Modern Minstrels

More 2005 Music

Mike posted his 2005 music write up today, so you should go read it (it's much more nicely formatted than mine). We had 6 of the same albums in the Top 10, though in different orderings.

The crazy thing is his number one album wasn't mentioned anywhere in my entire post. That's just insane. I listened to What to Do When You are Dead maybe a couple times, but I got the mp3s in a huge downloading binge, and so it sort of got lost in the mix. And at some point I apparently removed it from iTunes. At any rate, after reading Mike's review of it, I'm definitely going to break that album out again.

I was also happy to see someone else loving Anberlin as much as I do.

Some things I forgot in my post, but remembered after reading Mike's:

• The Quiet Screaming (Brand New/Dashboard Confessional mashup) by The Legion of Doom is great
• The Get Up Kids will be missed, their Live CD was great, but we all still want that DVD
• Looking Back at 2004 post: Midtown's Forget What You Know should have been album of the year

Music of 2005

Hey there. Look at that. The calendar says 2006. I had all intentions of getting this thing posted before the end of 2005, but things were pretty busy at the end of the year, and there was just so much to write. Ok, enough excuses. But before we get started, since I was too lazy to create links to everything, I suggest you go ahead and fire up the iTunes Music Store so you can search for things and listen to stuff (and perhaps even purchase) as you read. Now hold on to your hats kids, this is a massive post. Let's get started!

2005 was definitely the year of story albums. Examples that come to mind are The Everglow by Mae, Picaresque by The Decemberists, Volcano by Gatsby's American Dream, and Everything in Transit by Jack's Mannequin. And to a slightly lesser extent From Under the Cork Tree by Fall Out Boy, Based on a True Story by The Starting Line, and Phantoms by Acceptance fit into this category as they all had play or movie themed artwork. I can't help but wonder if this large number of story albums is related to the huge success of Green Day's American Idiot, but I'm guessing in most cases it's just a coincidence. I imagine a lot of these albums were well under way by the time American Idiot came out last year. Regardless of why it happened, I was thrilled to have so many albums in this style released in a single year.

Once December rolled around, I knew it was time to start thinking about getting my Music of 2005 blog post underway. So I created a smart playist in iTunes for "Year is 2005" and started looking through it (702 songs, 1.8 days worth of music) and just simply said, "Wow". I knew this was a good year for music, but it didn't really hit me how good until I started to try and compile a Top 5 list. I quickly knew the Top 3 albums, without question. However, I was having a hard time deciding how to fill the last two spots because there were way too many deserving albums, so I decided to expand the list to a Top 10. I naievely thought I'd end up having to pick a mediocore album or two to fill the 9 and 10 spots. But soon the list was filled up, and there were still a couple albums I wanted to fit onto the list (most notably Phantoms by Acceptance). And when I say the list was filled with good albums, I really do mean albums, as in you want to hear these things from beginning to end every time. I promise you won't find filler tracks in any of the albums that made the list. The simple fact that 2005 gave us 10+ albums that I listen to all the way through on a regular basis just shows how great a year it was for music. (Compare with last year where I only wrote semi-extensively about 3 albums, though admittedly I should have written more about American Idiot and Forget What You Know).

But just compiling the list isn't enough. Each of these albums has something really special about it, so I've tried to convey what makes each album so great. Though in some cases what I say here can not possibly do the album justice and you really should just get the album and listen to it yourself. I also list a handful of my favorite tracks for each album (with my absolute favorite for each in bold) . But don't be fooled by my listing of favorite tracks, I pretty much always listen to these albums from beginning to end. They are simply all that good. And because I'm a huge lyrics dork, I've included a few favorite lyrics from each album. The last thing I'll say is the ordering of the list is in no way definitive. I've juggled the order of things around countless times. Heck, even after being pretty happy with the ordering for several days and just about ready to publish this post, I suddenly got addicted to Anberlin's album and it jumped up two spots in the list, making it a Top 5 album. So really this ordering really just reflects my taste on one particular instance in time.

So with that longwinded introduction out of the way, I give you my Top 10 Albums of 2005.

Top 10 Albums of 2005

10. Everything in Transit by Jack's Mannequin
Andrew McMahon flat out knows how to write pop songs that you want to listen to over and over again. If you like Something Corporate, you'll love this CD. This album also seems a lot more personal than any of the SoCo albums. You can hear and feel the raw emotion in Andrew's voice on almost every song, and it just makes the songs all the more powerful. The fact that Andrew blogged about this album's release from his hospital bed, goes to show just how much the album means to him. Andrew is a truly awesome guy, and I'm so glad he made it through the chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. He kept fans informed of his progress on his blog and he truly seemed to remain exteremly positive throughout the whole ordeal. That's just a testament to the kind of guy Andrew is. He's already gone out and played one show in LA and I've got a feeling it won't be too long before we start seeing him hit the road. You can be sure I'll be at that show.

Favorite Tracks: Holiday From Real, The Mixed Tape, I'm Ready, and Rescued

Favorite Lyrics:

Oh, California in the summer
Ah, and my hair is growing long
Fuck yeah, we can live like this

But if you left it up to me
Everyday would be a holiday from real
- Holiday from Real

(Spoken)
I wake up to find it's another four aspirin morning, and I dive in
I put on the same clothes I wore yesterday.
When did society decide that we had to change
And wash a tee shirt after every individual use:
If it's not dirty, I'm gonna wear it.

I take the stairs to the car
And there's fog on the windows.
(As I'm finding the words...)
I need caffeine in my blood stream,
I take caffeine in the blood stream.
I grip the wheel and all at once I realize:
(And you're getting away...)
My life has become a boring pop song
And everyone's singing along.
- I'm Ready

As I'm swimming through the stereo
I'm writing you a symphony of sound

And this is my mixed tape for her
It's like I wrote every note
With my own fingers
- The Mixed Tape by Jack's Mannequin

Have you ever been alone in a crowded room?
- Dark Blue

I don't spend my nights
Searching for earthquakes
Though it's biblical
How fucked my sleep can be
But she won't sleep with me
- Miss Delaney by Jack's Mannequin

9. Picaresque by The Decemberists
These guys have been around for a few years, but I only just discovered them this past year. They definitely have a unique sound and not everyone is going to like them. That said, I totally got into this album and even saw them live in September. Almost all of the songs are entire stories in and of themselves and in fact the liner notes are set up to look like the program for a play. Among the stories is an 8+ minute sea shanty sounding ballad about 2 people stuck in the body of a whale. You've got to love that.

Favorite Tracks: We Both Go Down Together, The Sporting Life, 16 Military Wives, On the Bus Mall, The Mariner's Revenge Song

Favorite Lyrics:

We're kings among runaways
- On the Bus Mall by The Decemberists

If you don't love me, let me go
- The Engine Driver by The Decemberists

8. Based on a True Story by The Starting Line
This album was a huge step forward for The Starting Line, almost as big as Deja Entendu for Brand New and Forget What You Know for Midtown. Kenny and the rest of the guys are getting all grown up and it shows in their songs. In general you'll find much more mature song content on this album compared to their previous releases, though we do get the ever amusing Bedroom Talk. They also nail some acoustic songs on the album with Photography and Ready. Does anyone else besides me really, really want an acoustic full length from these guys?

Favorite Tracks: Photography, Autography, The World, Ready, Cut! Print It

Favorite Lyrics:

I've got big, big plans
And they've got to mean
something more
than just once
I just don't know what I want
- Bedroom Talk

An amazing illusion was made
With trick photography
It seems like you're really, you're really
It seems like you're really here
- Photography

Though it seems like every time I get a little bit closer to what I want
I land further away from where and when I was a little bit younger
- Autography

Cause this is closure once and for all
Oh, this has to stop right now
Cause I've been running for my life
And you could never catch me now
- Cut! Print It

7. Phantoms by Acceptance
When I originally made this list, Phantoms didn't quite make it into the Top 10. It was killing me not to include it because it is such a great album. On my flight back to CA after Christmas break, I listened to a lot of these albums so I could gather my thoughts on what I wanted to write about each one, and I ended up deciding to boot One Fell Swoop by The Spill Canvas (which was originally number 6) from the list. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed One Fell Swoop quite a bit, but as I was listening to it there were too many tracks I just skipped.

So with that, Phantoms could make it into the Top 10. Phantoms is a stellar debut, full length album from the guys in Acceptance. The songs are just beautiful and make great use of the piano. I have a feeling these guys are going to get pretty big. The lyrical content of the album is actually pretty similar to that of One Fell Swoop, lots of songs about girls and relationships. The difference is Acceptance does it in a much less whiny, emo way. I highly recommend this album to anyone.

Favorite Tracks: So Contagious, Different, Glory/Us

Favorite Lyrics:

Could this be out of line? (Could this be out of line)
To say you're the only one breaking me down like this
You're the only one I would take a shot on
Keep me hanging on so contagiously

Oohhh, when I'm around you I'm predictable
Cause I believe in loving you at first sight
I know it's crazy but I'm hoping to..
To take a hold of you
- So Contagious by Acceptance


Can't stop feeling
Does it matter who you are?
- In Too Far by Acceptance


All tied in one
Honesty waits here forever
I've been undone
Glory and us come together
- Glory/Us by Acceptance

6. From Under the Cork Tree by Fall Out Boy
When I was first making this list, I wasn't sure where Fall Out Boy was going to fit in, if at all. But then I was looking at my iTunes play counts and noticed the first few songs on the album had play counts just over 50 and the last couple songs had a play count of around 30. And that doesn't count all the times I've listened to the physical CD in my car, or the numerous listens at work. And this is exactly the same thing that happened with their previous release, Take This to Your Grave. You never think of the album as amazing, but the thing is just so damn catchy, that you end up playing it over and over again. I may not be able to tell you the names of the songs, but damn if I can't sing along with every single one of them. I love Pete's lyrics, a great mixture of angsty and cryptic and always blatantly honest.

Favorite Tracks: Sugar We're Going Down, Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner, A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me", 7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen)

Favorite Lyrics:

Turn off the lights and turn off the shyness
All of the moves make up for the silence
- Of All the Gin Joins in All the World

I'll be your best kept secret and your biggest mistake
The hand behind this pen relives a failure every day
- Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner

I'm hopelessly hopeful you're just hopeless enough
But we never had it at all
- I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth (Summer Song)

The only thing worse than not knowing
Is you thinking that I don't know
- 7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen)

I don't blame you for being you
But you can't blame me for hating it
- A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"

Why put the same address on the same old loneliness?
- Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying

5. Plans by Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab is back with yet another solid album (and their major label debut). Though I know a lot of long time Death Cab fans were a bit apprehensive about this album, I really loved it from the first time I heard it. The sound is certainly different from the days of We Have the Facts, but it's still damn good music and that's all that matters. I will say Soul Meets Body sticks out a bit as the obvious radio single, as it's more poppy and upbeat than the rest of the album(and contains the obligatory ba ba bas). Though it does fit nicely on the album between Marching Bands and Summer Skin. Speaking of which, the drums in Summer Skin totally rock. Ben Gibbard also managed to write one of the saddest songs I have ever heard, What Sarah Said.

Favorite Tracks: Marching Bands of Manhattan, Your Heart is an Empty Room, What Sarah Said, and Brothers on a Hotel Bed

Favorite Lyrics:

I wish we could open our eyes
To see in all directions at the same time
Oh, what a beautiful view
If you were never aware of what was around you
- Marching Bands of Manhattan


Home's face: how it ages when you're away
Spring blooms and you find the love that's true
But you don't know what now to do
Cause the chase is all you know
And she stopped running months ago

And all you see is where else you could be
When you're at home out on the street
Are so many possibilities to not be alone
- Your Heart is an Empty Room


Because there’s no comfort in the waiting room
Just nervous pacers bracing for bad news
And then the nurse comes ‘round and everyone lift their heads
But I’m thinking of what Sarah said
That love is watching someone die

So who’s gonna watch you die?
- What Sarah Said

4. Never Take Friendship Personal by Anberlin
This is one of those albums I kept hearing good things about, and every time I went to Best Buy, I'd be tempted to get the album. Well eventually one day it was on sale for $9 and I snatched it up. Wow, how did I let myself wait so long to get this album? Every song on this album gets me singing along. It's just full of fun lyrics. I've really gotten into this album in the last few days. For some reason the lyrical content of the songs has really resonanted with me all of a sudden (and the songs themselves are sooo catchy). I knew it was a good album before, but now I'm just totally addicted to it. It made it's way into my car stereo earlier this week and somehow I think it's going to be there for quite some time. For the most part the songs are fast paced and driven by simple guitar riffs. Perfect driving CD. However, Anberlin definitely has their own unique sound that I'm not quite sure how to describe. You'll just have to listen to them for yourself, which I highly, highly recommend you do.

Favorite Tracks: Stationary Stationery, Audrey! Start the Revolution, A Day Late

Favorite Lyrics:

If this isn't love, this is the closest I've ever been
- Audrey, Start the Revolution! by Anberlin


Do they not have pen or paper where you are?
Because I haven't heard from you in ages.
...
I thought you said that you'd come find me
I thought you said you'd be home by now
I heard you sang that you'd come back here
So I wrote to remind you to somehow

Dance by yourself and think of me when you do
- Stationary Stationery by Anberlin


But dreams are so intoxicating
when you're doing this alone
- Never Take Friendship Personal by Anberlin


You never know what temporal days may bring
So laugh, love, live, free and sing
When life is in dischord, "Praise ye the Lord"
- Paperthin hymn by Anberlin


I remember so long ago, see I felt the same way
Now we both have separate lives and lovers
Insignificantly enough we both have significant others
...
Could have been lovers
but at least you're still my day late friend
...
But thoughts they change and minds they rearrange
I don't know who you are anymore
Loves come and go and this I know
I'm not who you recall anymore
But I must confess, you're so much more than I remember
Can't help but entertain these thoughts
Thoughts of us together
- Day Late Friend by Anberlin


Distance is the thief in which you conspire
...
Silence reveals where you really are
- the Runaways by Anberlin

3. The Everglow by Mae
Everything about this album is absolutely beautiful, from the music, to the lyrics, to the album artwork. The album is set up as a storybook, in fact the liner notes have illustrations for each of the songs. The Prologue track is a spoken word track much like you would find in one of those old record/storybook combos, including a "you will know it's time to turn the page when you hear this sound" in which they play a bit of the intro/outro of each song. Brilliant. This is just one of those albums that you put on and you have to let it play the whole way through.

Favorite Tracks: Someone Else's Arms, Suspension, The Ocean, The Everglow, Anything

Favorite Lyrics:

Every now and again sometimes
I get lost on the wind of a dream
The air gets clean and the seas get wide
and I can do anything
- Anything

Say anything
But say what you mean
Cause I'm caught in suspension
- Suspension

You come over unannounced.
Silence broken by your voice in the dark.
I need you here tonight,
Just like the ocean needs the waves.
- The Ocean

2. Catch Without Arms - Dredg
I'm still not exactly sure how to describe Dredg's style. The ID3 tags say metal, but that's not right. Guitar driven, melodic rock? That sounds as good as anything. This is Dredg's third album, but the first one I've heard. The songs are all beautiful and fun to sing along with. I keep this album in my car, and play it often. This is another album full of great lyrics, and is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites.

Favorite Tracks: Ode to the Sun, Catch Without Arms, Not That Simple, Sang Real, Matroshka (The Ornament)

Favorite Lyrics:

I'm the addict on the corner
I'm the lawyer in the tower
I'm the body with the coroner
No, the leader with all the power
You're the pillow, the cool side
The sand during high tide
The cocktail, poolside
The water when clouds collide
- Sang Real

Look another year went by
They keep passing by
But damn I didn't even die
- Matroshka (The Ornament)

So sing about love
Sing about lust
So they will care
It's the same difference
- Catch Without Arms

Look at what I have found
A seashell in a sea of shells
- Planting Seeds

You spit-shined my corroded halo
Then packaged it away
You spit-shined my corroded halo,
Then left it to decay.
- Spitshine

Album of the Year: Vheissu by Thrice
So much great music came out this year, I thought it was going to be really hard to pick the album of the year. But all I had to do was start listening to Vheissu again, and I knew the decision was already made. Nothing else comes close to touching this album.

Have you ever experienced something so completely amazing, that you desperately want to tell everyone you know about it but you can't because nothing you say can capture the amazingness of the experience itself? And you're afraid anything you say will just sound trite? Well that's exactly how I feel about Vheissu. I feel I really need to say something (a lot of somethings) about this album, but honestly the best thing you can do is just go out and buy the thing and experience Vheissu for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Perhaps the best thing I can do is give you a taste of the things you'll experience on your journey through Vheissu, because it contains a little something for everyone. You've got your anthem in the opening track, Image of the Invisible, your love song in Atlantic, your loud screaming song in Hold Fast Hope (which just happens to reference Moby Dick as well as the story of Jonah and the whale), prison chain gang chanting in The Earth Will Shake, a music box sample of a Japanese folk tune in Music Box, references to Dune in Of Dust and Nations, and lots of Christian imagery. Okay, so the Christian imagery may not be for everyone (though I totally love it), but don't worry it's not done in a preachy way.

If I had to pick a favorite song from the album, it would be Music Box. It opens with a 15 second sample of an actual music box and then BOOM! they hit you with a heavy guitar riff of the same tune. The transition from the first verse to the chorus is flawless. The verse is fairly slow and the lyrics a bit depressing, then you are quickly transported into an incredibly passionate and uplifting chorus:

(last line of verse) this hollow in my chest is filled with reasons not to sing but I found one, I know

we are not alone, we feel an unseen love
we are sons and heirs of grace
we are children of a light that never dims
a love that never dies, keep your chin up child
and wipe the tears from your eyes

The passion in Dustin's voice as he sings the chorus is what really makes the song. So incredibly powerful.

Another favorite song is Like Moths to Flame, which tells the story of the Last Supper and Peter's ensuing denial of being a follower of Jesus. The song is just really well written. It starts off with really heavy guitars, which then fade away while Dustin sings the first verse (they are sitting down at the table, Peter is affirming his belief that Jesus is the Son of God). Then the guitars hit again for the louder, but not screamed, chorus (more affirmation from Peter about his faith in Jesus). Then things are quiet again for the second verse (The disciples take communion, but something is different. Jesus tells Peter that Peter will deny him. Peter says he would never be ashamed of Jesus.) Then we get the heavy chorus once more and fade to near silence. Then we get some quiet guitar before being hit by the really heavy bridge, which continues while Dustin screams the final verse (Peter betrays Jesus, hears the rooster crow, and realizes what he has done). Regardless of whether or not you are a Christian, just from a straight story telling perpsective the song is incredibly powerful.

This album just gets better and better with every listen. I can not even hope to have conveyed how truly amazing this album is. So please, just go out and get this album (specifically the "deluxe" edition with the 30 page booklet where the band writes about each of the songs in detail, if you can find it), then give it a few listens and be amazed.

Favorite Tracks: The Earth Will Shake, Atlantic, Music Box, Like Moths to Flame

Favorite Lyrics:

The above Music Box lyrics.

We're more than carbon and chemicals
Free will is ours and we can't let go
- Image of the Invisible

It's been so long, and tin cans and string for years
Is all that we've known, could it be you're really here
- Atlantic

And as long as we live, every scar is a bridge to someone's broken heart
And there's no greater love, than that one that shed his blood for his friends
We must see that every scar is a bridge, and as long as we live
We must open up these wounds
When someone stands in your shoes and will shed his own blood
There's no greater love, we must open up our wounds
- For Miles

So there you have it, my 10 favorite albums of 2005. If you haven't heard any of these before, I highly recommend you check them out. If you've maybe heard a song or two from some of the bands, what are you waiting for? Go get the entire album. You won't be disappointed with any of them.

Top Songs of 2005 (alphabetical by artist)
If you're only going to listen to 10 songs from 2005, it should be these.

Stationary, Stationery from Never Take Friendship Personal by Anberlin
I was hooked on this song from the opening lyrics, "Do they not have pen or paper where you are? Cause I haven't heard from you in ages". It's a great relationship song. Two people are separated by a physical distance, and the girl seems to be involved with another guy. The singer thinks they could have a great relationship if they had the chance. The singer says the girl at one point indicated they might get that chance, "I thought you said that you'd come find me". So the singer keeps waiting but the girl is keeping her distance, both physically and emotionally. The great thing about the song is the singer conveys his feelings for the girl and his dislike of her current actions without being whiny or sounding like an ass.

The Minstrel's Prayer from Chroma by Cartel
Given that the name of my music blog was inspired by this song, you knew it was going to make this list. It's just a really clever and well written song.

On The Bus Mall from Picaresque by The Decemberists
This is the song that got me into the band. It's a story of young love and running away.

Your Heart is an Empty Room from Plans by Death Cab for Cutie
Easily the song I most relate to on Plans.

Sang Real from Catch Without Arms by Dredg
Love the piano break down. Love the lyrics.

Sixteen, Maybe Less from In the Reins by Iron and Wine with Calexico
A song of someone in an unhappy marriage and that has a poor relationship with his son, reminiscing about a young love and what could have been. A very beautiful, if sad, song.

Anything from The Everglow by Mae
A very catchy, and uplifting song. If you ever feeling down, this song is a quick pick-me-up.

Lust A Prima Vista from One Fell Swoop by The Spill Canvas
A very poignant song about a relationship gone bad, but the two are still sleeping together out of lust and out of spite. I love the guitar in this song.

Music Box from Vheissu by Thrice
A "hardcore" band that samples a music box of a Japanese music box. That takes both guts and skills. And Thrice has a lot of both. You can't help but rock out on the air guitar during the chorus, and at the same time sing the powerfully uplifting lyrics.

Save Me from Good Mourning by Unwritten Law
I got addicted to this song early in the year when it's music video was on Fuse very frequently. It's also my favorite radio single of 2005, see below.

But this wasn't the only good music of 2005. Click here for a whole bunch more artist and song recommendations, as well as a few other obligatory music lists (best singles, worst single, best live show, most anticipated albums of 2006).

Most Underrated Artists/Albums
Every year you'll find a few relatively unknown bands that release really amazing albums. In 2005 it was Anberlin, Waking Ashland and Over It.

Anberlin - Never Take Friendship Personal
This album made the number 4 spot in my Top 10 albums list and is really a great bit of music. I was looking through the AP.net lists and didn't see it on very many (though it did get the top spot on one). So I just needed to mention again how awesome this band is.

Waking Ashland - Composure
This is just a gorgeous album, with most songs being driven by a piano. The lyrics are great, and the songs are very easy to get into. Way more people need to hear these guys.

Favorite Tracks: Shades of Gray, Rumors, Edinger, Hands on Deck

Favorite Lyrics:

Was it fate that brought us here
My mistakes I made in fear
Is it too late to change my mind?
Who have I been?
- Edinger

All hands on deck don’t abandon the ship
You’ll never know what it could have been
- Hands On Deck

I'm in love with things you can't define,
And I'm in love with things you cannot buy.
- Rumors

And I, I send you my best.
I try to lay this to rest,
When you were my everything.
- Shades of Grey

Over It - Silverstrand
This is a really fun pop punk album, but with deeper lyrical content than just songs about girls. Lots of catchy songs. As more people hear this band, word is going to spread and they are going to get huge.

Favorite Tracks: Siren on the 101, Waiting, Shine, We Are the Ordinary

Favorite Lyrics:

Locked out, waiting forever and a day,
To find out you're afraid to make this life a tale worth telling.
Locked out, waiting forever and a day,
No safe bet, no telling:
No safe bet, no telling how long you'll take,
But I'll wait.
- Waiting

Let’s paint the town.
a thousand conversations, so many names to know.
Drift through the crowd and take my hand to go now I’ve got to let you know.
A thousand lights shine in the valley below,
Still we’re my brightest star.

Don’t you love the way a little quiet solves everything
When you can’t help wondering how’s it gonna be?
- Shine

Cause it's the ordinary that makes you extraordinary,
- We are the Ordinary

Other Noteworthy Albums of 2005
As I said before, there was a boatload of good music in 2005. Not all of these albums were hits all the way through, but they all have a few must listen to songs.

Almost Here - The Academy Is
Saw these guys open a few shows I went to this year. Incredibly catchy tunes. I have no doubt you'll be hearing a lot from them soon.
Favorite Tracks: Attention, Season

Crimson - Alkaline Trio
This album is classic Alkaline Trio. Plenty of dark lyrics.
Favorite Tracks: Time to Waste, Burn, and Sadie

Before the Blackout - Allister
I've been waiting a long time for a new Allister album. Sadly I haven't really gotten into this one anywhere near as much as Last Stop Suburbia. Maybe it will grow on me with a few more listens.
Favorite Tracks - D2, A Study in Economics, The Legend of Pegleg Sullivan

The Possibility and the Promise - Amber Pacific
Straight up pop-punk. An excellent debut album. Some of the lyrics can be a bit cheesy though.
Favorite Tracks: Poetically Pathetic, The Right to Write Me Off

Songs for Silverman - Ben Folds
Took several listens for me to really get into this album. Once I did though, it was getting almost daily plays for at least a month.
Favorite Tracks: Bastard, Landed, Sentimental Guy

Chroma - Cartel
I know this album has been near the top of many people's lists, but I just haven't gotten into it. Except for The Minstrel's Prayer, which is one of the best songs of the year. I'll have to give this album a few more listens before I write it off.
Favorite Tracks: Say Anything (Else), The Minstrel's Prayer

Good Appollo I'm Burning Star IV - Coheed and Cambria
To be honest, I haven't taken time to listen to this all the way through more than once or twice. However, Welcome Home and Wake Up are two great songs.

X&Y - Coldplay
Loved Swallowed in the Sea. The rest of the album was just ok.

Say Hello to Sunshine - Finch
I was really anticipating this release after loving their debut album What it is to Burn. But with such a long wait, my expectations were not very high. The album turned out alright, but I never really got into it as a whole. It does have a few good tracks though. And does anyone else think the opening guitar riff sound like a fuller, faster version of the riff in Death Cab's We Laugh Indoors?
Favorite Tracks: Ink, Fireflies, A Man Alone, Bitemarks and Bloodstains

Volcano - Gatsby's American Dream
I bought this album on a bit of a whim the other day after seeing it on so many people's lists. I've already listened to it several times, and it gets better and better with each one. Based on the liner notes, the album appears to be one long story, but I'll need to look more closely at the lyrics to figure it out.
Favorite Tracks: Theatre, The Guilt Engine, Your Only Escape

Sleepwalker - JamisonParker
The debut (and apparently last) release. Very emo lyrics, but I totally dig it.
Favorite Tracks: Best Mistake, Paper Rock Scissors, Slow Suicide

Several Arrows Later - Matt Pond PA
I've only recently discovered this album, but in that short time, I like it enough that I'm going to see them in March. It's a nice little collection of poppy songs.
Favorite Tracks: Halloween, City Song

Commit This to Memory - Motion City Soundtrack
Excellent followup to I am the Movie. Looks like MCS is going to be touring up a storm in 2006. You should definitely see them live.
Favorite Tracks: Attractive Today, Feel Like Rain, L.G.F.U.A.D

Menos El Oso - Minus the Bear
This is an album I definitely overlooked this year. There are some great songs on here and I expect to be spending more time with this album throughout the next year.
Favorite Tracks: Drilling, The Fix, The Pig War

Nightmare of You - NIghtmare of You
Former members of The Movielife. Lyrical content reminds me a lot of Say Anything (lots of commentary on "the scene", and songs of sexual escapades).
Favorite Tracks: The Days Go By Oh So Slow, Dear Scene I Wish I Were Deaf, Thumbelina, My Name is Trouble

Oh No - Ok Go
Catchy and as fun as anything you listened to this year.
Favorite Tracks: Invincible, A Million Ways, Let It Rain

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out - Panic! At the Disco
These guys came out of nowhere towards the end of the year. Sound a whole hell of a lot like Fall Out Boy, though with a bit more of a techno sound. I defy you to listen to this album and not want to just start dancing.
Favorite Tracks: The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage, Camisado, Time to Dance, Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off

One Fell Swoop - The Spill Canvas
This album has some really great songs on it, even if it is incredibly emo (with sometimes really over the top lyrics, see Staplegunned for isntance). In other words, if you can't stand Dashboard Confesisonal, you won't like The Spill Canvas. That said, the opening track, Lust A Prima Vista, is one of my favorite songs of the year. The final track, Self-Conclusion, is also really powerful ballad about a girl that is about to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge and the man she meets just before she jumps.
Favorite Tracks: Lust A Prima Vista, Polygraph Right Now, Self-Conclusion

Illinois - Sufjan Stevens
Very unique, folksy album. I don't know anyone that heard this and didn't enjoy it.
Favorite Tracks: Come On! Feel the Illinoise!, Decatur, Chicago

My Most Played Songs of 2005 (according to iTunes)
Save Me - Unwritten Law (60)
Of All The Gin Joints In The World - Fall Out Boy (53)
Lust A Prima Vista (53)
Our Lawyers Made Us Change The Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued - Fall Out Boy (49)
Sang Real (48)

Best Album Art
Everything in Transit by Jack's Mannequin
The Everglow by Mae
Prepare To Be Wrong by Straylight Run
Vheissu by Thrice

Best EPs

Prepare to be Wrong by Straylight Run
A couple unreleased songs, a couple new songs, and a cover. All beautifully done. Hands in the Sky (Big Shot) is the standout track, but the rest of the songs shouldn't be looked over.

Snails by The Format
I'm dying for a new full length from The Format, but this acoustic EP did help to tide me over. Janet and Snails are great new songs and the totally acoustic version of On Your Porch was a nice touch.

Was a Real Boy by Say Anything
A great set of new songs from Say Anything. They are really just an extension of the Is a Real Boy album.

Best Compilation

Punk Goes 80's
This is one of the most fun albums of the year. Stand out tracks for me were Your Love (Midtown), Pop Song 89 (Motion City Soundtrack), and Power of Love (The Early November).

Favorite Newly Discovered Artists

American Analog Set
I saw these guys at Bottom of the Hill in October and loved their set. Nice mellow, easy listening music. I highly recommend their slightly older album Know by Heart.

The Decemberists
Nick introduced me to their songs earlier in the year, and I ended up seeing them in concert and getting their new CD, Picaresque. They have a unique sound and clever lyrics.

Dredg
Catch Without Arms would have easily been my favorite album of the year, if it hadn't been for the bomb Thrice dropped on us. I still need to give Dredg's older stuff a listen.

Bands That Blew Up

Fall Out Boy
No band has earned their success more than Fall Out Boy. They've been touring almost non stop for years building a huge fan base. I saw them many times at shows in Cleveland opening for other bands and everyone at the show was always excited to see them. So to Fall Out Boy, I say congratulations.

Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab has been around forever, but it seems like they've suddenly gotten huge thanks to numerous name drops on The O.C. and other TV shows. I'm sad I won't ever get to see them in a small club, but they certainly deserve their success. And it's nice to see real music getting some mainstream attention.

Best Single

Save Me - Unwritten Law
Super catchy chorus, which lead to 60 plays in iTunes. Also used this as the opening song in my April mix CD. The animated music video was really well done. You have to love the line "went to the doctor and I asked her to make this stop / got medication, a new addiction, fucking thanks a lot".

A Million Ways - OK Go
Can OK Go write a song that isn't catchy? I don't think so. And this was perhaps the funniest music video of year.

Sugar We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy
This is just a really catchy song and made a great single. I'm sure it got way overplayed, but that's not Fall Out Boy's fault.

Worst Single

Beverly Hills - Weezer
The whole Weezer album was pretty forgettable, but Beverly Hills was truly annoying, which of course means it got played on the radio and music video channels all the freakin' time.

Best Live Shows

Matt Nathanson
This man knows how to interact with a crowd like on one else. When your at one of his shows, you have as much fun in between songs as you do singing along and rocking out while he's playing.

Fall Out Boy
Even though they've gotten huge, they still put on the same super high energy show that I remember them having when they'd open for bands in Cleveland. I saw them headline two shows this year, and both shows were great. The pit at Fall Out Boy shows is crazy, but fun.

Best Music Videos

Mixed Tape
The video for this song was made while Andrew was still in the hospital fighting cancer, which is why they went for an animated video. It turned out really, really well. How inspirational is that?
Watch it here.

A Million Ways by OK Go
You've just got to love the dancing.
Watch it here.

Save Me by Unwritten Law
Another video made with a spiffy animation style.
Watch it here.

Most Anticipated Albums for 2006

Brand New
Thought they were going to release in 2005, but they didn't. On one hand I can't wait for this album, because Deja Entendu was so amazing. On the other hand, will this new album be able to meet such high expectations? The anticipation is killing me! Brand New also needs to freaking hit the road again. I have yet to see them live.

The Format
This will likely be the catchiest album of 2006.

Angels and Airwaves
New band fronted by Tom Delong and some former Box Car Racer members. Tom has been hyping it a lot. Hopefully the music lives up to the hype. I'm expecting it will.

Thursday
War All the Time was a great album, and i've been thirsting for more material from Thursday ever since.

New Found Glory
NFG are my boys. You can always count on them for some fun, catchy songs.

The Early November
They're releasing a triple disk(?!) package this spring.

Matchbook Romance
From what I've been reading, this album could be a huge step for the band. I'm anxious to hear it.

Ataris
These guys have been around forever. The sound and lyrical content of the new album is supposed to be pretty different from their previous albums. So we'll have to see what that means.

Yellowcard
I'm not sure what to think about these guys anymore. Anytime I see them on TV or read anything about them, I just get pissed about the whole Ben Harper situation. I didn't even listen to single, Lights and Sounds, until very recently (after I saw Mike had put it on his December Mix CD. I also ended up seeing them perform the song on the Comedy Central 2005 Special. And wouldn't they just go and release a catchy song like that. I definitely like the sound of it a lot better than the songs Ocean Ave (really the only two songs I listen to from that CD anymore are the acoustic songs Empty Apartment and Back Home). It's a a lot more in the style of Gifts and Curses (from Spiderman 2), which is another of their newer songs I still listen to. I'm usually not one to let band drama stop me from enjoying an album (Taking Back Sunday comes to mind). So I have a feeling I'm going end up liking this album, despite my current disrespect for the band.

Other Favorite Lyrics of 2005
I'll end this post with a slew of my favorite lyrics from this past year.

If I said your smile's all that mattered,
would you save my life?
- Best Mistake by JamisonParker

It’s the night life
That gets them off
So desperately they wait for
The excuse of love

We live like vampires
And we, we, we love like killers
- Slow Suicide by JamisonParker

Oooh, did I mention when I see you it stings like hell?
To the fact that we could have something, that'll never happen
- Attention by The Academy Is

Old man lonliness is a son of a bitch
- A Man Alone by Finch

I guess we only settle in to what we know
I guess we always settle in
- Settle for Satin by Alkaline Trio

Reference to a song you love,
Spell confusion with a "K"
- Poetically Pathetic by Amber Pacific

If time could stop, how could I make this more poetic?
When there's nothing more pathetic to be said
- Poetically Pathetic by Amber Pacific

In a phrase to cut these lips, I love you
The morning will come
In the press of every kiss
With your head upon my chest
Where I will annoy you
With every waking breath
Until you decide to wake up
- Wake Up by Coheed and Cambria

All the streets you're walking on
A thousand houses long
Well that's where I belong
And you belong with me
Not swallowed in the sea
- Swallowed in the Sea by Coldplay

Hey you, over there
Is gravity getting you down?
- Gravity by Days Away

I'm falling in love with you
Balloons or no balloons
So it's time I forget the past
And just learn to love what I have
And I love waking up to your laugh
- Janet by The Format

Snails see the benefits
The beauty in every inch
- Snails by The Format

Beyond the ridge to the left
You asked me what I want
Between the trees and cicadas singing 'round the pond
I spent an hour with you
should I want anything else
- 16 Maybe Less by Iron and Wine, Calexico

It's Christmas in California
It's hard to ignore that it feels like summer all the time
But I'll take a west coast winter to remove my splinters
- Lights and Buzz by Jack's Mannequin

Let's get fucked up and die
I'm speaking figuratively of course
Like the last time I committed suicide, social suicide
- LGFUAD by Motion City Soundtrack

We love that game but we never play
'cause we will lose and we wanna stay
the way we are
the way we've been for far too long.
- Feels Like Rain by Motion City Soundtrack

I play the game and I can't really say that I like it
Can't really say that I hate it
Can't really say that I paid attention
- Grey Skies Turn Blue by MxPx

To make a mountain of
Your life is just a choice
But i never learned enough
To listen to the voice that told me
Always love
Hate will get you every time
Always love
Don't wait til the finish line
- Always Love by Nada Surf

And I thought, be still my heart
This could be a brand new start, with you.
And it will be clear
If I wake up and you're still here with me in the morning.
- Be Still My Heart by The Postal Service

In one fell swoop it became clear to me,
that I despise you entirely,
but the good news is I'm gonna keep you around
And so your lust is just convenient now

Crack open a bottle of red
Let's toast to this here bed
Offer up your hand
My one night, two month, three year stand

And all at once it became clear to me,
that you're allergic to honesty
And you don't even have a friend around
And so my lust is just convenient now
- Lust A Prima Vista by The Spill Canvas

Fate is an elegant, cold-hearted whore
She loves salting my wounds
Yes, she enjoys nothing more
- Polygraph Right Now by The Spill Canvas

Went to the doctor and I asked her to make this stop
Got medication, a new addiction, fucking thanks a lot
- Save Me by Unwritten Law

Can't take the kid from the fight
Take the fight from the kid
- Camisado by Panic! At the Disco

So there you have it, pretty much everything I could possibly say about the music of 2005. One last thing for scrolling all the way to the bottom, a photo of all the albums I purchased in 2005. If you actually read through this, congratuations, I'm quite impressed. I certainly don't expect everyone to read all (or even most of this), but if even just a few people discover some new music they enjoy, then writing every word was worth it.