mxdwn Top 40 Songs 2006: 40-3140.The Strokes – You Only Live Once
From First Impressions of Earth
From the indie rock realm where lightly distorted is all you need, Julian Casablancas and co. sway at half-tempo. A breezy tune perfect for a summer night’s drive.

– Raymond Flotat

39.The Buzzcocks – Wish I Never Loved You
From Flat-Pack Philosophy
In a year when Mission of Burma, Radio Birdman, and New York Dolls all released new albums, Pete Shelley & Co. walk out of the punk throwback mosh pit with their heads held highest.

– Adam Blyweiss

38.The Killers – When You Were Young
From Sam’s Town
The Killers’ confident, audacious tale of longing “”When You Were Young”” is exceptional. Not only does it rock, but the lyrics are inspired, balancing heartache with a rousing melody.

– Jacquie Frisco

37.Sufjan Stevens – The Avalanche
From The Avalanche
Sufjan Stevens is one of the most prolific indie rock artists around today. “”The Avalanche’s”” namesake is a 21 track B-side record from Sufjan’s 2005 release Illinois. The entire record and especially this song are essential pick ups for any Sufjan fan or curious music lover.

– Brendan Welsh

36.Regina Spektor – Samson
From Begin to Hope
Acting as a modern day Delilah, Regina Spektor paints the heartbreaking story of “”Samson”” with a sweetly simple piano and vocal ballad that is pure art.

– Danielle Reicherter

35.Art Brut – Emily Kane
From Bang Bang Rock & Roll
This is his singing voice, and this is his song about a crush without end. It’s the comedic yin to the dramatic yang of the Police’s “”Every Breath You Take.””

– Adam Blyweiss

34.Kinky – Again and So On
From Reina
Kinky’s hybrid electronica/rock/Latin beats get full release on this lean, muscular track. The band’s creativity is unleashed in a song which combines simple-but-thoughtful lyrics and supreme danceability for a high-energy workout. A must for any party!

– Desiree Guzzetta

33.Peeping Tom – Kill the DJ
From Peeping Tom
Massive Attack gives Mike Patton a dub-leaning trip-hop makeover in this half rock/half electro plea for acceptance. Patton endlessly belts the syllables “”play me”” proving better sounds are at hand.

– Raymond Flotat

32.The Roots – Don’t Feel Right
From Game Theory
This is a song that leaves you craving the hook. “”Don’t Feel Right”” eschews club-banging bounce in favor of energetic soul. The Roots deliver determined discontent wrapped in infectious piano stabs.

– Raymond Flotat

31.Regina Spektor – Fidelity
From Begin to Hope
Her voice in a chorus of elongated vowels offset by a plucked string section, Regina Spektor shines in “”Fidelity,”” an upbeat song that can both heal and break your heart.

– Danielle Reicherter

mxdwn.com Song of the Year 2006: 40 – 31
mxdwn.com Song of the Year 2006: 30 – 21
mxdwn.com Song of the Year 2006: 20 – 11
mxdwn.com Song of the Year 2006: 10 – 1