As we plod ahead with all things Year End, piggybacking on The Four Questions and our Year in Mostly Crappy Photos, allow us to present a distorted look back at a truly fantastic year for being a smarmy douchebag ogling closely from the sidelines. Read on for the the best of the best from the Year of Our Lord 2006…
While Eisenhower may eventually prove to be just another step in a larger, ongoing Slip journey, it proves to be the band's monumental achievement nonetheless. Not so much for it’s distinction from previous efforts, but for proving that a fledging band that debuted with such spark could persevere, and ultimately, a decade later, change the way you look at rock.
Both accompaniments encapsulate the ‘fledgling rock band sweating it out night after night’ motif, though this one leaves you with more than just potential. Rock ‘n’ Roll Band is a colorful chapter in what promises to be a grand career.
Arguably the best festival of the summer, almost 20,000 people descended on the small Minnesota town of Detroit Lakes, for 10,000 Lakes Festival on July 19-22, 2006. The fourth year of this festival featured more of a jamband scene than previously, and included many top favorite acts and many regional artists, on the permanent fairground facilities that hosts the very large country music festival, We Fest.
Transformations is the first release by the new Particle, or was, until RANA vet Scott Metzger announced his joining the band as a co-lead-guitarist would in fact be only temporary. These things happen, though, and Metzger’s departure doesn’t really lose ground for the transitional Particle, per se. With only eight months under their belt as fulltime members, Metzger and Ben Combe were/are only in the break-in phase of the band.
One of Umphrey’s most impressive feats is their uncanny ability to take that cheesy 80’s “soaring eagle” guitar tone you loved back in high school, and actually make it cool again.
This typical first album smorgasbord makes you give up trying to guess what the next tune will sound like.
Well-Matched showcases classic numbers such as the Phillips/ Parker rumbling “Mystery Train,” Dylan’s piercing "Positively 4th Street” and Jimmy Cliff’s reggae gem “The Harder They Come,” in a fashion that any music lover can get behind.
Last Tuesday, moe. returned once again to the city that has played such an important role in their history, taking to the SummerStage with a gorgeous Central Park as their backdrop.
Photos by Tobin Voggesser of moe. and Umphrey’s McGee performing at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO on June 3rd, 2006.
