2005 was an interesting year in music, and by interesting I mean kinda strange, and by kinda strange I mean it was like that one
crazy uncle everyone has that is totally creepy, yet strangely awesome at the same time. I mean, after all, this was the year we saw a former American Idol winner take over clubs from London to Chicago to that loft party you went to in
DUMBO. Creepy? Sort of. Awesome? Definitely. Sorting through the year that was 2005, I found that there was a lot of music that deserved a place in the "Best of the Year," list...yet at the same time I realized that some of this music came from records that as a whole were not so good. The solution you ask? Well, being the diligent and resourceful individual I am, I came up with the following list that recognizes some of the best tracks of the year. This is not a list of officially released singles, but rather a collection of album tracks, compilation tracks and singles that I feel each left an impression on the year. Later this week, we'll have the top 10 records of the year as computed by the LG supercomputer. Per usual, let me know your thoughts and how incredibly awesome and all knowing my knowledge of The Rock is.
25. Maximo Park - Apply Some Pressure
This track is from the band's debut record, A Certain Trigger. It's a shame that the group didn't achieve as much acclaim here in the States as they did in the UK. If it weren't for the likes of Bloc Party, I have a feeling they would be ginormous. The background vocals and synth jabs during the chorus make this the stand out track on the record.
24. Ciara - Oh
Anyone who says they can't get into this track is either deaf or over 60. It grooves so perfectly that my only complaint is that Ludacris chooses to jump in at the end and kind of ruins the entire feel of the song. When I hear the term "slow jam" I will forever think of the huge kick drum and reverb soaked background synth squelch of "Oh."
23. The Clientele - E.M.P.T.Y.
It was hard for me to decide between this track and "Since K Got over Me." Both are two of the best of the year. If the second half of the record was as strong as the first, it would have easily made most Top 10 lists. I only wish the record would have come out in June as the hazy melodies and lush strings would sound great in the sunshine.
22. Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch
On their latest record, Witching Hour, Ladytron put the Rock back into Electro. Any track you can jam at a club or rock show is just that, a jam. It's always nice for a group that everyone thought was done to come back with a record this exciting. I want to see Kasabian remix this record, and vice versa.
21. Chemical Brothers - Galvanize
Ok, so I know this isn't close to the best thing the brothers Chemical have done, and that it comes from a pretty week record. However, I challenge you to play this track at circa 2:37 AM on a Friday night and not have people loving it. My finger is on the button...
22. Animal Collective - Did You See the Words
I will be the first to admit that I didn't even give this record a chance when it first came out. I've never been a fan, and never thought I would. So see, even I am wrong sometimes. Everyone talks about the single, "Grass," from this record but I think this is the highlight. It sounds like the Arcade Fire on acid with a resurrected Marc Bolan leading the way.
19. The Tears - Refugees
I am a Britpop kid, so when I heard Bernard Butler and Brett Anderson of Suede were reuniting I just about jumped around and screamed like a 6 year old girl at a pony show. While the record was a huge disappointment, this single picks up where Suede left off. Possibly the best chorus of the year. The first time you hear it, I promise you play it twice in a row.
18. Coldplay - Fix You
I am not a huge Coldplay fan, but I am not a hater either. I would agree with most critics who say that X&Y is just a little too formulaic and easy for a band that (I think) has so much untapped talent. But. This is as majestic, powerful and "Yellowy" as we will probably ever get from the band again...so enjoy it.
17. Alan Braxe and Friends - Rubicon
From the opening disco guitar upstroke, you'll know if you are a fan or not. Personally I think it's great and one of the best dance tracks of the year. If you're trying to figure out why it sounds so familiar, it appeared on Erlend Oye's DJ Kicks compilation last year. Best use of a keyboard "pad" sound in the new millennium.
16. Baxter Dury - Francesca's Party
This track appears on Baxter Dury's 2005 release Floorshow, and finds former members of Spiritualized helping out on drums and guitar. The record is good, but never reaches the height of this the lead song. "Sex and Drugs and Rock N' Roll" anyone?
15. Super Furry Animals - Frequency
From the "Tomorrow Never Knows" sounding strings to the electronic bongos during the chorus, this is by far the standout track on the latest offering from Gruff and company. I've listened to it a hundred times and still can't figure out how all seemingly 16 sections of the song somehow work together. Nothing like good songwriting.
14. Brendan Benson - Cold Hands (Warm Heart)
Someone described The Alternative to Love, the record this song appears on, as "just really good...No fancy adjectives necessary," and I gotta say that is a pretty accurate description. Benson is the type of musician that's quickly becoming obsolete, he actually writes and performs entire albums of great songs. In an industry where gimmicks, trends and hit singles are what the higher ups pay attention to, it's really refreshing to hear a record like this.
13. Tom Vek - C-C
Tom Vek will be a superstar one day...that day just won't be in 2005. Some tried to lump him in with contemporaries like Bloc Party and the Futureheads, but the sound here is much more rhythm influenced...which makes sense as Vek is one of the few remaining lead singer/drummers left in the world of music. "If You Want" is another standout track on his debut record We Have Sound.
12. Hard-Fi - Cash Machine
This is one of those songs that I will always associate with summer. Listening to it right now just doesn't feel right. Maybe it's the heavy use of the melodica or the bouncy feel it has, either way it's a great jam. Nice to see a band influenced by the Specials and the Clash.
11. My Morning Jacket - Off The Record
I have never really been a fan of MMJ and that's probably because they've never sounded anything like this track. I mean if you told me this was a cover of a one hit wonder from the 70s I would have to believe you. Fortunately it's not, but instead one of a handful of great tracks from Jim James and company. I even dig the stoney jam at the end of the track. Who's got the herb?
10. M83 - Don't Save us From The Flames
I have a dilemma. There are two versions of this song that are equally awesome yet totally different. The original is the hardest rocking thing M83 has ever done, and definitely one of the highlights off of Before the Dawn Heals Us...but then there's the chilled out and minimal remiss by saprophytic that really shows just how good of a track this is. Ah, such tough decisions. I guess I will just have to recommend both.
9. Spoon - I Turn My Camera On
It's weird, but it feels like this record came out years ago. I thought this was one of the best things Spoon had ever done the first time I heard it...and that's saying a lot as I am obsessed with Girls Can Tell. In any case it's a great piece of dark, heavy piano songwriting. It reminds me of stumbling home at 2 AM trying to light a cigarette. what?
8. The Magic Numbers - Forever Lost
This song made the list for a couple of reasons. First, it is a really impressive piece of songwriting, performance and vocal ability. The second reason is that when I first heard this song and the record it appears on I really wasn't into it. That was until I happened to see the band at a small venue here in Chicago and was absolutely floored by the performance. So if you're not a fan, well you're wrong, but besides that go see them live.
7. Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict A Riot
Kaiser Chiefs had three incredible singles in 2005. "I Predict A Riot," "everyday I Love You Less and Less" and "Modern Way." All three tracks draw upon influences from the mid 90s Britpop scene in the UK and earlier groups like the Jam. I fully expect their next record to be one of the best of 2006 or 2007, however their debut, Employment, had just a bit too much filler or else it would have made the list this year. Also, one of the more entertaining live acts I saw ion 2005.
6. Kanye West - Gold Digger
You know the song. What else need I say? Jamie Foxx on the intro still annoys me, but the song makes up for it. It's a shame the entire record couldn't be as strangely awesome as this track. I mean the song barely has a chorus...it's pretty much Kanye, a big drum and a Ray Charles sample until the end when that awesome grindy keyboard comes in.
5. Lady Sovereign - Random
I can't wait to tell my kids that I saw Lady Sov in a dingy little club in Chicago called the Empty Bottle before she became the international superstar that she'll be in 2006 when she FINALLY releases a proper LP. She's like M.I.A. with a little more attitude and a little more to prove. Oh, and she can "talk" really, really fast like. For further listening check out the track "9-5."
4. Devin Davis - Giant Spiders
Devin Davis plays music that Cheap Trick would dig. That's the best way to describe the pure, unadulterated power pop from this Chicago area song writer. This track is from his solo debut, Lonely People of the World, Unite!, which is a collection of some of the best power pop this side of Ray Davies. You gotta love the ramshackle drums that sound like a constant drum roll about to get off time but never quite does.
3. Who Made Who - Rose
I have a felling that around March of next year I am going to wish I put the Who Made Who LP as one of my best of the year, but at this time I just can't do it. I only discovered the band recently so I haven't had a chance to really "hear" the entire record. I can't get over how different they sound from anything else out there right now...it's like what Disco would sound like if it was cool, and not "Disco-Punk" but actual Disco. As soon as I think I've heard ever possible new and creative "sound" in existence, a band like this will come along and knock me down a notch. God bless you Who Made Who!
2. Andrew Bird - Fake Palindromes
If it weren't for the current number one on this list, Andrew Bird would have run away with that slot. Every once in awhile someone writes a song that just comes together perfectly, and in 2005 it was Andrew Bird. From the instant that backward sounding string bursts through the speakers, you can't help but pay attention. It's amazing how his vocals manage to sound sad and mysterious without even listening to the words. I hope that 20 years from now this track is on all the 2005 compilations.
1. Kelly Clarkson - Since You Been Gone
You know you like it. It's ok. There's nothing to be ashamed of. This is what a great pop song sounds like. Also check out the Jason Nevins Remix.
Good work Kelly, I am proud of you. Not only was this song huge, but it also solidified your place as a cultural icon. I mean your name is already a catch phrase in a movie! It's too bad you'll never be able to match the success or appeal of this song, but it's not really your fault. After all, you can't really improve upon perfection.
(just kidding. we have nothing to do with these ladies)
Click here to listen - LiquidGeneration Radio - December 28, 2005
(just kidding. we have nothing to do with these ladies)
