A Case of the Fridays

And now, my Top 10 Singles of 2006, in no particular order…

1. Hot Girls in Good Moods – Butch Walker
Now I must admit, I was a bit disappointed with Butch Walker’s newest album, but the opening track is one kick-ass piece of revved-up glam rock. I love the fuzzed guitar riffs synched-up with the handclaps, and I gotta give some props for that fine outro.

2. Snakes on a Plane (Bring It) – Cobra Starship
Yeah, the hype for Snakes on a Plane packed more venom than the actual movie. But the movie theme song by members of various bands actually brought home the bacon. It’s irresistibly catchy rock with a beat, and you just can’t escape the bite of that chorus!

3. Brighten Up - No Second Troy
I was pretty damn impressed with this track off of DC-based No Second Troy’s upcoming album. It’s slick-sounding modern rock with great production work and urgent vocals - perfect for radio play. And I mean that in a good way.

4. Paper Candy – Mike Dunn & The Kings of New England
This retro-rocker, with its chiming electric guitars and disaffected raspy vocals, channels the classic rock sound. And the song builds to Heartbreaker-era Tom Petty eruptions of backing vocals over the choruses, which I’m a sucker for. It’s excellent.

5. Girl In The War – Josh Ritter
Yes, everyone else has talked about Josh Ritter, but this is a delicate gem of a song that deserves to be heard. He weaves lyrics of the tragic effects of war over top of beautiful melodies and intricate folk-tinged arrangements. Wonderful.

6. I Am A Leaver - The Damnwells
This song had me hooked from the get-go, with its opening drums and electric guitar lines, and then Alex Dezen’s impassioned vocals finished me off. This triumphant rocker is great for blasting on your car stereo.

7. So Sick – Ne-Yo
Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” is one smooth slice of R&B, with some tight beats, silky vocals and a sneaky hook you just can’t escape.

8. World At Your Feet (Oakenfold Mix) – Embrace
I believe this track got a bunch of play during this year’s World Cup. It’s got a club beat pounding underneath some extremely triumphant melodies and instrumentation that makes it sound like the whole world is singing together in unison.

9. Who Knew – Pink
We know Pink’s got plenty of attitude, but she flexes her considerable vocal muscle in “Who Knew,” tearing into the poignant lyrics (and large hooks) of “Who Knew,” with great results.

10. Anyway – Eliot Morris
It’s an especially well-done catchy little piece of lively, acoustic guitar-driven pop. And the warm tones of Eliot Morris’ vocals fit the song perfectly, nailing down the hooks with well-placed backing vocals.