best albums of 2005
i wrote the first 4 while bored in class and i think it shows. yeah, there is only eight so far, but i have a really bad concept of how long a year is and these are the only ones worthy of being on a list. i am open to suggestions, but will likely shoot them down because i hate a lot of music.
Om - Variations on a Theme
The first time I looked at the back of this album, I knew I would like this band: two heavily bearded dudes, one with a bass rig consisting of two 4x15 Green cabs and the other with a 26" bass drum. THe rhythm section from Sleep delivers a three track album that delivers on its name. Al Cisneros' booming, overdriven bass lines feed off themselves and naturally progress throughout the album. Though it may not be exciting for those unfamiliar with the genre, the active listener will never be bored with Chris Haikus' constantly varying patterns. Plus the lyrics are far better than those on the Sleep album Dopesmoker.
DangerDoom - The Mouse and the Mask
THis combined effort from MF Doom and DJ Danger Mouse is the first hip hop album I know about based on cartoons and if nothing else, this gets my respect. Even though this may not be Metal Face's strongest album, it remains extremely entertaining. It has great samples from some of my favorite cartoons, but the new material from the voice overs is nice. The interplay between Meatwad and Carl is the highlight of the album.
Silver Jews - Tanglewood Numbers
The newest effort by the Joos following David Berman's couple yearlong drug binge. Again not their strongest effort (sounds like a theme for this year), but it produces some catchy songs and consistantly astounding lyrics from Berman as always. Plus contributions from Mrs. Berman and Paz Lenchantin are very pleasing. To be honest, this album could be Berman farting on a snare drum and I would still love it.
The Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree
Another studio recorded, full band album from the Mountain Goats and it has a lot of the same problems and strengths from Tallahassee. Well, not really problems, but the abundance of fidelity lacks the charm and intimacy of John Darnelle's self-made recordings. On the upside the various instrumentation makes for some interesting songs. I particularly enjoy the strings on "Dilaudid" and "This Year" is overwhelmingly catchy. Darnelle's ability to write more songs still amazes me.
Lightning Bolt - Hypermagic Mountain
Lightning Bolt may very well be the best band in the world. Their latest release does not really disappoint. It is thoroughly a LB album and it even seems to have a more aggressive feel to it at times. I have some problems with the mixing on some of the songs. I think it was mixed by their sound guy who has been with them forever, but I think someone else may have mixed some of the songs. On "Birdy" for example, it is a really great song, but it sounds like it was mixed by someone who has never heard them - the bass is all weak and thin and the "vocals" are way too omnipresent. Lightning Bolt is everything a band should be and I want more than anything to finally see them live. 3000 Watts! Plus if you have seen the DVD, you know they really like kitties and that is way respectable.
By The End of Tonight - A Tribute To Tigers
The Internet claims this came out this year, i am not sure because I had it long before it was released. The best band in Houston delivers a five very focused songs. Mostly instrumental with background yelling, the only respectable way to have words in music. They are all pretty awesome guys and consistently blow me away by getting better every time i see them. A band that does not translate 100% to record, but I still really like the record. The recording quality is somewhat shoddy, but it was recorded for almost nothing and tiny snare drums sound like shit.
Andrew Bird - Andrew Bird and the Mysterious Production of Eggs
I like these album, but I usually get bored of it. The beginning songs are very strong and great, but I think it tends to get weak. "A Nervous TIc Motion of the Head to the Left" is great. This guy is kind of like a Elliot Smith or Nick Drake type songwriter. Pretty good songs with interesting arrangements.
Mike Jones - Who is Mike Jones?
Fuck yeah, Mike Jones. The good thing about this album is that you do not actually have to listen to the entire thing, you can just listen to "Still Tippin'" and know what the rest of the songs sound like. Represents the pinnacle of crappy H-Town hip hop. I may live in Austin, but I still represent Swishahouse. Lyrics vary from grills to cars. I have Mike Jones' personal number in my phone.
yeah, i am not really good at writing reviews, mostly because i hate them, but i felt obligated to write this for some reason. like i said my memory is shit, so i am sure i forgot at least something.