It’s already that time of year. 2006 is coming to a close and with 2007 there will be new artists to discover, new music to enjoy and all of us here at CONFRONT are very excited about it all.
2006 was an interesting year in the industry; needless to say that Justin bringing sexy back was a major drool fest and 30 Seconds to Mars killed the stereotype of actors becoming untalented musicians.
It’s no secret that the CONFRONT Crew share a variety of different musical tastes and as such, we thought it appropriate that despite our being such newborns in the field, we should share our Best Of 2006 series with you.
So get settled in and enjoy. Once you’re done, take a few minutes to let us know what your top picks for 2006 have been.
Angel
Sophie’s Top 5: Best songs of 2006
When I first heard the debut single off of Justin’s second solo album, I wasn’t quite sure if I was going to like it much. But then, after listening to it a few times, I basically couldn’t stop! His new sound in collaboration with Timbaland is just explosive. No matter what type of music you listen to, everyone can chill to this song. I’ve even heard rock bands say they listen to this album a lot! It is just the definitive classic, groove song of the year. From the remixing of his voice to the breaks that pump back up into that addictive beat, “Sexy Back” is a song that I just don’t get tired of.
- “Out of My Head”, Mobile
It took a while before I really got into Mobile; it took seeing them live! The vibe and the combination of the frontman’s great voice and the band’s unique sound, was just breathtaking. “Out of My Head” took everyone by storm this year. It was like a breath of fresh air; something new that really came out of the ordinary rock. It is another song that I really can’t get tired of. It just builds up so strong and pulls an incredible energy out of you. I listen to it mostly on the subway while on my way to work, to give myself that boost for the day. No other song puts me in a better mood.
- “Lights and Sounds”, Yellowcard
There is no explaining how much I love this song. It is just one of the best singles Yellowcard has ever come out with. From the first heart stopping notes, that build up into that fast beat that just sends an electric shiver all over your body, “Lights and Sounds” simply is an absolute hit in every aspect. The lyrics are addictive and just get stuck in your head; even right after the first listen. You can immediately hear the hard work and improvement that this Florida based band has put into it. Ryan Key’s vocals are just mind blowing combined with Sean Mackin’s violin. This song really put Yellowcard on a completely different level than did their previous album “Ocean’s Avenue”.
- “Animal I Have Become”, Three Days Grace
The first bass notes of “Animal I Have Become” immediately hooked me. It then escalates into an explosive guitar melody that no one could be insensitive too. The lyrics are so real and raw from beginning to end. Everyone can exhume their inner rage, fears and dark moments in this song; which is what I think song singer/song writer Adam Gonthier was trying to express with this undeniable rock hit. It really elevated Three Days Grace to a new level. They’ve reached that stage where they really know who they are and what their sound is and I definitely love it!
- “Chasing Cars”, Snow Patrol
It was late in the year that I discovered Snow Patrol through a friend. “Chasing Cars” has a distinctive sound that really caught my ear quickly. With a mix of various sounds and instruments, the song just starts at a mellow pace, like a classic love song with the soft, soothing voice of Irish singer Gary Lightbody. It’s a bit like he is telling us a story or a dream. I simply kept on listening as I wanted to know how it ended. The build up then gave me instant goosebumps. I really related to the love reality he describes, the liberty with which he expresses his fears and doubts. I was blown away by the very powerful ending and lyrics that represent a little of what we all sometimes feel about love. It gives you hope, puts a smile on your face and tells you you’re not the only one feeling that way.
All the other crew member’s Top 5
Christine:
“Take a Bow”, Muse
“Level”, The Raconteurs
“Dance in my Blood”, Men, Women and Children
“Harrowdown Hill”, Thom Yorke
“Plus Rien”, Cowboys Fringants
Judith:
“Waiting on The World to Change”, John Mayer
“Sexy Back”, Justin Timberlake
“Crazy”, Gnarls Barkley
“Don’t Feel Like Dancin”, Scissors Sisters
“Promiscuous”, Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland
Julie:
“Angels are Losing Sleep”, Our Lady Peace
“Waiting Game”, Yellowcard
“Pain”, Three Days Grace
“Melt the Sugar”, The Summer Obsession
“Welcome to the Black Parade”, My Chemical Romance
Stephanie:
“Wolf like me”, Tv On the Radio
“Here I come”, The Roots
“Take a bow”, Muse
“Cellphone’s Dead”, Beck
“Crazy”, Gnarls Barkley
Steve:
“Hate Me”, Blue October
“Shoot The Runner”, Kasabian
“Flawed Design”, Stabilo
“Born in the UK”, Badly Drawn Boy
“Nausea”, Beck
Roxane:
“Over my Head (Cable Car)”, The Fray
“Crazy”, Gnarles Barkley
“Je Reviens à Montreal”, Ariane Moffat
“Chasing Cars”, Snow Patrol
“Lips of an Angel”, Hinder
Vanessa:
“My Love”, Justin Timberlake
“The Kill”, 30 Seconds to Mars
“Welcome to the Black Parade”, My Chemical Romance
“I Think of You”, Gregory Charles
“Hurt” , Christina Aguilera
Stephanie’s Top 5: Best albums of 2006
- Beck ‘The Information’
I have always been a fan of mister Beck. He is one of the most talented artists in the music business right now, combining several genres from rock to hip-hop. This time, he plays with the different spectrums of hip-hop and electronic music and it is genius. Plus, he got me completely joyful by letting us build our own Beck cover. I had so much fun with the stickers!
- The Roots ‘Game Theory’
These hip-hop masterminds from Philadelphia came out with an album filled with the best beats and flows of the year. We can sense the live ambiance of The Roots on a couple of songs, with the presence of Questlove?’s drums and there is even a Radiohead sampling on the great “Atonement”. I cannot wait for their next album.
- The Dears ‘Gang of Losers’
The Montreal band led by the amazing Murray Lightburn on vocals released this album in August and have since then taken over my Mp3 player and my car stereo. Murray sounds better than ever and the songs are a good balance of hope, complexity and joy. A must-have to complete your CD collection.
- iLIKETRAINS ‘Progress Reform’
This album is my biggest surprise of the year. I had heard about this band from Leeds, in the UK, a couple of weeks ago, but I had not gotten the chance to listen to their music. When I found the album during a big CD sale and decided to take a chance by buying it, it turned out to be a major bargain. The songs are beautifully arranged and are reminiscent of previous works by Interpol, The Smiths and Sigur Ros.
- TV on the Radio ‘Return to Cookie Mountain’
Their previous album ‘Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes’ was also on several Best Of lists in 2004 and now, their latest album is also making big waves in the music industry this year. This band from Brooklyn, New York is creating some of the greatest music in the last couple of years and with a song like “Wolf like Me” and a guest appearance by David Bowie, they have all the requirements needed to have in their hands one of the best albums of the year.
Christine:
‘Black Holes and Revelations’ Muse
‘The Eraser’ Thom Yorke
‘Broken Boy Soldier’ The Raconteurs
‘Le Coeur Dans la Tete’ Ariane Moffatt
‘Love’ The Beatles
Judith:
‘Continuum’, John Mayer
‘Corinne Bailey Rae’, Corinne Bailey Rae
‘Supply and Demand’, Amos Lee
‘Catching Tales’, Jamie Cullum
Julie:
‘Lights and Sounds’, Yellowcard
‘Back to Bedlam’, James Blunt
‘One-X’, Three Days Grace
‘The Black Parade’, My Chemical Romance
‘A Beautiful Lie’, 30 Seconds to Mars
Sophie:
‘One-X’, Three Days Grace
‘Eyes Open’, Snow Patrol
‘Voices’, Matchbook Romance
‘Billy Talent II’, Billy Talent
‘The Black Parade’, My Chemical Romance
Steve:
‘Perception’, The Doors
‘Futuresex/Lovesounds’, Justin Timberlake
‘Empire’, Kasabian
‘The Information’, Beck
‘The Eraser’, Thom Yorke
Roxane:
‘Continuum’, John Mayer
‘Corinne Bailey Rae’, Corinne Bailey Rae
‘Till the Sun Turns Black’, Ray Lamontagne
‘The Dust of Retreat’, Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s
‘Eyes Open’, Snow Patrol
Vanessa :
‘Lights & Sounds’, Yellowcard
‘FutureSex/LoveSound’, Justin Timberlake
‘One X’, Three Days Grace
‘Back To Basics’, Christina Aguilera
‘Billy Talent II’, Billy Talent
Vanessa’s Top 5: Best shows of 2006
- Bon Jovi (with Nickelback)
I went to see Bon Jovi on their summer tour. I did my best to get tickets in the most expensive section… which was right between the main stage and the catwalk. I ended up being first row and I really enjoyed being there since I was surrounded by real Bon Jovi fans. Nickelback is also really good live. It was awesome to see a well-known band as the opening act. It gets the crowd more into it; they sing along, they move to the music and they are actually listening to the band. Bon Jovi is a must see for every true rock fans. A night with Bon Jovi = hits, hits, hits…
http://www.bonjovi.com
- James Blunt
The first time I went to see James Blunt in concert was in a more intimate venue. I ended up being front row and I had the chance to meet the man himself after the show. I was blown away by his presence on stage despite having thought that his concert would not move that much and be pretty static. But it was totally not what I was expecting. He tries to be close to his public while on stage and he even sang new exclusive songs that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. When he announced that he was coming back for a North American tour, I instantly jumped in. I knew I had to go to that show, even though it would probably be the same one I saw in March. Surprisingly, the fact that the Bell Center is a huge venue didn’t seem to stop Blunt from maintaining the same contact he had in a more private venue.
http://www.jamesblunt.com
- Three Days Grace (with Theory of a Deadman, Mobile & Idle Sons)
This show was awesome! Such a great line-up! Even though the fans were incredibly insane and I almost got killed… I had a lot of fun. The sound was incredible; I really felt like the roof was about to fall. During Three Days Grace, the colors they used on stage and on the big screen made the show more “captivating” since there was always something going on, something to look at. When Mobile came on stage, the crowd went crazy, because they were in their hometown. I think they received amazing feedback from the crowd; they must have been proud to be from Montreal.
http://www.threedaysgrace.com/
http://www.theoryofadeadman.com/
http://mobiletheband.com/
http://www.idlesons.com/
- Yellowcard
When I first saw Yellowcard live, they blew me away. I knew their songs, I loved their last album ‘Lights & Sounds’ but it was totally another experience to see them on stage. At first, I went in the US to support one of their opening acts: Hedley. When I came out of the Nokia Theater, I was speechless about how good these guys sounded live. The thing about what makes Yellowcard unique, is probably their sound; which is different because one of the band member is a violinist. On stage, the songs are powerful, the guys deliver everything they have and are ready to do anything they can to make their fans happy.
http://www.yellowcardrock.com
- Our Lady Peace
The first word that popped in my head after seeing this concert was: Mysterious. The ambiance during an Our Lady Peace concert is always really different from most other concert. The band performs mostly in the dark… no follow spot on the band members, white and weird colors coming from behind the stage. Even of you’re not the biggest OLP fan, there is no way to not get into it. They always sing their biggest hits and front man Raine Maida is captivating on stage, seemingly lost in his own little world, deeply concentrated on what he is doing; he is mysterious yet captivating.
http://www.ourladypeace.com/
Christine:
Franz Ferdinand with Death Cab for Cutie
The Flaming Lips
Ariane Moffatt with Emilie Simon
30 Seconds to Mars
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas
Judith:
The Fray
John Mayer
The Goo Goo Dolls
Jamie Cullum
Teddy Geiger
Sophie:
Yellowcard
Coldplay
Our Lady Peace
Three Days Grace
James Blunt
Stephanie:
Madonna Confessions Tour
Flaming Lips and Sonic Youth
Radiohead
Franz Ferdinand and Death Cab for Cutie
DJ Shadow at the Metropolis
Steve:
The Sisters of Mercy
Spider-Man Costume Guy on Ste Catherine Street in Montreal
The Confront Magazine Karaoke Night at Pang-Pang in Montreal
Thirty Seconds to Mars
Edgefest in Buffalo, New York
Roxane:
Jamie Cullum
John Mayer
Cat Empire
The Fray
The Drowsy Chaperone, Marquis Theater, New York
Steve’s Top 5: Best new comers of 2006
- Snow Patrol
This breakthrough band gave us the hit “Chasing Cars” and proved that one could be innovative and commercially successful. Although they had some success a few years back, their real international breakthrough came with the release of ‘Eyes Open’. They’ve been nominated for a Grammy for best song and ‘Eyes Open’ has sold over two million copies. This is a band that has the potential to become a timeless legend.
- Envy on the Coast
These guys only have an EP out right now due to extensive touring, but their first album will probably come out sometime in 2007. Having heard these guys live and spoken with their lead singer, I daresay we can expect great things from these young rockers.
- Daughtry
The band named for the guy who SHOULD have won American Idol this year. Daughtry has stage presence and a real intensity that cannot be denied or constrained. Their self-titled first album suffers from too much studio micromanagement, but I can tell they’re still going to go far.
- Idle Sons
Technically, they’ve been around for “Sixteen Seasons”, as the title of their first official album suggests. However, they were originally signed to a label that cancelled their CD after some tracks were accidentally released to the Internet. That didn’t stop this Ontario quartet from parlaying the leaked songs into a huge following. They spent a good portion of this year touring with Theory of a Deadman and Three Days Grace and their music is great and they rock. These guys are part of a growing wave of Canadian Rockers; check them out and enjoy!
- Kevin Federline
Despite the spectacular suck-fest that was ‘Playing With Fire’, K-Fed appears on my list just because of the sheer level of arrogance the man has, for his audacity to actually believe his own failed hype. This guy didn’t even sell six thousand albums, yet everybody knows his name. If only because he’s famous for being such an idiot, this man’s name has been on everybody’s lips, usually followed close behind by an ejaculation of contemptuous laughter.
Christine :
The Raconteurs
TV on the Radio
Mute Math
Cat Empire
Men, Women and Children
Judith:
Corrine Bailey Rae
The Fray
Teddy Geiger
Hinder
Mobile
Julie :
The Summer Obsession
A Coastline Ending
Hedley
Idle Sons
The Undeserving
Sophie:
Hinder
The Fray
Wolfmother
Gnarls Barkley
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Stephanie :
Dirty on Purpose
The Big Sleep
Under Byen
Cat Empire
Spank Rock
Roxane :
Corinne Bailey Rae
The Fray
Hinder
Imogen Heap
Cat Empire
Vanessa :
Tomi Swick
Gregory Charles
Hedley
Teddy Geiger
Idle Sons
Roxane’s Top 5: Best soundtracks of 2006
- ‘Grey’s Anatomy, Volume 2’
It’s no secret I’m a television addict and Grey’s Anatomy continues to be one of my favorite shows on TV. Great writing, good looking cast, borderline soapy plots that hook viewers in and last but not least, consistently fantastic musical selections each and every week. Reflecting the show’s many personalities and moods, this soundtrack offers us varied styles, from acoustic pop to jazzy beats to edgy pop with punk roots. Apart from The Fray’s “How to Save a Life” and Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” which have become synonymous with Grey’s, the soundtrack offers 14 selections including “Homebird” by Foy Vance a relative unknown, who is slowly building a fan base from his songs’ appearance on Grey’s Anatomy.
- ‘Volver’
Switching gears, I offer ‘Volver’, soundtrack for Pedro Almodovar’s newest film. This Spanish film starring Penelope Cruz has been getting a lot of attention lately with the announcement of the Golden Globes nominations. The film opened to very few screens earlier this month but critics are giving it praise. I’ve yet to see the film myself, but the soundtrack makes me believe it’ll be worth the wait. Spanish style instrumentals with a few beautifully sung pieces, the score builds a world and takes me along for the ride. The songs seem to slide into one another, never breaking the magic. A must hear for dreamers at heart (and Spanish guitar lovers like me).
- ‘The Last Kiss’
Zach Braff’s ‘Garden State’ built this movie and soundtrack up for me, so much so that I was sure it would never be able to live up to my expectations. I was right in part. ‘The Last Kiss’ is no ‘Garden State’ and although the soundtracks have similar artists, the unity that made the ‘Garden State’ soundtrack so successful is lacking in certain parts of ‘The Last Kiss’. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to take it off my Best Of list; simply because I love the songs. I don’t just love some of the songs, I love ALL of them. Snow Patrol’s “Chocolate” was my late summer obsession, Joshua Radin continues to enchant me with his beautifully soft voice in “Star Mile” and “Paperweight” (a haunting duo with Schuyler Fisk) and Athlete’s “El Salvador” just brings me to a giddy place. Add to that some of my favorite artists from 2005 (Amos Lee, Ray LaMontagne, Rachel Yamagata, Cary Brothers and Imogen Heap) that are finally starting to get press and airplay and I couldn’t possibly be happier.
- ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’
This one holds a special place in my heart. The Drowsy Chaperone is my first ever Broadway play. I saw it in New York this summer and it simply blew me away. The 1920’s songs, the fantastic actors, the mind blowing sets and the sweet story, everything fits perfectly well together and the show captures your imagination as soon as the lights go down. I’m not sure how well the soundtrack plays for someone who hasn’t seen the show, but I enjoy it immensely. The hilarious “I am Aldolpho”, the so catchy you’ll find yourself singing it days later “As we Stumble Along” and the out of place yet hilarious “Message from a Nightingale” and many others make this soundtrack (and show) a must hear/see.
- ‘The Devil Wears Prada’
Lastly, I chose the ultimate chick flick film of the year. It’s no groundbreaking soundtrack and it doesn’t pretend to be but I really loved this film and thought the musical choices accompanied the film very well. It mixes radio friendly songs (old and new) with loungy pieces you can picture hearing in a posh 5th Avenue store. No matter how old, Madonna’s “Vogue” will always remain a hit, Alanis Morissette’s cover of Seal’s “Crazy” brings back an old favorite of mine and another appearance by Ray LaMontagne (with “How Come”) just makes me plain giddy. The loungy pieces mentioned earlier (like “Bittersweet Faith” by Bitter:Sweet and “Tres Tres Chic” by Mocean Worker) complete the soundtrack nicely and make me want to shop for overpriced fashion statements; I guess the movie’s (and soundtrack’s) work is done.
Christine:
‘Little Miss Sunshine’
‘Bobby’
‘The Last Kiss’
‘Curious George’
‘Half Nelson’
Judith:
‘The Last Kiss’
‘Step Up’
‘Cars’
‘Devil Wears Prada’
‘Dream Girls’
Julie:
‘Step up’
‘Snakes on a Plane’
‘The Last Kiss’
‘Take the Lead’
‘Happy Feet’
Sophie:
‘The Departed’
‘Bon Cop Bad Cop’
‘Happy Feet’
‘Saw III’
‘Curious George’
Stephanie:
‘Marie Antoinette’
‘The Last Kiss’
‘Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny’
‘Bobby’
‘The U.S vs. John Lennon’
Steve:
‘Casino Royale’
‘Superman Returns’
‘Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey’
‘Clerks II’
‘Miami Vice’
Vanessa:
‘Bon Cop, Bad Cop’
‘The Departed’
‘Step Up’
‘The Last Kiss’
‘Happy Feet’
Judith’s Top 5: Best album covers of 2006
- ‘The Information’, Beck
This album cover is the most original I’ve seen in a long time. Beck’s idea if leaving it blank and giving his fans the opportunity to design their own album cover with stickers, is very original. It shows that for him it’s all about the music; no need for nice pictures or designs, it’s all about individual creativity. I just love it.
- ‘The Eraser’, Thom Yorke
This is a very unique album cover. To me this has a direct link to the title of the album, ‘The Eraser’. The fact that the background is black and white and that the man drawn on the cover is on a white background makes him the eraser… oh so clever. Thom Yorke did an amazing job with Radiohead in the past and he out did himself with his solo album this year. Great cover.
- ‘Continuum’, John Mayer
With this album cover, simplicity is the key. This cover tells us about John Mayer’s perspective on his music career. To me it is simple due to the fact that John is rediscovering his place in life and in his career. He wants to be renowned as a musician, that’s it that’s all!
- ‘A Beautiful Lie (Enhanced)’, 30 Seconds to Mars
This album cover is very special and beautiful. Yes I know, it’s got skulls and weird masked faces on there but this is very representative of what I know of 30 Seconds to Mars and their band members. Great creativity. They always seem to include room for personal meaning. This is a very good and original band.
- ‘Let Love In’, The Goo Goo Dolls
This album cover is a reflection of the entire album’s content. The title song “Let Love In” is all about being free and able to open up to the love around you. This picture is pure and simple. It’s amazing photography and the fact that it’s black and white makes it more classical which is also reflective of the album. Black and white, no color, no discrimination, let love in and enjoy it, this is what this CD cover represents to me and why I decided to put in my best of 2006 CD covers.
Christine:
Beck, ‘The Information’
Thom Yorke, ‘The Eraser’
Dumas, ‘Fixer le temps’
My Chemical Romance, ‘The Black Parade’
Gnarls Barkley – ‘St.Elsewhere’
Julie:
Yellowcard, ‘Lights and Sounds’
Snow Patrol, ‘Eyes Open’
Rise Against, ‘The Sufferer and the Witness’
Plan B, ‘Who Needs Actions When You Got Words’
Pink Mountaintops, ‘Axis of Evil’
Sophie:
Evanescence, ‘The Open Door’
Muse, ‘Black Holes and Revelations’
Gnarls Barkley, ‘St. Elsewhere’
My Chemical Romance, ‘The Black Parade’
Sam Roberts, ‘Chemical City’
Stephanie:
Beck, ‘The Information’
Thom Yorke, ‘The Eraser’
Think About Life, ‘Think About Life’
The Format, ‘Dog Problems’
Gnarls Barkley, ‘St.Elsewhere’
Steve:
Marion Raven, ‘Heads Will Roll’
Special Edition, ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’
Aerosmith, ‘Devil’s Got A New Disguise’
Fergie, ‘The Dutchess’
Beck, ‘The Information’
Roxane:
Thom Yorke , ‘The Eraser’
Beck, ‘The Information’
Various Artists , ‘The Cake Sale’
As Tall As Lions , ‘As Tall As Lions’
John Mayer , ‘Continuum’
Vanessa:
My Chemical Romance, ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’
Snow Patrol, ‘Eyes Open’
Mobile, ‘Tomorrow Starts Today’
Three Days Grace, ‘One X’
Yellowcard, ‘Lights & Sound’
Julie’s Top 5: Best Myspace page of 2006
- Switchfoot
http://www.myspace.com/switchfoot
Switchfoot’s page has much higher graphic quality and visuals than other regular music pages. The graphics used are more advanced and developed and it promotes the art of their new album ‘OH! Gravity’. It is very interactive and useful for the fans as they update it weekly. The band’s bio and all other related info are also really interesting to read as you scroll down the page. There are even weekly quotes from fans on iTunes which I thought was very original and also very touching for their established fan base.
- Plain white T’s
http://www.myspace.com/plainwhitets
The Plain White T’s page is by far, one of the most original one’s out there. The art design is very unique and professional. The MySpace original layout and format has been completely changed which immediately catches the eye. There are many interactive activities offered, like the possibility to register for text messaging news and updates and receive a free ring tone and wallpaper for your cell phone. There is even a possibility to join the street team, which shows their devotion to their supporters. The bio is also very interesting; it is detailed and focused on answering as many FAQ’s as possible. Definitely a must see page!
- Billy Talent
http://www.myspace.com/billytalent
A simple, but very well done and complete page. I like the background picture with the sections that seem to float over it when you scroll. The Bio is fascinating with a really interesting analysis of their lyrics, where they came from and how they write their songs. They are very involved in many important organisms and also offer various ways to get involved with the band, which I think is just perfect to maintain good relationships with the fans. You can sign up to their mailing list as well.
- Mobile
http://www.myspace.com/areyoumobile
One of the cleanest, neatest pages I have ever seen. It’s easy to navigate through all the information and it offers everything that you need to know to fall in love with this awesome and extremely talented band from Montreal. They check it daily and update it with blogs very regularly. All the videos and best singles can be found on the page as well. There’s also a short but very convincing biography. All their top friends are bands; which to me, demonstrates true musician support. Also, there is a lot of great feedback from the fans and friends in the comments, showing that they keep really close contact with them daily!
- Yellowcard
http://www.myspace.com/yellowcard
Yellowcard’s page isn’t as graphic or well designed as the others but it definitely has a lot of content to please dedicated and new fans alike. Updated very regularly and checked everyday by the members of the band, this is a very personalized page. Each member has his own section. The bio is a good novel type teaser that brings you to their website for more info. Contests, games, videos… everything is there to please. It is also very sweet that they put fans in their top friends. But the page’s most original asset is the video episodes the band has started posting while recording their new album. Tune in for video updates every Thursday!
Christine:
The Decemberist http://www.myspace.com/thedecemberists
Mute Math http://www.myspace.com/mutemath
Drive-Thru Records http://www.myspace.com/drivethrurecords
Damien Rice http://www.myspace.com/damienrice
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus http://www.myspace.com/redjumpsuit
Judith:
John Mayer http://www.myspace.com/johnmayer
Jamie Cullum http://www.myspace.com/jamiecullum
Amos Lee http://www.myspace.com/amosleeofficial
David Ryan Harris http://www.myspace.com/davidryanharris
Justin Timberlake http://www.myspace.com/justintimberlake
Sophie:
Jimmy Eat World http://www.myspace.com/jimmyeatworld
Switchfoot http://www.myspace.com/switchfoot
Plain White T’s http://www.myspace.com/plainwhitets
Matchbook Romance http://www.myspace.com/matchbookromance
Yellowcard http://www.myspace.com/yellowcard
Stephanie:
M.I.A. http://www.myspace.com/mia
Fonzworth Bentley http://www.myspace.com/therealbentley
The Roots http://www.myspace.com/theroots
A-Trak http://www.myspace.com/djatrak
Yeah Yeah Yeahs http://www.myspace.com/yeahyeahyeahs
Steve:
Interpol http://www.myspace.com/interpol
The Sisters of Mercy http://www.myspace.com/sistersofmercymusic
The Warlocks http://www.myspace.com/thewarlocks
Billy Idol http://www.myspace.com/billyidol
Idle Sons http://www.myspace.com/idlesons
Roxane:
John Mayer http://www.myspace.com/johnmayer
David Ryan Harris http://www.myspace.com/davidryanharris
Jamie Cullum http://www.myspace.com/jamiecullum
Yellowcard http://www.myspace.com/yellowcard
Damien Rice http://www.myspace.com/damienrice
Vanessa:
Plain White T’s http://www.myspace.com/plainwhitets
Karl Wolf http://www.myspace.com/karlwolftheartist
Teddy Geiger http://www.myspace.com/teddygeiger
Simple Plan http://www.myspace.com/simpleplan
Man Of The Hour http://www.myspace.com/manofthehourhour
Christine’s Top 5: Best videos of 2006
- “Princess” Rektor
The world’s first playable online music video. They deserve to be first in my top 5 because of that. It’s simple; while you listen to the song, you can play an online game. I’m not sure if it will be a new trend that many bands will follow but it sure is original.
Here’s the page to experience the video
- “Here it Goes Again” Ok Go
I don’t know how Ok Go came up with this idea but it was genius. Doing a choreography on a treadmill is something I never thought of (probably because when I’m on a treadmill, the only thing I can do is concentrate on not falling). Yes the song is catchy but without the video, nobody would know who this band is. This awesome video is nominated for Best Short Form Music Video at the Grammy! If you haven’t seen it yet (where were you hiding in the past few months?) you should check it out. The Youtube link is here
- “Montreal -40” Malajube
This band from Montreal is the best thing that could happen to French music (along with Pierre Lapointe, Ariane Moffatt and Dumas). All their videos are totally out of the box. It’s refreshing! My favorite is “Montreal -40” because of the drawings, the craziness and the parallel world they live in. All those elements are well represented in this video. Check it on their official website!
- “Cell Phone’s Dead” Beck
The first time I saw this video I was mesmerized. You embark on a journey and you aren’t sure what you are experiencing. I like to analyze movies (or in this case, music videos) and with this one, I’m drawing a blank. Maybe the fact that it was directed by Michel Gondry (writer and director of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep) explains my fascination with this video. Youtube link
- “From Yesterday” 30 Seconds to Mars
I was torn for this one; should I include it in my Best Of or not? I decided that since I would give my interpretation of the video, I should put it in. (To see the rest of my choices, check out my Broadcast). Knowing a little about 30 Seconds to Mars’ iconography, symbolism and the band members crazy minds, makes this video much more fascinating. This 11 minutes short movie was shot in the Republic of China and they were the first American Rock act to do so. The imagery is picturesque, the colors are beautiful (yes that includes Leto’s hair) and the storyline is captivating. I still haven’t figured out the metaphors and meaning of many of these scenes but the experience as a viewer was interesting. The only thing I’m not too fond about is the editing. I can’t figure out if it was done on purpose by director Bartholomew Cubbins (Jared Leto’s alter ego) or if it was done in a rush. The result is what it is: certain parts are beautifully done and precise (the battle scene especially) and others include jump cuts and lack of continuity which are basic rules you learn in Movie making 101. Nonetheless, the video deserves to be seen: Youtube link!
Judith:
“My Love”- Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland
“From Yesterday”- 30 Seconds to Mars
“Buttons”- Pussy Cat Dolls
“Waiting on the World to Change”- John Mayer
“Get Your Way”- Jamie Cullum
Julie:
“Pain”, Three Days Grace
“Welcome to the Black Parade”, My Chemical Romance
“My Love”, Justin Timberlake
“The Kill”, 30 Seconds to Mars
“Gunnin”, Hedley: “Gunnin”
Sophie:
“Fallen Leaves”, Billy Talent
“Rough Landing Holly”, Yellowcard
“My Love”, Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.
“From Yesterday”, 30 Seconds to Mars
“Boiled Frogs”, Alexisonfire
Stephanie:
“Here it Goes Again”, OK Go
“Crazy”, Gnarls Barkley
“Montreal -40°C”, Malajube
“Flugufrelsarinn”, Sigur Ros
“Cellphone’s Dead”, Beck
Steve:
“Winter Wonderland”, Billy Idol
“Wind it Up”, Gwen Stefani
“The Kill”, 30 Seconds To Mars
“You Know My Name”, Chris Cornell
“Sexyback”, Justin Timberlake
Roxane:
“Here it Goes Again”, OK Go
“Crazy”, Gnarles Barkley
“The Kill”, 30 Seconds to Mars
“Cell Phone’s Dead”, Beck
“Love me or Hate Me”, Lady Sovereign
Vanessa:
“Let Me Talk to You/My Love”, Justin Timberlake
“Wind It Up”, Gwen Stefani
“Pain”, Three Days Grace
“From Yesterday”, 30 Seconds to Mars
“Crazy”, Gnarls Barkley
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