mxdwn Top 40 Songs 2006: 20-1120. Built to Spill – Conventional Wisdom
From You In Reverse
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dani California
From Stadium Arcadium
The Red Hot Chili Peppers strike back with yet another hit involving the fictional bank robbing character “Dani California.” The Chili Peppers funk up their old sound even further with a slap bass line reminiscent of Motown great Larry Graham and spend the last minute on an excellent guitar and drum driven instrumental.

– Danielle Reicherter

18. Sonic Youth – Rats
From Rather Ripped
17. Belle & Sebastian – To Be Myself Completely
From The Life Pursuit
Songs like “To Be Myself Completely” have made Belle and Sebastian into indie rock super stars. Like most of the band’s classic tracks, this song’s pop driven melody never grows old. The piano hook and the vocal line create the song’s atmosphere that the violin and the vocals compliment. It is truly a beautiful work in the ever-growing, increasingly popular Belle and Sebastian repertoire.

– Brendan Welsh

16. Peeping Tom – We’re Not Alone (Remix)
From Peeping Tom
In the most straightforward “rock” offering from Mike Patton since Faith No More’s final album Album of the Year, “We’re Not Alone (Remix)” slithers and slides – then explodes with ascending guitars. Dub Trio lays a meticulous framework while Patton sings “I don’t want to lose ya;” a refrain that seems to imply reward/dedication to his fan base.

– Raymond Flotat

15. Morrissey – You Have Killed Me
From Ringleader of the Tormentors
Upon learning its lyrics, “You Have Killed Me” becomes a song that is impossible to refrain from passionately singing along to. It is the perfect example of Morrissey’s new Smiths-era sound on Ringleader of the Tormentors. In addition to those in his Smiths catalogue, Morrissey seems to have a few anthems on this record for today’s ever present angry teens in need of a messiah.

– Brendan Welsh

14. Sia – Breathe Me
From Colour the Small One
Disarmingly intimate and seductive, Sia’s melancholy “Breathe Me,” unfolds as she dreamily sings with her gentle drawl, “Be my friend/Hold me/wrap me up.” She performs so close to the microphone that she draws you in. With her expressive voice and poignant lyrics, Sia’s moody “Breathe Me” delivers a one two punch emotionally, making it hard to forget.

– Jacquie Frisco

13. Wolfmother – Woman
From Wolfmother
Recently nominated for a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance, “Woman” is a blistering sonic blast of sex, rock, and more rock. The pulsating keyboards and insistent guitar are anchored by a heavy drum beat, while lead singer Andrew Stockdale’s vocals amply convey the besotted lust of the song’s nearly primal lyrics. It’s a classic.

– Desiree Guzzetta

12. Peter, Bjorn and John – Young Folks
From Writer’s Block
Something is definitely afoot when, in one week, some skiffling Swedish guitar pop — complete with corn-fed Andy Griffith whistle and the Concretes’ Victoria Bergsman koo-koo-kachoo’ing — is the best moment in both Grey’s Anatomy and the mix at the monthly scenester club blowout.

– Adam Blyweiss

11. Massive Attack – False Flags
From Collected
Weather Underground still without a proper release date, Massive Attack had a few new tracks this year from their Collected greatest hits album. “False Flags” hints at the gothic soul that 3D has been promising as the song lurches forward with light piano stabs and an imposing baritone vocal delivery. It’s a haunting protest (“modern times come talk me down”) of the world’s current war-filled political climate.

– Raymond Flotat

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