Only a few weeks into 2007, an ambitious new CD from Spanish-Danish vocalist Christina Rosenvinge is an early pick for one of the most seductive albums of the year. A simply shimmering collection of 10 sparse songs that transcend her past pop success as half of the Latin hit-makers Alex y Christine, Continental 62 is mature, caressing, dangerous, and hypnotic, casting angels and demons in both English and Spanish with a vocal range slowly swirling in the smoke of Nico, Marlene Dietrich, Diamanda Galas, Nick Cave, and Francoise Hardy. Recorded in Madrid and polished in New York City with Tim Foljahn of Two Dollar Guitar and Lee Ronaldo and Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, the new CD is her third release on Shelley's own Smells Like Records imprint. Rosenvinge's soft wail cascades over Spanish guitar and her frail piano work, inviting the listener into her private, redemptive waltz. Highly recommended.

When you open your copy of the River Cities' Reader to see what's being offered in the way of live entertainment, you might come to the conclusion the Quad Cities has little to provide in the way of indie rock.

But a spate of nationally recognized acts that came through the Quad Cities last year prove the vitality of the local alternative-rock scene. Wilderness, Two Gallants, Hockey Night, and The M's played here, for example, and it's hard to imagine that promoters would have booked these groups if it weren't for the local bands that built a loyal fan base for this type of music.

Year-end lists of the best albums of the past 12 months are cruel, because either you'll go bankrupt buying all these fantastic records or you'll resent how much great music you're missing because you can't afford to buy them.

I'm not typically a nice person, but these are the holidays, so my year-end list is something that most anybody can afford. I've selected and sequenced 15 favorite songs (by 15 lesser-known artists) from 2006 and - in 11 cases - provided Web addresses where you can download or at least listen to the song for free. The remainder can be purchased from iTunes (and, most likely, other download sites). And it'll all fit on a single CD (if you're still into that sort of thing).

If you're looking to "take a cup of kindness" this December 31, the following local venues will - to borrow some phrasing from "Auld Lang Syne" poet Robert Burns - be more than happy to fill your pint-stowp with a right gude-willie-waught. But they'll also be showcasing some of the area's most popular bands, so take a look at who's playing where, and when, and what sorts of New Year's Eve treats you can expect if you attend.

And if you decide to trek to a local eatery or watering hole on Sunday night, remember to do two things: (1) Be careful during your travels, and (2) tip your wait staff. I don't know about auld acquaintances, but those who work past midnight on New Year's Eve definitely should not be forgot.

Happy New Year from the entire Reader staff. We'll see you in '07!