Martedì 12 Dic 2006, 3:20
1 - Astronomy Class - Exit Strategy
Astronomy Class are a new Aussie hip-hop group that consists of Ozi Batla (from The Herd), Chasm & Sir Robbo. They released "Exit Strategy" late in the year after being hyped as one of the all time greats. Pleasantly they met their expectations, I haven't stopped listening to this album since I bought it which has been going on 2 months now! This is easily my favourite album of the year, Australian or not, from any genre. I saw these guys perform live and they were really good…they have a nice laid back reggae style with great beats and lyrics to boot.
http://www.myspace.com/astronomyclass
2 - Macromantics - Moments In Movement
"Moments In Movements" was Macromantics debut album, following up her first release, "Hyperbolic Logic". It's another hip-hop album which features fellow Melbournites, Ground Components and reknowned international MC, Sage Francis. This album has not only gone well in Australia, but after Macromantics recently toured in the US, it has been picking up attention there also. Overall it's a great album that consists of interesting samples and well thought out lyrics.
http://www.myspace.com/macromantics
3 - The Boat People - YESYESYESYESYES
I've always liked The Boat People. For those who don't know them, they're a light rock/rock group that have been around for a few years and have released a few EP's. Anyway, "YESYESYESYESYES" was their debut album, and it contained quite a few gems. They're not conventional but give them a few listens and they grow on you quite quickly. Quite similar to 78 Saab I guess.
http://www.myspace.com/theboatpeople
4 - Delta - The Lostralian
The long awaited debut album from Adelaide MC, Delta, was released early in 2006. Not suprisingly it was lyrically outstanding. It included quite a few guest MC's from all around the globe which helped Delta get some recognition and respect internationally. This album has great beats, nice samples and rhymes about subject matters close to home. A solid album that should impress any hip-hop head.
http://www.myspace.com/deltarock
5 - Bob Evans - Suburban Songbook
Bob Evans (lead singer from Jebediah) followed up his debut album, "Suburban Kid" (2003) with "Suburban Songbook". Again it had quite a few catchy tunes that were pleasant on the ear. This album was one that kept revealing more and more of itself with further listens. While Jebediah was more rocky, I feel Bob Evans has more going for himself as a solo act, and it's been a good follow up album that's shown he's got strong song writing talent.
http://www.myspace.com/suburbankid
6 - Midnight Juggernauts - Secrets Of The Universe
The Midnight Juggernauts are a Melbourne Electronic Trio. While The group consists of a drummer, bass player and a keyboardest, their style is quite similar to that of Daft Punk/The Presets/Cut Copy. Anyway, this release of their was only and EP, but it had a few songs that I really enjoyed. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing what they have to come.
http://www.myspace.com/midnightjuggernauts
7 - Curse Ov Dialect - Wooden Tongues
They're an odd outfit, Curse Ov Dialect. What they do is definitely not conventional, but in saying that, what they produce is very interesting and great to listen to. Curse Ov Dialect are a Melbourne hip-hop hip-hop group with a very multi-cultural outlook on things. Their songs cover things from immigration to racism and then just random things about life. They use samples from all around the world and combine them to make music that's pleasant to listen to while offering things to think about.
http://www.myspace.com/thecurseovdialect
8 - Hilltop Hoods - The Hard Road
The multi award winning album from the Hilltop Hoods, "The Hard Road" was released quite early in the year. While it's a great album, fans will most likely say their favourite songs are on previous albums. But "The Hard Road" is solid, and that consistency is what won people over. It is quite down to earth and on the production side of things, this album is right up there. It's certainly an album which has given the Australian hip-hop scene a big boost this year.
http://www.myspace.com/hilltophoods
9 - The Butterfly Effect - Imago
Give us some rock! 2005 was a pretty big year for the hard rock/metal scene in Australia, and this year it was kind of lean for new releases, but The Butterfly Effect did their part with "Imago". While I like The Butterfly Effect's previous work more, there are songs on this album which are great. I needed something that was on the heavy side, and I think this was about the only album I looked forward to from the scene. Heavy Weight Champ released an album which was great, but I liked "Imago" more.
http://www.myspace.com/thebutterflyeffectau
10 - Def Wish Cast - The Legacy Continues…
Wow! Def Wish Cast were the pioneers of Australian hip-hop back in the 80's to mid 90's, and after going their seperate ways and making music individually for around 10 years, they came back together and released "The Legacy Continues…". I saw these guys perform a few months before they released this album and they were really good. I waited in anticipation for the album and when it arrived I was happy with what I heard but not overly impressed. Then I gave it a few listens and it really grew on me. This album put Def Wish Cast right back on the scene and showed that they still had life in them!