Top Ten Albums of 2005...

This years wrap up of my favorite, (and consequently, the best) albums of 2005 includes some old favorites making some of the best music of their career. It's quite a sight to see members of the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin on my year end list.

"Cold Roses" - Ryan Adams

The first record in his 2005 trilogy of releases, this is the most melodic and diverse of the three. A double album, it's a trip through roots rock, Americana nirvana. This is quite possibly the best "No Depression" style alt country I've ever heard with all apologies due to the Jayhawks. It's criminal how mainstream radio has ignored his talent.

"Get Behind Me Satan" - The White Stripes

I was never a fan of Jack White until I heard him revive Loretta Lynn's music and career on her "Van Lear Rose" record of last year. That is the only reason I ever picked up this release and it would have been tragic ignorance had I not. This is such an interesting record and great fun to listen to. Less guitar and more piano and marimba's (what?!) than any great rock record has a right to have on it.

"Extraordinary Machine" - Fiona Apple

The story behind this album is similar to the one that haunted Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" a few years back. She released the initial record to her bosses at Sony, they didn't release it, she and Sony sit on it, it leaks to the general public and upon some demand either she or Sony decide to compromise and release the album. She did go back in and re-work some of the tracks, so most likely it's Fiona that caved a bit to get a proper release out to the public. Thank God she did. It's a wonderful record that has everything from Broadway to pop to torch songs to rock. Her best record, period.

"A Bigger Bang" - The Rolling Stones

From Rolling Stone magazines Alan Light: "Let's just get this out of the way: A Bigger Bang isn't a good Rolling Stones album considering their age. It isn't a good Rolling Stones album compared to their recent work. No, A Bigger Bang is just a straight-up, damn fine Rolling Stones album, with no qualifiers or apologies necessary for the first time in a few decades."
Enough said

"Guero" - Beck

I've stopped comparing this to Odelay, regardless of the similar aspects because that only diminishes what a great record this is. The best way to describe this album is just to tell someone to go get a copy because if they don't like it, they have no pulse or taste.

"Frances The Mute" - The Mars Volta

I'm still not sure what it's about, but I know I love it. It's still as strange to me as the day I bought it. It's a madman, it's long, and it's terrific. The guitar work alone is worth a listen. I'm not sure if they'll ever be able to top it. Good luck.

"With Teeth" - Nine Inch Nails

Their best since "The Downward Spiral", this is Trent Reznor at his creative best. Every song is classic Nine Inch Nails. Driving synth, loud guitars, echoing drums... It's everything you expect from NIN and more. Fantastic.

"Mighty Rearranger" - Robert Plant with The Strange Sensation

If not for someone loaning me a copy I may never have heard this. I know the Zeppelin comparisons will exist and (probably) rightfully so. This is most likely what Zeppelin songs would sound like today. Heavy on the world music and Moroccan influences. Robert Plant has now released two great albums back to back, and should be getting more accolades than he's receiving. This is just as good as the McCartney record and even the Stones disc.

"Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" - Paul McCartney

Produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead), he was the second creative force on this one. This is McCartneys best work in years due in no small part to Mr. Godrich. He convinced Paul to throw out his touring band from the studio and the result is a warm, inviting tone all throughout the record. This finds my favorite Beatle going back to his melodic best and echoes of the Beatles ring all over the record.

"The Great Destroyer" - Low

This is my only local record on the list. I had never heard of Low until I heard them on the The Current 89.3. It's been a year of highs and l... Sorry, never mind. They lost a member but apparently still sound as good as ever. This is the perfect rainy day album.



Honorable Mentions: These records had some moments but they were pretty much hit and miss so to speak.

"The Future Embrace" - Billy Corgan
This is the logical sequel to the Smashing Pumpkins "Adore", it had it's moments. Some great songs, some weak ones. It is good though to see a artist willing to take some chances and go in a different direction.

"Don't Believe The Truth" - Oasis
Better than their last release, pretty much got crowded out of the top ten by no fault of it's own. This is the eleventh best release if you will.

"Wildflower" - Sheryl Crow
A low key record that is much like her second album, she seems to be on autopilot. Some good songs but nothing that makes you stand up and take notice.

"Takk" - Sigur Ros
Pretty much more of the same, just less of it. Not a bad record.

The Biggest Disappointments:

"Devils and Dust" - Bruce Springsteen
Recently caught his show from the Hammersmith Odeon in '75 on PBS (TREMENDOUS!!!) and it only makes me want to sell this CD back to the used record store. What a powerful performer, what a lackluster studio recording.

"Back Home" - Eric Clapton
Pop Music + Lame Horn section + Domestic bliss = Cheesy record

"Stand Up" - Dave Matthews Band
They enlisted a producer that works with 50 Cent. What more can you say?