SO LAST YEAR: A 2006 round -up (pt.2)

SO LAST YEAR 11-20
11. Clara - Scott Walker [The Drift - 4AD]
Of all the albums I have touched upon when I have been selecting tracks for this chart, 'The Drift' is the hardest to pull a single highlight from. 'Clara' is the central track, a terrifying epic full of chaotic and sometimes discordant percussion and orchestration, many songs in one. In many ways this was the album that reflected the world in 2006, and I like the fact that the oldest artist on this list has made the most progressive music of the year. Both a profound comment on our times as we drift towards disaster and a remarkable music statement.

12. Silent Shout - The Knife [Silent Shout - Brille]
I love this track, complete with magnificent OTT synth work and mega creepy vocals, although I didn't rate the whole album as highly as some others, their melodic techno mixed with extraordinary vocal effects was something I had to be in the mood for, preferably with the lights out and a couple of candles burning down. Pitchfork described this as 'haunted house' and that sums up their spooky take on dance music and electronica very well.

13. Distant Lights - Burial [Burial]
No-one really knows who Burial are, do they? This wraps the syncopation of dubstep around more spooky, haunted sounds. Again, very 2006. This makes the phrase 'post-rave comedown' enter my head every time I hear it. Like the best things this year it sounds weary, spooky and challenging.

14. Collarbone - Fujiya & Miyagi [Transparent things - Tirk] link
Is it dance music, disco punk or krautrock. This is funky in a kinda post-rock way, like the poppier moments of Can, this has a great krautrock-type groove and some whispered vocals recalling Damo Suzuki himself. I haven't heard anything else by them but I will be checking them out in the near future.

15. Running the World - Jarvis Cocker [Jarvis]
This must be the highest position for a hidden track, as this can now be found on the 'Jarvis' album, right at the end of 'Quantum Theory'. It's the closest the new Jarvis comes to an anthem, and while it's not up there with Common People or Babies it still makes you think that this guy is a national treasure. The lyrics attack at some obvious targets, but someone has to say it, no-one says anything anymore. This was lots of fun when it was on myspace, Jarvis making his comeback with a hugely offensive word in the chorus, but now it's been buried on the album. Seek it out if you can.

16. 1 2 -Sol Seppy [The Bells of 1 2 - Gronland]
Absolutely enchanting music from this solo artist, who was previously involved with Sparklehorse. '1 2' is the opening track from the album and it sets the tone for a magical, hazy, woozy musical journey. It reminds me of the under-rated Virginia Astley if anyone remembers her? Otherwise fans of the Cocteaus and Mazzy Star should check this woman out pronto.

17. Lived In Bars - Cat Power [The Greatest - Matador]
From what will probably become known as her Memphis Soul record, this was Chan Marshall getting it together with a bunch of top notch session players and delivering something quite sweet in the process. 'Lived in Bars' is the late night choice from the album, all hazy vocals and music that is too slow to dance to.

18. Dress Up In You - Belle & Sebastian [The Life Pursuit - Rough Trade]
"They are hypocrites so fuck them too". More excellent swearing from B & S with the best track from the Life Pursuit. Quite a bitchy song about two rivals, written from the point of view of the least successful one I imagine. Proof that Stuart Murdoch now has a way of telling a story that puts him up there with Jarvis and Morrissey.

19. Young Bride - Midlake [The Trials Of Van Occupanther]
For the intro alone this would have got in the top 50, but I also think it's a great song too. I love he way the violin just eases it in, and then the drums propel things along.

20. Ebb Tide - Bonnie Prince Billy [The Letting Go - Domino]
Again, 'The Letting Go' is a hard album to pick single tracks off, but it is one of my favourite albums that Will Oldham has made. I particularly like the call-and-response male/ female songs on it, but I chose this one because it sounds like he has left country structures behind and the band are taking a more free form approach. Lovely.