I used to think I was cool. That I was on the cusp of the burgeoning music scene. But now? After reading through all of the other Blogcritics’ Best Of lists, I feel totally lost. I can no longer keep up with what’s hip and underground. It feels like yesterday (well, maybe more like two years ago) that it was OK to like Coldplay. All of a sudden, everyone hates Chris Martin. I’ll admit that he’s mildly annoying, with all his MTF propagandizing, but I still like the music. And where the hell did Sufjan Stevens come from? He’s seems to be on everyone’s list, and yet, I’ve never heard of him.
Does commercial success equal a death wish for the artist? Is it imperative that a Best Of list include artists that most people don’t know so as to appear on the cutting edge? This seems to be the case.
I don’t know. Maybe I’m just getting old.
At any rate, I thought I’d put together MY list of the Best Albums of 2005. I found all of the following albums rather enjoyable for various reasons, and I know I wasn’t the only one. I’m sure there are a few people out there who aren’t afraid to admit that some mainstream artists aren’t so bad. And I’m not talking Mariah Carey here. Because her “music”? Makes me want to vomit. I’m talking about artists who everyone knows, with a couple lesser known artists mixed in, to prove that I know something about the music landscape.
What that something is, I’m not sure. But in no particular order …
Death Cab for Cutie, Plans – I moved to Seattle earlier this year and discovered that in order to become an official resident, one must pay the ridiculous monorail tax AND be baptized in the music of local heroes Death Cab for Cutie. Without hearing a single track, I bought their new album Plans. And lo and behold, I loved it.
DCFC’s sound is fresh and unique. Their lyrics are real and oftentimes heart-wrenching. Standout tracks include “Marching Bands of Manhattan,” “Crooked Teeth,” and “Brothers on a Hotel Bed.” After thoroughly wearing out my copy of Plans, I bought their previous album Transatlanticism as well. A couple weeks ago, I got to see them play live at small benefit show, and now I am happy to say that they have become one of my favorite bands. And not because their music is practically piped in throughout the city. It’s just too good to not enjoy.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Great post! Each year I know fewer and fewer artists on everybody's best of lists. I'm not sure if I even listned to 10 albums that came out this year, much less could come up with a best of... list.
2 - DJRadiohead
I enjoyed your list. We agree on Beck and Fiona. Loved both of those albums, particularly Beck.
I wasn't keen on Coldplay's new one. I like Coldplay. A lot. "X&Y" didn't get it done for me.
3 - ClubhouseCancer
I, too, loved the Beck. The rest of these don't do it for me. I think the new DCFC has no hooks (don't you like Transatlantic better, Ms. Gonzales?).
I used to like JJ a lot , but I feel like he's taking the "mellow singer/songwriter" thing into dangerously James Taylor-y territory. The sense of humor (I love banana pancakes and "Banana Pancakes") kinda saves him, though. If you haven't, you should check out Iron & Wine, a "band" (it's really just a guy named Sam Beam) that is also quite mellow and acoustic and thoughtful and cool.
4 - Zach
I want to weigh in just because I think you're a little off-base on Sufjan Stevens. Until this year I rolled my eyes and ignored him too, since it seemed like every pretentious bespectacled indie kid with an unnecessary silk scarf was hailing him as the second coming. But I have to say, for once the indie kids were right. He makes truly amazing, pastoral, folky music and sings with the voice of the angel. His lyrics are fantastic. Yes, I have a man-crush on him...but how can I help it when the little bugger is so darn cute?
So what I'm saying is, if you're going to check out one artist you've never heard of this year, you really should make it Sufjan Stevens. I promise, if you like Death Cab and David Gray, you'll probably think this is better.
5 - Scott
If you're in Seattle and like Death Cab and you're looking for a show to go to, check out a band called The Pale Pacific. They're from that region and sound sorta similar to Death Cab. They're good, in other words.
6 - Shark
SHARK'S BEST CDs of 2005:
Eisley - Room Noises (a bunch of kids from Texas that have more talent in their pinkie fingers than everyone listed above combined, btw)
Willie Nelson - Countryman
Stoney Larue - The Red Dirt Album
7 - Phillip Winn
Nice nod to Eisley, Shark -- we definitely agree on that. I'm gonna go queue them up in iTunes right now. :-)
I do like David Gray and Fiona Apple, so maybe I wouldn't go the whole "pinkie finger" route, but Eisley do rock.
8 - Al Barger
Miss Jen, do you not have this story up on your personal blog? I couldn't find it.