So 2005 came & went in a blur I've felt, but not without some pretty amazing accomplishments in the music scene. I've been blown away by quite a few genres this year while looking back on it which is pretty spectacular. Although I still feel, as my grrl Esthero put it, we are in need of a musical revolution! I'm tiring fast of the punk & indie rock movements that are in the mainstream as eventually they all become sorely overdone & contrived. But anyway folks, here's what I'm inclined to say were MY top 10 of 05....
(in no particular order)
10.
Idiot Pilot - Strange We Should Meet Here...these guys mix electronic beats with screamo intensity...def. one of the most original ones so far!
9.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Howl...at 1st I was a little unsure with this one as it was drastically different from their previous 2 releases being more "honky tonk". But what can I say, it grew on me like fungus & turned out to be one of the most inspirational albums for me this past year. I could never turn my back on you boys! Kudos for breaking the mold!
8.
Feist - Let It Die...hailing from the Broken Social Scene crew,this chica sure knows how to put out a mood setting album. A must listen!!
7.
NIN - With Teeth...holy mother,it's about time Trent! This album leaves nothing to disappoint,the social commmentary, as always, hits dead on.
6.
Open Hand - You & Me...if any of you are stoner rockers out there, it would be blasphemous to NOT own this jem! The opening track kicks you in the teeth you can't help but move LUV IT!
5.
Depeche Mode - Playing the Angel...moody, dark, hauntingly beautiful...what more could you ask for? I tried to kill this one at the store but it just couldn't happen,it's too amazing!
4.
The Arcade Fire - Funeral...it's hard to believe these guys came out this year. They're one of those bands, in my mind, that just stand apart in their genre...almost making them timeless. I don't care that they are the #1 hyped about band...they're good enough to deserve it!
3.
Thrice - Vheissu...kudos to these boys for getting experimental. Hailing as one of the pioneers in their "screamo/hardcore" niche, the totally have changed it up for fans alike. Ironically, some of their more quieter, prettier songs on the album are def. my fave.
2.
Murder By Death - Who Will Survive & What Will Be Left Of Them...Dark,apocalyptic lyrics matched with cellos & minimal screaming,its right up the Natty alley. This album,apart from many, played quite often in my (& jordys) headphones. Kind of a accidental purchase as well because I seriously did NOT remember ordering it for myself at work! (you know you buy too much when...)
1.
Esmerine - If Only A Sweet Surrender To The Nights To Come Be True...yes I can def. hail this one as my #1 pick of the year. (even though it's NOT their newest album!) Clanning from the Godspeed & Silver Mt Zion crew, members of Esmerine def. make music I can imagine myself living in the dusty midwest of "Carnivale" origin. Instrumental beauty claimed through fiddle/cello & dark percussion, it def. creates the mood for any task, (mainly drinking wine with friends!) I can't wait to pick up their new release of this year,Aurore,which Im sure will appear as #1 on 2006!
Some very honorable mentions include:
Queens of the Stone Age - Lullabies to Paralyze
Sigor Ros - Takk
Esthero - Wicked lil Grrrls
M1- Robopop
Matt Good - In a Coma
Fog - 10th Ave Freakout
Reflux - THe Illusion of Democracy
M.I.A. - Arular
Orb - Bicycles & Tricycles
Castanets - First Light's Freeze
Foo Fighters - In your Honor
among many!!!! Please lemme know what you think I may have missed!
This year also brought on many memorable concert experiences...I had been blessed to see one of my most fave artists twice & 2 of my fave bands from my youth! I can't remember a year since the 90's that I have seen so many top name acts come through the prairies! My top 5 include:
Queens of the Stone Age w/ Throwrag - live at Red's - Edmonton AB (i've never sang & danced so much in my life!)
Pearl Jam w/ Supersuckers - live at the Credit Union Centre - Saskatoon,SK
NIN w/ Queens & DFA 1979 - Live at the Saddledome - Calgary AB (i still can't beleive this one happened!!)
Sounds of the Underground - Credit Union Centre Saskatoon,SK To see Gwar,Opeth, SYL, Everytime I Die...the list goes on.This was a fab show!
Death From ABove 1979 w/ Controller/Controller Louis Pub - Saskatoon, SK...another show I danced my butt off to...does anyone remember who the 3rd opener was?I remember liking them! haha
Well that's it's folks! (should be enough reading to compensate my lack of posting) Feel free to comment on what you think I missed, agree on,or disagree! Thanks 2005 from rocking my casbah!!~
