For a variety of reasons, I heard less new music in 2006 than I did in 2005. Still, I heard a lot of new tunage and kept my ear to the ground as much as I could.
Here are the ten songs I enjoyed most in 2006.
10. illScarlett - Heaters
When I first heard this song on the radio, I thought of Sublime. It had that Sublime vibe I've always dug and it was catchy as all hell. I've since learnt they're Toronto based which clinches them a top ten finish for 2006.
9. Pearl Jam - World Wide Suicide
PJ gave away high quality DRM-free MP3s of this first single from their self titled release. It was a grand statement and the tune was up to the challenge. A return to form for my favourite American band.
8. Regina Spektor - Fidelity
I heard this song and immediately listened to every Regina Spektor note I could find. From Russia via New York with much love.
7. TV on the Radio - Province
A new music blog introduced me to these guys. This song is so amazing it's a wonder our local new rock station doesn't play it. There's almost an Outkast feel to this solid single. It's funky.
6. Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor
Every year there's a new next big thing band out of Britain. These guys didn't disappoint with a great album and this fantastic lead single.
5. The Flaming Lips - Free Radicals (A Hallucination of the Christmas Skeleton Pleading with a Suicide Bomber)
First of all, I love that title. That title alone earns it a listen, but it's the unpredictability and addictive mania of the song that kept me coming back over and over again. This is the best song you'll never hear on terrestrial radio.
4. The Strokes - Red Light
Get yourself a lawyer and a gun. That's not only damn good advice but that's a sample of this song's lyrics. These guys keep getting better and there will always be a home for them at SLS.
3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Phenomenon
This song blew me away when I first heard it and then it actually started to grow on me. With echoes of LL Cool J's song of the same name, this should probably be #1 on my list. There's no way I heard a better single in 2006.
2. The Tragically Hip - In View
Yes I'm biased, but isn't the whole idea of blogging to be biased? I controversially called this the best Hip single since Bobcaygeon and I stand by that statement. I don't know anyone who didn't like this song and didn't find themselves singing it at one point or another.
1. The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes
At this point Jack White could probably sing the phone book and I'd rave about it. He was amazing with The White Stripes, he got me to enjoy Loretta Lynn and the Cold Mountain soundtrack, and with Brendan Benson he's responsible for my favourite song of 2006. Is She Really Going Out With Him?
Here were my favourite songs of 2005, in case you want to rewind a year.
