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accomplished 
10. John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolt
This album really caught me by surprise. Some of Vanderslice's earlier stuff was a little too happy for my tastes, even though "Cellar Door" was a great record. He seemed to have a little more of something to write about with this album. My favorite track off of the album is "Trance Manual." I really see him doing good things for the indie music world in the next couple of years.
9. The Mars Volta - Frances The Mute
I've been a fan of some members of this group for a long time. At The Drive-In have always been a musical sanctuary for me, when nothing else fits in my life. It's just madness, and The Mars Volta have came through with some of the most beautiful madness that I've heard in awhile. The things that they play, the enduring length of each song; I could go on and on. I only hope that these guys keep going in the direction that they have been since their start. My favorite track is "L'Via L'Viaquez."
8. Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
I know, I know. In the beginning I shit-talked this album until I was blue in the face. But the truth is, and I'm not afraid to admit it, is that Death Cab's albums all seem to have to grow on me, and this one surely has. Ben Gibbard just has a way with words. The man knows how to write lyrics. Sure, this album can't compare to "Transatlanticism," but it is one of the best to be released this year. My favorite track on the album is "What Sarah Said."
7. Okkervil River - Black-Sheep Boy
I am very new into discovering and exploring this band. About two weeks ago, I was given a tip to check them out, and I have. To be honest I like "Down The River Of Golden Dreams" better than "Black-Sheep Boy" overall, but this record is a great one too. The singer is really emotional. He's not afraid to soar and just let his voice go. He doesn't have boundaries. His lyrics are full of fantastic imagery and they are actually fun to listen to. The instrumentation on this album seems to be a little tighter than on their previous releases, also. My favorite track on the album is "So Come Back, I Am Waiting."
6. eels - Blinking Lights & Other Revelations
I have always been a closet eels fan since I heard them perform "Novocaine For The Soul" on Conan O'Brien some years back. Singer Mark Everett (called himself "E" for the better part of their existence) is pretty much the brainchild of the group. He is a really, really talented man. I think he's capable of putting just about anything down on a recording. He impresses me everytime I listen to him. This album captures alot of sadness, but at the same time, the lyrics aren't as metaphorical as on previous releases. He cuts to the chase alot more. I like that about this record. My favorite track is "Things The Grandchildren Should Know." I think one day I'll write a song like that.
5. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
This album has gotten alot of buzz since it's release earlier this year and with good reason. Sufjan is a great songwriter. He puts together quality tunes on a consistent basis, and the layering that he does is so crazy. Horns, flute, the whole bit; It's all there. His lyrics are sometimes hard to understand and analyze, but then other times, you are totally satisified with how identifiable his words are. This album definitely spent alot of time with me this year. A quality record from start to finish. My favorite track is "John Wayne Gacy, Jr."
4. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning
Yeah, Conor had to make the list. Truth be told, I wish there were enough quality records released this year to blow him completely off of my list, but there weren't. This album is totally awesome. He knows he is a good songwriter, and he proved it with this release. It's really rootsy. There are tons of good songs on this album. Actually, the whole record is good. Country singer Emmylou Harris even helped out on two songs on the record by providing background vocals. If I had to pick a favorite, I'll go with "Poison Oak."
3. Antony And The Johnsons - I Am A Bird Now
The first time I heard the first notes and line of "Hope There's Someone," I took a deep breath. I knew that I was in for something special. This album just captures a quality that is so hard to find in the music world today. It's so full of heart. It's so sincere. It's so honest. This album is the Mercury Award winner, and with good damned reason. This is one of those albums that will change how you listen to music. The singer is captivating. There is a definite Nina Simone influence. My favorite track on the album is "Bird Girl."
2. Dredg - Catch Without Arms
This is a great record. From start to finish, there is no reason to skip any tracks. This is art for your ears. This is music to watch the clouds by. Dredg have held a special place in my heart from the days when they were selling "Leitmotif" independently and it was constantly out of stock. I guess you can say I am a little biased, but I got the chance to see them perform twice in 2005, and I got to meet them, and they are the greatest bunch of guys. Such genuine people. Great lyrics, driving music, and just an all around feel that you will not find with any other band. This album may be their most radio friendly to date, but there is still quality there. Quality that I would like to hear anyone deny. My favorite track is "Planting Seeds."
1. Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production Of Eggs
Talk about musical geniuses. This guy is so awesome. He does pretty much the one man band thing ala Jon Brion, Keller Williams, etc...except he has the classical music training. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1995 with a degree in Violin Performance. He loops all of his violin and many other instruments and then plays his guitar over it. He is so talented. He has put together a super solid album with The Mysterious Production Of Eggs. You couldn't ask for a more solid record. Great lyrics, great music, great transitions, great atmosphere. I had to give this album the #1 slot. I wouldn't feel right with myself if I didn't. It's honestly the best thing that I've heard this year. My favorite track is "Masterfade."
So there you have it. My Top 10 of the year.
Releases that I look forward to in the upcoming year include the new Ours record, the release of the extended version of Elliott Smith's "Either/Or," a new Wilco record, and the new Radiohead. There are others i'm sure, but those are the ones that come to mind off of the top of my head.
Thanks for reading.
December 14 2005, 04:52:55 UTC 6 years ago
I've only heard three of these albums in their entirety -- "Plans", "I'm Wide Awake...", and "Illinoise", and I definitely agree that they were some of the better releases of 2005. I'm still trying to grow accustomed to "Plans", and Sufjan is very talented, even though I can never quite decide if I like him or not.
I really like John Vanderslice and Andrew Bird. I need to check out their new work.
The only artists I hadn't heard of were Antony & The Johnsons. I'll have to get my hands on some of their mp3s.
You've inspired me to make a list of my own. Maybe I'll post it on here.
Oh! I also can't wait for the new Wilco and Radiohead. YUM.
December 14 2005, 04:54:35 UTC 6 years ago
=)
I always look forward to your musical opinion. You have such good taste and all.
December 14 2005, 05:02:24 UTC 6 years ago
December 14 2005, 06:43:44 UTC 6 years ago
December 14 2005, 13:45:17 UTC 6 years ago
email me your address.
fromabasementonthehill@gmail.com
December 15 2005, 13:34:53 UTC 6 years ago
send it to:
rachelle!
138 twin oaks rd
louisa, va 23093
or you can wait until i'm home next week and give it to me at my bonfire party i'm planning on having at the farmhouse (i haven't ok'ed it with them yet, but i'm sure it'll happen).
December 14 2005, 14:04:43 UTC 6 years ago
Otherwise, I think it's pretty fantastic - no one up here has heard of Andrew Bird or Antony and the Johnson's so it was nice to see them get some recognition.
Also, I might disagree with Bright Eyes. I have some sort of vendetta against him for some inexplicable reason. You might have just inspired me to listen to more though.
Next, you need to listen to some Canadian indie. I'll send you a mix for Christmas if you'd like one.
December 14 2005, 17:50:01 UTC 6 years ago
December 14 2005, 20:41:37 UTC 6 years ago
And I'm super glad that Plans made the list, in spite of your earlier shit talking. ;)
December 15 2005, 03:24:23 UTC 6 years ago
December 15 2005, 01:18:20 UTC 6 years ago
December 15 2005, 03:24:33 UTC 6 years ago
December 18 2005, 19:32:36 UTC 6 years ago
Anyway, Dredg winz..and Death Cab For Cutie are another band I have seen compared to a band I like called Chroma Key. The Eels are not either.
Kyle
December 18 2005, 19:34:36 UTC 6 years ago
Kyle
December 19 2005, 20:10:38 UTC 6 years ago
December 20 2005, 19:12:24 UTC 6 years ago
we have quite a few overlaps, though... i completelky forgot about the eels. is it ever really nessecary to release 2-disc albums? every one i've ever known could have fit onto 1 disc nicely, if you cut the fat.
here is my post: http://www.livejournal.com/users/macram
December 21 2005, 00:11:57 UTC 6 years ago
December 21 2005, 00:04:10 UTC 6 years ago
You should check out Phosphorescent's "Aw Come Aw Wry" out on Misra. I think it's going to make my top 10 list.
December 21 2005, 00:12:29 UTC 6 years ago
Thanks!