Jukebox box additions for '06

The world has yet again snuck it's way around the all corners of the sun. I thought it would be appropriate to pay tribute to my favourite albums of 2006*.

I'm a mountain - Sarah Harmer
I fell in love with this album as Sarah Harmer has never sounded more like Sarah Harmer. Granola eaters and city slickers alike will find thoughtful lyrics gracing melodies which soar over a delicately painted country vista. Many of the album's tunes were inspired from conservation work done with the Niagara Escarpment in which she held a walking tour to raise support. Check it out: http://www.sarahharmer.com/index2.html

Good Monsters - Jars of Clay**
Arguably the most influential band of my life, Jars of Clay released their best album since If I left the Zoo (my fav). Self produced and engineered in Sputnik (their private studio) the album may at times lack in cohesiveness musically and sonically which I believe has existed since the release of 11th Hour. However, the album does takes a slot in the jukebox for their ability to write meaningful songs which speak oceans of truth and leagues of depth into life. Need a sample? 'Surprise' - hands down the best musical address to our society's drug addiction. 'Light Gives Heat' - struggles with Western church's approach to 3rd world aid. This album sings with my heart. Check it out: http://www.jarsofclay.com/

Chemical City - Sam Roberts
The second Canadian addition to the Jukebox this year was recorded in an old Austialian church and carries its long dark reverb through out. May take a listen or two to adjust your ear from the typical modern over-produced crap you hear on the radio (a worthwhile endeavour) - this music has sonic depth and a hip funky travelling bum lyrical cohesiveness which make it a great 'full' listen. Catchy tunes (Bridge to No where, The Resistance) mix their way between epic progressive Jams (Mind Flood, Mystified Heavy). http://www.samrobertsband.com/web/news/index.php

Wired - Michael McGoldrick
Pick this album up at a small record shop off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. An instrumental effort yet, each real (Scottish term for progressive tunes) paints endless journeys across the Highlands, gushing memories of my time there this fall. The tasty arrangements accent combine a diverse selection of instruments not limited to wooden flute, fiddle, banjo, tabla, guitar, kit and Electro-acoustics. A unique addition to any one dimensional North American collection.
http://www.capercaillie.co.uk/theband/michael/

Cello Sonatas 1 & 2; Brahms, Johannes; Maria Kliegel, Cello - Kristin Mercher, Piano
This decomposing composer really struck a cord with me this year. Of the selections I acquired this was my favourite. Come spring do yourself a favour, find a copy of the Sonatas in your local library book an hour on the grass by the water and enjoy.
http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Cello-Sonatas-Mstislav-Rostropovich/dp/B000001G4M

Atlantis:Hymns for Disco - K-os

Haven't really listened enough to know the longevity of this collection. Although the catchy vibes will immediately testify to another solid release for the Dance Hall master. Ethical lyrics and creative production help it round out this year's Jukebox additions.

http://www.k-osmusic.com/

Other mentionals:

Stadium Acardium - Red Hot Chilly Peppers

Despite his fame and prestige in modern music Rick Rubben has never been a favourite producer of mine. Notable radios singles shine amidst an otherwise bland double disc set (I haven't yet been able to make it through the double set in a single listen. Perhaps Venus and Mars was a little too ambitious. I may have liked it more if I didn't feel get the sense every second song is about a porn fanticy. She ain't bad but is far eclipsed by previous Chilly offerings (ie. By the Way)

Eager Seas - Watashi Wa

Musically nothing to aspire to this independant'ish release found a spot in my listening rotation. I typically would have little ear for such raw emo-ish pop rock but I connected to a few catchy licks, melodies and heart felt lyrics.

Behave - Edmund

Best album ever put out by a friend. Great song writing all the polish you can give a self produced recorded on a budget and time line.

http://www.myspace.com/edmundband

Continuum - John Mayer

Never stuck... great guitar playing but I never fully connected with his lyrics. Polar opposite to

Heavier Things; I was plugged in. Perhaps I need a girl friend to appreciate this album.

Barenaked Ladies Are Me - Barenaked Ladies

Couple of great tracks mixed in with some poor excuse for album material. The live disc that came with my album was cool but not enough to make up for some of the weak ballads.

* These are albums which I purchased this year.
** Jars are coming to town in Feb let me know if you'd like to go.