State of the Year in Songs Part VI

The best of the best. Without repeating an artist, my favorite songs I’ve listened to in 2006, Part VI. [Part I, II, III, IV and V previously].

1. Lo-Fi Fnk – Adore
This fun dance track from this Swedish group made me an instant fan. It was an intrinsically appealing quality I can’t put my finger on. The first few lines are my favorite, “Laying on the floor listening to your records, thinking how I met you, stayed around for so long…”

2. The Thermals – An Ear For Baby
The washing cymbals. The feedback straight into leading notes, and then –of course- power chords. Also great transition into the chorus. Excellent album all around.

3. O’death – Adelita
Opening with a mysterious arrangement and cryptic lyrics. Add the percussion and fiddle and we have ourselves a hoedown.

4. Joshua Radin – Someone Else’s Life
Joshua Radin alternates from stealing pages from Elliot Smith and Paul Simon, and -more or less- acknowledges this in his liner notes. While the album often sounds like it’s trying too hard, there are moments like Someone Else’s Life that are just fantastic. If it’s Paul Simon, it’s a good knock off. While Radin may have an uphill battle to separate himself from his influences, for those who don’t mind so much, it’s pretty good. This song is has found it’s way onto a couple playlists already.

5. Alexi Murdoch - All My Days
Alexi Murdoch is like Jose Gonzalez without the impressive guitar work, but with more engaging songs. I’m not quite happy with either of the two, but if I could meld the two I’d be happy. This is a very pretty song and fits perfectly after Radin’s.

6. The Ballet – I Hate the War
A fun pop song. Not complex. Light and breezy. Na na na na na na I hate the war.

7. Oh No! Oh My! – I Have No Sister
Hand clap song of the month (now with minor chords!). The transitions from the synth verses to the acoustic choruses is what makes this song work.

8. Teddybears - Yours to Keep
From the first few bars of this song I was won over. I love love love this song. The vocals are pleading and fragile, a dynamic more interesting over the strong beat and guitar.

9. Venice is Sinking – Andropolis
Venice is Sinking is what I had hoped the Dirty on Purpose full-length would be. This is a slow and patient song.

10. The Walkmen – Good For You’s Good For Me
Nothing on their latest release reached the level of the Rat or Little House of Savages, but this track had the most potential. Not as intense, but still catchy.