LPs, anyone?
Alright, we admit it - we dropped the ball this year in our best-of list. We only got out movies and the worst-of lists, though we did manage a best singles of the year, which we're moderately proud of. However, there was no album list, and for this, we heartily apologize. So let us attempt to make it up to you: though there will not be the usual paragraph-long explanation extolling the many virtues of each of these choices (really, 2005 turned out to be an awesome year for music. Except for that Bo Bice fellow - he can go take a flying liplock on a stick of dynamite) we nonethelesss hope you are inspired to check out a few of these options. Without further ado (again, bear in mind, though MOST of these are new albums, some are pre-existing jams it took us until the past year to finally discover):
1. Four Tet- Everything Ecstatic
It's really hard to make emotionally affecting - but still bumpin' - electronic music. This has the goods and then some. Even the Boss felt compelled to give it props.
2. Foo Fighters - In Your Honor
All is forgiven, Dave. We've put "Learn to Fly" out of mind, and re-give you mad props. This is one of the only good straight-up hard rock records that has been on a major label for a long time. (though that 2nd "quiet" disc is kinda bogus, brah.)
3. Metric - Live it Out
It's no Old World Underground, Where Are You Now?, but the high points are higher, and it's definitely more effecting, lyrically and melodically.
4. Tegan and Sara - If It Was You
Man, these sisters make really good records. Period.
5. Cat Power - The Greatest
We were NEVER a Cat Power fan. She's a weirdo. But this new record, oh SNAP. She got herself the Memphis Rhythm band (read: Al Green's old backup players) and pounded out her most accessible album yet. It literally sounds like a collection of old standards, classics she re-did - um, we're trying to think of a bigger compliment.
6. Missy Elliott - The Cookbook
Missy be the name that ya already know.
7. Idlewild - Promises/Warnings
Aside from the obnoxiously emo title, there's nothing emo about these Brits. In fact, we're having a hard time recalling the last time we really dug a record of slow-cooking, powerful anthems made by Brits. (Shut up, already - Radiohead don't make anthems, no matter what you say.)
8. Madeleine Peyroux - Careless Love
This is the best, most gorgeous jazz soul singer on the planet right now. Just an upright bass, mellifluous drumset, and the most incredible voice in the world. She could sing the phone book and we'd cry.
9. Dessa - False Hopes
Relative to her actual talent, by FAR Doomtree's most underrated rapper. And it's only an EP! It's that good.
10. Bruce Springsteen - Devils & Dust
Like, duh.