'06 Album Rock Party

Oh wow, I've completely forgot about this post. It's been almost 3 month since I began writing it, so I'm pretty glad it's done.
Even though it's more than half way into '07, 2006 was still a good year for music, and it was hard to pick the favorite favorites.

All the songs are playlisted. (link on the side bar) So be sure to check it out, if you haven't. Also if you're bored, read my'05 review.
(In order of how my mind flows; but pretty much random; I'm not a fan of rankings.)

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Whatever People Say I Am, I Am Not
Arctic Monkeys
Track Pick - "Still Take You Home"

The Arctic Monkeys is blog raved turned UK's "next big thing". Even though they might have turned "mainstream", it doesn't matter, because these guys are still rocking. When I listened to this unknown little band at the very beginning of 06, I knew think they would hit it big. The raw sound, catchy riffs and bass line, the style, and the adorable heavy British accent (I'm a sucker), is what I wanted. I was tempted to list this album for my 05 review, since it was released in Jan. but I refrained. A year and more later, I am even more in love with these guys and the album.

A Lesson in Crime
Tokyo Police Club
Track Pick - "Cheer It On"

"Ask me about being in Tokyo Police Club". My secret love for Canadian bands never seizes; But seriously, they're awesome. These yet legal Canadian kids are making a scene. The 20 min EP has gave these kids ecstatic fans, television debuts, label deals, and gave the world happy dance-punk tunes. TPC's sound is quite unique and distinctive, but very refreshing and of course, dancable.

Professor Murder Rides the Subway
Professor Murder
Track Pick - "Champion"

Champion! EP by another uprising dance-punkers from New York. Rides the Subway delivers much energy while keeping things fun. Afterall, this band has a lot of fun. You can never have too much cowbells!

Writer's Block
Peter Bjorn and John
Track Pick - "Young Folks"

"Young Folks" is all the rave from UK Top 40 to US Top 40 to Kanye West's dub and backup band. But I can't talk down on the phenomenon indie/mainstream breakthrough and debatable "sell out". The tune is quite catchy, and I can't, or at least haven't, gotten sick of hearing it. The Swedish Trio have been around for awhile, but this was their album. In entirety, Writer's Block is solid.

Night Ripper
Girl Talk
Track Pick -"That's My DJ"

Your favorite mash-up DJ Greg is here to please everyone. Honestly, I think anybody can enjoy this album. I can say so much, but I'll just leave it at that. Listen to Girl Talk.

The Warning
Hot Chip
Track Pick - "Over and Over"

I didn't find too much out of this album after the first few listen throughs, but after awhile, I was in love. I'm not use to listening to "soft" stuff, but something about these UK rocker's infectious electro-pop and dance sound beckoned me to listen over and over.

Transparent Things
Fujiya & Miyagi
Track Pick - "Collarbone"

They're just pretending to be Japanese. Fujiya & Miyagi is fairly unique compared to everyone else on this list. Their sound is very chill jazz like electro, but at the same time it gets your feet moving. The lead's voice is also very smooth and jazzy. Classy.

He Poos Clouds
Final Fantasy
Track Pick - "Song Song Song"

Alright, so I might be in love with Owen Pallett, but I respect his musicianship more. Again, this is another album that took awhile for me to pick up. Pallett hones his violent is this dreamy album that can probably dub as a final fantasy soundtrack. You got nothing Patrick Wolf! (jplaying, I like you too).

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Notables: Here are some notable albums, but I didn't feel it was good as a whole, or for whatever reason, to write a review about it but definitely check them out too!

Robbers & Cowards by Cold War Kids
Scale by Herbert
So This is Goodbye by Junior Boys
The Ship by Danielson
This Harness Can't Ride Anything by Chin Up Chin Up
Yellow House by Grizzly Bear
Wolfmother by Wolfmother
CSS by Cansier der se Sexy
Gulag Orkestar by Beirut
Everything All the Time by Band of Horses
!!! Myth Takes
With Love and Squalor by We Are Scientists
The Loon by Tapes 'n Tapes
Youth for Eternity by The Subways
Pieces Of The People We Love by The Rapture
Bring Me The Workhorse by My Brightest Diamond
Six Demon Bag by Man Man
Return to the Sea by Islands
Let Me Introduce My Friends by I'm from Barcelona

Free Chipotle Day

Scored: 2 free burritos

So Chipotle had a back-to-school promotion today and gave out free burritos from 11-10. Being a Chipotle enthusiast as I am, I naturally headed out for some. Overall, today was pretty busy with 4 back to back classes (including 1 lab) staring at 8:30 and being at random places. I also had to work pretty much right after classes. Luckily CS lab got out early (even though it sucked), and I found some time to stop by Chipotle. The line was definitely not as ridiculous as it was for their grand opening free burrito promotion last year. Even better was, I spotted some friends in line and was able to get food within 10 mins.

Work was hectic today. I thought Sunday would have been the busiest day, since it's the day before school, but today kind of sucked. Pretty much all the major classes' books are out, and it's a pain trying to find more/explain to people/reserve books for them, etc. Also, refund is annoying; I'm glad I'm not a cashier for that reason.

My day wasn't quite over after getting out of work at 6:30. My first Exponent meeting was today too. And with my lucky with the Gold Loop, I wasn't able to catch the bus. It never came! Tired and burned out, I treked for 20 mins. under the heat and got to see all the happy faces in the office---- It is nice to be back. Work starts Thursday!

After the short meeting, I headed over to Chipotle again in hopes of finding tomorrow's dinner. Luckily, I ran into Sam and people and was able to cut in line again. I couldn't resist the temptation to eat more burrito, So I chowed down half of my steak pinto. Govind joined us soon after, and we ended up interneting at the Village Coffee House. (I still don't have wireless in my apt.) Among the numerous people I ran into today, I saw Lena for the first time in about two years. We had a quick chat and parted our ways. I really enjoy running into people/friends that I haven't seen for awhile, unles it's the awkward half-friend what-should-I-do scenario.

Classes have been meh, although I didn't expect the first week to be very exciting. It rained a lot yesterday. Kind of a downer to the start of a new year.

Animal Collective Poster

<3

I received an oversized envelope in the mail yesterday. The most interesting part was that it was from Domino Records in NY. As much as I love music, I don't have connections or is famous with the industry. So why is Domino sending me stuff? And what could it be? With much excitement, I frantically opened the package with my Xacto knife to discover a lovely Animal Collective poster printed on watercolor paper.

But like I said, I don't have connections so there is no chance of me just getting random/free things in the mail. The poster was actually acquired through Daytrotter. They were giving away a number of them to whomever responded first and naturally I jumped on the bandwagon.

That was over months and months ago.

I didn't think I got it, since it has been ages, so this was quite a pleasant surprise. I'm not the biggest Animal Collective fan, but free and pretty posters are for the win.

"She is the queen of the castle California, thrill"

Feeling: Drained
Current Love: Pavement

I have been so tired lately, it's rather sad. I don't really know why or how it started, but I don't like it at all. Sleeping has been hard lately. It takes me at least an hour to fall asleep, because I have too much on my mind, and I end up tossing and turning all night in misery and having weird dreams. It is only around 9 or 10 that I get the "sleepy feel", but by then I usually had to drag myself out of bed to get to work.
Speaking of work, my hours are gradually increasing. Surprisingly, it hasn't been too bad working 6-8 hours a day, but I just feel so tired after I get home. It's a bummer. Next week I have 40 hours, and tomorrow is my only day off. I took some sleep aid in hopes of finding a good night sleep, and I'm looking forward to a productive and fun day tomorrow.

Only two weeks till school. I want to move in already!