mxdwn Top 40 Songs 2006: 30-2130.The Subways – Rock & Roll Queen
From Yong For Eternity
British band The Subways owe much of their newfound attention to the too short “”Rock and Roll Queen.”” A rocking metronomic guitar beat and appropriately repetitive lyrics make for a hit both dance and mosh worthy.

– Danielle Reicherter

29.The Format – Dog Problems
From Dog Problems
The Format’s imaginative, poignant “Dog Problems” sparkles. Its an unabashedly cheery tune about heartache. With a whimsical orchestration, it quiets down just long enough for singer Nate Ruess to be sweetly sorrowful.

– Jacquie Frisco

28.Witch – Black Saint
From Witch
Bellowing from the depths of some subterranean cave like an unhinged monster, Witch storms forth on “”Black Saint”” with riff-happy stoner rock fury. The finale in this tune will kick your ass.

– Raymond Flotat

27.The Decemberists – Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)
From The Crane Wife
A tale in two voices of a deceased soldier and his heartbroken love, “”Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)”” finds Laura Veirs duetting with The Decemberists’ Colin Meloy. It’s beautiful and majestic with a profound chorus.

– Raymond Flotat

26.Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow (Hey Oh)
From Stadium Arcadium
In the dreamy, “Snow (Hey Yo),” Red Hot Chili Peppers flex their musical muscles just enough to remind everyone of their importance. They could put many younger rock bands to shame. Mature and vulnerable without being overwrought or heavy-handed it’s reminiscent of their earlier moody “Under the Bridge.”

– Jacquie Frisco

25.Belle & Sebastian – The Blues Are Still Blue
From The Life Pursuit
The ancient song formula that is the Blues can only be made better by such talents as Belle and Sebastian. This song is quite an accomplishment for B&S that shows their maturity in sound, style and taste. Robert Johnson would be proud.

– Brendan Welsh

24.Tom Petty – Square One
From Highway Companion
In a song so beautiful it hurts, Petty uses a simple melody, spare acoustic guitar and evocative lyrics to accentuate the theme of how difficult it is to find one’s way back (to home, to love, etc.).

– Desiree Guzzetta

23.My Chemical Romance – Mama
From The Black Parade
A much overlooked track from My Chemical Romance’s latest album, The Black Parade, “”Mama”” is equal parts metal, Broadway, gypsy, and punk. Throw in Liza Minnelli and the result is one of the year’s most interesting songs.

– Danielle Reicherter

22.Snow Patrol w/Martha Wainwright – Set the Fire to the Third Bar
From Eyes Open
Snow Patrol’s “Set the Fire to the Third Bar” is a disarmingly romantic, intimate duet with Martha Wainwright. Wainwright sounds strikingly similar to Kate Bush, which makes this song all the more sweet and vulnerable. A great love song.

– Jacquie Frisco

21.Psapp – Hi
From The Only Think I Ever Wanted
Grey’s Anatomy fans might recognize Psapp from the show’s soundtrack which features their song, “Cosy in the Rocket.” That song, “Hi” and most of their other experimental electronica made with toy instruments is rightfully catching on for its originality and poppy melodies.

– Brendan Welsh

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