Music bought in 2006
1 = $1.29580
I never bought as many records as in 2006. Excess? Maybe.
Some new, some secondhand. All money well spent.
New [on LP]
Aero-Dynamik by Kraftwerk
Germany's most influential band (sorry Rammstein) still going strong. (9)
Stiff Upper Lip by AC/DC
After 30-odd years in the business, it's hard to come up with a good album. Then again, this is AC/DC. "Can't Stand Still" is the high point. (18.30)
American Idiot by Green Day
Already one of the best albums of the new decade. One or two lesser tracks, but the rest is pure genius. A comeback that defied all expectation. (21.20)
In Your Honor by Foo Fighters
A gorgeous 4-LP set. The titletrack is worth the price alone. A solid effort. (26)
We Shall Overcome : The Seeger Sessions by
Bruce Springsteen
The best album of 2006. Bruce took the traditionals and introduced them to a new audience. A feast for the ears! (17.90)
Ringleader Of The Tormentors by Morrissey
Two years after his acclaimed return to the popscene with "You Are The Quarry", Morrissey released this Rome-inspired album. His audience (Morrissey hates the word "fan") thought it was a "good, but not perfect album". I'm a newbie and I like it. (17.49)
Modern Times by Bob Dylan
As with Morrissey, I'm not yet "into Bob Dylan". Yes, I know the classics, but that's all. "Modern Times" is a must : "Thunder On The Mountain", "Rollin' And Tumblin'", "When The Deal Goes Down" ... all very, very good! (18.50)
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not by Arctic Monkeys
The UK-hype delivers : "Fake Tales From San Francisco" is a floorfiller. (a birthday present)
Hips Don't Lie by Shakira and Wyclef Jean
The rap isn't on a par with the refrain, but a catchy song it is. Like it or loathe it. (7.75)
Devils + Dust by Bruce Springsteen
The haunting Boss-offering from 2005. The adult lyrics on "Reno" may not be to everyone's taste, but it's one hell of a song. (16.60)
Star Wars - Episode I by John Williams
Two picturediscs capture John Williams' genius, with "Duel Of The Fates" as the highlight. (14.95)
It's All Coming Back To Me Now
by Meat Loaf and Marion Raven
I tried to order "Bat Out Of Hell III" on vinyl, but (for whatever reason) the album was cancelled on LP. I then opted for the leadoff single, which was available. This version puts the Celine Dion outing to shame. (5.20)
New [on CD]
In The Flesh by Roger Waters [on SACD]
The former Pink Floyd-member strutting his stuff. Not to everybody's taste, but I don't complain. (4)
Midnight Love by Marvin Gaye [on SACD]
The classic with "Sexual Healing". Essential. (4)
Lifelines by a-ha
The 2002 effort from Norway's finest. Includes the uplifting titletrack, the sweet "Dragonfly" and the whodunit "Did Anyone Approach You?". (5)
Stupid by Tess
A Dutch popsong. Very addictive. (5)
Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson [on DualDisc]
The excellent Michael Jackson song, rereleased on DualDisc with the video on the other side of the disc. (5.99)
JCB Song by Nizlopi
A number one in the UK, this beautiful song failed to chart in Belgium. A downright shame. Check the video as well! (4.95)
Stadium Arcadium by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Again, I'm not familiar with the Peppers' works (save for the well-known songs), but this 2-CD-set is a good introduction. "Snow ((Hey Ho))" is the best song, with a perfect bass. (a birthday present)
Windkracht 10 by Various Artists
I went to the press screening of this Belgian movie and I received this CD afterwards. Absynthe Minded's cover of the Iggy classic "The Passenger" is well done (but no one can top the original), while 2Belgen's "Lena" and The Kids' "There Will Be No Next Time" remain corkers! (free)
Orphans by Tom Waits
"The Throat" returns with a 3-CD-set. "Over three hours of rare and never-before-heard music from the one and only Tom Waits" the cover claims. Indeed. (a Christmas present)
Second-hand purchases [all on LP]
Greetings From Ashbury Park, N.J. by Bruce Springsteen
His first album from 1973, with "Blinded By The Light" (made famous by Manfred Mann's Earth Band). (5)
For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) by AC/DC
Mediocre compared to their previous set, the devine "Back In Black". Nevertheless, this album includes the grandiose titletrack. (5)
Appetite For Destruction by Guns N' Roses
"Welcome To The Jungle", "Sweet Child Of Mine", "Nightrain", "My Michele" ... and banned coverart. (9.50)
Human Touch by Bruce Springsteen
A redundant 12"-single. I bought it because it was cheap. (1)
Reckless by Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams is considered "cheesy" nowadays, but this album is okay. (1)
King Of Snake by Underworld
"Push Upstairs" is superior, but "King Of Snake" isn't bad either. (a present)
Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
At last! I had been searching this album for some time, but I finally found it in a near mint condition. "Gimme Shelter", "You Can't Always Get What You Want" ... wow! (5)
No Parlez by Paul Young
The white singer with the black voice. Too much covers, though. (1)
The Nylon Curtain by Billy Joel
"Allentown", "Pressure" and especially "Goodnight Saigon". I wish I had Billy's talent to write touching popsongs. (1)
To The Extreme by Vanilla Ice
Haha! A guilty pleasure purchase. (1)
Moontan by Golden Earring
The pride from The Netherlands. This was Golden Earring's breakthrough album in the US - it went gold! Includes their all-time classic "Radar Love" - featured on "The Simpsons" ... twice! (6.20)
N.E.W.S. by Golden Earring
More Golden Earring brilliance. I'll never tire of "When The Lady Smiles". (1.50)
De Witte Van Sichem (Whitey) by Jόrgen Knieper
The score to the Belgian movie of the same name. (1.50)
Rattle And Hum by U2
"When Love Comes To Town" : U2 meets B.B. King. Enough said. (1)
Vaya Con Dios by Vaya Con Dios
One of Belgium's prides. "Don't Cry For Louie", "Puerto Rico", "Just A Friend Of Mine" ... discover these today (1)
Hotel California by Eagles
A ridiculous price for a classic. "The Last Resort" (not a single) is, together with the titletrack, the heart of Eagles' oeuvre. (0.50)
Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Too disco for my liking (e.g. the sappy "Rock With You"), but a cornerstone in Michael's career. (3)
Dangerous by Michael Jackson
At the other end of the spectrum : Michael's best album! I finally found the vinylversion. "Give In To Me", "Who Is It", "Jam", "Will You Be There", "Dangerous" ... a strong package. (a birthday present)
On Every Street by Dire Straits
The last Dire Straits album missing from my collection. "The Bug" in particular is a catchy song. (5)
The Kick Inside by Kate Bush
"Wuthering Heights"! (3.75)
Mystery Girl by Roy Orbison
"Everything's shite since Roy Orbison died" (quote from "The Commitments"). "Mystery Girl" was his posthumous comeback. "You Got It" is still dazzling. (1)
Julian, 21 January 2007