Rather than provide a Top 10 list of albums from 2005 like everyone else does, I thought I'd throw together something a little different. Since great music never fails to inspire, regardless of its particular decade, and because I resist collecting only albums released in the current calendar year, I've created a list of the top five best records that I've listened to this year, in no particular order.
Goldrush's "Ozona" (Better Looking, 2005)
Kicking off my list is the latest record from this UK band. Their July release is one of my favorites of the year and reflects the band's attempt to reach the Americana in their psyche.
After suffering a tour van breakdown on a lone Texas highway, they were towed into the small desert town of Ozona. While spending countless hours drinking pints in the town's saloon waiting for their van to be fixed, the band members had a bout of self-discovery. Instead of filing the experience away as a miserable layover in a dusty cowboy town, Goldrush found the inspiration to write an album that represents the Neil Young America in their souls.
Wedding Present's "George Best" (Reception, 1987)
In keeping with the British theme, I'm going way back to 1987 for the Wedding Present's first record. I'm not sure if there's more of a comprehensive textbook on indie pop than this album.
It's full of hooks and melody and everything else that makes indie hipsters bob their bed-hair heads, though it does happen to significantly predate the popularity of today's "it" bands, like Modest Mouse and the Decemberists.
Much like the Edge's distinct guitar work in U2, Wedding Present records are rife with a highly recognizable electric guitar sound, which is flawlessly matched with WP lead man and indie pop poet Dave Gedge's wistful lyrics. From beginning to end, the album never loses a stride in delivering the candy-coated melodies that Gedge and Company have now come to perfect in the 18 years since their debut and their latest record, "Take Fountain" (Manifesto, 2005).
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's "Howl" (Red Ink, 2005)
I couldn't get through a five best list for this year without including BRMC's latest and in my opinion, greatest, record to date, After being released from their contract by Virgin Records in the wake of the band's second and less thunderous album, "Take Them On, On Your Own" (Virgin, 2003), BRMC headed to Philly to record their third installment and most stripped down record to date.
More front porch roots rock than fuzzed-out distortion, "Howl" seems to reflect the work of a band that has turned a corner and found its true identity. Band member Robert Turner also returned to his roots at the same time, changing his name back to his birth name, Robert Levon Been.
At the same time that BRMC was writing and recording their new material, the band was busy shopping around for a new label. Enter RCA and its imprint label, Red Ink, and born on August 23, 2005, is BRMC's best album so far.
Cosigner "Let's Dance Fast" (Visalian, 2004)
My best find of 2005 happened when I stumbled upon an Internet download by college professor/rocker Stephen Tootle, the man behind the band Cosigner. "Let's Dance Fast" quickly became a daily listening staple in my playlists.
The sometimes J. Mascis-esque voice and catchy rhythms combine for a collection of accessible American indie rock songs that will always find a special place in my heart, like my favorites "Follow Your Leader" and "Oil Slicks." The word is that Tootle is slowly working on new material - let's hope that he finds his muse fast in 2006.
Son Volt "Okemah and the Melody of Riot" (Transmit Sounds, 2005)
Finally, no list can be complete without including the new Son Volt record, the long-awaited album from Jay Farrar and his new cast of players, Andrew DuPlantis (bass), Brad Rice (guitar) and Dave Bryson (drums).
The album, Son Volt's first since 1998's "Wide Swing Tremolo" (Warner Bros.) takes a decidedly anti-George Bush approach with songs like "Ipecac" and "Jet Pilot" while also tugging on root strings that bore the likes of American musical icons like Woody Guthrie.
In addition, Farrar finally embraces the spotlight that he has long deserved but seemingly shunned, and this time, puts out an album that should break the alt-country tentacles that have kept him tied to his Uncle Tupelo roots by most No Depression-obsessed fans.
What I'm Listening To Right Now:
The Lucksmiths - "Naturaliste" (Drive-In/Boompa!, 2003)
Luna - "Luna Live" (Arena Rock Recordings, 2001)
Smiths - "Smiths" (Sire, 1984)
Velvet Underground - "Loaded" (Warner Bros., 1970)
Music Note of the Week:
Just last week, three people were stabbed at a Manhattan club that was hosting the record release party for the new Notorious B.I.G. record, "Duets: The Final Chapter" (Bad Boys, 2005). In addition, three others were also found shot in a nearby parking lot, though police were not certain if the two incidents were related. I'm sure it was no coincidence, though no suspects were identified or apprehended and all victims were treated at area hospitals and released. Don't be shocked though, after all what rapper's record release party would be complete without violence?
