The strength of 2005 musically is shown not only by the greatness of my top 10 list, but also by the plethora of albums that I didn’t have space to include. We shall now honour those albums.
The Next Five
Kaiser Chiefs – Employment
Containing two of the best singles of the year (Oh My God! and I Predict a Riot), the album was let down by some of its weaker fare.
Babyshambles – Down in Albion
This album was on the list until Devendra and Josh Rouse came along and kicked Pete’s butt out of the bottom the chart. His persona doesn’t affect my opinion on his music - I'm not an apologist, I just don't care what he gets upto. For me, what matters is that the album contains a lot of the elements that I enjoyed so much from the Libertines albums. Most unforgivable for me is the reggae track.
Anthony and the Johnsons – I Am a Bird Now
Reminding me of one of my all time favourite female singers, Nina Simone (which has to be good), I do have to be in the right mood for this album, but when I am it impresses.
White Stripes – Get Behind Me Satan
An excellent album that was unfortunate not to make the top ten. I'm always astounded by what they have done with what is such a basic sound and they continue to sound inventive and fresh.
Weezer – Make Believe
I’m such a big fan of Weezer from Blue to Green that perhaps it made it more difficult for me to fully appreciate this album. The songwritings strong, but there’s something that didn’t quite click with me as it did on their first 3 efforts.
You Could Have Been A Contender
Albums from perennial favourites (Supergrass, Beck and Smog) and new artists I heard bits from but that I just didn’t get around to buying. I have no doubt there are some great albums here, but, hey, I can’t afford them all.
Supergrass – Road to Rouen
Smog – A River Ain’t Too Much to Love
Clor - Clor
Beck - Guero
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
Raveonettes – Pretty in Black
Honourable Mentions
Albums that I have fully enjoyed, but didn’t quite stand out against the greats of 2005 to warrant inclusion.
The Magic Numbers – The Magic Numbers
Mercury Rev – The Secret Migration
British Sea Power – Open Season
The Editors – The Editors
Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams (provided a great soundtrack to an outdoor summer fondue party)
Finally, special mention to Clap Your Hands, Say Yeah!. I'm confused to wether they have released their album here yet (some say last September - but that may have been on import onky - others say next January), so it might have to be included retrospectively. Hoorah for the emergence of Talking Heads inspired bands!
Category:Music
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