Sounds Eclectic: Nic Harcourt's Best of 2006

Ever since I was in high school and discovered Rare on Air, Vol. 1, I have been addicted to the very cool, uber-hip, eclectic music selections of KCRW and Nic Harcourt. KCRW is arguably one of the hippest college radio stations in the country, and Nic Harcourt has been called "the country's most important disc jockey" by the New York Times Magazine.

On his shows, Morning Becomes Eclectic and Sounds Eclectic, he interviews and features musicians like Norah Jones, Damien Rice, Pete Yorn, Jem, David Gray, Dido, Sigur Ros, Starsailor and Coldplay (usually well before anyone else has even heard about them). And every year, he puts together a playlist of some of his favorite songs that have been featured on his show. You can listen to his picks for the eclectic indie music of 2006 here. Some of the songs are live, in-studio performances. You might even discover a new band that you love!

Highlights from the KCRW Best of 2006 for me were:

Rodrigo Y Gabriella--Diablo Rojo Very cool instrumental with just drums & guitar that are absolutely infectious. I dare you to sit still & not get swept up by this song. I read on Amazon that it was inspired by a wild rollercoaster called 'Red Devil' at a theme park in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Damien Rice--The Animals Were Gone Damien Rice's voice with strings is just always a satisfying combination...dreamy...

Band of Horses--The Funeral Something about this song has just a twinge of Pink Floyd, and maybe even Jane's Addiction...maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much?

Yusef--Maybe There's a World How can you not get excited about hearing a new song from the former Cat Stevens?!