TOP 39 SONGS OF 2006

(Why 39? Why Not.)

39.) Sparklehorse – Dreamt for Light Years… -- SOME SWEET DAY

Sole owner of the greatest opening to any song in 2006. A strumming beauty of a song that holds throughout.

38.) Matthew Friedberger – Holy Ghost – SEVENTH LOOP HIGHWAY

On an album that is almost unbearable, this track creeps its way into the subconscious and makes you come back for more.

37.) Josh Ritter – The Animal Years – GOOD MAN

This will do until Andrew Bird returns on the scene.

36.) The Little Ones – Sing Song EP – LET THEM RING THE BELLS

Simple and catchy. “Whoooa, ohhh, oh, oh.” Deep lyrics included.

35.) The Gothic Archies – The Tragic Treasury – SCREAM AND RUN AWAY

Accordion pumps float over Stephen Merritt’s raspy story time.

34.) Cold War Kids – Robbers and Cowards – WE USED TO VACATION

Amazing intro and a shredding guitar about 1:23 into the song. Would be higher but the lyrics are as lame as using the word lame to describe something.

33.) Xiu Xiu – The Air Force – THE FOX & THE RABBIT

I’ll defer to Phil for any Xiu Xiu descriptions…seems to be his thing.

32.) The Like Young – Last Secrets – ALMOST SAID YES

Most underrated album of the year with Tap Tap…this song riffles through at a blurring pace and shreds all the way home.

31.) The Killers – Sam’s Town – When You Were Young

I know…shut up! It’s the Killers, yes, this is true…but the song kills. I could keep it a secret but this is an official list and I’m not too ashamed.

30.) Beck - The Information – CELLPHONE’S DEAD

Poppy-hoppy bass dances over Beck’s quick banter resulting in a toe tapping classic.

29.) VCR – Power Destiny – MEGA GOD BLAST

One of my personal favorites is their EP, but this year they released their full length to many unhappy customers. This song however is a return to their earlier sound.

28.) The Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldiers – LEVEL

Crippled by a summer release, I think a lot of people forgot about this album and song when they were making lists. A great guitar solo rounds this song out.

27.) Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor – I GOTCHA

“Kick, Push” is fun and all but this jazz piano; boom box drop track just does it for me.

26.) Grizzly Bear – Yellow House – LITTLE BROTHER

An epic song that never go out of its way to impress. A slow reveal proves to be the best approach for this folk masterpiece.

25.) Danielson – Ships – BLOODBOOK ON THE HALF SHELL

I think I like this song just for the amazing breakdown that occurs 3:33 into it…but the rest in nice as well.

24.) The Fiery Furnaces – Bitter Tea – NEVERS

A collection of sounds from every Fiery album to date.

23.) Bishop Allen - January – CORAZON

Simple song that kicked off the massive month by month EP treats by Bishop Allen. A great song to listen to while walking in the rain, snow, or any other nature-illuminating thing.

22.) Casiotone for the Painfully Alone – Etiquette – BOBBY MALONE MOVES HOME

Hands slamming on a piano and trotting along with the drums creates a tone that anyone can follow and love.

21.) Suburban Kids with Biblical Names - #3 – FUNERAL FACE

One of the most underated albums of 2006 (next to TAP TAP). This is a track that everyone will find and love three years down the road.

20.) Voxtrot – Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives – SOFT & WARM

Just a great listen…so listen

19.) Islands – Return to the Sea – DON’T CALL ME WHITNEY, BOBBY

A stupid track title, but one hell of a pop song.

18.) The Flaming Lips – At War With the Mystics – YEAH YEAH YEAH SONG

FUN…lots of fucking fun.

17.) +/- - Let’s Build a Fire -- STEAL THE BLUEPRINTS

A massacre of sounds…thick guitars hit over simple vocals and constantly changing drums equates to a journey into the various possibilities of indie rock.

16.) White Magic – Dat Rosa Mel Apibus – HOLD YOUR HANDS IN THE DARK

A staggering 6:28 of pure magic. Watch out Joanna Newsom.

15.) Beach House – Beach House – APPLE ORCHARD

A haunting melody prances throughout the song transports the listener to a hypnotic world that I never want to live in.

14.) Tom Waits – Orphans – LONG WAY HOME

With 40+ tracks it kind of tough but this is the one I keep coming back to.


13.) Regina Spektor – Begin to Hope – FIDELITY

Best pop song of the year, hands down. Everyone has to sing along to: “It breaks my ha-ha-ha-ha heart.” Perfect.

12.) Tapes ‘n Tapes – The Loon – INSISTOR

I love this band. The song just makes you want to grab a guitar and play along…or pretend to strum along.


11.) Peter Bjorn and John – Writer’s Block – YOUNG FOLKS

The last minute favorite on a lot of people’s lists. The whistles are perfect and add a special touch to the song.

10.) TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain – WOLF LIKE ME

Ok, I know I’ve famously said, “TV on the Radio is wildly overrated.” I would like to publicly apologize and admit…this song is great.

09.) Sunset Rubdown – Shut Up I Am Dreaming – THEY TOOK A VOTE AND SAID NO

Much debate between Hank and I about the best track on this album…well this is the right pick.

08.) The Like Young – Last Secrets – FOR MONEY OR LOVE

Most addictive song of 2006. Old Weezer meets the Pixies, that’s all I have to say.

07.) Clipse – Hell Hath No Fury – TRILL

Best rap song of the year…nuff said.

06.) Peter Bjorn and John – Writer’s Block – PARIS 2004

“Young Folk” is everyone favorites and while it is amazing I just can’t say it’s better than this track. I love the beat, lyrics, and overall feeling I get when I hear it.

05.) The Fiery Furnaces – Bitter Tea – I’M IN NO MOOD

Old western piano…and then BAM! Synth heaven. “I was so drunk last night, I didn’t even undress for bed…and the pin in my hair is still stuck in my head.”

04.) Man Man – Six Demon Bag – ICE DOGS

Elvis on crack with angelical back up singers.

03.) Joanna Newsom – Ys – COSMIA

Beautiful. Just marry me…please.

02.) Tap Tap – Lanzafame – WAY TO GO, BOY

Pierce is responsible for this one…best track of the year. It is the year of the accordion so, hey, this is the perfect track. When those drums come in…you know where you stand in this world.

01.) Toboggan Monster – Keep Your Mouth Shut – DEMON WALTZ

Winner by default…what is the default??? It kicks ass.

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