My Favorite Albums of 2005
January 28th, 2006 RachelI’ve been at Predixis for almost a year now, and one of the greatest parts of my job is that along with the unbelievable experiences/opportunities/guidance that I’ve recieved, I’ve also developed a heightened awareness of (and much greater propensity to buy) music. I buy my music from two sources - iTunes and eMusic. (if you’re thinking about giving the later a try, please let me know so I can send you an invite - then both of us get fifty free downloads). Now, since I’ve got a good hour to wait for my hair to dry (Thanks Court for the advice on NOT touching it to avoid the frizzies) I figured now was as good a time as any to go through the music I’ve purchased and determine which ones really hit the spot.
If you’re already pretty tired of top ten lists, I won’t be offended if you click away right now (mostly because I won’t even know…) This isn’t necessarily based on whether these albums came out this year or not. They’re ones that *I’ve* discovered and *I* can’t stop listenin’ to.
10.Various Artists - The O.C. Mix 5
For a good sample of some of the best talents right now, this is it. I’ve always been a bit of a fan of movie/TV soundtracks and this one is a definite winner. It’s a survey of a lot of great bands and several have resulted in subsequent purchases of their own albums. But, credit should be given to where it is due, and that is to this album for taking me there. Favorite Tracks: The Subways "Rock & Roll Queen", LCD Soundsystem "Daft Punk is Playing At My House", Gorillaz "Kids With Guns".
9. OK Go - Oh No
The first song I heard was "A Million Ways" on Mad TV. I didn’t buy the rest of the album for a few months, but this song just kept me so happy that I couldn’t resist. The rest of the album is good, not amazing, but definitely worth being here (if not almost entirely because of that song and the dance that was featured along with it). The album itself is not the full experience, you have to see an Ok Go performance to get the real effect. Favorite Tracks: "A Million Ways" (duh), "Oh Lately It’s So Quiet", "Let It Rain".
8. Morcheeba - Charango
I’ve had "The Sea" off of Big Calm for a couple of years now, but it took me a while to get around to grabbing a full album. When I bit the bullet, I wasn’t disappointed. The lead singer’s voice is delicate but strong as steel at the same time; it’s a wonderful sound - deeply feminine but empowering at the same time. Favorite Tracks: "Aqualung", "Undress Me Know", and "The Great London Traffic Warden Massacre".
7. Black Mountain - Black Mountain
One of the few albums that I picked up after reading a magazine review (another new experience for me this past year), I was really pleased. It’s yummy indie tunes all around with a nonchalent air of indifference to conventions that are truely enjoyable. Plus, their female band member was part of the reason why I recently went for the blunt bangs (though Court, you pushed it over the edge!). Good music, good style, I like. "Modern Music", "Druganaut", and "Faulty Times".
6. Belle and Sebastian - The Boy With The Arab Strap
This was the first Belle and Sebastian album I downloaded and I very quickly added all of their other albums to my collection. They are magnificant in their own right, but easy going at the same time. I’m eagerly awaiting their latest album (hopefully available at SXSW in March) after previewing two of the songs. Favorite tracks: "It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career", "The Boy With the Arab Strap", and "Simple Things".
5. Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
I was already familiar with Imogen Heap before I heard her whole album, I just didn’t know it. She’s been featured on at least 2 O.C. soundtracks, and the soundtrack for Six Feet Under. Some reviews I subsequently read accused her of getting lost inside the instrumentals and the album not really being as powerful as it could be. Regardless, it definitely works for me. iTunes classifies the album as ‘electrionic’, I’m not sure that I agree (but I’m not really one for genres anyway). There’s a song on here for every mood. Favorite tracks: "Hide and Seek", "Goodnight and Go", "The Moment I Said It".
4. M.I.A. - Arular
Everyone says it, but everyone is right. You’ll either love this album or hate it. Her voice, the sound, the mood, it’s very incredible - if you like it. If not, your ears would probably bleed. But that’s what makes this such an important album. Boundaries are tested, twisted and broken. I recommend this album 100% if you need something to listen to while cleaning your place - you’ll be done in half the time and have had a good time too. Favorite Tracks: "Galang", "Dash the Curry Skit" (it’s 40 seconds of pure goodness), and "Amazon".
3. Various Artists - Hotel Costes 8 By Stephane Popougnac
This album is *made* for drinking a glass of wine and just savouring a moment. A casual Thursday night in all of a sudden is memorable, has purpose, is sophisticated. There have been several compilation albums that I’ve enjoyed this year, but this one is different than all of them. Each song layers upon the previous one, and just leaves me feeling warm and happier than when I first turned it on. Favorite Tracks: "Dream Machine", "Getting Closer" and "Kiss Kiss".
2. Stars - Set Yourself On Fire
I wasn’t sure I’d like these guys when I first heard them. "Ageless Beauty" was their radio release and I tired of it pretty darn quick. But that song really isn’t representative of what they have to offer. Their ballads are beautiful, subtle and elegent. And they aren’t big enough yet that it’s impossible to go see them (I’m going at the beginning of March!) Favorite Tracks "Set Yourself on Fire", "The Big Fight" and "Calendar Girl"
1. Tegan and Sara - So Jealous
This one has to be at the top because it is actually the reason why I thought of doing this. I was on a walk and for probably the fiftieth time was struttin’ along to this album. I can’t get tired of it. They are different, they are fun, and they really really speak to me. I just feel better after listening to them. Favorite tracks: "Walking With a Ghost", "Wake Up Exhausted" and "Fix You Up".
WHEW! Well, my hair is dry now, must get the rest of me ready now.
