A top ten for 2006 generated by Last.fm which is mildly illuminating allowing for that fact that it doesn’t include plays on the iPod and that I mainly listen to music on random when on the computer. These are the artists that I liked enough to listen to on their own.
The Flaming Lips (479)
Saw them live twice and acquired the complete back catalogue which pretty much accounts for their position at the top. The three most recent albums (Soft Bulletin, Yoshimi and Mystics) make up the bulk of this but I’ve been quite taken with the older Clouds Taste Metallic.
Pixies (282)
Inevitable really given they’re pretty much my teenage musical touchstone and notable because I don’t think I’ve listened to them in solid chunks much. Having all their songs highly rated means they crop up on random a lot and that’s not a problem.
Misty’s Big Adventure (215)
Not bad for only two albums and indicates a bit of mainlining usually related to seeing them live which happens a fair bit in Birmingham.
Grandaddy (212)
One of my big discoveries of 2006. From the same “school” as the Lips and Mercury Rev but with their own thing going on. The Sophtware Slump and Under the Western Freeway are in my possession and that I don’t own any other albums (though intend to) is an indication of how good those two are.
The Beatles (208)
Went through a bit of a Beatles period this year, specifically Revolver and The White Album. Not much to add other that they really piss all over the Stones. In my view.
The Kleptones (189)
The primary source of quality mashup concept albums this year Eric released 24 Hours which, while not as addictive as last year’s A Night At The Hip-Hopera, got some rotation on my ‘puter.
Bright Eyes (145)
Who doesn’t love a bit of overly earnest angst now and then?
Clearlake (127)
Slightly surprised to see them this high. I like Clearlake for the same reason I like Muse (who are down at number 32) – big dumb anthemic nonsense with soul.
Sleater-Kinney (124)
Seen at ATP and fell in love immediately. Turned out to be one of their last gigs ever.
Jeffrey Lewis (120)
Perennial favourite with blips thanks to gigs and finally getting my hands on City and Eastern Songs.
And then it all gets a bit random…
I personally found the ATP performance to be pretty sloppy, although I did enjoy it. Suppose it was never likely to be particularly taught given how different their last album was than the previous ones.