Top 5 Albums of the Year : Keser

A late submission for the top 5 Albums of the Year, and it comes from Edinburgh post-rockers, Keser. The band's mainman, Kevan, provides and interesting read, especially those Scottish words which I have decided to leave in. Here is what he thought was the best 0f 2006. He also finds time to mention the recently departed, James Brown, too.
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5. Various Artisits - "CHEM087CD + DVD" (Chemikal Underground Records)

When I first saw this, I felt like Principal Skinner from The Simpsons uncovering Ralph Wiggum's Star Wars toy collection in their original unopened packaged condition: "Han, Luke, Chewie - they're all here!". This compilation CD has everything, all the bands who have worked with Chemikalover the years (Arab Strap, De Rosa, Interpol, Malcolm Middleton, Magoo,Suckle, Mother & the Addicts, Aereogramme, Bis, the Delgados, Mogwai, Radar Bros and more). To top it off, it comes with a DVD of videos from some of the Chemikal bands. Perfect.


4. Thom Yorke - "The Eraser" (XL)

Thom Yorke once said "I'm not afraid of computers taking over the world,they're just sitting there. I can hit them with a two by four." Radiohead proved they were the masters of the machines since "Kid A" and Thom Yorke continues this route into minimalist electronica mixed with some guitars,keyboards and great vocals. My favourite song on the album is 'Black Swan' where he sings "I'm your black swan, black swan, but I made it tothe top, made it to the top. This is fucked up, fucked up!". The wee genius has done it again! Fantastic album.


3. Boards of Canada - "Trans Canada Highway"/ Múm - "The Peel Session"

I'll roll these two EP's into one 'album' entry. The Boards of Canada EP includes Dayvan Cowboy from "The Campfire Headphase" album and 5 other tracks. Brilliant laid back electronica as always. I haven't had a chance to see Múm live yet but this Peel session (recorded in 2002, released Dec06) is as close as I'll get for now. The songs are slightly different to the album versions and feel even warmer sounding. The tracks stand out from all other melodic electronica even now but this was originally done 4 years ago which tell us something!


2. Arab Strap - "10 Years of Tears" - (Chemikal Underground Records)

Arab Strap's final album gathers together live tracks, re-mixes and otherrare and unreleased songs in a fitting cross-sectioned tribute to their 10 year career. "(Afternoon) soaps" is outstanding as is "The Clearing (Version2)". The original 1995 demo Islands is on here as well as a recording oftheir first ever King Tuts show. It's a bit of a Seamus that they are finished now but Aiden and Malcolm's solo releases are unsurprisingly breathtaking and will ensure they are here to stay for good. Farewell dudes, it's been emotional!


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

On their 5th studio LP release, these so called 'Mogwai' definitely went for the chips & cheese well after midnight to unleash a monster of analbum straight from the Castle of Doom. They tend to enjoy playing thefaster, heavier songs live and set out to make a record of that kind. My favourite tracks are "Auto Rock", "Glasgow Mega Snake", "Travel is Dangerous" and "Emergency Trap". The latter being a perfect song where they somehowmanage to evoke a hundred emotions at once. It also comes with aninteresting DVD of the making of the album at their own studio. The hardworking Young Team even donned their away kit and recorded "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait" movie soundtrack to round off a hugely successful 2006 for the guys. It's a more subtle and beautiful album and re-affirms their musical standing as the Godfathers of James Brown. Or something like that.