My Favorite Songs of the Past 12 Months

(give or take.....I know some of these technically have 2006 release dates...)

TV on the Radio "I Was a Lover"

In a word: seismic
This band is so far ahead of the pack. Why listen to regressive product like Interpol when options like TV on the Radio are readily available?


Justice "D.A.N.C.E."

In a word: I.R.R.E.S.I.S.T.A.B.L.E.
All hail the new leaders of French dance pop (take notes, Daft Punk!)

Mew "Special"

In a word: stunning
Mew make gorgeous pop music held up by nuclear-strength chops.

St. Vincent "Now Now"

In a word: heavenly
This is a song Kate Bush -- or anyone -- would be proud of.


M.I.A. "Paper Planes"

In a word: life-affirming (ok, that's two words)
Shame on the folks who are trying to censor the gunshots and bravo to Mia for being so bold and fearless.

Chemical Brothers "Das Spiegel"

In a word: celestial
Still fresh after all these years...

KUDU "Bar Star"

In a word: physical
Sounds like the deep-down-underground dance parties of Brooklyn. Brilliant lyrics, too.

Yohimbe Brothers "More from Life"

In a word: activating
Funky and fulla outrage. Kudos to Vernon Reid and DJ Logic for this whole record.


Grinderman "No Pussy Blues"

In a word: lacerating
Nick Cave is great because he doesn't give a shit what you think of him. Hence Grinderman, his latest no-holds-barred initiative.

LCD Soundsystem "Someone Great"

In a word: haunting
By far the most transcendent thing James Murphy has ever produced.

!!! "Heart of Hearts"

In a word: sexy
Adding the sultry female co-lead vocal was an ace move. This song is so hot...dark, roiling, acrid. Love this band!

Muse "Take a Bow"

In a word: apocalyptic
Depeche Mode meets Queen. Absolutely titanic.

Blonde Redhead "23"

In a word: ethereal
BRH rock like it's 1991 on their newest album, paying homage to Kevin Sheilds, Lush and the entire 4AD milieu. Lovely.

The Shins "Phantom Limb"

In a word: timeless
An unforgettable pop song from a record jam-packed with 'em. And one of the best-sounding discs of the year, too.

Siouxsie Sioux "Into a Swan"

In a word: reborn
This one's still got the goods. More inspired than anything from the last several Banshees outings.

Amy Winehouse "Tears Dry on their Own"

In a word: deliverance
Heart-breaking, joyful, cathartic, flat-out perfect. Co-written by Ashford and Simpson, who've penned a great pop song or two in their time.