1 - The Lost Cause Desperados, Broken Bottles, Broken Bones, Broken Hearts.

Combining old school punk, new school rock, and a bit of hardcore country, LCD has put out one of the highest paced and alcohol-fueled albums of the year. With anthems such as "Fallen Angels" and "Broken Bottles" and standout tracks like "Florida Or Bust" and "March of The Fire Ants", one listen will surely turn you into a fan.

2 - The Hi-Fivin White Guys, Ate Songs

These days it's hard to maintain a 3-piece band (trust me, I know). And it's even harder when that 3-piece band is a straight up old school punk rock band. But The White Guys do possibly the best job of it out of anyone in the Portland area. The long awaited debut from the long time band features "Emotional Music" which takes some jabs at what punk rock has become. A "Camouflage" which is a direct hit at the ideals and views of the leader of this Nation. Although The White Guys aren't afraid to let their opinions be known, it's always done with a smirk on their faces.

3 - The Leftovers, Party Tonight

2006 finally saw another release from Portland faves, The Leftovers. Another very high energy and easy going band, The Leftovers music is always a recipe for a good time. Addressing such topics as heartbreak ("She Doesn't Love Me Anymore", "I Don't Really Loves You"), having the time of your life ("Life And Death (Of The Party)", "Dance"), and life in general ("Crazy", "Hypnotized") this cd will be in your player non stop the second after purchase.

4 - Pigboat, Nothings Ever Finished

One of the best characteristics to have in music is the indefinable. When you cant quite figure out what genre a band belongs in. I'd stick Pigboat in that category. Are the metal? Perhaps. Punk? Maybe. Experimental? Its possible. Amazing? Yes. 100% yes. Pigboat is that band that when your done watching, or listening, you say to yourself, "man, I don't know what that was, but damnit I enjoyed it!". With the release of their long awaited ep you can now take that feeling with you everywhere you go. "Neckfinger", which was included o a live ep they released a few years ago made the cut. Also included is, what I am calling my favorite local song of 2006, "Johnny Cash Rides His Coal Car Through Purgatory". That song alone is well worth whatever it is you will pay for this disc.

5 - Covered In Bees, Portland Death Punk Vol. 1

In the same vein as Pigboat, Covered In Bees is another band that is hard to define. Although the title of this disc would suggest they are punk, the do lean a lot towards metal. But make no mistake about it...this cd is all good. With a couple of odes to their hometown ("Portland After Midnight", "Portland Is For Lovers") and several tracks devoted to the bizarre and unseal ("Zombies", "Swampman", "Spiderlady", "Skull And Crossroads") this cd will instantly make you a fan of, whatever genre, Covered In Bees considers themselves.

6 - Loverless, Fighter

Another long awaited cd that finally hit the shelves in the '06. Loverless definitely shook up the cash registers at Bullmoose with their release. The title track ("Fighter") is definitely the stand out track of the disc. But it's not alone. There is a bevy of other amazing tracks to back it up ("Out Back By The Railroad Tracks", "Why You Such A Pill", and "How To Undress In Front Of Your Husband"). Also you can catch a track that you might know. Loverless add their own touch on a classic song, the traditional "Motherless Child". I will flat out admit that I wasn't the world's biggest Loverless fan (not because I didn't think they were good, but because I hadn't had a chance to hear them at all). But after listening to this cd, I am 100% hooked on ‘em.

7-Seekonk, Pinkwood

Arguably Seekonk delivered Maine's most critically acclaimed disc of the year. The band's second release off Kimchee Records is nothing short of perfection. Tracks like "Love", "Armstrong" and "Air" will have you laid back, relaxed and smiling all at the same time. However, "The Great Compromise" and "Powerout" will definitely have your full attention. And Seekonk even has some unbelievable guest vocals. On " Take My Wife" you will hear The Portland Intramural Choir on background vocals! No other cd will put your mind at ease and make you really appreciate music like this one.

8 - As Fast As, Open Letter To The Damned

Ok, I know what you're thinking... can this really be considered a new release? Yes, its true, As Fast As released a disc with the same title not too long ago. But after signing to Octane Records, they touched up some tracks, added a couple new ones, and re-released it. And what a re-release it was! No doubt you heard "Florida Sunshine" either on the radio or on the TV, as it was used as the theme music to "CSI:Miami" commercials! Not bad for some dudes from Portland huh? Tracks like "Special" and "This Time" will no doubt be stuck in your head for days after you listen to them. And other ones like "Blame It On The Drugs", "Wasted Youth", and "This Is Real" will truly make you appreciate what Portland and Maine in general has to offer.

9 - The Killing Moon, A Message Through Your Teeth

I know, I know, another "no longer local band" has made my list. But stick around, here's my reasoning:  TKM (formerly known as Animal Suit Driveby) already released this cd! They had released it earlier in the year, and then they got signed to Fearless Records, re-vamped it, and re-released it (sound similar to some one else, huh?). Although I'm sure this cd slipped under a lot of people's radar, it was very big in the "scene" that TKM is in. "Subject A" and "Sugar Pills" will surely make you think twice about any judgment you may have on bands in the genre. And "Postcards From L.A." will confirm what you were thinking while listening to the rest of the cd: yes, you are a fan. "Bottomfeeder" and "A Book of Love Stories" round out this debut cd, which is hopefully the first in a long line of successful releases from these guys.

10 - Lost On Liftoff, Lost On Liftoff

I will round out my list with a band that is sure to be on the lips of people nationwide by the end of this year. Lost On Liftoff released their self-titled ep this year to HUGE success. Fronted by Portland wonder kid Walt Craven (Gouds Thumb, 6Gig), LOL dominated local charts this year. Their single, "40 Miles" was in WCYY's top 5 at 5 for, only God knows how long and even now "Naked And Wasted" is holding strong in there. This cd also dominated the local charts from Bullmoose staying at number one for a good part of the year, and the top ten for even longer. Sure, it's only a 4-song ep (the 2 other tracks are "Goodbye Summertime" and "Black Ties And Limousines") but its 4 tracks of pure rock and roll fun. If you haven't heard this cd yet (which judging by airplay and sales there might be 2 people who haven't) then do yourself a favor and go get it.

So there's my list. I'm sure there will be a lot of people who think I missed something, or who don't like something I put up there. That is cool with me. An open discussion would be awesome. I would love to hear what all of you think was the best Maine had to offer in 2006. Truthfully, I didn't buy everything that was released this year (although I wanted to) so there might have been something I missed. Recommend something to me... please! Stay on the lookout, I am going to start doing some solo reviews, starting with Supersoul Challengers debut within the next few weeks!!