Friday, December 29, 2006
2006
2006 was fairly average as far as I was concerned. A few good gigs were done and a few bad ones. Same with football games and pubs. Pub count currently 531 so that's not too bad.
What is interesting the amount of 'new' albums I bought this year were at a minimum (probably around 20) whereas I have bought a few reissues of classic albums something I've not really previously done.
As it is the end of year I may as well put here my top five albums that I have bought
1) The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes. Yes they are disposable but summery pop hasn't been done this good for years. Sixties and Britpop influenced this is full of catchy tunes even if 'Pull Shapes' does sound like OMD's Enola Gay.
Its also an excuse to post another photo of Rosay this from their Xmas party which unfortuanately clashed with Iron Maiden. All very happy music
2) Bat For Lashes - Fur And Gold. This is the complete opposite from the above. Deadly serious, thought provoking at times with shades of Kate Bush and Tori Amos. There are a few times you need to listen to someone who is much of a fruitcake as you! Highlights are 'Trophy' and 'The Wizard'
3) The Killers - Sams Town. Not as instant as their debut this is a serious grower. The single 'When you were young' lead to one of 2006's most used phrases - He doesn't look like Jesus. And the pure sexiness of 'Bones' and the two interludes make this a great album.
4) The Who - Endless Wire. Townshend and Daltrey return with typically a piece of 'rock art'! As individual pieces the best songs are only a minute or two long sandwiched in the mini opera 'Wore & Glass' whereas the acoustic 'Tea & Theatre' and 'Man In A Purple Dress' are, although perhaps a bit overweight at times, bold pieces that stay with you.
5) Thunder - Robert Johnson's Tombstone. Only purchased this recently and Thunder have continued where their seventh album left off. A fantastic rock blues album showing that bands of this age are not all about the past.
Bubbling under we had Thea Gilmore - Harpo's Ghost, The Answers - Rise and Ginger - Valor Del Corazzo.
Best reissue I have bought this year were the Mott The Hoople albums. All restored with bonus tracks these are the three albums when they made it big. All very good.
Away from music, I should mention the best pubs / bars done this year. In no particular order we have;
Beer Circus (Croydon) - Weird lagers, lots of ale but a surprisingly pleasant clientiele. All very Ikea-esque furniture makes it although a bit bland, a pleasant place to enjoy something unusual.
Prince Of Wales (Brighton) - Always a goody, this small pub on Churhcill Square has a unique charm to it. The fact ot does Oranjeboom is a plus.
Star (Ewell) - A very good pub that you should go more often, despite being fairly local. A few different rooms and Hofbrau to drink at £2.50.
Chandos (near Traflagar Square) - Hadn't been here for a few years till 2006. Same as you remember with a very nice upstairs 'Opera' Bar. Cheap too!
Priory Arms (Stockwell) - A new find for me. Watched the European Cup final here before Hard-Fi. Lots of real ale and semi standered lagers (Budvar) However much better than expected being in a Stockwell Estate.
As this is my last post of the year, Happy New Year to every one!
What is interesting the amount of 'new' albums I bought this year were at a minimum (probably around 20) whereas I have bought a few reissues of classic albums something I've not really previously done.
As it is the end of year I may as well put here my top five albums that I have bought
1) The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes. Yes they are disposable but summery pop hasn't been done this good for years. Sixties and Britpop influenced this is full of catchy tunes even if 'Pull Shapes' does sound like OMD's Enola Gay.
Its also an excuse to post another photo of Rosay this from their Xmas party which unfortuanately clashed with Iron Maiden. All very happy music
2) Bat For Lashes - Fur And Gold. This is the complete opposite from the above. Deadly serious, thought provoking at times with shades of Kate Bush and Tori Amos. There are a few times you need to listen to someone who is much of a fruitcake as you! Highlights are 'Trophy' and 'The Wizard'
3) The Killers - Sams Town. Not as instant as their debut this is a serious grower. The single 'When you were young' lead to one of 2006's most used phrases - He doesn't look like Jesus. And the pure sexiness of 'Bones' and the two interludes make this a great album.
4) The Who - Endless Wire. Townshend and Daltrey return with typically a piece of 'rock art'! As individual pieces the best songs are only a minute or two long sandwiched in the mini opera 'Wore & Glass' whereas the acoustic 'Tea & Theatre' and 'Man In A Purple Dress' are, although perhaps a bit overweight at times, bold pieces that stay with you.
5) Thunder - Robert Johnson's Tombstone. Only purchased this recently and Thunder have continued where their seventh album left off. A fantastic rock blues album showing that bands of this age are not all about the past.
Bubbling under we had Thea Gilmore - Harpo's Ghost, The Answers - Rise and Ginger - Valor Del Corazzo.
Best reissue I have bought this year were the Mott The Hoople albums. All restored with bonus tracks these are the three albums when they made it big. All very good.
Away from music, I should mention the best pubs / bars done this year. In no particular order we have;
Beer Circus (Croydon) - Weird lagers, lots of ale but a surprisingly pleasant clientiele. All very Ikea-esque furniture makes it although a bit bland, a pleasant place to enjoy something unusual.
Prince Of Wales (Brighton) - Always a goody, this small pub on Churhcill Square has a unique charm to it. The fact ot does Oranjeboom is a plus.
Star (Ewell) - A very good pub that you should go more often, despite being fairly local. A few different rooms and Hofbrau to drink at £2.50.
Chandos (near Traflagar Square) - Hadn't been here for a few years till 2006. Same as you remember with a very nice upstairs 'Opera' Bar. Cheap too!
Priory Arms (Stockwell) - A new find for me. Watched the European Cup final here before Hard-Fi. Lots of real ale and semi standered lagers (Budvar) However much better than expected being in a Stockwell Estate.
As this is my last post of the year, Happy New Year to every one!
# posted by Rich @ 3:04 PM 
