music and talk and whaddaya no

December 21, 2005

let's jump in



OK folks, I've finally come around to compiling my end-of-year thoughts and lists. This year wasn't heads above any other but it turned out to be pretty good in the end. In fact, I feel as if there were a binch of artists this year that actually lived up to the hype, more than I can remember in any one year. My top 10 list of the year's best albums was really treacherously hard this time around, especially getting down to the second half. In fact, it was so tough that I decided to keep it at 20 albums this year. Just keep in mind that the 10-20 albums will probably rearrange itself by tomorrow.

Anyway, enough with the talking. Let's start:


Disappointment of the year:

Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better

God, why did they have to give the album that name? YCHISMB pales in comparison to their self-titled debut, a completely fun, charged, melodic, tight, spot-on record. I've found myself neither moving that much to this record, nor getting the songs stuck in my head. Sophomore slump? That depends on the next album. Let's hope they pull it together again for that.




Top Ten Albums I Acquired in 2005 That Were Released in 2004:


1. Shugo Tokumaru - Night Piece: Near perfect. Would have been in my top 3 last year.
2. Dungen - Ta Det Lugnt: Unbelievable sound and psychedelic journey.
3. Kanye West - The College Dropout: Probably better than the new one.
4. Reigning Sound - Too Much Guitar: An energy that Mick Jagger and company would be proud of.
5. Ghost - Hypnotic Underworld: A mystical trip of mood and sound.
6. Hem - Eveningland: Stellar, stellar songwriting.
7. Espers - Espers: A haunting, harrowing slice of mystic folk.
8. Morrissey - You Are the Quarry: Great biting and scathing lyrics from the master.
9. Konono No.1 - Congotronics: Amplified thumb piano. An unreal sound.
10. Feist - Let It Die: What a great voice, and great songs to match.


Top Ten Concerts of 2005:

10. Of Montreal, Lee's Palace, Toronto, 30 August 2005 - Both over-the-top flamboyant and having the melodic chops to back it up, this was a highly enjoyable show by any standards.

9. Dizzee Rascal, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, 30 March 2005 - I was pretty in the bag for this one, but sober enough to realize how insanely talented Dizzee is. My jaw was on the floor from how seamlessly and easily the words rolled off his agile tongue.

8. Death From Above 1979 / Controller.Controller, Red Room, Vancouver, 1 April 2005 - Although I got cracked in the jaw in the pit in front of the stage, I can't blame the offending audience member for his accidental show of excitement. This was an intense show, with the crowd to match.




7. Sufjan Stevens, Richard's on Richards, Vancouver, 24 July 2005 - Complete with cheerleading and an amazing cover of "The Star-Spangled Banner", Sufjan's subtle way of getting under your skin was equally potent on stage.





6. Deerhoof, La Sala Rossa, Montreal, 19 May 2005 - Crunchy guitars, insanely catchy melodies, and lights moving in time to the music. This show was pure pleasure. And the band sold the CDs themselves. What nice guys!

5. The New Pornographers / Destroyer / Immaculate Machine, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, 23 September 2005 - Not only did the songs translate beautifully to the stage, not only was Neko her regular goddess-like self, with the voice of 10,000 angels, but they did this AMAZING impromptu cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams". It was fantastic.

4. Spoon / The Clientele, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, 17 June 2005 - Clientele were spot-on, although some jerks in the crowd wouldn't shut up. This band needs quiet to set their moods. And Spoon, well, they are as tight a band as they sound on record, and were gripping from start to finish.

3. Built To Spill, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, 18 June 2005 - How can I go see BTS and NOT have them be near the top here? It's impossible. One of the best live acts I've ever seen. The guitar fills up the entire room twice over. It's pure bliss, watching Doug Martsch and company.

2. The Kills, Red Room, Vancouver, 26 March 2005 - The pure sexual tension between Hotel and VV is undeniable. It sucks you in, swallows you, spits you out, then sucks you in all over again. There is no drummer, no bass; in fact, nothing but Hotel, Hotel's guitar, VV, and a drum machine. Anything else would just get in the way. Sexiest show of the year.

1. An Evening with Daniel Lanois and Tortoise, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, 17 October 2005 - You can read my review here in full. But the sheer intensity of the Tortoise set, and the beyond charming, and ethereal set by Lanois, backed by Tortoise (along with many special guests) combined to make one of the best shows I've ever seen.






(pictures by... me!)


OK, so here it is, finally:


Top Twenty Albums of 2005:


 20. Dead Meadow - Feathers

If Spiritualized had more Sabbath, and was looser with their guitar, they might come close to sounding like this. At times blissful, at other times mind-blowing, this is a great trip. Thank you to Sonic Boom records (no pun intended - actually a CD store in Toronto) for having this used disc for me to snatch up.




19. The Kills - No Wow

Not only did they bring the sexiest show of the year, but the sexiest record, too. Hotel's scathing guitar and VV's seductive, sultry vocals combine for a record that just seems to seep out of their pores. But see them live, or else you don't have the full picture.

(read my review in Discorder here.)




18. Animal Collective - Feels

They've done it again. While I didn't fully get into it quite as much as I did last year's Sung Tongs, this one is more focused, and boast some of their best songs. "Did You See The Words", "Grass", "Bees", "Banshee Beat" are highlights in this wonderful record from a band that continues to appeal to the child that exists inside the adult in us.




17. My Morning Jacket - Z

I'll level with you - I liked It Still Moves better. That said, this is not far behind. Definitely more eccentric than its predecessor, and still unafraid to bring the chops in our hour of need. "Gideon" and "Lay Low" are classic Jacket; "What a Wonderful Man" and "Off the Record" is informed by The Who in the best possible way; Not only does "Anytime" rock hard, but it gives us Jim James' voice without reverb. And you know what? It's still among the best in rock today. I've even forgiven them for putting out an album containing the infamous Sony rootkit that probably fucked up my computer. I can't stay mad at them...


16. Andrew Bird - Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs

This was a great surprise. The songwriting is just so strong here. The melodies stick in your head, Andrew Bird's voice is soothing but never boring, and the guy can whistle like nobody's business. Listen to songs like "Fake Palindromes" or "Opposite Day" and I think you'll agree. A great new discovery for me.






15. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Shut up, I know about the over-hype. I know. But trust me, the songs here are uniformly great. OK, fine: get past the first song, and then you'll see what I mean. Actually, hearing the opening guitar and tambourine on "Let the Cool Goddess Rust Away" is so amazingly welcome after the carnie-esque opener that one might argue the latter is necessary to the album. So there. Just enjoy this.





14. Chad VanGaalen - Infiniheart

Yet another fantastic surprise. This Calgary native is a true do-it-yourselfer, and does it well. These are some truly affecting songs about future societies, car crashes, and, yes, love. I can't wait to see his next effort, because I think this one shows a great deal of promise. But believe me, don't wait for that, when this gem is available now.

(read my review in indieworkshop.com here.)



13. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema

Is there anything new to add about this band? So catchy as hell. Inventive, muscular melodies. And Dan Bejar contributes what are probably his best songs as a New Pornographer. Neko Case is as fantastic as ever. Not a bad track on the record.






12. Jamie Lidell - Multiply

This is what happens when a fan of 60s and 70s soul completely embodies his love of that music, and combines it with his own musical ideas into a seamless mixture. This is so much more soulful than you think it will be, without ever sounding like a simple tribute. Lidell's voice is so vibrant and so honestly convincing, and so, well, damn good, that you don't question the throwback feeling of the record at all. I listened to this album on the way to work the other day and noticed that the beats almost always matched exactly with my walking speed. Brilliant. Jamie Lidell has made one of the most purely enjoyable records of the year, and makes Jamiroquai look like a bunch of irrelevant hacks (that is, if you didn't think they already were).

11. The Clientele - Strange Geometry

I loved their last record, The Violet Hour, and I love this one. The Clientele are continuing to refine their sound. Their music and words conjure images of a place deep in your memory from the far past, or from another life, and evoke a mood unlike any other band out there. I bought this one on vinyl and if there is one band on this list that is made for that medium, it is this one. Perfect for a winter night.





10. Stephen Malkmus - Face the Truth

Like the Clientele album, I only acquired this recently. But I listened to it so damn much that I feel like I can put it on my year-end list. And what do you know, look where it ended up! This is his best post-Pavement album (which is saying something), and possibly his best since Wowee Zowee, on par or slightly better than Brighten the Corners (which is saying a lot coming from me). That's not a final pronouncement - like I said, I may not have had enough time with it to make that statement. But I can tell you it deserves to be right here on this list: the guitar work is sharper, the melodies are solid and catchier than in his other solo work, and the lyrics are as fantastically cryptic as ever ("You are the maker of modern/minor masterpieces for the untrained eye"). "Baby C'mon" is so addictive, I thought my head would explode. Malkmus rules.

9. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm

Warning: if you listen to the opening of the fist song, "Like Eating Glass", and are not blown away by the drumming and explosive guitar, you might not have a pulse. If "Banquet" doesn't stop your breath momentarily, you probably weren't breathing to begin with. If "Pioneers" doesn't knock you flat on your ass, then go see your doctor, you may not be alive.

This is yet another hyped band that deserves all of it. Take Franz Ferdinand's new album, and well, chuck that crap and pick this one up. You'll be more whole as a person. For all those Gang of Four comparisons, who the fuck cares, when they're this good?

8. Common - Be

I agree with Adrian here in liking this better than the newest Kanye West. While the latter is no doubt good, and deserving of praise, I never really thought of it when I wasn't listening to it. It never stuck. This does. It's a soulful album, and never sounds overproduced or forced. Common's message always sounds earnest and meaningful, whether he's giving hope, describing people's hardships, or skillfully dissing his opponents. Also my hip-hop album of the year.




7. M.I.A - Arular

OK, Adrian - we have to agree to disagree here. This is this year's Hail to the Thief in that respect. One of the only artists I've heard that combines world music with western hip-hop and dancehall, and it never sounding silly. It sounds large. When she tells New York, London, Kingston, and Brazil to "quiet down, I need to make a sound", I don't chuckle. "Fire Fire" and "10 Dollar" not only always makes my ass move when I listen, but also makes me sing along. "Amazon" evokes the dense and humid jungle. "Sunshowers" is a fantastic melody, and "Galang" is completely undeniable. M.I.A's talent as a vocalist comes through throughout the album. She doesn't back down at all, and I don't want her to, either.

6. Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary

Again, a band that was much talked about before they released anything, and to top it off they were from Montreal, the capital of hype for the past couple of years. It would have been hard to live up to all the expectations. Wolf Parade decided to go ahead and live up to them anyway. When it comes down to it, this is not some incredible groundbreaking foray into new sonic territory, but is really just an album that is chock-full of great songs. They are as passionate and hook-laden as one could hope for. "I'll Bellieve in Anything" is reason enough to get the album, but you've also got "Grounds for Divorce", "Same Ghost Every Night", "Shine A Light", "This Heart's on Fire", ... okay, I'll stop there, otherwise I'll be listing the entire tracklist.

(read my review in indieworkshop.com here)

5. Spoon - Gimme Fiction

Again, here's a band that doesn't exactly venture into wildly different musical territory. But they are a tighter group than most of their contemporaries. They make albums that reward repeated listens. Every spin reveals new sounds, new things to like about each song, and Gimme Fiction is no exception. Spoon know tension and release like few other bands out there, as evidenced by songs like "They Never Got You" (also my favourite on the album). How they make music so intense and fun at the same time is beyond me, but I won't think too much about it. Instead I'll just listen to this very worthy followup to the amazing Kill the Moonlight.

(read my review in indieworkshop.com here)

4. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois

After listening to this second installment in his 50 States project, I have no doubt that if he decides to go through with the other 48 that, given the time, Sufjan Stevens will not run out of ideas and inspiration to finish the job. This album is packed with creativity. There are songs of many moods, many emotions. This is undeniably a fuller, more complex album than Michigan, the previous state. While he grew up in Michigan, which made it the natural starting place for the 50 States series, he didn't necessarily have that first-hand knowledge of Illinois. Which makes this record all the more impressive, with the mounds of research he must of had to do to accompish this. What makes it a great album is the way he uses all this factual history and geography as a backdrop to the variety of stories he tells on these songs. This album is about people in the end, not places. An amazing album, it is an incredible feat in itself, with or without the 50 States theme behind it.

3. Antony and the Johnsons - I Am a Bird Now

Right from the first line of "Hope There's Someone", I knew I needed this album. This album is not a grower. It's immediate. And stays immediate. This doesn't mean coming back to it again and again (and again) doesn't bring rewards. If you have seen or heard about him, you may not think you are like Antony, but listening to this album, you realize that he does speak for you. No, this doesn't necessarily mean that you want to someday be a beautiful woman, but the raw human emotion that underlies all these songs is common for everyone. Mostly, I hear the balance between despair and moving on in this record. Antony's voice is a undeniably powerful instrument, and the instrumental sparcity of this album speaks to that: why include too many musical parts, when his voice is all you really need? No doubt this album would not have been nearly the same without it. But more importantly, his voice would have been superfluous had the songs not so effectively touches on the themes I mentioned above. A soulful, mesmerizing listen. I nearly fell off my chair the first time I listened to it.

2. Death Vessel - Stay Close

It was a close call between this one and I Am a Bird Now for #2. While Antony is on the soul side of things, this is on the country/roots plane. They do have a lot in common, though. For one, Joe Thibodeau's voice is a singular one. It's high register may disorient you at first, but once you settle into it, you see that it is no mere novelty. It brings forth a sense of honesty, wonderment, and innocence to these songs that few other voices could. That aside, the songs on this record are what make it special. It almost sounds like an album full of standards. When the fiddle comes in between verses in "Break the Empress Crown", my heart leaps. The chorus is a fantastically catchy sing-along. "Mandan Dink" repeats the same verse over and over, but that's fine by me, because that's all I want ot hear anyway. "Blowing Cave" is as haunting as any song this year. I could go on, but I'll stop. A truly affecting album that runs the gamut of emotions.
(A big thank you to Dusted magazine for introducing me).

1. Deerhoof - The Runners Four

This is an album full of moments. It is parts like the opening guitar licks on "Wrong Time Capsule", "Spirit Ditties of No Tone", and "You Can See", the chorus and drumming of "Running Thoughts", the "ah!'s" in "You're Our Two", that are crack for you ears. But don't get me wrong; this is not the defining characteristic of the album. These songs are well-thought out, obviously, and there is barely a wasted moment. They also know exactly how to lure the listener, giving me blissful moments that I want to hear again; they then go ahead and move on to a new idea. Rather than feeling let down, you feel satisfied, because they know precisely how to fit it all together so that it makes perfect sense. Rather than skipping from good part to good part, you sit and listen because you know what they do next will be just as enjoyable as what preceded it. They sing about things such as pirates, the life of a lemon, and spying. Their guitar sound is pure heaven to me. This album just keeps me coming back, and made me smile more than any other album this year, and even made me chuckle out loud from time to time in public. I am struggling to describe all the little things they do on this album that make me feel good inside, but I don't want to write forever here. I love it, and that's why it's at the top of this list.

That's it. Don't forget to read the upcoming year-end issue of indieworkshop.com, due just after Christmas.

Have a happy happy new year, everyone.
Posted by: Rob / 20:01 1 wonderous examples of witty banter