This is prefaced by the usual: These selections are only from the albums that I purchased or borrowed from friends
(to either return or purchase myself). Only eligible are releases from Jan 1 to Dec 24, 2005.
If you disagree, or if you think I should have put Bright Eyes on this list, let me know. Last year, I was introduced
to Jamie Cullum by a reader's comment.
Albums
- Sufjan Stevens "Come on Feel the Illinoise!" (aka "Illinois")
With a year of a lot of good music, Illinois rose to the top in my mind purely because of its uniqueness.
It is clearly the best work of Stevens: a full progression of the sound he has used in albums prior.
While "Michigan" can begin to drag on near the end, "Illinois" kept my interest.
Sufjan's lyrics are a head above any other album on this list. Poignant tales, gospel messages,
and history lessons are all large components of his songs, which are sung clearly and distinctly.
Introducing his music to others has been a little tough;
I will admit that "Illinois" takes a few listens to fall in love with.
start with The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!, They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From The Dead!! Ahhhh! - Death Cab for Cutie "Plans"
You might say they've sold out. I ask you to listen to "Something About Airplanes" and tell me it's better than this. As an album, it doesn't match Transatlanticism. As for individual songwriting, however, it surpasses it.
I Will Follow You Into the Dark, Crooked Teeth - Coldplay "X&Y"
So who doesn't like this album? Yes, it's major-label, but I'm still allowed to like it. Their finest effort to date.
Fix You, Talk - Ben Lee "Awake is the New Sleep"
Recorded after a spiritual awakening to zen buddhism, his songs are strangely happy even when sad. I'd take it pretty hard, too, if I was dumped by Claire Danes.
Apple Candy, Close I've Come - Jack's Mannequin "Everything In Transit"
I met Andy McMahon in April '04. John Hoey, who was with me, asked him when he was going to record a solo album. At the time, he laughed, but a year later, he did it. Adding to the story is his bout with leukemia, and it makes for a great overtone to the album.
It's not a heavy disc by any means, though; it's "California in the summer".
I'm Ready, Holiday from Real - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals "Cold Roses"
Of Ryan Adams' 3 releases in 2005, this is the only one I've heard; I'm assured by others that this is the best. Jacksonville City Nights and Twenty-Nine are the others.
It's a beautiful mix of folk rock with exposed country roots. I should mention that it's a two-disc album, as if releasing three albums in a year didn't point out Adams' prolific nature enough.
When Will You Come Back Home, Let It Ride - Hot Hot Heat "Elevator"
Undoubtedly from somewhat cookie-cutter mold of post-punk alterna-pop-rock, Hot Hot Heat does it as well as anybody else could.
A summer album that's enjoyable in any season.
You Owe Me an IOU, Middle of Nowhere - Imogen Heap "Speak For Yourself"
Now well-known (as half of the electronica duo "Frou Frou") thanks to the ubiquitous Garden State soundtrack of 2004, her solo release is delightful.
Recommended for late-night driving.
The Walk, Hide and Seek - The White Stripes "Get Behind Me Satan"
Rolling Stone said it best: "If you happen to be a rock band, and you don't happen to be either of the White Stripes, it so sucks to be you right now."
My Doorbell, Ugly As I Seem - The New Pornographers "Twin Cinema"
Because old pornography isn't tasteful.
The Bleeding Heart Show, These Are The Fables - Spoon "Gimme Fiction"
It's been a few years since their last release, "Kill The Moonlight". "Fiction" is a darker album than its predecessors, but the more mature songwriting shines.
The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine, I Summon You - Dave Matthews Band "Stand Up"
I am biased towards the band, but once accounted for, I'll admit they have not put out a great studio album since "Crash". "Stand Up" isn't "Crash", and it's not even "Before These Crowded Streets".
But it still is a monument in DMB discography: it's their best work in 6 years.
Louisiana Bayou, Dreamgirl - Jars of Clay "Redemption Songs"
O Come and Mourn With Me A While, On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand - Oasis "Don't Believe The Truth"
Best work since "What's the Story..."
The Importance of Being Idle, Lyla - Anna Nalick "Wreck of the Day"
In The Rough, Paper Bag - Jason Mraz Mr. A-Z
Did You Get My Message?, Plane - Ben Folds "Songs for Silverman"
Sentimental Guy - Youth Group "Skeleton Jar"
Lillian Lies, Shadowland - Bloc Party "Silent Alarm"
This Modern Love, Little Thoughts - M83 "Before The Dawn Heals Us"
Don't Save Us From the Flames, Teen Angst
Honorable Mentions
- Bethany Dillon "Imagination"
New, Imagination - The Perishers "Let There Be Morning"
Pills - The Gorillaz "Demon Days"
Feel Good, Inc., DARE - Athlete "Tourist"
Half Light, Tourist - Raul Midon "State of Mind"
Keep On Hoping - The Fray "How To Save A Life"
Over My Head (Cable Car) - Kaiser Chiefs "Employment"
I Predict A Riot - The Afters "I Wish We All Could Win"
Beautiful Love - Nickel Creek "Why Should the Fire Die?"
When In Rome - Beck "Guero"
Scarecrow - Augustana "All The Stars and Boulevards"
Stars and Boulevards
EPs
- Iron & Wine w/ Calexico "In the Reins"
16, Maybe Less, Burn That Broken Bed - Joshua Radin "First Between Third and Fourth"
Winter, The One You Knew - Ben Jelen "Rejected EP"
Room 1023 - Iron & Wine "Woman King"
Jezebel, Gray Stables - The Good Luck Joes "48 Hours EP"
48 Hours - Ari Hest "Guilty Hearts EP"
One More Hour
Special Consideration
- This Bird Has Flown: A 40th Anniversary Tribute to The Beatles' Rubber Soul
Unique and special covers by artists including those mentioned earlier in this post: Sufjan Stevens, Ben Lee. - Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill Acoustic Anniversary Edition
Her original and best album with all the tracks redone acoustically. Worth a listen if you liked the 1995 release. - Elizabethtown - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
What happens when the writer/director cares more about the soundtrack than the film itself? You get a Cameron Crowe movie. - RENT - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
A better sound than the original cast recording; can be appreciated by both rent-heads and the rest of us. - Listen to Bob Dylan - A Tribute Album
It's Dylan, but Dylan's not singing.
The Mix
Expect to receive a copy of this from me. If I forgot, let me know.
- My Doorbell The White Stripes
- Over My Head (Cable Car) The Fray
- You Owe Me An IOU Hot Hot Heat
- I'm Ready Jack's Mannequin
- Black Horse and the Cherry Tree KT Tunstall
- Let It Ride Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
- Stars and Boulevards Augustana
- 48 Hours The Good Luck Joes
- Did You Get My Message? Jason Mraz
- Beautiful Love The Afters
- They Are Night Zombies!! They ... Sufjan Stevens
- I Will Follow You Into The Dark Death Cab for Cutie
- Apple Candy Ben Lee
- The Walk Imogen Heap
- The Bleeding Heart Show The New Pornographers
- In The Rough Anna Nalick
- He Lays In The Reins Iron & Wine and Calexico
- Closer Joshua Radin
- Fix You (Live) Coldplay
Next Year?
A new release from the Strokes and KT Tunstall's debut album should make for a great start in January 2006.
Final thoughts
Thanks to the iPod nation, we're seeing a continued trend of better songs than albums.
Stronger, cleaner arrangements have begun to dominate the indie genre, which used to be defined by its lacking in this area.
The internet has continued it's dominating influence in how people find out about and listen to music. Online music stores have continued to grow.
I recommend emusic and iTunes. Two of the best ways to expand your horizons
are "All Songs Considered" (a weekly podcast from NPR), and last.fm.
The latter logs your listening habits (with a long list of compatible media players) and creates personal recommendations.
I also use the All Music Guide as a definitive reference.
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