Top 30 Albums of 2005

I guess these are my favorite albums of 2005. I know 30 is a random number but you've got to draw the line somewhere. I'm sure i've forgotten some great album but the year is almost over and i have to get this sucker published.

I do need to say that the album that i've listened to the most this year is Funeral by the Arcade Fire but it wasn't released this year. Another group that i've discovered this year is Bishop Allen but alas no releases this year, check out Busted Heart.

My favorite song of the year is The Trapeze Swinger by Iron & Wine. Well i guess that ties up the loose ends so here is the list.

1. Sufjan Stevens Illinoise

This album is as good as it gets for 2005. Sufjan really opens up musically on this one and keeps his straightforward lyricism from sinking into all of the elaborate instrumentation. . This album really covers a lot of ground, moving from the delicate whisper of “John Wayne Gacy Jr.” to the upbeat bounce of “The Man of Metropolis Steals our Hearts”. And don’t forget the song titles, each one is a nice little story in and of itself. It’s hard to pick a single highlight from this album but “John Wayne Gacy Jr.” and “Jacksonville” would be up there.

2. Bright Eyes I’m wide awake it’s morning

I love it that Conor’s musical development has followed the path of my musical growth. With this album Bright Eyes seems to hit on a great mix of his insightful lyrics and a more roots-alt country sound and I am right on board with him. The highestlight is First Day of My Life.

3. My Morning Jacket Z

That voice!

4. The Magic Numbers The Magic Numbers

I have been playing the hell out of this album. I’m not sure if it counts as indie but those voices and that laid back no worries rock sound are awesome.

5. Ryan Adams Jacksonville City Nights

I won’t lie, I am a sucker for anything Ryan Adams puts out and I have yet to be disappointed with one of his releases. This album showcases his more mature lyrical style and a sound that is more akin to his early Whiskeytown work. G! says it’s country but I don’t mind.

6. Kings of Leon Aha Shake Heartbreak

This is it kids, good old-fashioned booty shakin rock and roll.

7. The Black Keys Rubber Factory

It’s hard to believe that two white guys are putting out a sound like this. These tunes burn down the house around you.

8. Ryan Adams Cold Roses

Again Ryan Adams hits one over the fence. I’ve heard over and over again that he should have reduced this to one disc but what would you get rid of?

9. The Decemberists Picaresque

G! hates Colin’s voice and therefore refuses to listen to this album but I love the intelligence of these songs.

10. Bright Eyes Digital Ash in a Digital Urn

Because sometimes I’m in the mood for something inorganic.

11. The White Stripes Get behind me Satan

Jack White is a guitar god musical genius and he has a sweet mustache goatee combo.

12. Death Cab for Cutie Plans

So what if they are slowly becoming the Postal Service, I like them to. Anyway this album is worth it just for I will follow you into the dark.

13. Wilco A Ghost is Born

Nels Cline has huge hands. The incorporation of noise rock is interesting but maybe a little less on the next album. That said this is a great collection of songs.

14. Iron & Wine and Calexico In the Reins

I’m tempted to move this into the top five since I have two live shows that are amazing. They really bring these songs to life on stage. NPR still has a show up that everyone should have. That version of The Trapeze Swinger is sublime.

15. Spoon Gimme Fiction

I turn my camera on is on this album.

16. Bloc Party Silent Alarm

This album is great it is really immediate rock and roll.

17. Rogue Wave Descended like Vultures

18. Sun kil Moon Tiny Cities made of Ashes

Mark has taken these songs from Modest Mouse. These album has some really beautiful moments and has me chomping at the bit for his next collection of originals.

19. Son Volt Okemah and the Melody of Riot

20. Doves Some Cities

21. The Spinto Band Nice and Nicely done

22. Mark Geary Ghosts

One of my favorite songs of the year is on this album.

23. Andrew Bird And the mysterious production of eggs

24. Antony and the Johnsons I am a bird now

25. Wolf Parade Apologies to the queen mary

Rock.

26. Go! Team Thunder Lightning Strike

27. The Bravery S/T

I love 80’s rip off dance rock, Fuck you hipsters.

28. Dangerdoom The mouse and the mask

Crap is this the only rap album on this list? MF Doom’s latest album almost made it and Dangermouse can do no wrong.

29. Gorillaz Demon Days

30. James Blunt Back to Bedlam

I know it’s cheesy stuff but I can dig it.