Broken Social Scene: Hail to more Canadians! This Toronto-based super group has been around since '99 and has been getting into my ears for a while now. An experimental but accessible amalgam of seemingly disparate fuzz-melody jams by a rotating cast of indie-royalty (Kevin Drew, Leslie Feist, Amy Millan, Brendan Canning, Jason Collett, Emily Haines, James Shaw, etc.), B.S.S. has blown up over the last couple of years. However, it wasn't until the Half Nelson Soundtrack (a compilation of B.S.S. music from their three albums) that the band truly resonated with me. Pick up a copy of the Half Nelson Soundtrack (incidentally: one of the year's most moving films).

Eagles of Death Metal: What's in a name? No, this LA creation does not actually sing and perform death metal. They're exactly what they say they are though, a mix of the seventies supergroup the Eagles (Hotel California) with a dash of death metal mixed in (Eagles minus the sweetness). The result is trash talking rock beats that are actually a good listen. With their Eagles-minus-the-sweetness sound, E.D.M. put on one of the most entertaining concerts that I went to this year. Download: I Want You so Hard, Shit Goddam

The Dixie Chicks: I know, mainstream; and I was doing so well. But, with many a radio station no longer playing the Chicks (must have been something they said) and with an album that is unquestionably stunning, they deserve a spot on the list. Taking The Long Way, the trio's fourth studio album, makes a very personal political statement, with lyrics that don't shy away from pointing a finger: at President Bush, at their "loyal" country fans who turned their backs on them, and at themselves. The Chicks' album isn't just a defense; devoid of the usual country trappings, it's about standing up and being heard, regardless of potential backlash. Buy the album - really. - B.J.

Also See...
Scott Tavener's Best of Cinema 2006
VS
Bruce James' Best of Movies 2006

Best off-the-beaten-track highlights of 2006

Best of TV 2006