Your Favorite Albums Of 2006

[Hoon]

my favorite album of 2006 would be a compilation of gonzostyle karoke creations titled, "gonzo! at the disco"

[GonzoStyle]

I didnt really get many albums this year that I liked but a few were

1. Ludacris - release therapy
2. Justin Timberlake - Future sex
3. Lovage - Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By (thanks maria)
4. T.I. - the King
5. Ghostface Killah - Fishscale

[faceman802]

The last cd I bought was probably American Idiot or or Time Well Wasted by Brad Paisley. I buy so few cds and just download what I want

[drusilla]

I will sign up for their mailing list. I will never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever (this is fun, ever is all on the same hand, can type it fast) ever ever ever ever ever ever ever sign up for myspace.

i would go see them again in a heartbeat. & going with you.... you can't imagine how it increases the excitement.

[Galt]

you and my girlfriend can take turns stroking me in order to keep all the gays away.

[drusilla]

giggity

[drusilla]

from today's ny post:

206 BEST SONGS TO DOWNLOAD FROM 2006

1. "Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above," Cansei de Ser Sexy

"Tired of being sexy" Brazilian-band kid bops into our hearts.

2. "Steady, As She Goes," the Raconteurs

White trades garage blues for this Joe Jackson-inspired treat.

3. "Fidelity," Regina Spektor

For the bopping piano bass-line and stylized black-and-white video alone.

4. "No Tomorrow," Orson

Put this on in your pink bedroom before a big night out.

5. "Planet of the Sun," Negative

Scandinavian Goth-inspired glam-rock for the noughties. Lots of eyeliner.

6. "Map of the Problematique," Muse

iTunes: "U2 meets Depeche Mode shaker." Yes, please.

7. "Jesus, Take the Wheel," Carrie Underwood

We hear he's a leadfoot, but we'll give Carrie a pass.

8. "We Share Our Mothers' Health," the Knife

Understudied for M.I.A. on the electro-jungle pop, and stole the lead role.

9. "Young Folks," Peter Bjorn and John

Carefree check-yes-or-no-if-you-like-me song.

10. "You Know My Name," Chris Cornell

Like the film, a reboot of Bond. Who knew Chris Cornell could do Tom Jones?

11. "Irreplaceable," Beyoncé

About time. Enough "catering 4 U," more "you better treat me right."

12. "So Sick," Ne-Yo

"I ain't got no game," he claims. Sorry, brother, THIS is game.

13. "Me & U," Cassie

Laid-back cool anthem from the next R&B hot girl.

14. "Show Stopper," Danity Kane

Driving a "candy ride" with Louis Vuitton seats. (The transmission is by Tiffany.)

15. "Buttons," Pussycat Dolls

As clear and plastic as stripper heels. So wrong, but so right.

16. "Welcome to the Black Parade," My Chemical Romance

Heir to rock's performance-art crown, from a concept album in black eyeliner.

17. "Love Me or Hate Me," Lady Sovereign

A bundle of chav spunk in a side-ponytail package.

18. "U & Ur Hand," Pink

Sorry we even thought about buying you a drink, Pink. We'll just sit here quietly.

19. "Littlest Things," Lily Allen

She won her ex-boyfriend back with this wistful little song about remembering the good times.

20. "Boys Wanna Be Her," Peaches

Boys and girls want to rock like her, too.

21. "Sail Away," the Rasmus

Lighters in the sky, folks. It's about not looking back and ... sniff, we need a minute.

22. "Tu Amor," RBD

Telenovela pop sung by really good-looking young people. What's not to love?

23. "Gallery," Mario Vasquez

Between him and Jennifer Hudson, it was the year not to have won "Idol."

24. "She Doesn't Live Here Anymore," Jay-Jay Johanson

Perfect for broken hearts wallowing in lonely puddles of self-pity.

25. "Black Sweat," Prince

For a moment there, it was back to the world of little red Corvettes, Apollonia, purple motorcycles and crying doves.

26. "Crosses," Jose Gonzalez

Quite possibly the most beautiful ballad of the year.

27. "Ooh La La," Goldfrapp

Viagra in electronic form; switch her on, turn her up.

28. "Little Glass of Wine," Paul Burch

A little story embedded in a country song done up Louvin Brothers style.

29. "Money Maker," Ludacris

By the numbers, but we'll take that over the best of most others any day.

30. "Bossy," Kelis

What you have to put up with if you want the Milkshake.

31. "Ridin' (Dirty)," Chamillionaire

"Police think they can see me lean/I'm tint so it ain't easy to be seen/When you see me ride by they can see the glean/And my shine on the deck and the TV screen."

32. "White & Nerdy," "Weird" Al Yankovic

"First in my class here at MIT/Got skills, I'm a champion at D&D/MC Escher - that's my favorite MC/Keep your 40, I'll just have an Earl Grey tea."

33. "Ain't No Other Man," Christina Aguilera

Xtina auditions to headline a Vegas casino circa 2025.

34. "Smack That," Akon and Eminem

Joins hip-hop's long, storied hall of honor of songs about the ass.

35. "U and Dat," e-40

The "clean" version of this song is like watching "The Sopranos" on A&E. Don't.

36. "Heaven," John Legend

Soulful. Stirring. Panty-peeling.

37. "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)," Cobra Starship

Can't get this motherf*& ing song out of our motherf&* ing head.

38. "I Need You," Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

Country's cleancut couple goes Cash on our ass. He needs her "like a needle needs a vein."

39. "What's Left of Me," Nick Lachey

Take. That. Jessica.

40. "Stairway to Heaven," Rodrigo y Gabriela

This acoustic flamenco-ish version made it cool to listen to "Stairway" again.

41. "Harrowdown Hill," Thom Yorke

Last 15 seconds gave Radiohead fans a fix until next year.

42. "Lived in Bars," Cat Power

Makes you want to fall off the wagon. Cheers.

43. "Wolf Like Me," TV on the Radio

The best love song about werewolves ever written.

44. "Shortie Like Mine," Bow Wow

Drops the "Lil'," a hot track.

45. "Unfaithful," Rihanna

Just a question, who could the sultry lass have gotten sleazy with ... ?

46. "Suzie," Boy Kill Boy

Take the Cars, replace the engine, refurbish the body, up the octane.

47. "Can I Get Get Get," Junior Senior

Danish duo quirkball follow-up to "D-D-Don't Stop the Beat." There is treatment for stuttering, guys.

48. "Hip Hop Is Dead," Nas

We don't totally disagree.

49. "We Fly High," Jim Jones

So popular, the Giants celebrated the chorus "We Ballin'" during games.

50. "Maneater," Nelly Furtado

While "Promiscious" was hot, we were quietly jamming to this, the real hit on her album.

51. "Love Like Winter," AFI

With imagery as cold as its title, it's also got a singalong chorus and an electronic beat that'll warm any heart.

52. "Victim," Eighteen Visions

They may have sold their metalcore souls to go commercial, but this song proves that they haven't gone soft.

53. "Inaction," We Are Scientists

Standout from catchy alt album; "if everybody knows how it's gonna end/why doesn't someone stop me?"

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

If you couldn't stand the state of popular music today, these veterans proved they could still bring it with new singles this year.

54. "World Wide Suicide," Pearl Jam

Powerful jangly grunge about the end of the world as we know it, and Pearl Jam sounds fine.

55. "The River In Reverse," Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint

This emotion-filled horns- and piano-accented collaboration was recorded in New Orleans.

56. "We Got A Hit," The Who

Old-fashioned rock from a band dodging the question mark after its name.

57. "Jesus Is Just Alright," Robert Randolph & The Family Band Featuring Eric Clapton

The reason to munch the mushrooms you've been saving in the freezer.

58. "Spirit on the Water," Bob Dylan

At 65, Bobby Z. is ready to rumble with anybody who says he's "over the hill" for this jazzy swing.

59. "Anyway the Wind Blows," Eric Clapton and J.J. Cale

For those who dig "Cocaine"/"After Midnight" guitar struts.

60. "I Saw Her Standing There," Jerry Lee Lewis with Little Richard

Little Richard proves he really did teach Paul McCartney how to hit the high notes.

61. "Sing, You Sinners," Tony Bennett with John Legend

R&B newcomer shows he can swing 'n' scat with the master.

62. "Old Dan Tucker," Bruce Springsteen

Jersey's homeboy was born to strum on this acoustic arrangement of the traditional American tune.

63. "Dr. Abernathy," Scritti Politti

Dynamic guitar-pop bliss from the Welsh singer's comeback album.

64. "Black Cadillac," Rosanne Cash

The mariachi brass "Ring of Fire" sample near the end is a treasure.

65. "Saving Grace" Tom Petty

Even without the Heartbreakers, Petty is still able to get a Full Moon Fever boogie going.

66. "Incinerate," Sonic Youth

The 25-year-old band reflects on its "Evol" youth by adding pop to its signature punk textures.

*****

67. "Broken Promised Land," Private Line

Helsinki pirates blend pomposity of Meat Loaf with the grit of Guns N' Roses. Seriously.

68. "Discotech," Young Love

Debut album isn't out 'til next month, but sure to be a hit.

69. "When You Wasn't Famous," The Streets

Best opening line of the year. "See, the thing that's got it all f---ed up now is cameraphones."

70. "Ceased Emotions," Vains of Jenna

These young Swedes channel all that was cheesy and great about '80s L.A. hair-metal bands.

71. "I Don't Feel Like Dancing," Scissor Sisters

Irony: A great dance song about not wanting to dance.

72. "Pain," Three Days Grace

Love song or testament to S&M? You really can have it all.

73. "Rise Up With Fists!!," Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins

"And what's that on your ankle?/You say they're not coming for you/But house arrest is really just the same."

74. "Bling (Confessions of a King)," the Killers

Polarizing album, but hard to resist the hooks on this expansive anthem.

75. "SexyBack," Justin Timberlake

Throw off your burkas, people. He brought it back.

76. "How to Save a Life," the Fray

Even the strongest romance can't survive the bitterness called reality.

77. "Dead Meat," Sean Lennon

Sweet melody hides tale of bitterness. Perfect for a kiss-off.

78. "Mas Que Nada," Sergio Mendes wih the Black Eyed Peas

Brazilian pop star remixes explosive hit.

79. "Is It Any Wonder?" Keane

Fun, catchy - but so like "Zooropa," U2 may have a copyright case.

80. "Phenomena," Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Karen O's precise vocals backed by a changing flow of hard art-rock will joyfully jerk your body.

81. "Destroy Everything You Touch," Ladytron

Bride of Kraftwerk scolds an a--hole, but can't resist him.

82. "Chasing Cars," Snow Patrol

This song will get you laid. Promise.

83. "Arbuckle's Swan Song," Ambulance Ltd.

The New York band fully immerses in blue-eyed '70s soft soul, including organ accents.

84. "Lips of an Angel," Hinder

This simple guitar-driven melody successfully excuses infidelity. No, really.

85. "What's Going On," the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, featuring Chuck D

The New Orleans group deconstructs and then reconstructs Marvin Gaye's classic with a fabulous and funky furiousness that declares their hometown must not be forgotten.

86. "What You Know," T.I.

King of the South? Maybe not - but this song shows he knows how to hold court.

87. "NYC (No Need to Stop!)," the Charlatans UK

The Brit band dances back to its Madchester-happy roots with this musical equivalent of E.

88. "97 Lies," Clear Static

Indulge your Duran Duran love with this '80 flashback track from some Hollywood kids.

89. "Neon," Clearlake

Brit indie pop's slamming harmonica track. Yes, those words go together.

90. "In Your Dreams," Outkast

Well-blended hip-hop swing; if only the movie was watchable.

91. "1000 BPM," Beck

No, your iPod isn't broken, it's Beck stuttering through his brand of hip-hop ashcan funk.

92. "Trains to Brazil," Guillemots

Memories of young love to a jangly piano and horns.

93. "Stuntman," Kasabian

Sounds like driving down a road at night in Bulgaria.

94. "Lights," Editors

Ode to the shy. "If fortune favors the brave/I am as poor as they come."

95. "Hideaway," Rock Kills Kid

Soaring chorus of the kind when '80s Australian bands mattered.

96. "Mama's Room," Under the Influence of Giants

They should go on tour with Scissor Sisters as the "Bastard Children of Elton John" tour.

97. "Cash Machine," Hard-Fi

Cheeky Brit rock about being slaves to ATMs.

98. "Wound Up," Office

An offer you can't refuse: "Let's go to the beach tonight/with a bottle of wine/baby it's a lot harder to stay in/when you're wound up so tight."

99. "Lightning Blue Eyes," Secret Machines

Modern prog-rockers build and build and build into an orgasmic guitar frenzy.

100. "Hush Boy," Basement Jaxx

Electronica after seven cups of coffee and a really bad date.

101. "Who's Gonna Sing?" Prototypes

French-English hybrid with singalong chorus used effectively to peddle iPod minis.

102. "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," Jet

Crossed-leg falsetto - did they get the title backwards?

103. "Classico," Tenacious D

The D's movie wasn't so hot, but this track from "The Pick of Destiny" was hilarious.

104. "Stalk U," Los Abandoned

A tongue-in-cheek, indie-rock, art-school version of "Every Breath You Take."

105. "Suddenly I See," KT Tunstall

The perfect theme song for everyone's inner "Ugly Betty."

106. "Kiss Me," Robbie Williams

The lovable cheeky monster breaks it down retro style. Kiss him with your mouth because "your love is better than wine."

107. "I Wish I Were," Twilight Singers

The horn-accented intimate opening slowly builds into a full-blown dark rock drama, chills out and explodes again, perfect to accompany a TV drama.

108. "Frankie and Johnny," Lindsay Lohan

She can't carry a tune too far, but this track shows a charming side of the party girl.

109. "Rainbows in the Dark," Tilly and the Wall

Even if one can't "hold back the river," the Omaha group's harmonies and tap-dance percussion are exuberant.

110. "Oh Shoplifter," the Stills

A cowbell-filled, bittersweet handclapper about a guy whose girl is stolen.

111. "Don't Take My Sunshine Away," Sparklehorse

Glimmering "Dear Prudence"-ish rock blends strings, whirls and disintegration.

112. "Vans," the Pack

Best shoe commercial masquerading as rap since "My Adidas."

113. "Baby Makin' Hips," Fantasia

Finally a baby-got-back tune that doesn't objectify the ladies.

114. "I'd Rather be Blind, Crippled & Crazy," the Derek Trucks Band

A funky syncopated testimonial that lists the better alternatives to getting your heart broken.

115. "High School Never Ends," Bowling For Soup

Bouncy frat-pop song discovers cool kids are still cool years after graduation.

116. "Valerie," the Zutons

Because everybody should have a great namesake song.

117. "Margarita," Sleepy Brown ft. Big Boi and Pharrell

Sexy voice coupled with a melodic, happy-hour beat was a summer sensation.

118. "Lighters Up," Lil' Kim

While the Queen Bee was behind bars, her homage to Brooklyn was keeping her relevant.

119. "Let's Ride," the Game

With a hypnotic Dr. Dre beat, L.A.'s finest was back with a roar.

120. "Kilo," Ghostface Killah ft. Raekwon

Wu-Tang members unite for the latest - and most compelling - tale about the Peruvian White.

121. "Make It Rain," Fat Joe ft. Lil' Wayne

Joey Crack's latest anthem poured down all over the radio and club scene.

122. "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," Jennifer Hudson

In which "Idol" reject gets her revenge - and upstages Beyoncé.

123. "Bowie 4," Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground

Irony: Doesn't sound like Bowie. But is well-choreographed, Beatles-esque pop.

124. "Treat Me Right," Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

When Grace soulfully sings "treat me right," you want to.

125. "Watch & Chain," James Hunter

Accompanied by wailing sax and staccato guitar strums, this pasty white Brit channels his inner Sam Cooke.

126. "Living Like a Refugee," Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars

These actual refugees tell their sad tale with triumphant, infectious reggae-like music.

REGGAETON 2.0

Reggaetón continues to defy skeptics who swore that the Puerto Rico-born genre was a passing fancy. And 2006 saw the popular mix of reggae and Afro-Caribbean beats evolve melodically and lyrically.

127. "Hips Don't Lie," Shakira

You couldn't escape this blazin' single with Wyclef Jean, which had even those who shouldn't shakin' their hips.

128. "Atrévete-te," Calle 13

Quirky brothers deliver a hilarious ode to girl covered in layers of makeup.

129. "Pon la Cara," Tego Calderón

"Make a face like you're feeling it," and it'll have you dancing and making happy or naughty faces all night long.

130. "Llamé Pa' Verte," Wisin y Yandel

Pure dembo (backbeat) for head bobbing and butt shaking all night long.

131. "Cuéntale," Don Omar

(Machete) Don Omar's latest boasts, "tell her I'm a better lover."

132. "Julito Maraña," Voltio

Tale of a classic round-the-way guy from the Tupac of reggaetón.

133. "Rompe," Daddy Yankee

He teams up with Queens rapper Lloyd Banks for a remix that was sweaty, sexy and oh so better than the original.

*****

134. "The Borderline," the Sadies

Pure Spaghetti Western guitar twang packed into 45 seconds.

135. "Lou Reed (Cow Tipping)," the Little Willies

The name says it all in this hilarious track from Norah Jones' country act.

136. "Just," Mark Ronson

We need to lie down on the sidewalk.

137. "Roscoe," Midlake

"I wondered what if my name had changed/into something more productive/like Roscoe."

138. "In the Morning," Junior Boys

"I'll do ya ... in the morning." OK, but I need to brush my teeth first.

139. "Put Your Records On," Corinne Bailey Rae

This year's keeping up with the Norah Joneses.

140. "If Looks Could Kill," Camera Obscura

All the sudden, we're back at a beach-blanket bingo party.

141. "Starlight," Muse

Eight chord changes, "black holes and revelations" lyrical bridge - yep, prime geek rock.

142. "Promiscuous," Nelly Furtado

Turning "slut" into a term of empowerment.

143. "Set the Fire to the Third Bar," Snow Patrol ft. Martha Wainwright

Sweet duet; praying "something picks me up/and sets me down/in your warm heart."

144. "Citizens of Tomorrow," Tokyo Police Club

Laments "boys and girls who are slaves building spaceships." So, of course, a dance hit.

145. "Anti-Anti," Snowden

Another spawn of Joy Division, but nothing wrong with that.

146. "Dirty Laundry," Bitter: Sweet

Naughty girls everywhere, get on the floor. This is your song.

147. "D% * in a Box," Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake

The funniest thing on "SNL" since "Lazy Sunday" gives us the perfect holiday gift. One, cut a hole in a box ...

148. "5-22-02," Golden Smog

Ambiguous whether that was good day or a bad day.

149. "Margaret Vs. Pauline," Neko Case

Neko's voice is a godsend.

150. "You Are Free," Joseph Arthur

A gorgeous acoustic guitar- and harmonica-filled breakup song.

151. "Crowded Avenue," Honeycut

Smooth vocals, vintage keyboards, old-school funky soul.

152. "God, Make Up Your Mind," Cold War Kids

Multi-tempo cabaret/punk/rock showcases enchanting indie band.

153. "If Your Eyes Were Not the Color of the Moon," Lorraine Hunt Lieberson

Mezzo-soprano's love song to her husband before her death, based on a poem by Pablo Neruda.

154. "When You Were Young," the Killers

Not sure what whole Springsteen worship talk was about, but this song at least rocks.

155. "The Crane Wife 1&2," the Decemberist

Eleven-minute (!) epic with swirls of organs.

156. "Bang Bang You're Dead," Dirty Pretty Things

Ex-Libertines Carl Barat proved he can stand on his own.

157. "Juicebox," the Strokes

"Peter Gunn"-inspired bass fun.

158. "Louisiana," the Walkmen

Dylan-esque intonations and mariachi horns.

159. "Miss Murder," AFI

Reaper is grim, but she wears a minidress. Released on the devil's day - 6/6/06 - scary.

160. "Kingdom Come," Jay-Z

Bulletproof man of street tires of piddling boasts by lesser MCs.

161. "Black Snake Blues," C.J. Chenier

Zydeco strut that wails it's way from the bayou.

162. "Where Are You," Our Lady Peace

Guitars rattle and hum as if Edge were on loan.

163. "Yummy" Gwen Stefani

Craigslist personal ad indicates sex and sugar are her favorites.

164. "The Gates of Istanbul" Lorenna McKenna

Ireland's other new age singer gets all Celtic at the musical crossroads of the East and West.

165. "Come On In My Kitchen," Shaken by

a Low Sound

Sexy blues classic that showcases bluegrass honey Aoife O'Donovan's croon.

166. "Back in The Day" Erykah Badu

Sultry bedroom vocals give Dave Chappelle's Block Party CD its swing.

167. "The Runaround," Taylor Hicks

This year's "Idol" finds his power with bold horns and Hall & Oates blue-eye soul.

168. "Where Do I Go From Here," Allen Jackson

Don't get fooled by Jackson's smooth "Oh Susanna" introduction, this is an 18-wheel trucker's tune.

169. "Three Bricks" Ghostface Killah with Notorious B.I.G.

When are they gonna run out of B.I.G. vocals?

170. "One," Mary J. Blige ft. U2

U2 classic updated by the Queen of hip-hop soul. Live version of this showstopper at Grammys.

171. "Sonny, Please," Sonny Rollins

Please and thank you to the tenor sax giant with Caribbean-influenced percusion.

172. "All Dressed Up," Citizen Cope

Terrific white-soul/funk that demands you move your body.

173. "The Heart of the Life," John Mayer

A folk melody that shows off Mayer's deft guitar work and emotive singing.

174. "Vicarious," Tool

Singer Maynard Keenan's operatic style takes aim at reality television.

175. "Summertime," Josh Rouse

Bossa novish take on the hottest months just could be the feel-good song of the year.

176. "On the Radio," the Concretes

Sunny pop tune filled with memories of when a song on the radio could remind you of love.

177. "Dutty Wine," Tony Matterhorn

Makes us want to hit the dancehall circuit in Negrille, Jamaica. Don't ask us what he's saying, however.

178. "The Wait," Built to Spill

Both electronically ethereal and grounded in a wash of electric guitars.

179. "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," George Jones and Merle Haggard

Priceless banter on this duet from two kings of country.

180. "Heartland Truckstop," Beth Orton

British songstress sheds some of the electronic enhancements to let her voice glide over guitars and piano.

181. "For the Price of a Cup of Tea," Belle and Sebastian

Glasgow's ur-tweesters wake up and add dance beats to their folk-pop.

182. "Arizona," Alejandro Escovedo

Poignant track paints a desert with strings.

183. "Trans," Violins

Sing along, hate the world, sing along, love the world again.

184. "Carrie's Freckles," Matt Curreri and the Exfriends

The perfect song for imitating Jonathan Richman in the bathroom mirror.

185. "Movies of Antarctica," Stars of Track and Field

A little bit poppy, a little bit electronic, a little bit dreamy. Altogether amazing.

186. "Auto Rock," Mogwai

Masters of atmospheric instrumentals start with piano then slap on more layers than a Hungry Jack biscuit.

187. "One Big Holiday," My Morning Jacket

This scorching live version from the concert album "Okonokos" will burn you like Kentucky moonshine.

188. "All the Roadrunning," Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris

A pretty, old-fashioned country waltz from two unique voices.

SONG OF THE YEAR

189. "Crazy," Gnarls Barkley

Do you remember when you lost your mind over this irresistible song? One couldn't help but do a little hip shake when hearing Cee-Lo's and Danger Mouse's 2006' ubiquitous hit - even in Duane Reade. The '70s-soul pop track inspired artists from all genres to cover the monster smash live, including Billy Idol, Shawn Colvin, Cat Power, Charlotte Church and even Kidz Bop. Download the original, then these knockoffs:

190. "Crazy," the Raconteurs

This mad garage-rock / blues version doesn't lose the dance beat (see the Lollapalooza video on YouTube).

191. "Crazy," Nelly Furtado

The Canadian singer offers a stripped, slowed-down acoustic version as well as a YouTube'd duet with a duet with Charlotte Church.

192. "Crazy," Gnarls Barkley vs. Derk Von Uberstall

The dance-floor mix ups the club ante.

193. "Crazy," Ray LaMontagne

The folk singer's emotional one-guitar version

194. "Crazy," the Kooks

Indie rockers add acoustic guitars and British accents.

*****

195. "You Don't Know Me," Willie Nelson

A piano-based treat from the country star's tribute to songwriter Cindy Walker.

196. "Upgrade U," Beyonce featuring Jay-Z

Best line: "My bezel courtesy of Audemars. I'll order yours tomorrow." Uh, thanks, we think.

197. "Hard Rock Hallelujah," Lordi

Monster-rock band shocked Europe by winning Eurovision '06, now they're getting ready to invade America. Get on the bandwagon early. Or be lame.

198. "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," KT Tunstall

So good that Katherine McPhee rode it straight to the finals of "Idol."

199. "Cheated Hearts," Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Even better for its wonderful DIY video from the fans.

200. "My Love," Justin Timberlake

It took a while, but Justin's skip-beat stylings and guest spot from T.I. won us over.

201. "Shut the F*&ó Up," Barbara Streisand remixed

Putting Babs' admonishment to a heckler to a beat. Why the Internet was invented.

202. "Mr. Ambulance Driver," The Flaming Lips

Scarred kid in the video made us cry and cry and cry.

203. "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor," Arctic Monkeys

Packaged punk exuberance from blazing Brit band of the year.

204. "Let's Turn This Thing Around," Peter Case

Old-school political protest for the jagged modern age, with an insistent tribal-folk groove.

205. "Candlelighted," Serena Maneesh

Psychedelic guitars, military beats and electronic chaos add to the shoegazing.

206. "Bang, Bang, Rock 'n' Roll," Art Brut

Lyrical social commentary and guitars straight from the '70s Leeds, Eng., school of punk.

Compiled by the Pulse staff; edited by Mary Huhn (<!-- e --><a href="mailto:[email protected]">mailto:[email protected]</a><!-- e -->). Songs listed in no particular order.

[GonzoStyle]

I've heard like 10 of those songs, I need to get to downloadin!

[GonzoStyle]

Just heard the new Nas album, add that shit to the list. Once again, Nas tops Jay-Z.

Nas - Hip Hop Is Dead

[The Prodigal Son]

The Black Parade-My Chemical Romance