The Boring Machines Top 20 Releases of 2006

2006 has been a great year for music . In fact, its been a great 13 months since I returned home from Toronto, where the only cd I bought was "Takk" by Sigur Ros, due to severe financial constraints. I think starting this site was a reaction to my lack of new music during my time in Canada. At just over 6 months old I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this site. It was meant to be an avenue to find out new music for myself, but I have been overwhelmed by the amount of people that have been reading. In no way did I expect such a response!. As for my top 20 its a mix of cinematic rock and mesmerising electronica, with the odd surprise thrown in. Of course, I know, only too well, how many albums I have missed this year. So please leave your comments and/or criticisms. Here's to 2007!
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20. Loscil - "Loscil" (Kranky)

I found myself going back to this ambient release time after time. Put this on when you need to sleep and its tranquil sounds are guarenteed lull into a relaxing slumber. A very gentle release, with some subtle hooks too.






19. Jóhann Jóhannsson - "IBM 1401, A User's Manual" (4AD)

This probably desreves to be placed higher on this list, but it was an extremely late entry. It is a beautiful symphony constructed around the sounds of an ancient IBM computer. For the full story read this, closing track “The Sun’s Gone Dim and The Sky’s Gone Black” is one of the most wonderful compositions of 2006.






18. Rodrigo Y Gabriela – Self-Titled (Rubyworks)

Although it doesn’t quite match the live experience, this second album from the Mexican duo of duelling guitarists easily portrays their near flawless playing ability. As well as their own compositons, the now Dublin based team completely rework the likes of “Stairway To Heaven” with some incredible guitar playing, into a more Mexican flavour. Metallica’s “Orion” also recieves the same treatment and this album is one of the most unexpected triumphs of 2006. They also excel with their own compositions, such as the spell-binding "Tamacun", the only song in the world about a man who lives with crocodiles!.


17. Charalambides – “ A Vintage Burden” (Kranky)

This one is definitely a grower, I didn’t really do much for me after the first 5 or 6 listens. But much like the music contained here, things slowly started to unravel and this duo serve up some inspired moments, especially during the longest tracks, such as “Black Bed Blues”. This album features some of the nicest acoustic guitar arrangements I have heard in a long time and there are some excellent breathy vocals courtesy of Christina Carter.




16. A Lily - “Wake: Sleep” (Dynamophone)

This album, from Yndi Halda guitarist James Vella, chimes like a toy box and features some truly gorgeous moments, such as the outstanding, “I Am To You”, it ends with the 34 minute long track, “The Shipwreck”. Pure blissful ambience.







15. The White Birch – “ Come Up For Air” (Rune Grammofon )

Another release that came from nowhere, but got some major airplay. These Norwegians have a knack of producing icy cool and excellently crafted understated rock. Imagine Sigur Ros married with Arab Strap, and you be getting some of the picture. There is some confusion as to when this came out, my copy states 2006, so I'm only to happy to include this.






14. Last Days – “Sea” (n5md)

A very calm, reflective composition from n5md artist, Last Days, paying homage to his influences (Sigur Ros, Jasper Tx, Port-Royal, Pluto). There are some gorgeous piano arrangements such as "Two Steps Back", mixed with the ambient rock of “Your Birds). It is the perfect marriage of instrumentation and digital manipulation. Towards the end of the album, the 7 minute long “Fear" brings the album to a triumphant close. Loosely based around a narrative, this release conveys just about every emotion possible.




13. Yndi Halda – “Enjoy Eternal Bliss” (Big Scary Monsters/ Burnt Toast Vinyl)

Technically, this came out in 2005 as a limited edition, handmade self-release. In 2006, it was given the full record label treatment, a new composition was added and the now 4 track ep was repackaged. It shows this young band well on their way to fulfilling their enormous potential. “Illuminate My Heart, My Darling” is a particular highlight, but the three other tracks are excellent too. Expect them to be in the Post-Rock Premiership sooner rather than later. Vic Spanner probably said it better here. British music is in good hands.





12. Strap The Button – “Going to Jib Choons (Choons for Going to Jib Like Innit)" (Good Name For A Race Horse)

The album title may not make much sense, but the music contained on the CD certainly does. A staggering mixture of post-rock, psychedelia and krautrock from these Welsh youngsters, who really do employ the everything but the kitchen sink ethic. Yet another multi-talented young British group, yet the Arctic Monkeys get all the plaudits.






11. Tool – “10,000 Days”

I’m a sucker for really heavy music, and always have been. Music doesn’t get any heavier than this effort from the enigmatic Tool. Crushing guitars, crashing drums, stunning arrangements and, of course, Maynard James Keenan’s ghostly vocals. The most important band in heavy rock right now. Classic Rock Magazine reckons this release has redefined the boundaries of rock, who am I to argue.






10. Sunn)))0 & Boris – “Altar” (Southern Lord)

I don’t own any output from these two bands drone-rockers Sunn)))0 and Japanese doom merchants Boris, but it’s going to change, because this is an utterly stunning collaboration. It contains possibly the most beautiful track this year, the gorgeous “Sinking Belle (Blue Sheep”). Oh, and it also features a guest appearance from Soundgarden axe-grinder, Kim Thiayl. Never a bad thing!. Everything about this album oozes with class, from the eerie press shoots, right down to the fact that it was released on Halloween.




9. Helios – “Eingya” (Type)

This album has appeared in numerous top 5's on this, while it will be on many more dotted around the music world. Keith Keniff’s music has constantly evolved; blending expertly played live instruments with serene digital programming. “Eingya” is his best work to date featuring the shimmering “Bless This Morning Year. If there was any justice in the world, every home would have this album. Also, the best album cover of the year.




8. Phon°noir – “Putting Holes Into October Skies” (Quartermass)

An intriguing blend of innovative programming, melancholic guitars and under-stated vocals. Germany’s phon°noir work stands out as the best in D.I.Y electronica in 2006. Each listen you will find something new to love, especially in its production subtleties. A perfect headphone experience, “Putting Holes…” is the best lo-fi electronic release since Khonnor's "Handwriting" in 2004.







7. The Gentleman Losers – Self-Titled (City Centre Offices)

I have to admit to knowing nothing about this Scandinavian (where else?) duo. A stellar recommendation form Almostcool, this is one of the most delightful electronica releases in the last 5 years, let alone 2006. It’s a beautiful mix of dark Americana, Boards of Canada beats, hazy synths and chiming glockenspiel.








6. The Ascent of Everest – “How Lonely Sits the City” (Angel or Airbag Collective)

I have decided to neglect the fact that this took 3 months to arrive, after I ordered it, because this album is the perfect tonic for those lovesick Godspeed You Black Emperor fans, which are waiting patiently for their return. But, don’t be taken in by lazy comparisons, “How Lonely…” stands proudly and deservedly in this list.







5. Grails – “Black Tar Prophecies Volumes 1, 2 & 3” (Important)

This one came out of nowhere really, but right from the outset this album demands your attention and refuses to let go. There are some real monolithic guitars on this record and some almost tribal drumming. “Belgian Wake Up Drill” and “Stray Dog” show a band breathing new life into the tired post-rock movement. This isn't even supposed to be an album as such, but a collection of vinyl tracks. The next album is due out in 2007 and I, for one, cannot wait to see the results.




4. A Hawk and a Hacksaw – “The Way The Wind Blows” (Leaf)

At one point, I thought this was going to be my number 1 album of 2006. Its impact has lessened slightly (possibly because I listened to it so much!). Where as Beirut’s “Gulag Orkestar” was good, AHAH’s effort is more authentic sounding featuring true traditional Roman Folk music and fusing it with more contemporary instrumentation. Jeremy Barnes really travels to the heart and soul of such traditional sounds, even roping in a Romanian orchestra. An absolute gem of an album.




3. Mogwai - "Mr Beast" (Rock Action)

The mighty ‘gwai have managed to cram 10 years worth of experience into this album. It features their trademark thunder “Glasgow Mega-Snake”, “We’re No Here”, “Folk Death ‘95”). But tracks such as “Friend of the Night” and the haunting “I Chose Horses”, show Mogwai to be a step ahead of a genre they moulded all those years ago.





2.Thom Yorke – "The Eraser" (XL)

Let’s face it, Thom Yorke was always going to be placed high on my list, but that shouldn’t tale anything away from “The Eraser”, as it has some truly sublime moments. From the insanely catchy “Harrowdown Hill” to the brooding “And It Rained All Night”. I felt this was unfairly criticised in some circles, maybe it suffers a little from a lack of guitar. But for one man and his laptop, this album is superb. In the current climate, it’s lyrically important; musically it shows Yorke at the top of his game. It also serves to fill a gaping whole left by Radiohead's 4 years of recorded abscence.



1. Mono & World’s End Girlfriend - "Palmless Prayer/ Mass Muder Refrain" (Temporary Residence)

There is also slight confusion as to when this album was actually released. My copy states 2006, but this album would be fit to grace any end of year list, no matter the year. In fact, this album SHOULD be at the top of every list. It’s an epic, grandiose, magnificent piece of work from two of Japan’s best known set of musicians. World’s End Girlfriend adds breathtaking string arrangements to Mono’s expansive instrumental sound over the 5 long tracks, full of lush melodies and subtle production touches. The last segment (Part 5) is easily the most heart-breaking series of crescendos ever put on record. Stunning.