The Decemberists’ original label Kill Rock Stars is putting out a Decemberists live DVD. Kill Rock Stars is also releasing a holiday sampler with the Decemberists doing some covers.

Over at InvisibleLimb they talk about how local label Barsuk’s 2006 went and highlight a upcoming release by Menomena due out January 23. They declare:

As the year draws to a close and preparations begin for next year’s releases, Barsuk have announced the signing of Portland, OR band Menomena and after listening to their up coming label debut, Friend and Foe, there is no doubt in my mind that the band will soon join the ranks of Vanderslice, Nada Surf, Death Cab for Cutie, and Long Winters as one of Barsuk’s cornerstone bands.

While I will reserve judgment until I hear the full album, after listening to the one track presented, I am willing to agree that this band is worth keeping on the radar. The first comparison I came up with was Postal Service. Barsuk also presents a track from Aqueduct’s new album due out February 20.

Megan over at LineOut went to see Juno on Monday for a reunion warm up show and she dubs it “one of the very best things I’ve seen all year. Nay, all decade. Nay, in my entire life.” This bodes well for this weekend’s KEXP Yule Benefit where Juno is headlining both shows.

My boy Alex over at KEXP put his list of the best of 2006 up on the KEXP Blog. I highly respect his taste in music and listened to his college radio show while he was at UW. His list might be one of the most unique lists I have seen yet this year, favoring hip hop and electronic. I will be taking a look at each and every one of the albums he highlighted because he really knows what he is talking about. Maybe not the Justin Timberlake album though. It may be his best work yet but Mr. Sexyback just doesn’t do it for me.

Sound on the Sound’s best of 2006 lists will be posted next week.

- Monday will be Best of the Northwest in 2006.
- Tuesday will be Protest Songs of 2006.
- Wednesday will be Songs of 2006.
- Thursday will be Albums of 2006.
- Friday each of our writers will have our sentimental lists. Favorite Shows, favorite songs, favorite music writers, favorite DJ’s. Some other favorites too.

Other notable lists coming out today:

Amazon’s Best of 2006

NME’s Best of 2006

Local music blogger Kingblind has finally finished his top 20.

NPR: World Cafe’s top 10 albums

NPR: All Songs Considered top 10 albums

Music for Kids Who Can’t Read Good’s Top 30 Songs

Gorilla vs. Bear top songs of 2006

Finally Do Copenhagen has the top 50 video’s of the year (all embedded YouTube)