brief listing of my fave albums of 2006, which proved to be quite an excellent year for music as far as I am concerned. Without further ado, and in no particular order, the list:

1. Pearl Jam--'Pearl Jam': admittedly one of my favourite bands, this disc flat out rocked lyrically and musically, with Eddie Vedder's familiar baritone and Mike McCready's oh-so-beloved wah-laden guitar wailing leading the charge. Reminded me a lot of 'Vs.', which is definitely a good thing!

2. Bruce Cockburn--'Life Short, Call Now': a beautiful album from one of the nation's finest singer/songwriter/guitarists. Haunting melodies, lyrics, and playing are displayed throughout the album--Bruce's band is tight and Ani DiFranco's vocal contributions are lovely. Stellar...

3. The Tragically Hip--'World Container': yet another stunning effort from one of Canada's national treasures. The addition of keys spice up Downie's continually offbeat lyrics (do we expect anything less?) and the rest of the boys again prove why they are one of the tightest music units in rock, period. Beauty!

4. Cat Power--'The Greatest': an artist I had only heard of in passing, this album was relayed to me by my step-father and it is quite stunning. Cat Power's lovely voice is supported by lush strings and keys. Every song is a gem and it just gets better with repeated listens.

5. Bob Dylan--'Modern Times': this album kicks butt as the third in the "trilogy" prefaced by 'Time Out Of Mind' and 'Love and Theft'. Another latter-day masterpiece from the most influential artist in the history of popular music (sorry Beatles).

6. Sarah Harmer--'I'm a Mountain': folky, bluegrassy goodness from the woman who I used to pledge that I would marry provided the opportunity. A eminently listenable and lovable effort from one of my favourite artists. Recommended...

7. Sam Roberts--'Chemical City': a perfect 10/10. I don't know how Mr. Roberts plans to top this album because 'We Were Born in a Flame' was itself an impressive debut effort, but this is a masterpiece of lyrical, classicist rock and roll! Simply awesome...

8. John Mayer--'Continuum': I'll let allmusic.com sum it up: "nothing he did up until the excellent, expansive 'Try!' could have prepared you for the monumental creative leap forward that is Mayer's 2006 studio effort 'Continuum.' Working with his blues trio/rhythm section of bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan...the album is a devastatingly accomplished, fully realized effort that in every way exceeds expectations and positions Mayer as one of the most relevant artists of his generation." I think that's enough for me to say that I highly, HIGHLY recommend this album because it is brilliant.

9. Shaun Verreault--'The Daggerlip Sketches': a raw, solo acoustic limited release (can't find in stores) that finds my hero revisiting some Wide Mouth Mason cuts as well as some incredible new songs that send shivers up and down your spine. The album was cut in a friend's apartment with the guitar and vocals cut live to tape through one microphone only--"no overdubs, pitch correcting, or cut and paste allowed,” (according to the man himself). The result is a breathtaking display of his immense songwriting skills and guitar virtuosity. Oh to see a guitar jam between him and John Mayer...

10. Pilate (now called Pilot Speed and the album is now called 'Into the West', unfortunately)--'Sell Control for Life's Speed': a worthy follow-up to their debut 'Caught by the Window', this album sees the band rocking out a little bit more, but still holding on to their crown as Canada's answer to Coldplay, Keane, and Snow Patrol, despite the name change. A really lovely, underrated album.

11. Ben Harper--'Both Sides of the Gun': a wonderful double album from one of music's most talented and passionate artists. By turns poignant, angry, sarcastic and powerful, Harper shines and the range of backing musicians, including one-time Black Crowe guitarist Marc Ford (one of my favourite axemen), are incredible.

12. Audioslave--'Revelations': simply put, a hard rockin' funky masterstroke which is by far the best Audioslave album yet. Cornell wails, Morello shreds, and the Commerford/Wilk combination provide hard rock's best funk rhythm section this side of James Brown (R.I.P.).


There you have it folks, the Bing Man's picks for 2006. Thought I wasn't able to buy or listen to as much music as I have in the past, for obvious reasons, I think the above are a good smattering of albums that I would recommend to anyone interested. Cheers and, again, Happy New Year to all!