make a mistake why is that a man in the theatree with a penis in his hand this is ridiciulaous i am watching a pillowcase with a man whose name is edward like that cock from that movie. what was it called. moon. craig kilborn isn't funny. i like the way he looks in the twilight hours. this is ridiculousf. why i do this i cannot say. door open. window closed. cement. greass. lights. bunnerts. shirts. hair. p ictures. gu light s glass of gin and tonic. som any things to say abnout munchins. james brown is in the bluses bros. mocie. i never knew that. but i NEVER SAW THAT MOVEI. I WISH LIONEL RICHIE WAS IN TRHAT MOVIE. I LOVE HIM. DANCIN ON THE KCEWILIN.

The Top 20 Songs About Love

Ahh, the love song. It's without a doubt the most common of all songs in popular music, and yet a good one can still feel fresh and poignant. That's because love is so complex that it can take on many forms. One love song could be about how blissful life is with your loved one at your side, another could be about how much pain and sorrow is involved in loving another person. The love song is so often defined as the former, with complete disregard to the latter. So today, I'm introducing a new series which will last the next four weeks. Every Friday, I'll reveal to you my Top 20 Songs About Love. Because there are so many love songs out there, I had to find some way to narrow it down. Therefore, only songs on my computer will be eligible. Granted, there are a lot on there (around 6,000 or so, I believe), so while not completely comprehensive, it's at least a good starting point. Here are songs 20-16:


#20: Tegan and Sara - "I Know, I Know, I Know" - This song was one of the few on "So Jealous" that toned down the fast-paced chick rock. It was all the more effective because of it. It tells the story of two lovers, one moving away and the other staying behind. Or at least that's how it's supposed to go. As they're driving to the one's new destination, one trys to convince the other to stick around and vice versa. They argue, cry, laugh, scream...and it's all out of love. The sisters sing, "The same as I love you, you'll always love me too. This love isn't good unless it's me and you." I'm down with that. This is a great song, and one of Tegan and Sara's best.


#19: Buddy Holly - "Everyday" - This is one of those carefree lovesongs, the kind that infect your soul and force you to inexplicably whistle it's tune to no end. Buddy Holly doesn't get as much love these days as he used to, but this song is one that everyone should listen to. It's not complex or deep, but a short, simple pop song. As such, it's one of the most enjoyable on this list, even if it is towards the bottom.

#18: Incubus - "I Miss You" - Before it was every 15-year-old girl's Myspace profile song, "I Miss You" was just a sidenote on Incubus' 1999 album, "Make Yourself." Then the band blew up, and before you know it, every dumb, aviator-wearing girl was blaring this out of their Mercury Cougars. Brandon Boyd is no lyrical genius, to be sure, and this song is evidence of that. However, he has never sounded more passionate or earnest than he does here. We all know what it's like to have someone we love leave for a prolonged period of time, and Boyd captures it almost perfectly here ("You have only been gone ten days, but already I'm wasting away"). In the end, it's an absolutely beautiful song; one that is universally relatable and timeless in it's presentation.


#17: Rilo Kiley - "Rest of My Life" - I believe it's safe to say that while many people heard Rilo Kiley's "Takeoffs and Landings," very few people paid much attention to this song. After all, it's been Jenny Lewis who has always had the spotlight pointed at her, so this short little song by Blake Sennett at the end of the album was rarely noted by critics or fans. Truth be told, I've always preferred Blake Sennett to Jenny Lewis, and this song is a large part of that. It's about being in love with someone that you can't have. Blake sings, "There are worse ways for a guy to spend his time than to sit and think of you. I think I'd marry you. Just your smile leaves me satisfied, though you're not mine. So for the rest of my life, I'm gonna search for someone just like you." It's an absolutelty heartbreaking song, but one of my favorite Rilo Kiley songs of all time. You should hear it.


#16: My Brightest Diamond - "Gone Away" - Like Incubus' "I Miss You," this song is about being in love with someone who has gone away. However, unlike that song, this one shows almost no hope of seeing that person again. Shara Worden sings, "You've gone away where there isn't a telephone wire, still I wait by the phone. You don't even write to say goodbye." I guess that really makes it a song about loving someone who doesn't love you anymore, and in that sense it's really one of the more depressing songs on the list. Still, you can't really go wrong having this song (or album, for that matter) on your iPod or computer. Sure, it may make you want to sit in a corner and cry, but that's part of what makes it a great love song.

Now for week two of this four-week series. In case you missed it, here's last week's list. This week's list contains some classic songs about love that even the old folks will enjoy (not to mention one or two that they used to stone people for). That's really all the introduction that I care to write, so let's get on with the list!

#15: Bright Eyes - "Kathy with a K's Song" - This seldom heard song by Conor Oberst has to be one of my favorites of his. Featured only on two EPs (one of which never saw the light of day in the US), the artist's assertion that "Love is real" is made all the more powerful by his trademarked half-crying, half-singing voice. Oberst sings, "Love is real. It is not just in long distance commercials" and by the end of the song he's screaming "I can hear it now" at the top of his lungs with every bit of humanity inside of him. It's a touching song, but one that's tough to listen to because of the raw earnesty that it presents. Still, if you've got 6 minutes to waste, you could spend it listening to something worse (like every other song on the EP, for example).

#14: Frankie Valli - "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" - This classic love song has been featured in just about every fictional love story caught on film that happened to take place in the 1960s. Of course, that type of movie isn't really my thing and it wasn't until I saw "10 Things I Hate About You" that I realized what an awesome song it was. And then a few years later I hear a version of the song that Muse did, and I finally fell in love with it. Unsurprisingly, the Muse cover is my favorite version of the song, but I have to give credit where credit's due. The fact of the matter is that the song may never have been a classic if it weren't for Frankie Valli. So for that, I commend him with the honor of being #14 on a list on some random blog. You're welcome!

#13: The Flamingos - "I Only Have Eyes For You" - Like the previous song, this one is featured in almost every romantic movie that was made before 1970. When you hear them singing "Are the stars out tonight? I don't know if it's cloudy or bright" the first thing that pops into your head is a sky blue Pontiac parked at make-out point. After that, one of two things happens. One, the couple make out, or two, they get murdered by some psycho with a machete. Maybe that's just what I think of. All that aside, you have to give it up to the Flamingos. This song is timeless, and just as cool today as it was back in 1959. Word.

#12: Eagles - "Wasted Time" - This classic song by Eagles was featured on the "Hotel California" EP. Of course with such awesome songs like the title track and "Life in the Fast Lane," it's often overlooked. Not by me. When I was younger my mother had a copy of this record, and I used to listen to this song over and over again. It deals with two ex-lovers, one of which is trying to make himself believe that all the time spent with the other wasn't wasted, but that it meant something. Of course, if the song itself doesn't get you all teary-eyed and emotional, then the string reprise that follows it sure will. It's one of the most under-appreciated Eagles songs of all time, and if you haven't heard it, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "Hotel California." It's one of the greatest rock albums ever made anyways, so you really have nothing to lose.

#11: Sufjan Stevens - "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!" - Ahh, here we are back at the indie songs. Of course, when you think of indie love songs, you don't necessarily think of Sufjan Stevens singing about a wasp stinging his best friend. But wrapped up inside of all the typical Sufjan Stevens nonsense is a song about loving a friend. Sure, this isn't exactly romantic love, but it's still love. You're instantly captured as Sufjan reminisces about a time that his best friend was bit by a wasp while swimming. At the end of the song when he sings "My friend his gone. He ran away. I can tell you, I love him each day" it just breaks your heart because we all know what it's like to say goodbye to a friend you'll never see again. So what if it's not the standard boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl formula? It's an amazing song anyway, and one everyone should hear.
I'm absolutely crazy about lists for some strange reason. I'm like John Cusak in "High Fidelity" I'm so crazy about lists. In case you haven't been keeping up, for the last few weeks I've been counting down the top 20 songs about love (that I have on my computer). Each Friday, 5 new songs are revealed until I finally reveal them all. Here are songs 20-16 and here are songs 15-11, just in case you weren't already caught up. Here are songs 10-6.

#10: Loney, Dear - "I Will Call You Lover Again" - Emil Svanängen is a really, really fragile male, in case you didn't know. Practically every song on 2007's Loney, Noir is about him feeling inferior or awkward. This song is no different. It's about him essentially ruining a perfectly good romantic evening with his self-doubt and perceived inferiority. My favorite line in the entire song is where he sings "I'll steal your photographs just to know that I was actually not dreaming this time, that I was for real this time." It's not your typical love song, that's for sure. But it's honest and I totally relate to it.

#9: Stars - "What I'm Trying to Say" - Stars have this unbelievable ability to craft these amazing love songs. This is one of their best. It deals with a couple being in love but not wanting to say "I love you," either because it's too cliche or it doesn't fit them. The chorus is so catchy and true that you can't help but fall in love with it. They sing "I am trying to say what I want to say without having to say 'I love you!'" It's possibly the most genius chorus ever written in pop music, and shows just how talented the band is.

#8: The Postal Service - "Brand New Colony" - There's really no denying that Ben Gibbard is a brilliant lyricist, especially when the subject matter of the song is love. This song is proof of that brilliance. He begins by singing about all the things he'll be for his lover, all the different ways he would be a part of her life. He sings, "I'll be the platform shoes, undo what heredity's done to you. You won't have to strain to look into my eyes," and you just think "Wow, that was awesome." Later in the song when he fantasizes about leaving the world they and starting a brand new colony, just the two of them, it is perhaps the most perfect example of love and devotion that one could paint in a pop song. But this is Ben Gibbard, and it just comes with the territory.

#7: Muse - "Blackout" - When I was compiling this list and shortening it down to 20 songs, this was a song that I knew had to be up towards the top. It's one of the most sobering songs about love ever! It's definitely not one of Muse's more rockin' songs, but it's one of my favorites nonetheless. It deals with two young lovers coming to terms with the fact that their love will probably not last. Matt sings, "Don't kid yourself and don't fool yourself. This love's too good to last, and I'm too young to care." The lush string instrumentation really carries this song and makes it as haunting as it is. If you've never heard it, rush out and pick up a copy of Absolution. It's one of the best rock albums of the last decade anyway, so you really have nothing to lose.

#6: Stars - "In Our Bedroom, After the War" - What? Two Stars songs in the same list? That's right folks. This one comes courtesy of their new album of the same name. It's about two lovers living in a post-war world, acknowledging the fact that life isn't perfect and that some things aren't the way you want them to be, "But at least the war is over." Like "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead," Stars' best song, this one builds slowly from the beginning before erupting with strings and vocals crying "Up in our bedroom after the war!" I get goosebumps every time I hear it, it's so good. Granted, I'm not the biggest fan of the new album, but this is more than enough reason to give it a purchase. It's an absolutely beautiful song. One filled with hope and love, and one that's worth being on this list.


It may be a day later than usual, but this week's Top 5 will conclude my forgettable list of the top 20 songs about love (on my computer). You can find the other 15 songs on this list here. I now present to you the Top 5 Songs About Love!

#5: The Cardigans - "Lovefool" - It's really no secret that The Cardigans are one of my more guilty pleasures. Hell, a few months back I even crowned Nina Persson as my favorite female frontwoman! She beat out Jenny Lewis and Neko Case! But as good as Nina is, she's never been better than on the band's breakout 1990's pop song, "Lovefool." Nina's sugary vocals croon over the band's perfect arrangement, pleading, "Love me, love me! Say that you'll love me." Your heart would break if the song weren't so catchy and poppy, because at it's core, "Lovefool" is really a song about being madly in love with someone who doesn't love you anymore. Not really the type of song you typically sing along to wildly, but that's part of what makes it such a timeless song.

#4: Death Cab for Cutie - "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" - I'm still pissed that this lost the Grammy to "My Humps" by The Black-Eyed Peas, for Best Pop Songwriting no less!! But that is the type of world we live in, ladies and gentlemen; a world where Bin Gibbard, and already accomplished writer, writes his most poignant of love songs and it gets beat out by an ex-crack whore singing about her "lady lumps." The fact of the matter is that there are very few love songs, on or off my computer, that can compare to this gem. It's about loving a person so much, that when they die you'll have nothing left to do but die as well. Gibbard sings, "Love of mine, someday you will die but I'll be close behind. I'll follow you into the dark." He expresses his lack of confidence that heaven or hell will greet them, but knows that as long as they have each other in the afterlife, they'll be happy. It is one of the most selfless portraits of love ever created, and one that you'll remember for your entire life.

#3: The Wrens - "She Sends Kisses" - Honestly, I'm a little upset that more people don't know this song. Hopefully it's placement at #3 will encourage all of you to go download it or something. The song is uber-depressing. It tells the story of a guy who's just lost the love of his life, describing it as "ten tons against me." He spends his days looking at old photographs, listening to their favorite records, trying to replace her with other women ("I put your face on her all year"), but ultimately never forgetting the one that got away. That's probably her fault too though, she keeps writing him. And every time she writes he gets his hopes up, he starts remembering, but it never amounts to much. It's not a beautiful song by any means, but it's touching, brutally honest, and it rocks! This isn't so much a love song as it is a song that portrays love as is sometimes is; painful and depressing. But it is brilliant, and everyone needs to hear this one.

#2: The Dears - "22: The Death of All the Romance" - Of all the songs on this list, this is the only one that I can't analyze and tell you what it's about. I just don't know. I know it's a duet, and I know it deals with love and romance, but that's all I can decipher. Really though, is that such a bad thing? I mean, sometimes love is so complicated, so unexplainable that you just accept it for what it is and deal with it. The bottom line is, I may not know what this song is about specifically, but I know that is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and one of the best duets of the last 20 years. If that's not enough of a reason to listen to it, I don't know what is.

#1: The Postal Service - "Such Great Heights" - As I was compiling this list, this song kept moving up and down the list until I finally just decided to place it at number one. It's the third Ben Gibbard song on this list, and though not as well written as "I Will Follow You Into the Dark," it is a much better love song. Unlike so many love songs on this list, "Such Great Heights" is not drowning in melancholy or about a subject that is less than preferable. Like Buddy Holly's "Everyday," this is a song that's about the blissfulness that we all hope that love could be like. It's about being a perfect match for someone ("I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles in our eyes are mirror images and when we kiss they are perfectly aligned"), missing them when they're gone, and loving every minute of when they're around. It is not the most realistic of love songs, to be sure, but it is everything that we all hope to one day attain. For that, "Such Great Heights" is not only perfect, but entirely worthy of the top spot on this list.

How to Submit Music to Audio Overflow

Whether you're a local band looking for some extra exposure or a record label trying to spread the word on your latest artist, Audio Overflow has got you covered! At Audio Overflow, we review pretty much everything that crosses our desk; the good, the bad, and the god-awful.

If you'd like to submit your music to Audio Overflow, please send us an email at audiooverflow@gmail.com. Within 6-8 hours you should receive a reply containing a mailing address which you can send all promotional materials to.

If you would like to send a link to music on the internet, we'll gladly give it a listen. However, we only review physical copies (i.e. CDs, Vinyl) of music at this point in time. Please include any information that you believe could be helpful when reviewing your music, including:

• Artist Name
• Member Names
• Album Name
• Artist History
• Instruments played, etc.

We cannot guarantee that we'll review everything that is sent our way, but out of appreciation of your support, we will definitely try our best.

Thank you for your interest in Audio Overflow. We look forward to hearing you.

--Cale
Audio Overflow

UPDATE:  Though we do not perform official reviews of audio files (i.e. MP3s), we do have a feature in which we spotlight unsigned or up and coming artists' myspace pages.  If you would like your page to be featured for our "myspace music monday" feature, please send us an email and we'll schedule you or your band in the next available spot.

Cale's Largely Forgettable Review of "Sonic and the Secret Rings"

Call me crazy, call me a fan of deep gameplay, but I've just never understood this whole Sonic the Hedgehog hullaballoo. Back when Sonic made his console debut in the early 90s he immediately separated himself from his biggest competitor, a chubby plumber, and in doing so, set himself apart as the "cool" console mascot. And cool he was. While Mario was busy breaking bricks and lollygagging his way through pipes, Sonic was flying through worlds with ease, doing all sorts of cool tricks in the process. However, what Mario lacked in "coolness" he always made up for with deep, addictive gameplay. Sonic was cool, yeah, but when it came down to the quality of the gaming experience, he just never could gain ground on that chubby guy.

This flaw of Sonic followed him into the 3D era as well. The arrival of the Sega Dreamcast brought Sonic fans the Sonic Adventure series, which often slowed down the speedy hedgehog in favor of more traditional 3D platforming. In a way, it worked. But this was Sonic, and you can't very well have Sonic and not have speed! So Sonic the Hedgehog has been in sort of a drought over the better part of a decade, trying his best to keep up in his old age. Often plagued by poor camera control and even poorer character control, Sega's mascot is no longer the poster child for "cool" gaming, but the perfect example of what a video game shouldn't be.

The light at the end of the tunnel for Sonic was supposed to be his latest adventure, Sonic and the Secret Rings, and at first look, it seems like a pretty solid idea. Bring Sonic back to his roots, make him fast, recreate the 2D Sonic experience in 3D. So the folks over at Sega have Sonic constantly moving in this game along a set path, the player steers him left and right by tilting the Wii remote accordingly. To jump, simply hit the 2 button. Shove the remote forward mid-air to perform a homing attack (a gesture that really feels quite solid).

So far so good. Sonic is once again running through worlds, collecting rings and other valuables while blasting into enemies. But then the core flaw of Sonic the Hedgehog once again becomes apparant. The gameplay is still pretty shallow. Sega has tried to paint over this problem by allowing Sonic to gain experience points throughout his adventure, making him faster, stronger, and more cocky. Still, this is 2007. Running fast and collecting rings may have been compelling, or jaw dropping in 1991, but we've come to expect more from our games nowadays, especially when they're platformers. Sadly, Sonic and the Secret Rings does not recreate the excitement and experience of the traditional Sonic game, nor does it create a new experience to get excited about. It's simply disappointing.

However, from a visual standpoint, Sonic and the Secret Rings does not disappoint. You won't find the benefits of high definition gaming as you would Sonic's other current-generation endeavors. But what Sonic and the Secret Rings lacks in polish and shine, it makes up for in beauty and detail. The worlds that Sonic speeds through are beautifully and meticulously created, often giving players something to gawk at when the game slows its pace occasionally. Having played Sonic the Hedgehog on Xbox 360, I can safely say that Sonic and the Secret Rings is a much more satisfying game where both visuals and gameplay are concerned.

In the end, the gamers will decide if Sonic and the Secret Rings is a hit or a miss. Sonic fans of old may enjoy the new twist on the old gameplay, but fans who never really latched on to the series will most likely be disappointed again. Is it the best 3D Sonic game? It really depends on what you're looking for. As a traditional 3D platformer it fails, but in recreating the 2D world of Sonic in 3D it at least comes close. Sonic may not be as cool as he used to be, but at least he's trying.

Halo DS? Apparently, it's a possibility.

Recently, IGN Wii Editor Matt Casamassina posted a blog entry that got everyone buzzing. In it, he talked about an early version of Halo that was in the works for the Nintendo DS. Far-fetched? Read on!

Once upon a time, a very smart publisher came up with a brilliant idea. It
contacted Microsoft and got the ball rolling on a very unlikely project: Halo
for Nintendo DS. Needless to say, there were many egos involved and
unfortunately because of some issues that I won't detail, the project was
eventually cancelled. But not before it was completely up and running and fully
playable. I know all his because I recently learned of the back-story and got a
chance to play a leaked build of Halo on DS for myself.

Above: a terrible mock-up of Halo on DS; the real thing actually doesn't
look much different.

Amazingly, the ill-fated DS version of the title plays remarkably well.
Think Metroid Prime Hunters but with a Halo facelift. I had the opportunity to
run through the beginning beach area and noted while playing that it looked like
Xbox Halo except on DS, it was running fast, and the control was responsive. The
trademark Halo music even played out of the tiny speakers of Nintendo's
handheld. It is really, truly a damned shame that certain publishers couldn't
make this happen because it would have undoubtedly been a huge hit and would
have only furthered the popularity of DS and the Halo franchise.

Now that DS is enjoying a clear lead over PSP and the Halo franchise is
bigger than ever, I'd like to see this game-that-could-have-been actually come
to exist on the retail market. It's too good of an idea and the execution is too
impressive to let it collect dust in the forgotten cabinet of a publisher's
vaporware library.

Would you buy Halo on DS?

Yes, Matt. Yes I would. And I know there are thousands...err...millions of people who would buy into that to. It makes sense from all circles. Nintendo could use a killer app like Halo to sell the DS to millions of gamers who may consider the DS to be subpar to the PSP (These are people who haven't actually played both systems. The DS is clearly superior.). Not only that, it'd be nothing but money for Microsoft. Sure, putting a Halo game on the Wii would lose them some money, but on a handheld they'd rake in the dough. Microsoft has already stated on numerous occasions that they are not working on a handheld console. And why would they? After seeing the graphically, functionally, superior PSP fall to the DS, why risk millions of dollars in an unconquerable market?

Simply put, Halo on the Nintendo DS would be good for Nintendo and good for Microsoft. Who knows what the deal is though? Microsoft has already allowed Age of Empires and MechAssault games on the DS, so Halo just seems right. Portable Halo multiplayer over Nintendo WiFi Connect? Yes, please.

Of course, the nerds have already started an online petition in an attempt to get Microsoft's attention. But come on, name one of those things that have ever worked. Until a miracle happens, looks like us DS owners are stuck with great games like New Super Mario Bros. and Elite Beat Agents. I think I can manage.

Cale's Largely Forgettable Review of "Gears of War"

Wow.

I have been playing console games since the 80s. With each new generation of systems, there is a game that will truly define the generation. Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario 64, Halo, Metal Gear Solid, and Splinter Cell all stand out as generation-defining games. Up until this point, the new generation of games has not differed too much from the previous one. Aside from extra sparkle and polish, no game released this generation has changed the way we look at and play games.

Until now.

For fans of shooters, both first-person and third-person, Gears of War is a must own game! Fans of tactical shooters like Ghost Recon or Socom will fall in love with the cover system in Gears of War. Though not as complex as those games (you only have to press A), the cover system in Gears of War feels incredibly intuitive and you'll find yourself a pro at the mechanics in just a matter of minutes. This is great, because Gears wastes no time throwing you into the action of the game. It starts of strong and never slows down, and never feels dull. Never. Additionally, the level design in Gears of War is designed to take full advantage of the cover system, while maintaining the realistic feel of the landscape and architechture.

For fans of "more run-and gun" Halo-esque shooters, Gears of War does not disappoint here either. As I already stated, the action in Gears is non-stop, so you won't find any moments where you're begging for more action. In fact, I've found that some points in Gears of War are so intense that it's literally tough to handle. One scene in particular where your character is forced to defeat a huge, blind enemy had my heart pounding like no other game has ever done before! I cannot recall a time where I have actually screamed in a game, but this definitely did it for me.

The Berserker will own your soul...and scare the balls out of you!

Overall, the game is a rather pleasant mixture of both the run-and-gun and more tactical shooters. It plays out flawlessly. If you're looking for a killer multiplayer experience on Xbox Live, Gears of War is possibly the strongest game available on the service as of right now. Players have the option of playing a ranked game, or an unranked game and there are 3 main types of gameplay. There is no respawning in matches, so when you are dead, you are dead. But the round system and 8-player limit gets you right back into the action in no time.

My only complaint with multiplayer is that if you're new to the game, you will find it increasingly difficult to jump into a game with people of the same skill level. Unlike the matchmaking system in Halo 2, if you are brand new to the game, you may very well be put up against people who are the best players in the world, without warning or acknowledgement. In other words, you won't stand a chance. There is a huge learning curve for multiplayer, so don't be surprised if you wind up getting booted out of several matches by the host due to your skill level. More consideration by the developers would have greatly benefitted the less skilled gamers out there. Hopefully, this will be addressed in further Gears of War titles.

Graphically speaking, Gears of War is the most visually impressive game ever seen on a home console, bar none. It's easy to get caught up in the action in Gears, but if you ever get a chance, take the time to look around the environment and see the amazing job that Epic did in creating this game. The level of detail in every square inch of the playing field and beyond is simply breathtaking. Spot on character models and fairly decent voice acting rounds out what is simply one of the best shooters ever created and by far the best game to be released on a next-gen console thus far.

The detail in the level design will distract you from whooping up on locusts!

Gears of War is definitely not for everyone. The gore and violence in this game are through the roof, and the gameplay can be intense beyond belief. However, if you're a fan of shooters, you simply cannot pass up this marvel of a game. Gears of War is definitely one of the best games of 2006 and the first game to set itself apart from the rest of the pack in this console generation. Check it out!

The Top 31 of 2006: AKA The Longest Blog Entry You Will Ever See!

Camera Obscura: "Let's Get Out of this Country"
Released: June 6, 2006

Just for a moment, pretend that you're in Scotland in the 1960s. You are bored as hell and deperately searching for something to ease your stimulation-starved mind. Your friend stops by your house and tells you to get in his car. The two of you are going to see this really groovy band! Then you get to the venue and find Camera Obscura, solemnly rocking out in their button-up sweaters with organs and 3-part harmonies. It's a situation that is entirely impossible, but one listen to Camera Obscura's 2006 release, "Let's Get Out of this Country" will have you believing in miracles! Their sound is straight out of the sixties, without a single guitar pluck or cymbal crash giving away the fact that they're actually a bunch of young people from Scotland desperately trying to convince the world that it's not 2006! Their lack of acknowledgement of current rock trends, both mainstream and indie, is overwhelmingly refreshing and every song on this album is enthusiastically crafted to put a smile on your face, even in the solemn moments. It'll make you remember how good music once was. It'll make you realize how far music has come (or rather how far we've regressed). Most importantly, however, it'll make you wish that that simple, imaginary Scottish life was not only real, but eternal. Sure, let's get the out of this country, but let's get the hell out of this century and go back to that time and forget about Angels and Airwaves, My Chemical Romance, and Green Day!

That's the kind of album that Camera Obscura has created. My #31 album of the year!


Top 31 Songs of 2006: #31
Neko Case - "Hold on, Hold on" from the album Fox Confessor Brings the Flood.
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Mastodon: "Blood Mountain"

Released: September 12, 2006

There has been an All-Points-Bulletin out since Mastodon unleashed the beast of an album that is "Blood Mountain." It's not for an escaped prisoner or a sexy Washington intern. Hell, it's not even for a human being. No, this APB was instated for one thing, well, two things. My balls! Yes, it seems as though my balls have been severely rocked off by "Blood Mountain," and I'm surprisingly okay with that. Odd, considering I am in no way a fan of metal. Aside from Dillinger Escape Plan's "Miss Machine," the genre was, to me, a vast wasteland of no-talent ass clowns trying to prove their manhood by playing louder and faster than competing no-talent ass clowns. But Mastodon has a surprising amount of talent, which secures the band a spot at the top of the metal food chain, even if they're towards the bottom of my list. Make no mistake about it, "Blood Mountain" is one of the finest rock albums of the year, and probably one of the most solid metal albums ever! If you're into that genre, you've probably already heard this album. If you're not, first, congratulations! Second, go buy it! You have no excuse not to.

Mastodon makes it all the way to #30 on my top albums of 2006. Hopefully my balls will survive.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #30

The Pipettes - "Pull Shapes" from the album We are the Pipettes.

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Destroyer: "Destroyer's Rubies"
Released: February 21, 2006

"La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la." Thus goes the chorus to my favorite song on Destroyer's 2006 album, "Destroyer's Rubies." Dan Bejar, also of The New Pornographers, really didn't spend a lot of time writing lyrics for the chorus' on a lot of songs on this album, but that's more than okay because when he actually does write lyrics, they come off as genius. "She needs release. She needs to feel at ease with her father, the f***in' manic," still sends chills down my spine when I hear it. Even if Bejar's voice is an acquired taste, which it is, you can't really deny the sheer musicianship that coats every second of this album. Aside from the lyrics, and Bejar's vocal delivery, the guitar on "Destroyer's Rubies" is often breathtaking, most notably on "European Oils." Yeah, it's a really good album. The only problem is its lack of longevity. Aside from a few songs on here, the rest of them got old by August or so. The rest though, well, they're classic.

Dan Bejar makes it into the #29 slot, and he did it by saying "la." Sweet.


Top 31 Songs of 2006: #29
Belle and Sebastian - "White Collar Boy" from the album The Life Pursuit
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Emily Haines: "Knives Don't Have Your Back"
Released: September 19, 2006

I need to fall asleep. It's been hours now, just lying around in bed, waiting for my body to final give in. It's not going to happen. I get up, watch TV. I lock an oscillating fan and stare directly into its breeze in a failed attempt to dry out my eyes and make me sleepy. Nothing is going to work. I will be awake for the rest of my life. I'm going to be like Edward Norton on Fight Club. I glance over my shoulder to make sure I don't have my very own Tyler Durden. I don't. It's infomercial hour. Nothing except Full House on Nick at Nite. I turn off the TV and head over to my CD collection. Nothing looks good. But wait, what's this? It's Emily Haines' debut solo album, "Knives Don't Have Your Back." What the hell, I think. I put it in for a spin and lay back down in bed. Slowly but surely, I am overcome by sleep. Beautiful, peaceful sleep. I meet a beautiful young lady in a coffee shop. I hate coffee. We talk, and laugh and I tell her about my mundane life and my brooding insomnia. She laughs and tells me that her life is not so special either. "I'm going to get some cheesecake," she says, "Do you want any?" I shake my head. I never see her again. I wake up. "I'd rather give the world away then wake up lonely," sings Emily Haines, and I realize that I know exactly what she means.

"Knives..." is an album spiced with beauty and pain, and probably the best lyrical performance of 2006. If you haven't heard this album, you really need to. For being a kindred spirit, Emily Haines is #28.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #28
Incubus - "Dig" from the album Light Grenades.
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The Mars Volta: "Amputechture"
Released: September 12, 2006

2006 was an amazing year. The Democrats won control of congress, the Nintendo released the Wii, "V for Vendetta" was finally released, and The Mars Volta single-handedly changed the spelling of "disappointment" from D-I-S-A-P-P-O-I-N-T-M-E-N-T to the much more fitting A-M-P-U-T-E-C-H-T-U-R-E. The Mars Volta has always challenged conventional thinking through their music and lyrics, but this year they pulled out all the stops and actually redefined a word in the English language. Golf claps all around for this amazing band! Once I tried to make the word Lennon part of the vernacular to be associated with, well, something, but it didn't work. Why? Because I didn't have the passion, drive, and talent that The Mars Volta has. I mean, who else can say that they rock so hard, so often that it becomes boring. Who else could say that they beat the coolest rock music of the last decade to death by shear lack of evolution? No one! The Mars Volta has that title in the bag!

And for that, The Mars Volta lands at #27 on my Top 31 of 2006.


Top 31 Songs of 2006: #27
The Streets - "War of the Sexes" from the album The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living.
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Built to Spill: "You In Reverse"
Released: April 11, 2006

Five years. In the five years that it took Built to Spill to release "You In Reverse," a lot of things happened. The 9/11 attacks, the war in Iraq, the reelection of George W. Bush, the No Child Left Behind Act. Lots and lots of things happened in this country, and Built to Spill chose to write their songs on subjects completely unrelated to the ongoing affairs of the United States. Thank God! It seems like every band in the world has to release at least one song about how they should be President and how gay people should marry, how we should hug Osama Bin Laden, or how they "hope (Bush's) drunken daughters are gay!" (a direct quote from Stars' 2005 album). So on that note, you have to give it up to Built to Spill. Do they care about these subjects? I'm sure they do. But having been around as long as they have, I'm sure they know that the fans don't care about their political opinions, they care about great music. And Built to Spill makes great music. Leave the self-indulgent politicized songs to other ancient, dying rock acts like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Built to Spill is old, but they're mature enough to know that sometimes it needs to just be about the music. While "You In Reverse" might not be their best album, it's good to know that they did what they do best; make great rock music!

For keeping it real, Built to Spill makes it to #26. Here's hoping the next album doesn't take half a decade!

Top 31 Songs of 2006: # 26
Tilly and the Wall - "Bad Education" from the album Bottoms of Barrels
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The Killers: "Sam's Town"
Released: October 3, 2006

I was On Top of the world before my Bones broke. I called up my Uncle Johnny to see if he could offer any sort of remedy. He said, "We'll go to Sam's Town. I know a guy named Andy who's got some good stuff. Don't worry. Everything Will Be Alright." He came over and helped me into the passenger seat of his car. We drove off. For Reasons Unknown, I felt save with Johnny. He was never really high up on My List of of favorite people. But tonight was different. An hour into the trip he began to tell me a story. "When You Were Young," he said, "Somebody Told Me you could Read My Mind. I knew this girl named Jenny, you see? Jenny was a Friend of Mine, and everyday I would count down the time until I got to see her next. Then one day I thought to myself, Why Do I Keep Counting? And you were there, and you answered my question for me. You said, 'Because you're Mr. Brightside!' You were right. Can you still read minds?" I looked at him, perplexed. He started laughing, and I cracked a smile. "C'mon," he said, "Smile like you mean it!" "Let's just get to Sam's Town," I said. "There's a Midnight Show I'm going to see tonight with Natalie." "Are you sure she's gonna be down for going with a cripple like yourself?" he asked. "Believe me, Natalie is better than that," I replied. "She's not after Bling and she's not into my high status because of All These Things That I've Done. She's just cool." He didn't believe me. "Just wait. You'll meet her one day. She'll Change Your Mind." We arrived in Sam's Town a few minutes later and we met up with Andy. He gave me some magical elixir that was supposed to heal my bones. Five minutes passed, and I was shocked to see that everything was back to normal. "Andy, You're a Star!" I exclaimed. And I went on my way...

For embedding catchy songs into my mind and having them weave throughout my every thought, The Killers make it to #25 on my Top 31 Albums of 2006.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #25
Hellogoodbye - "Baby, It's a Fact" from the album Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
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Calexico: "Garden Ruin"
Released: April 11, 2006

It's a shame when something like Calexico sounds fresh. It's not that it isn't, it is, but Calexico is really a perfect example of what music should sound like. You don't always need to be inventive. You don't need to have complex compositions, full backing orchestras, an enigmatic frontman, a hit single. You just need to play your music and enjoy doing it. Judging from their 2006 release, "Garden Ruin," Calexico may very well be the best band around today, and music's last-remaining hope. Why #24 then? Because though Calexico may be amazing and pure, that doesn't mean everything they do is phenominal. "Garden Ruin" is good, no doubt, but there is so much potential in this album that either goes untapped or unnurtured that most of it falls flat. There are brushes with brilliance, like the haunting "Yours and Mine" or the beautiful "Roka." But the latter moments of the album drift off and never really amount to anything. Despite this, however, one thing is for sure. If Calexico isn't one of the greatest American bands around today, then they sure do a good job of pretending to be.

For totally pwning most other bands, Calexico makes it to #24.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #24

Muse - "Supermassive Black Hole" from the album Black Holes and Revelations.
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The Pipettes: "We Are the Pipettes"
Released: July 17, 2006

They sing "We are the Pipettes and we have no regrets. If you haven't noticed yet, we're the prettiest girls you've ever met!" and I think, "Oh yeah, I've noticed." And I've been noticing for some time now. I noticed the first time I read about them in Under the Radar Magazine. I noticed when I first got my hand on their album and fell in love with everything about it. And I noticed when "Dirty Mind" started playing on the #1 show in America, Grey's Anatomy. So again, I must repeat myself. Oh yeah, I've noticed. And if The Pipettes still have any doubt about people noticing them, it should be silenced. People are noticing. And people are liking. They have the same kind of sound that Camera Obscura boasts, only poppier, dirtier, and (admittedly) girlier. But what's not to love about 3 hot British chicks dancing around in matching polka-dot dresses and singing about the joys of one night stands? Honestly, I can't think of a thing. Getting a hold of this one will cost you a nice hunk of change, as it's import only, but honestly, you're dumb not to.

For giving me more pleasure audibly than visually (surprisingly), The Pipettes are #23.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #23
Zero 7- "Futures" from the album The Garden.
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The Divine Comedy: "Victory for the Comic Muse"

Released: June 19, 2006

I had never heard of The Divine Comedy until a few months ago, so I definitely have some catching up to do. It also means that I'm close to two decades behind the rest of the world. My excuse is that I'm American, but I'm not sure if will actually suffice as a legitimate excuse. Regardless, "Victory for the Comic Muse" is brilliant all around. Masterful arrangements, moving lyrics, humor; they're all here. And they are relentless. If "To Die a Virgin" doesn't put a grin on your face, you may be lacking a pulse. If "A Lady of a Certain Age" doesn't make you think, you may be lacking a mind. And if "Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World" doesn't make you "WTF" all over yourself, you're probably a Briton in your 30s. It certainly is a wonderful collection of songs, and a noteworthy one at that. As far as 2006 goes, it is definitely a sleeper hit. So check it out. After all, I said so.

For totally ripping off Electric Light Orchestra and making it sound only moderately homosexual, The Divine Comedy sneaks into the #22 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #22

Destroyer - "European Oils" from the album Destroyer's Rubies.
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The Hidden Cameras: "Awoo"
Released: September 19, 2006

If Kermit the Frog was in his mid-thirties (rather than an ageless muppet) and sang "gay church music," chances are he would sound much like Joel Gibb, the lead singer of The Hidden Cameras. That being said, there's not a whole lot to cry about on "Awoo." It's a largely carefree album done right, which is really difficult to accomplish. I tried it a couple of times as Butt Nugget and the Silent Cane, Mates of State has done it a couple times, and Tilly and the Wall did it once. But other than that, I can't think of anyone to actually pull it off besides these guys. So to say that "Awoo" is fun doesn't really do it justice. There's more to it than that. It's creative, refreshing, beautiful at times ("Fee Fie"), and full of happiness. Add fun into that, and you should be tapping your toes in no time, unless of course you had both your feet chopped off in a tragic accident. Even then though, when life is as bleak and sorrowful as possible, you're still gonna want to tap your stubs on the ground, assuming that they'll reach now. Here's the point: it's a good album; a really, really, good album! And it's fun! There were a lot of good albums released this year, and this is one of the best!

For helping the one footless person who may actually listen to this album enjoy life a little more, The Hidden Cameras make it to #21.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #21
The Killers - "When You Were Young" from the album Sam's Town.
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Belle and Sebastian: "The Life Pursuit"
Released: February 7, 2006

Say what you will about Belle and Sebastian. "They're gay!" "Their music is dumb!" "I'd rather smash my head into a brick wall than listen to Belle and Sebastian!" I don't care about you or what you think! Do you have your own blog that gets at least 3 regular visitors? Hell no! And the reason for that is pretty crystal clear from where I'm sitting. It's because your opinions aren't valid! So shut the hell up! "The Life Pursuit" is the first Belle and Sebastian album I've ever bought and/or listened to in its entirety. And guess what? It's awesome! If cinnamon toast had a distinctive sound, it would sound like Belle and Sebastian. It's all sweet and innocent and you just want to eat it all up! So yeah, their music may be kinda gay and maybe a little dumb, but a song like "White Collar Boy" or "Sukie in the Graveyard" is irresistible. Admit it! You love Belle and Sebastian! You want to receive Belle and Sebastian's seed! It's okay. Everyone else wants to do the same thing, and they won't admit it either. So go ahead and hang out with your loser friends who are "too cool" to admit that they like Belle and Sebastian! If that's your thing, that's your thing. Me? I'm gonna be over here by myself smiling, laughing, dancing, and snapping my effing fingers! And I'm cool with that! Get over yourself! Belle and Sebastian is the balls!

For making me all defensive and undeniably cute at the same time, Belle and Sebastian make it to #20.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #20
I'm From Barcelona - "Treehouse" from the album Let Me Introduce You to My Friends.
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Neko Case: "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
Released: March 7, 2006

Are you listening? Good. Listen, we need to talk. Take off your Rabbit Fur Coat and have a seat. Right over there. OK. Now, I understand what you're going for. Patsy Cline was a cool chick back in her day. I might have even compared the two of you before this year. But things have changed. Don't cry. I'm not attacking you. I'm just saying, you don't have to try to be Patsy Cline. Just be yourself. You were a cool girl before this year, but you blew it. Your lyrics were always cool, and a bit quirky. But when you try to be Patsy Cline, you just come off as a bit retarded. It doesn't work. I was all for listening to your first solo-album, but come on! Who are you trying to fool? Besides, Neko Case's album came out two months after yours and just put you to shame. It's okay to quit now and just go back to what you're used to. None of us will care. We love you. That's why I'm talking to you like this. I just want you to realize that we love you, and we always will as long as you never make another solo-album again. At least not like this one. It's just not worth it. Do you understand, Jenny? Good. Now go out there and show us why we love you!

For making me say, "Jenny who?" Neko Case cracks the Top 20 of 2006.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #19
Cursive - "Into the Fold" from the album Happy Hollow.
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Thom Yorke: "The Eraser"
Released: July 11, 2006

If you still like Radiohead, the consensus seems to be that you'll really like Thom Yorke's first official solo outing. Fair enough. I believe I even stated back in my review in July that this album is good enough to hold me over until Radiohead's next album (which better come out). Has it? Not really. You see, "The Eraser" is a very very cool album. When it was released I praised it's ability to be simplistic and still seem complex. After about a month, though, you realize just how simplistic it is. It's a loop, most often, and Thom Yorke singing. Don't discredit it though. These are pretty cool loops, and Thom is still a pretty talented vocalist. But after you listen to it a dozen times, there's nothing left to experience. You've heard everything. There's nothing new to find. It's like a pop album, but lacking in strong hooks. With the exception of "This is f*cked up, f*cked up. " there's not really a hook that will catch you and keep you listening. As such, I'd like to change my initial rating from a 5 out of 5 Stars to a 7 out of 10 Stars. This is an incredible album, but far from perfect. That being said. Get it. If you don't, you might be an idiot. Just maybe....

For giving me one of the best months ever, Thom Yorke (read Tom York) is presented with this fabulous spot on my list.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #18
Sia - "The Church of What's Happening Now" from the album Colour the Small One.
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Sufjan Stevens: "The Avalanche"

Released: July 11, 2006

How do you follow up one of the best albums of all time? You don't. You milk it for all it's worth. At least that seems to be Sufjan Stevens' plan. "The Avalanche," a collection of outtakes and extras was released this July, a year after his 2005 masterpiece "Illinois" came out. So the big question is, how is it? The answer is a resounding "fantastic!" Ever since Stevens' first foray into making albums about states, he hasn't really disappointed. In many ways, "The Avalanche" is so good that it really shouldn't be considered an outtakes album, but rather a sequel to "Illinois." It has the same spirit, craftmanship, and love as its predecessor, and it's even longer in minutes! So I ask you, everyone, what is not to love about this album? How can you not want to ride the hatch, just to try it out? Also, how can you not have mad respect for Sufjan Stevens? After releasing his album last year, he releases two this year! Over 60 songs in 2006 alone. And they're all pretty awesome. So admit it. You have a giant man crush on Sufjan Stevens. It's okay. I do too. But you already knew that.

For being awesome, Sufjan Stevens makes it to #17 on the list.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #17

Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "Cursed Sleep" from the album The Letting Go.
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Bonnie "Prince" Billy: "The Letting Go"
Released: September 19, 2006

Come one, come all. Who wants to say it first? Josh? Adams? Jeffers? If you guys actually kept up with this blog then you'd probably be commenting the hell out of this post. So let me go ahead and say it. I really like Bonnie "Prince" Billy's latest album. Like, really! So excuse me for maybe hinting that I thought he sucked. Forgive me for whining every time one of you attempted to play it in the car while I was in the passenger seat. But don't forgive me totally just yet. I'm still holding to the fact that every album before "The Letting Go" is utter crap! Terrible, god awful crap! I don't know this for sure, but saying it accomplishes two things. 1.) It lets me maintain some dignity and helps my opinion remain at a superior level, and 2.) it keeps me from having to stop listening to this one. Because let me tell you, all of you, something. "The Letting Go" is a great album. And trust me, it's the only decent Bonnie "Prince" Billy album there is. The rest of them suck taint.

For keeping me humble, Bonnie "Prince" Billy lands at #16.]

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #16
The Hidden Cameras - "Fee Fie" from the album Awoo.
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I"m From Barcelona: "Let Me Introduce My Friends"
Released: June 12, 2006

The Polyphonic Spree sucked! They sucked worse than Mr. Big, and Mr. Big suuuuuuucked. So forgive me for having a little bit of apprehension before listening to I'm From Barcelona. There's over twenty people in this band (I think somewhere around 29 or so) so it's hard to take them seriously when you know that most of them won't do anything besides sing happy songs about Treehouses (which they do). But there's one thing that's absolutely certain about I'm From Barcelona, and that's the fact that they're undeniably irresistible. It's like listening to popcorn pop, then coating all of it in caramel. Let it cool, then eat it. You're eating I'm From Barcelona. How does it taste? Amazing? Yeah, I know. So forget the fact that it's one of those darned import albums. And forget the fact that there's way too many people in this band. If you let those two things hold you back, then you may very well be missing out on one of the coolest albums of the year. At the very least, you'll be missing out on one of the best albums ever made by a band with over twenty people in it. That's a promise. A promise from Cale. The best kind of promise!

For making me smile and want to climb a tree, I'm From Barcelona makes it to #15...that's the top half! Whoo!!!

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #15
The Flaming Lips - "The W.A.N.D." from the album At War with the Mystics.
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Tilly and the Wall: "Bottoms of Barrels"
Released: May 23, 2006

Anyone who's ever been to a high school talent show knows at least one thing for sure. Tap dancing gets old. It gets old really quick. So if Tilly and the Wall was planning on milking the tap-dancing thing for as long as they could, I'm glad someone talked them out of it. Don't misunderstand, the tap-dancing is still there, and still unique. However, whereas their first album seemed to rely too heavily on the gimmicky nature of said tap-dancing, "Bottoms of Barrels" expands the band's unique sound to where the tap-dancing takes a backseat to awesome melodies, great instrumentation, and fun vocal performances. To say Tilly and the Wall is a gimmick might have been a somewhat valid point before 2006, but now you just have to swallow your shame and admit that, yeah, they do kind of have some talent there. I mean, they were on Letterman's show a few months ago, and they did do a pretty jam-up job. So who's gonna say they are a gimmick now? They are legitimate, and "Bottoms of Barrels" is proof of that!

For holding it down, Tilly and the Wall tap dance their way to #14.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #14
Headlights - "Songy Darko" from the album Kill Them With Kindness.
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Muse: "Black Holes and Revelations"
Released: July 11, 2006

The music media is strange. While many of these people have given golf claps to Muse in the past, it wasn't until 2006 that they started dishing out the accolades. Really? I was under the impression that they released "The Origin of Symmetry" and "Absolution." I guess I'm mistaken, because it really couldn't have taken these high and mighty douches this long to finally acknowledge Muse as a really great band. Could it? Who knows? All I know is that, for the most part, "Black Holes and Revelations" is a disappointment. Most of the pure rock energy that fed their previous albums was shelved for a more mainstream sound. That's cool and all, but is it really their best album ever, as many are saying? Nah. It's their third best. So I'll go ahead and say it again, "Black Holes and Revelations" is a disappointment. But when a disappointment sounds this good, you know that you're listening to one of today's most impressive bands, along with one of the only bands remaining that still plays rock music. Say what you want about what they sacrificed on this album, or what it's lacking, but Muse is still doing things their way. This album is really a testament to that. Did I mention that it's freaking awesome?

For making me hate them, then love them, Muse rocks their way to #13.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #13
Sufjan Stevens - "Adlai Stevenson" from the album The Avalanche.
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Joanna Newsom: "Ys"
Released: November 14, 2006

Bring on the hate. I've been expecting it. Ever since I decided to put Joanna Newsom in the #12 spot over a month ago, I've pretty much known that many people would disagree with me. So I'd like to once again point out the superiority of my opinion in all things music. "Ys" is an amazing album. In only five songs, Joanna weaves intricate tales of meteors, or Monkeys and Bears and it all manages to sound cool. Yeah. Who would have thought that a creepy little house-ridden girl who plays the harp would be cool? I sure as hell didn't. So what if Joanna Newsom can't sing an "a" syllable? It's cute when she tries, right? Right! And I know that my initial reaction to her wasn't the most positive reaction possible, but come on! The bottom line is, Joanna Newsom is a fantastic, brilliant artist. Artistry of this caliber has not been seen elsewhere this year. Period! So do yourself a favor and experience "Ys."

For keeping me in awe, Joanna Newsom plucks her way into the #12 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #12
Cursive - "Dorothy at Forty" from the album Happy Hollow.
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Sia: "Colour the Small One"
Released: January 10, 2006

What a year for Sia Furler. Not only did the new Zero 7 come out to much critical acclaim (including a Grammy nomination), but her February 2004 release "Colour the Small One" finally made its way to the United States almost 2 years after its initial release. Some may argue that this really isn't a true 2006 release, but it is for me. And one of the great things about this album is that it has a very timeless sound to it. It's not a 2004-ish pop vocalist album, and nothing about it identifies it as a 2006 release. It's simply a really great album devoid of identifiable music trends. I've been listening to this album since I first got a hold of it around March of this year, and, to be honest, I haven't gotten tired of it yet. It's in my car stereo right now! That says a lot about the album, but it also says a whole lot about the talent of Sia Furler. So if there's one album you need to absolutely hear, it might just be this one. Who cares if it's three years too late? This is an absolutely brilliant album!

For showing her staying power, Sia graces the #11 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #11
The Streets - "Never Went to Church" from the album The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living.
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Mates of State: "Bring It Back"
Released: March 21, 2006

"Bring It Back" was one of the first albums I ever reviewed, way back when Audio Overflow was still Cale is the Balls!!! As fate would have it, both Mates of State and myself remain the balls to this day! Of course, that's no special feat for a guy like me, but for a band that's one heck of an accomplishment! Back when it debuted, I hailed it as the first great album of 2006! As time passed, however, the undeniably catchy pop hooks of this duo began to wear a little thin on me. In fact, the only song from this album that I can still listen on repeat for hours is "Punchlines," a song I didn't even note as a Key Track when I reviewed it. So needless to say, a lot of things have changed since "Bring It Back" came out. But one thing is still certain; this is still a fantastic album. Any Mates of State fan who has yet to check it out isn't really a fan, and anyone else who hasn't heard it probably should be reading Rolling Stone, rather than Audio Overflow. Take my word for it (why wouldn't you?), "Bring It Back" is the most accomplished Mates of State album to date, as well as the most complex. So add it to your collection, or at least download it. Sure, I've moved on to bigger and better things for the most part, but it wasn't easy letting go of this one.

For staying adorable, Mates of State tip-toes their way into the top 10!

Top 31 Songs 2006: #10

The Decemberists - "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)" from the album The Crane Wife.
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Headlights: "Kill Them With Kindness"
Released: August 29, 2006

We're finally into single digits, and I can think of no better way to welcome them in than with one of my absolute favorite albums of the year (after all, it is #9). For over a year now, I've subscribed to Under the Radar Magazine, probably the last remaining music album today (because it's actually just about music). In that period, the magazine has helped me discover plenty of music that I otherwise would have been oblivious to. The Dears, The Divine Comedy, The Hidden Cameras, The Most Serene Republic, Isabelle Campbell, The American Analog Set, Bell Orchestre, and Calexico just to name a few (or a lot, depending on your perspective). This year, I "discovered" Headlights, and I've been in love with this band ever since. Their debut album, "Kill Them With Kindness," is an amalgam of all sorts of different music; be it shoe gazing pop songs, upbeat beach tunes, or synth-heavy 80s throwbacks. The cool thing about it though, is that they do them all so well, that it doesn't even sound like you're listening to a different band on every track. That puts it light years ahead of bands like Fountains of Wayne, who rely solely on the "mix-tape" album for their appeal. No, Headlights is by far one of the best new artists of 2006, and their near-flawless album should not go unnoticed (even though it basically has).

For being the best "renaissance band" around, Headlights makes it to #9.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #9
The Dears - "Bandwagoneers" from the album Gang of Losers.
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The Dears: "Gang of Losers"
Released: October 3, 2006

Back in August, I released a little list that no one besides me read (because it was on this site). It listed my favorite Canadian albums of all time, and a little band called The Dears made it to #2 on that list with "No Cities Left." Then October rolls around and that same band drops "Gang of Losers" which, if it weren't for a couple songs, would undoubtedly be my #1 album of the year! Murray Lightburn just sings his heart out on this album, with such blind passion that it's both beautiful and frightening, often at the same time. When I first listened to it, I was really not all that impressed (I wasn't really listening). But for the sake of reviewing it, and because I'm a huge Dears fan, I kept on listening. My initial reaction was stupid! This album is better than "No Cities Left" in almost every imaginable way. The music is better, Murray's lyrics are better, and the girls are still unimaginably hot. So really, I know I've just been comparing this album to their last the whole time, but that's because The Dears are a band that's so unfathomably different (mostly by being simple, and earnest) from every other band today, that there is no appropriate comparison. Buy this album! Don't listen to 30 second clips on Amazon.com and then buy it. Just buy it. Because, honestly, "Gang of Losers" is an album that everyone can really enjoy, and it's an album that will rock your balls off and then make you cry about it. That's power!

For, well, rocking my balls off and then making me cry about it, I proudly present The Dears with my #8 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #8
My Brightest Diamond - "Something of an End" from the album Bring Me the Workhorse.
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Cursive: "Happy Hollow"
Released: August 22, 2006

Talk about irony. When I finalized my list for the top 31 of 2006, back in late November, I did the math to see which band would be revealed on Christmas Day. Turns out, it's Cursive, the band that single-handedly tore Christianity a new one this year. So maybe that's not your thing. That's cool, it's not really mine either. But come on, to deny the awesomeness of "Happy Hollow" is to deny your carnal desire to rock out! Sure, the lyrical content may not be to your suiting, but who doesn't like a full brass section blaring while some guy is screaming about the big bang theory? Personally, I can't think of a better way to hear about the big bang. "Happy Hollow" is not the happiest album, but it's one of the most forceful albums of the year and surprisingly more vicious than Cursive's previous album "The Ugly Organ." So if you refuse to listen to it simply because of the lyrical content, well, you're really missing out on something special. Heathenistic, for sure. But a special kind of heathenism. That's something to have a "Merry Christmas" about.

For rocking my (and Jesus') balls off, Cursive lands in the #7 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #7

The Divine Comedy - "To Die a Virgin" from the album Victory for the Comic Muse.
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My Brightest Diamond: "Bring Me the Workhorse"

Released: August 22, 2006

What is there to say about Shara Worden and My Brightest Diamond that I haven't already said? Her voice is amazing. Her character is confusing. Her lyrics are somewhat strange, and I love everything about it! My Brightest Diamond is the best album to come from a female solo-artist this year! Bar none! Forget all the hype about K.T. What's-her-name or Corinne Boring Rae, thier popularity and hype is pushed by a few million dollars and major record labels. My Brightest Diamond's hype is centered around her talent and unique style of music. She gets it out there by touring endlessly, and perhaps leeching off of Sufjan Stevens a little too much. But still, this girl amazes me everytime I listen to her album, which is something I can't say about those other two artists. With every listen, everytime you press play, you'll discover something new to love about My Brightest Diamond. You'll have a new favorite song every week! You'll realize things you never realized before (like how an eerie amount of songs is about cute animals dying). And if all that isn't enough, you'll want to see her live (like I did), and it will amaze you to no end (just how does a 5'0" girl sing like an opera fat lady?). Are you getting it? Do you understand? I'm telling to buy "Bring Me the Workhorse" without hesitation. It will change your life!

For making me believe in magic, My Brightest Diamond swoops into the #6 spot!

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #6

Sufjan Stevens - "No Man's Land" from the album The Avalanche.

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The Streets: "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living"
Released: April 25, 2006

It's not too often that I really like a rap album, or like one for more than a month for that matter. They are boring, uninventive, and generally lose all their appeal within a couple of listens. That's why so many rap stars are here today, gone tomorrow. Only the great live on in the hearts and minds of their fans years after they release an album. Go ahead and chalk up The Streets on my list of "Favorite Rappers Ever." This album is not Mike Skinner's first album, it's his third, and like most Americans who heard the first two, I was not pleased. Calling them rap was a disgrace to the rap genre (which itself is a disgrace to music). It was mostly a steady beat, and Mike talking. Yeah, not really my style, even if the lyrical content was through the roof (it was). But when "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living" came out, I was shocked to hear not only one of the catchiest rap albums I've ever heard, but also one of the funniest and the best. The fact that Mike is British should be a huge side note on this one. Sure, it's blatantly obvious that he is, but even if he wasn't, the album would still be awesome. So buy it. Please.

For totally blowing my mind, The Streets make it in the top 5.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #5
Mates of State - "Punchlines" from the album Bring It Back.
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The Decemberists: "The Crane Wife"
Released: October 3, 2006

The Decemberists signed to Capitol Records? Who would've thought? Even more so, who would've guessed that the band whose sound was so anti-mainstream would not only sign with a major record label, but stay true to their sound? I wasn't one of those people. The Decemberists have long had a special place in my heart. They released 3 solid albums in the last couple of years, so I was eagerly anticipating "The Crane Wife." But even all my familiarity with the band couldn't prepare me for the greatness of this album! Find me a bad song on this one. I dare you! Go ahead and try, but you won't be able to find one. There's not even a low point on the album. Straight from the start, the album never lets up. Sure, their appearance on The Colbert Report was extremely underwhelming, but that's to be expected from a Colbert special report. So just forget about that! Forget about what? Exactly! Try buying it. You'll love it!

For being so good that I can't write about how good it is but I struggle and end up just typing a paragraph of nonsense, The Decemberists make it to #4.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #4
The Flaming Lips - "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah Song" from the album At War with the Mystics.
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The Elected: "Sun, Sun, Sun"

Released: January 24, 2006

At the end of 2005, I was pretty clueless as to what great albums would be released this year. One thing I was eagerly anticipating, however, was the date January 24. On that day, the two important halves of Rilo Kiley would each release their own album. Jenny Lewis released "Rabbit Fur Coat" and Blake Sennet's "other band" would release "Sun, Sun, Sun!" Which one was I more eagerly anticipating? Jenny Lewis' album, to be sure. I loved The Elected's first album, but I had yet to hear what a Jenny Lewis solo album would sound like. I was pumped. Then the day finally came and Jenny Lewis did nothing but disappoint with her "I want to be an old-timey country singer" act. It got all the hype, however, while "Sun, Sun, Sun" was quietly swept under the rug of journalistic nonsense. Well, Audio Overflow wasn't around then, but it is now, and I'm here to say that "Sun, Sun, Sun" is not only worlds better than "Rabbit Fur Coat," but it's one of the absolute best albums to come out in 2006! Blake Sennet's songwriting skills have never been better, or more apparent, and the album flows from beginning to end with such whistful grace that it's easy to find yourself lost in it from time to time. It's been nearly a year since this album was released and it's still getting regular plays in my stereo! In a year where I've bought more albums than I did my first 18 years, that's saying a hell of a lot! So really, I know that Jenny Lewis rode the wave of hype this year all the way to Top 10 lists, but who are you going to trust? Trust me! The Elected stole the show on January 24, 2006, and now in December, they continue to pwn the hell out of Jenny Lewis. This is one album that everyone can enjoy!

For totally making me fall out of love with Jenny Lewis, The Elected is voted into the #3 spot.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #3

The Elected - "Fireflies in a Steel Mill" from the album Sun, Sun, Sun.

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Zero 7: "The Garden"

Released: June 6, 2006

Read what I'm about to write. It's important that you do. I absolutely, positively did not like Zero 7's "The Garden" the first time that I listened to it. Not one bit. At that point, my only familiarity with the group was Sia Furler, whose album I had been digging for a few months, and that "In the Waiting Line" song from the Garden State soundtrack. That's it. So I'm not sure what I was expecting, initially, but it must have been much different than what I actually heard. You see, when I first heard the album, I thought "That's nice" and then set it aside. A few weeks later when I had nothing else to listen to, I put it in. Whoah! I was immediately enthralled by the elaborate compositions, Sia's amazing voice, and some great lyrics. Not to mention Jose Gonzalez, who finally gives us a reason to know who he is. Honestly, I have not been able to find an album this year that is as flawless as this one, including my #1. There is simply nothing to hate about "The Garden." Nothing. Perfect music and vocals. Never overboard. Never boring. It is, by far, the one album that everyone, and I mean everyone (my dad likes it), can enjoy from start to finish! If you haven't heard it, I hate you! If you've heard it and you dislike it, give me your name, address, and most convenient time to pay you a visit. And then listen to it again! In my review for "The Garden" I stated, "If you don't like Zero 7, you don't like music!" I'm sticking with that.

For blowing me away...eventually, Zero 7 lands at #2.

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #2

Camera Obscura - "Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken" from the album Let's Get Out of this Country.
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The Flaming Lips: "At War with the Mystics"
Released: April 4, 2006

If you're at all familiar with me or my blog, you already had this one figured out a long time ago. I am absolutely in love with The Flaming Lips. Just when you thought they couldn't top 2001's "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots," they bust out this amazing album and you just can't help but love it. It will make you believe in the power of rock music again. Not just because it rocks your balls clean off (it does), but also because it's socially conscious without being too preachy, funny without being raunchy, and beautiful without being boring. All in all, it's one of the most amazing musical experiences that I've ever had, and one that will undoubtedly stay with me for years and years to come. Of all the albums that came out in 2006, only this one would have received a perfect 10 out of 10 Stars from me. In fact, of all the albums I've ever heard in my life, there's only about 3 or 4 other ones that could receive that honor. The Flaming Lips have blown my mind time after time, and every time I listen to "At War with the Mystics" I find new things to love about it. That's what being a musical genius is all about. Don't get it twisted, The Flaming Lips are the real deal. Even after two decades of being in the public eye, they continue to put out great music.

For that, The Flaming Lips cap off my list of the Top 31 Albums of 2006!

Top 31 Songs of 2006: #1
The Dears - "Ballad of Humankindness" from the album Gang of Losers.