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Hearing Sondre Lerche
Best Music of 2006 for Real
This is the most narcissistic music list you'll ever see. One because it's on a sports blog, and two because not all of it even came out this year; it was just new and/or important to me. That said, let the tradition continue with the Best of 2006 for Real, the follow-up to the '05 version and a cheap holiday gift -- in CD form, of course -- to all of my friends and family who have ever expressed even the most remote interest in what I'm listening to. Note that you can steal most of these on Hype Machine and at least hear most of these on the artists' official sites. Enjoy ...
Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne crowdsurfing in a bubble at V Fest. This was my favorite performance of the year, and the photo is courtesy of my friend Jeff Simmermon at I am Not Lying, for Real.
The Shins -- 'Sleeping Lessons'
Their first post-Garden State album isn't out yet, but it did leak months ago and this is the lead track. We're in good hands.
TV on the Radio -- 'Wolf Like Me'
A scorcher of a single off of the hands-down hipster record of the year.
Donny Hathaway -- 'Jealous Guy'
This old, incredibly soulful cover of the John Lennon classic may be my song of the year, and I thank Soul Sides for uncovering it.
Peter Bjorn and John -- 'Young Folks'
These Swedish indie poppers put out the catchiest number around. In another time, another place this is a number-one smash hit.
Unk, Andre 3000 and Jim Jones -- 'Walk It Out' (remix)
The unofficial anthem of your 2006 Washington Redskins. As my brother Chris said, "3000's verse is straight fire, son."
The Flaming Lips -- 'Vein of Stars'
Seeing them at the first annual VFest may be one of the highlights of my life. I picked this song to represent because it's my favorite off their new album.
Albert Hammond Jr. -- 'In Transit'
The Strokes guitarist goes solo and cuts the best Strokes track of the year.
Deadboy & the Elephantmen -- 'Stop, I'm Already Dead'
The off-the-radar rocker of the year. If there was any justice, they'd be one-hit wonders by now.
Oh No! Oh My! -- 'I Have a Sister'
This unfortunately named indie outfit knows their way around some hand claps.
Black Star -- 'Definition'
Old song but new to me. It doesn't hurt that we broadcast an SBL special from the same NYC club that these guys were performing at, and this was also a part of one of the best movies I watched this year; Dave Chappelle's Block Party.
Calexico and Iron & Wine -- 'Dead Man's Will'
This is actually off of one of my favorite albums of '05 but was used to such great effect on my favorite new show -- Friday Night Lights -- that it had to be included.
The Knife -- 'Heartbeats'
The Jose Gonzalez version is on The Best of 2005 for Real, but it turns out that the original by these electro-poppers is far superior. Thanks to my friend Sean for making me aware and my friend Jeff for making me remember.
Harry Nilsson -- 'Lottery Song'
Now I know why John Lennon spent the Lost Weekend with this guy.
Borat -- 'In My Country, There Is Problem'
I wonder if years -- or even months -- from now this song, show and movie will be as funny as they are right now. I'm going to say no, but, for now, I don't care.
Jens Lekman -- 'Black Cab'
This guy, whoever the hell he is, makes late-night desperation sound pretty cool.
OutKast -- 'The Mighty O'
The Idlewild soundtrack actually has three cuts that could have made the list, but this is the chosen one as it's the anthem of my 18 month-old black lab, Otis.
Girl Talk -- 'Smash Your Head'
I've long been a fan of the mashup, but this Philly DJ takes it to a whole new level. I have no idea how many samples are used in this track alone, but I do know it pits Elton John vs. Biggie Smalls to great effect.
Belle & Sebastian -- 'Dress Up in You'
Just about the prettiest, most well-produced song I've ever heard. Headphones, please.
Band of Horses -- 'Monsters'
A slow, creeping burner off of my favorite album of the year. I had wished they'd closed with it when I saw them at Black Cat so I'll close with it here.
Got feedback? I'd love to hear your favorite tunes of the year in the comments. I'll also post other year-end best-of music lists as I see them ...
The Best Albums of 2006 [I Guess I'm Floating]
Top 56 Music Videos of 2006 [Shots Ring Out]
Top 20 in '06: Songs [You Ain't No Picasso]
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1/2/07 4:29 PM