Sometime LVHRD DJ Ari Kushner has compiled his juicy list of favorites tracks for 2006. He's compiled both an upbeat playlist and a more even-handed list of solid indie tracks, all meticulously chosen, and all delicious. You can listen to them at his music blog, Nugroove, or download the longer list when he airs them live on FM WDNA South Florida. Listen to the show on Saturdays at 11pm eastern.

The first mix is a Miami-ish blend of salsa, soul, dance music and funky electro. It's definitely for toe-tapping and will remind you of drinking mojitos outside on a breezy summer day. It makes me long for the summer, and scantily clad club-goers. The second, longer mix is full of fun weirdo indie fare that has been highlighted on several best of lists this year, including TV on the Radio, Spank Rock, Beirut, Quantic and Peaches. Also DJ Ari K selects some great overlooked tracks from the Whitest Boy Alive and a great Nouvelle Vague cover of Echo and the Bunnymen's “Killing Moon.” Great bands covering great songs written by great bands are……uh…..what's the word I'm looking for?

The post at nugroove suggests many ways to download these playlists in their entirety, although it's fun to listen to Ari K's excellent mixes, complete with smooth transitions that make you feel like you're out on the town instead of home on your ipod. Enjoy the end of the year playlists (and the free downloads!) and get ready to start all over again next year.

Links
Post - http://nugroove.blogs.com/nugroove/2006/12/nugroove_best_o.html
Mixes - http://homepage.mac.com/ari.k/FileSharing11.html

Nugroove Radio
Every Saturday 11pm Eastern on 88.9FM (WDNA - South Florida)
Online at Radio Pellenera