(This feature is constantly being updated between now and 31 December)

>> GRTR! Reviewers Best Of 2006

GRTR! Primer Best Of

COLIN HARPER

Colin Harper is a professional feature writer and reviewer and has contributed to the Irish Times, Q, Mojo and Record Collector. He has also compiled and/or annotated many CD issues and compilations and his Bert Jansch biography was published in 2000. More at www.colin-harper.com

Top CDs

KARINE POLWART Scribbled In Chalk

Second solo album from a woman I regard as the best songwriter in Britain at the moment. She cares about things and her songs can be read, to my mind, as laments for hopeless inevitabilities or beacons of hope that possible
calamities can be averted. Either way, they're beautiful.

ROD CLEMENTS Odd Man Out

I've always felt Rod was under-rated. He's never been fashionable and he's not a typical virtuoso or cult musician, but he has a rare ability to craft deceptively simple songs that have something powerful to say, built to last. This is his masterpiece.

BERT JANSCH The Black Swan

You might expect me, as Bert's biographer, to like this. While the title track is one of the very best things he's done, I don't quite agree with the more ecstatic reviews the album has had - 2004's 'Edge Of A Dream' was a more consistent body of work.

But who cares, he deserves all the attention he's now getting!

Top DVD

DADDY COOL The Complete Daddy Cool

Quirky Australian rock legends, led by songwriter/singer Ross 'The Boss'  Wilson, who made two early '70s LPs then split, this fabulously packaged DVD features a load of archive live clips, a terrific B&W documentary made in 1973 and screened only onceat that time, plus a reunion charity concert from last year. They've since made a reunion album - and it's also terrific! Hunt them down...

Top gig

ELEANOR MCEVOY Errigle Inn, Belfast, November '06

A very likeable and prolific singer-songwriter, who worked live for a few years until recently with pianist Brian Connor. Having not seen her live since Brian moved on, a year or two back, I was stunned by Eleanor's skill as a purely solo artist - using five different instruments (bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin and fiddle) to bring her songs to life.

A masterclass in effortless-seeming performance.

DAVID SINCLAIR

David Sinclair is a journalist, songwriter and bandleader from West London. He writes for The Times, The Independent and The Word. As a singer and guitarist he fronts a gigging trio featuring George Andrew (bass/BVs) and Drew Farmer (drums). His album, 'Hey', featuring ten new songs written by Sinclair, is released on Critical Discs/Proper on January 29. Join him and the band at www.myspace.com/davidsinclair.

Top CDs

JOHN MAYER Continuum

A sensationally classy album - soulful tunes, elegant, blues-tinged guitar playing, sophisticated modern rock of the highest order. Mayer has to be one of the most complete artists of his generation and certainly one of the few who can cover a Hendrix song (Bold As Love) without blowing it.

MUSE Black Holes And Revelations

Love the way that Muse apply classical influences, keyboards and falsetto vocals to songs that totally rock. Their Saturday headlining set at the Reading Festival was awesome.

LITTLE BARRIE Stand Your Ground

Brilliant debut by the nouveau-blues trio led by Barrie Cadogan (guitarist in Primal Scream, Morrissey's band and others). It sounds a bit like the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, only with a bass and some really cracking songs.

Top DVD

RAMMSTEIN Volkerball

Fantastic sound, visuals, performances, interviews and - wait for it - songs! If you've always thought these German shocktroopers were only in it for the noise and pyrotechnics, think again. There are plenty of great musical performances here as well as the visual thrills. Check it out.

Top Gig

INXS Shepherds Bush Empire, October 12

Against all the odds, a storming gig with new frontman JD Fortune proving himself a worthy successor to the late Michael Hutchence. The whole band seemed to have gained a new lease of life and their songs sounded better than ever. Brilliantly paced and presented show.
Honourable mention: The Rolling Stones, Twickenham Stadium, August 20 Mick Jagger is still the greatest rock'n'roll showman on earth.

JOEL McIVER (RECORD COLLECTOR/METAL HAMMER)


Top CDs

1 The Orb -- The Orb's Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld (expanded reissue)

2 Unleashed -- Midvinterblot

3 Slayer -- Christ Illusion


Top DVD

Withnail & I


Top gig

EMPEROR Astoria, Sept 06


What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

The birth of our second child, Thomas (personal); interviewing Ihsahn, Samoth and Trym of Emperor for a major feature in Metal Hammer which was effectively the band's farewell in print to the UK before splitting permanently (professional).


What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

Less work and more sleep!


Bands to look out for in 2007...

Metallica and their Rick Rubin-produced album. It's sink or swim time, Lars!

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...
The Haunted in February

TITUS JENNINGS

Titus is a GRTR! Subscriber

Top CDs

DAVID GILMOUR On An Island

"The voice and guitar of Pink Floyd" proves yet again that he's as strong a solo artist as a member of an ensemble

Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus Three Ole! Tarantula

A return to rockin' form for Robyn after his more acoustic-based "Spooked"

ABERFELDY Do Whatever Turns You On

A real progression from their debut, "Young Forever", but with the same charm and high musical (and lyrical) qualities

Top DVD

PINK FLOYD Pulse

Well worth the wait, well worth watching again and again - simply stunning

Top gig

DAVID GILMOUR Mermaid Theatre, London - 7th March 2006

An intimate venue, for BBC Radio 2, and hopefully a gig which will provide some "extras" for his DVD in 2007 - what a great way to start a world tour!

CATHERINE SMITH

Catherine is a GRTR! Subscriber and Journeywoman

Top CDs

JOURNEY Generations

They never fail to rock

JEFF SCOTT SOTO Essential Ballads

JOURNEY Arrival

Their best yet.

Top DVD

Journey Live in Houston 1981

Top Gig

JOURNEY Manchester Apollo 5th June 2006

The best concert I have been to in 30 years of rocking!!

JAMES PARISH (QUITE GREAT PR)
http://www.quitegreat.co.uk/

Top 3 CDs

1 SEACHANGE  On Fire With Love

2 FARAQUET The View From This Tower (actually out in 2000, but can't stop listening to it..)

3 TORTOISE A Laxarus Taxon


Top DVD

Not music related, but probably PEEP SHOW - funny as anything.

Top gig

DAN SARTAIN at The Portland Arms in Cambridge. Absolute gold.

CRAIG CHAPMAN (TARA'S SECRET)

Upcoming melodic rock band. More at www.taras-secret.com

Top 3 CDs

1 SLAMER

2 TARA'S SECRET

3 SORA


Top DVD

GOTTHARD

Top gig

JOURNEY, miming or not !!

What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

Releasing our new album "Tomorrow The World" and getting consistently superb reviews from all over

What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

Get melodic rock onto the BBC - enough of the Jonathan Ross / Jools Holland stranglehold


Bands to look out for in 2007... Tara's Secret, Woden, Seven Dayz, Dante Fox


The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007... Journey, Tara's Secret, Dante Fox & Sora at Firefest

SUE (FRONTIER PROMOTIONS)

Top CDs

1 ELEANOR McEVOY Out There

2 ERIC BIBB Diamond Days

3 ED ALLEYNE JOHNSON Reflections


Top DVD

TOM DOWD's documentary


Top gig

JOE BONAMASSA Borderline gig 20th Sept.


What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

Personal achievement working again with ERIC BIBB getting him major national press, radio and TV.

Musical achievement was recording ELEANOR McEVOY's album

What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

Good health to be able to enjoy the work we do which is working with great acts, known & unknown.


Bands to look out for in 2007...Canadian rock band The DUNES

The gig you are most looking forward to in 2007...

DK Ibomeka Canadian Jazz/soul/blues act - he has so much charisma and Ian North Canadian singer/songwriter.

IAN DIMENT (ORION PUBLISHING GROUP)
http://www.orionbooks.co.uk/

Top 3 CDs

1 THE KILLERS Smalltown

2 PAUL SIMON Surprise

3 RAY LAMOTANGUE Trouble


Top DVD

BEST OF WEST WING SERIES?

Top gig

THE KAISER CHIEFS (ONLY ONE I HAVE BEEN TO APART FROM GUY PRATT!)

Bands to look out for in 2007... AIRPORT


The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007... ROXY MUSIC, THE KILLERS

MARK STAY (ORION PUBLISHING GROUP)
http://www.orionbooks.co.uk/

Top CDs

1 DAVID GILMOUR On An Island

2 JENNY LEWIS AND THE WATSON TWINS Rabbit Fur Coat

3 LOVE TRAVELS AT ILLEGAL SPEEDS


With an honourable mention for The Raconteurs' Broken Boy Soldiers

Top DVD

PINK FLOYD Pulse...no question

Top gig

DAVID GILMOUR at the RAH...with David Bowie!

Bands to look out for in 2007...

Nerina Pallot has a new single out...other than that, haven't got a clue...

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...

Roger Waters at Earl's Court, Australian Pink Floyd at RAH

DARREN EDWARDS (EAGLE ROCK)

Top CDs

1 THERAPY? One Cure Fits All

2 SLAYER Christ Illusion

3 CHEAP TRICK Rockford

Top DVD

MASTODON

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY Doom Troopin

RAINBOW Live in Munich 77

Top gig

METALLICA at Download (without a doubt)


What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

Being able to pay my monthly mortgage payments

What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

To continue being able to pay the mortgage

Bands to look out for in 2007... them all

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...

Heaven and Hell, Children Of Bodom (Headlining Hammersmith), Metallica

MARK RILEY

Mark is a GRTR! Subscriber

Top CDs

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Stadium Arcadium

This is a great 2-disc album from the chilis. Through the 28 songs, they basically rewrite music laws on what funk, pop, rock and a load of other genres are about.

OASIS Stop The Clocks

This has to be the best track-by-track best of to be released by any band - ever! Capturing the best songs throughout their history, not just singles, but B-sides and album tracks. You might not like the choice of songs, but you cannot say that Stop The Clocks defines what Oasis are all about.

AEROSMITH Devils Got A New Disguise

Again, another fantastic Best Of, though it must be Aerosmith's 736443rd best of in their career!

Top DVD

U2 Zoo

Simply one of the best live DVDs ever, really shows you that U2 are such a great live band

Top Gig

GUNS N ROSES Wembley Arena, 30th July

The final show of GNR's comeback European tour ended in true GNR style, it was the only show with a walkoff! Axl left the stage midway through Nighttrain complaining of low blood pressure, so former Skid Row frontman, and a good friend of Axl's had to fill in for the rest of the song and Paradise City!

SHINETH

Led by Swedish mastermind Sebastian Roos, Shineth released one of the better melodic CDs of the year...More at http://www.shineth.se/

Top CDs

1. SHINETH 11 of 10

2. MISS BEHAVIOUR Heart of Midwinter

3. EUROPE Secret Society


Top DVD

WHITESNAKE


Top gig

SHINETH/ MISS B. release party

What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

Getting our album out, finally...!!!! Such a joy!


What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

Record a real strong follow up to "11 of 10"


Bands to look out for in 2007...Twisted Sister...

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...Hope to see Aerosmith/ Mötley Crue to do a tour in Europe
 

DAVE CLARKE (PLANET EARTH PUBLICITY)

Top CDs

1 THE BLACK CROWES The Lost Black Crowes

2  'WHAT IT IS'...funk box set 1967- 1977 (Rhino)

3 JIM NOIR Tower of Love


Top DVD

PINK FLOYD Pulse

Top gig

KING CREOSOTE at The Junction, Cambridge.


What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

The Def Jam vinyl reissue campaign being nominated for a Music Week Award.

What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

To find a new band as good as Jarcrew. If it happens I'll be amazed…and very happy!
 

Bands to look out for in 2007...Lord Large (Acid Jazz) & Grand Union (People Tree Records)

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...

The whole of the Greenman Festival (again!)

SIMON SPANTON (ORION PUBLISHING GROUP)
http://www.orionbooks.co.uk/

Top CDs

1 THE ROOTS Game Theory

2 THOM YORKE Eraser

3 PAUL SIMON Surprise


Top DVD

NEIL YOUNG Heart Of Gold

Top Gig

MORRISSEY at the London Palladium

Bands to look out for 2007... Am too old to know.

Gigs to look forward to 2007...Hopefully Richard Thompson will be on the road again.

IAN PREECE (ORION PUBLISHING GROUP)
http://www.orionbooks.co.uk/

Top 3 CDs

1 ISOBEL CAMPBELL & MARK LANEGAN Ballad of the Broken Seas

2 BONNIE PRINCE BILLY The Letting Go

3 BURIAL Burial

Top gig

STUART STAPLES at Bush Hall or SILVER JEWS at the Scala

Bands to look out for in 2007... the National new album

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007... not sure yet

RICHIE RIVERIA (MADISON PAIGE)
www.madisonpaige.net

Top CDs

1. BUCKCHERRY 15

2. BUTCH WALKER The Rise & Fall Of Butch Walker....

3. DREAM THEATER Octavarium


Top gig

1. Bon Jovi - Have A Nice Day Tour (LA, CA)

Top DVD

1. Europe - Start From The Dark

What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

MADISON PAIGE completing our first tour of the midwest during summer 2007.

What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

Releasing our 2nd album in 2007 and touring, touring touring.

Bands to look out for in 2007... MADISON PAIGE

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...

Ours! :)

Derrick Smith

Derrick is a GRTR! Subscriber

Top CDs

AKERCOCKE Words That Go Unspoken

Refinement of their sound, class and damn fine blastbeats

LAMB OF GOD Sacrament

Riffs, weight and a mental vocal style, awesome noise! Great live too.

MY DYING BRIDE A Line of Deathless Kings

More doom and gloom from MDB, and despite the sung vocals, no less heavy!

Top Gig

STONE SOUR Hammersmith 9-11-06

Hadn't listened to them on CD for a while, the gig reminded me how good they are! And live, man were they tight, with Soulfly drummer in tow.

Douglas Rumbles

Douglas is a GRTR! Subscriber and member of The Steamers

Top CDs

THE ANSWER Rise

A mighty release and hopefully one that will take them on to greater things over the coming years. What stands out for me is their maturity and sound yet so young, they seem to have the right people behind them which is so important for a band.

Their marketing seems good (posters etc..) Good luck to them.

GLENN HUGHES Music for the Divine

What can I say? A God Head. Enough said...

UFO The Monkey Puzzle

One of my all time greats and still doing it well. Great album,Great playing etc...... Magic!

Top gig

THE ANSWER, Aberdeen The Tunnels Oct 6th 2006

Top night, great bands on bill. Rosehill Drive then THE ANSWER then Roadstar. It was a changeable bill on the tour. The Answer were totally awesome on the night, you know when you are watching greatness in the making and they were nice guys as well - no posing, make believe attitudes just down to earth. You don't need egos when the music is that good!

Top DVD

RONNIE LANE The Passing Show The Life and Music of

A great DVD on a very talented man and the people that played it with him and knew him. It is also a sad tale as he died aged 51 almost penniless???

MICHAEL HANNON (AMERICAN DOG)
www.americandog.us

Shameless self-publicist, American Dog vocalist Michael Hanlon also likes ''Old Peculiar'...a man of good taste

1. UFO Monkey Puzzle

2. MOTORHEAD Kiss of Death

3. IAN GILLAN Gillans Inn


Honorable mentions: Since these are both Compilations I didn't put them in the Best of 2006 (Even though I do listen to both of these more than the others!)

LEMMY Damage Case
THE BLACK CROWES The Lost Crowes

Top DVD

KISS Kissology

Top gig

For me it was watching UFO at the Rock and Blues Festival, I got to watch from backstage (as we had played the show as well) Pete Way was a madman on stage! He deserves to be mentioned in with the likes of Angus Young and Ted Nugent. BALLS!!

What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006?

American Dog finally got to tour England! It took 7 trips to the mainland of Europe and then finally England, I absolutely loved it! The Rockers in Newcastle are Fantastic, Not only did those people give us some of the best beer ever, they are insane! God Bless Em!!

And speaking of English Beer, one of my favorites is called "Old Peculiar", I buy a Six-Pack of it here in the States at least once a week, and couldn't wait to try the "real thing" over there, but not a single venue we played carried it!! (15 shows in 16 days by the way)..Very Strange.

What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

Spain is in our targets this year, we've been close (Southern France) but still haven't made it there.

The new CD will be called "Hard", hopefully this will help us "penetrate" that market!!

Bands to look out for in 2007...American Dog! Yep, I believe in Shameless self promotion, and I know this next CD will be even better than "Scars-n-Bars". I'm also looking forward to hearing the second Crucified Barbara disc.

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...Europe this Spring, and if the Black Sabbath with Dio thing happens...WOW!!

JJ (JJ PROMOTIONS)

Top CDs

1 MIKEY JONES THE LIGHT OF DAY

2 LOST WEEKEND FOREVER MOVING ON

3 EDEN OPEN MINDS


Top DVD

7th HEAVEN @ DIRTY NELLIES (I KNOW IT IS LAST YEAR'S BUT IT IS STILL MY FAVOURITE)


Top gig

ONLY WENT TO ONE THIS YEAR AND IT AWESOME AS USUAL - THUNDER @ CARDIFF'S ST. DAVID'S HALL (PITY ABOUT THE STAFF AT THE VENUE, BUT THUNDER DO AN AMAZING JOB ON STAGE!!!)

What was your major personal or musical achievement of 2006? (For PR people the band/artist you were most proud of!)

GETTING E-Z SOUNDS OFF THE GROUND AND RELEASING MIKEY JONES (KICK FAME) FIRST SOLO ALBUM. THE REVIEWS AND RESPONSE HAVE BEEN AMAZING...


What do you hope to achieve in 2007?

TO FINALISE A DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR E-Z SOUNDS IN THE UK, EUROPE, AMERICA & JAPAN - TALKS ARE WELL UNDER WAY AND THINGS ARE LOOKING PROMISING.

Bands to look out for in 2007...

ZENYTH, NEXX, EDEN, HUSH, MIKEY JONES... THE LIST IS ENDLESS AS THERE SEEMS TO AN EXCELLENT BUNCH OF BANDS OUT THERE AT THE MOMENT - LET'S HOPE THAT THERE IS SUPPORT FROM MEDIA, LABELS, ETC...

The gigs you are most looking forward to in 2007...

BOWLING FOR SOUP AND HOPEFULLY BANDS LIKE SKID ROW, LA GUNS, WHITESNAKE, ETC, ETC WILL DO SOME UK DATES IN 2007!!!

BAT (GLYDER)

Top CDs

1 Glyder - Glyder

2 Thunder Robert Johnsons Tombstone

3 The Answer- Rise

Top DVD