Here's my submission to Information Leafblower's Top 40 Bands In America. Feel free to hate on me for my picks, or just ignore them. Now, back to my Brian Eno collection!

My list:

"Before I list my picks, first let me say that my lack of submissions is not meant to indicate a dislike for American music, circa 2006. Rather, I just haven't been listening to much 'new rock' in general this year. 2006 has been a year for catching up with music I wasn't old enough to hear the first time around. It's also been the year where I've enjoyed more electronic music than usual, and for whatever reason, most of it has come from lands beyond our own. So, I'm not trying to be a hater by not listing any of the obvious bands, I just haven't been listening to them. No offense.

1. Bob Dylan - My favorite American-made music from this year seems to be composed either by old guys (Mr. Dylan) or dead guys (Mr. Cash). Here, the old guy, the bard of Hibbing, still keeps me thinking and listening. Modern Times was an easier music pill to swallow than 'Love and Theft', but it still contained some lovable bitterness and endearing side effects. Namely, obsessive repeat listenings.

2. Johnny Cash - For producing American V

3. Ghostface Killah - For Fishscale

4. LCD Soundsystem: I may take up jogging just to hear 45'33 in its intended context. But "Jams" Murphy's workout tape works just fine as a standing still piece of disco joy. Speaking of pieces, I'm contemplating cutting my favorite section of 45'33, minutes 10:00 - 20:00 into a separate song just so I can enjoy Murphy's clicks and loops over and over and over."

Thanks for asking for my opinion, Kyle!