TOP 50 RECORDS

50. DEPECHE MODE / PLAYING THE ANGEL

Depeche Mode comes back from their disastrous 2001 release to make a sub par Depeche Mode record. For the most part it seems as if Depeche Mode were trying to rehash their Violator record but it still doesn't even come close to the quality I have come to expect from a band who has released Black Celebration, Music For The Masses & Violator. This record makes me appreciate 1997's Ultra with every listen.

49. JACKSON & HIS COMPUTER BAND / SMASH

Jackson Fourgeaud is from France & makes fractured snippets of sound into dance tracks. Or at least, I think they are supposed to be dance tracks. This record is split evenly between cool & annoying. I'll never fully understand the world of IDM (which is short for Intelligent Dance Music which ironically enough is rarely danceable.) If you insist on your music to be melodic, then avoid this record. If you are a schizoid or a frantic mess then give it a listen. Beware: can cause a headache.

48. ODD NOSDAM / BURNER

Odd Nosdam trades in his fellow Anticon members for an ambient record that thumps. There are a few songs with guest vocals. These are the most interesting songs on the album, especially, "11th Ave Freakout Part II" featuring fellow bay area native Mike Patton. When the songs have a bit more structure they really work but when you have tracks of noise with the sounds of the Oakland streets, it's a bit unpleasant.

47. MIKE DOUGHTY / HAUGHTY MELODIC

Mike Doughty, the witty ex-Soul Coughing poet/singer has finally put out a major-release solo album. For the past few years Doughty has been self-releasing his cd's of his energetic live shows & his acoustic demos. Finally, we get to hear final versions of some of the songs that us fans have enjoyed & loved. But sadly a majority of the songs don't seem as fun as the raw acoustic material does. Too much gloss & not enough floss. I don't really know what that last part means, but it rhymes. And just because you have an acoustic guitar does not mean you need to have the awful Dave Matthews guest appear on a song. Eww.

46. FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND / HOURS

"Hours" is much softer than 2003's brutal Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation. And although the melodic side of Funeral For A Friend is my favorite dynamic of the group, their appeal dips now that they sound like most Emo bands, which is funny because before, I'd have a hard time calling them Emo & I'd stick with Hardcore. They still have rockin' numbers on here and the album is worth having for "Streetcar" alone.

45. NEW ORDER / WAITING FOR THE SIRENS' CALL

New Order used to make wonderful music. Now they make average music that has hints & glimmers of their great past. Like contemporaries Depeche Mode, this band's decline is starting to look pretty shabby. It's all here, Peter Hook's lead bass playing, Bernard's angelic voice & 11 songs to tap your toes to. Nothing is groundbreaking here but if you like New Order like I do, it's still a must-have.

44. THE LOVEMAKERS / TIMES OF ROMANCE

Another one of my favorite local bands, Oakland's The Lovemakers makes smutty synthpop (The best kind if you ask me). The Lovemakers have finally made it big in 2005 being signed by Interscope & having get this, a single on the radio! Unfortunately the album is too glossy. This is really noticeable on rerecordings of two of the groups finest songs from the previous EP. However this is almost forgivable with the astounding new song, "Shake That Ass". Dress up, dance & makeout because that is what the Lovemakers want from you.

43. THE ZEPHYRS / BRIGHT YELLOW FLOWERS ON A DARK DOUBLE BED

Alt-Country is a pretty, pretty, pretty genre but it also can be a very sleep inducing genre as well. I cannot tell you how many times I tried to review this record but couldn't from the sleepy-time sound waves. The Zephyrs sound a cross between Mojave 3 & Japancakes which is the one of the perfect blends of Dream Pop & Alt-Country. Don't expect to be blown away by this band just sit back & drift away.

42. THE CARDIGANS / SUPER EXTRA GRAVITY

When people find out that I love the Cardigans they are usually in disbelief. This band is constantly maturing & making decent music at the same time. And yes, I do love the chamber pop ways of their past but I am also finding myself being more accepting of their rootsy modern sound. It also helps that Nina Persson in my opinion is simply adorable. My one complaint is a lack of imagination with the lyrics, but hey, I'd like to see me try & write a song in my second language.

41. MONOLAND / BEN CHANTICE

I've never even heard of this band until a few weeks ago when I was browsing the Tone Vendor site. There is so much noise to digest when you listen to this record. I wonder how many tracks were used on every song. Thirty? Fifty? It might be an engineers nightmare but it's a Shoegazing fan's wet dream. If you like MBV or Loveliescrushing then pick up this German beauty.

40. DEEP DISH / GEORGE IS ON

Deep Dish is best known as a production duo for various house & dance music. Venturing out from the producers chair marks the duo's first album since 1998's Junk Science. The thing that works about this record is its use of blending old with new. House music becomes very stale after awhile but when you have tracks where you sample the icky Dire Straits or re-make "Dreams" with Stevie Nicks, it gives you a fresh perspective on dance music, even with re-hashed material. This is a classic in terms of House music & almost gives Basement Jaxx a de-throaning.

39. WHY? / ELEPHANT EYELASH

My favorite Anticon member takes a step back from his 2003 masterpiece Oaklandazulasylum (which by the way topped my 2003 list). Why? is no longer Yoni Wolf solo but now a full-fledged band. And although I do credit Yoni for trying something new, it just doesn't work all that well. There was something charming with Yoni's lo-fi amateurish guitar playing & beats but now the music no longer stands out like it did on previous efforts.

38. KRISTOFER ASTROM / SO MUCH FOR STAYING ALIVE

I always get scared when Sweden's Kristofer Astrom releases a new album because I always think it will be the end for his wonderful band Fireside. As far as I know Fireside are still together & all is right with the world. So Much For Staying Alive strays from the normal Astrom alt-country records of the past. In fact, it sounds a bit like a Fireside record. Uh oh, maybe I should be worried after all?!

37. THE ORANGE PEELS / CIRCLING THE SUN

Do you like sugar? Do you like spice? Do you like everything nice? Well if so, then this is your album. The bay area's Orange Peels have come back to release 34 minutes worth of catchy, infectious, hook-driving pop music. I like my music dark, droning & cold, so it's very rare that I put this one on but when I do, I want to bop around and eat candy.

36. XLOVER / PLEASURE & ROMANCE

Sex & synths - that's what this record should have been named. Xlover sounds like a Fischerspooner record turned evil. Just one listen of "Sex Or Head" or "Faking It" will make all of the dance-crazed pervs of the world take the floor for one massive dance orgy. If you're looking for anything more than sex, don't bother, this is what Xlover is all about & they can give a fuck less about what you want or what you think. In fact, there is something very punk rock about their attitude & covering Nirvana's Aneurysm just seems to further that notion.

35. THE CHAP/ HAM

Ham is a collective of a dozen or so genres that creates something super fresh & new. This album bounces from track to track with no direction, it's like hitting random on your mp3 player. And when you are feeling adventurous or daring it's something to behold. However, if you are feeling the need for some sort of cohesive record it's just plain obnoxious. For me, half of the record is amazing! Truly amazing! The Chap has ideas that I could have never imagined of… The other half? Well, that's why it's no. 35.

34. THE EELS / BLINKING LIGHTS & OTHER REVELATIONS

Somebody kicked the fun out of Mark Everett yet again. Blinking Lights… is a diary of sorts, about loss that has taken around seven years to complete. For the most part this is another solid release from the Eels but it runs 1 hour & 33 minutes, which is just too long. You can go watch a dopey comedy or listen to a serious record. Which do you want to spend your time on? - Laughing or feeling like it's time you finally killed yourself?

33. FATLIP / THE LONELIEST PUNK

The last release by ex-Pharcyde member Fatlip was a single back in 2000. Five years later he finally releases his first proper LP & Fatlip still has it. Once he was given the boot from The Pharcyde the group lost its biggest talent & lost all support from me as well. Fatlip is original, Fatlip doesn't take things too seriously & seems like a genuine MC. Oh and he invented the greatest dance of all-time, The Freddie Kreuger. Fatlip don't go another five years.

32. MY MORNING JACKET / Z

Louisville's My Morning Jacket finally makes an album that does sound like a modern southern rock record. This is a good thing but at the same time it takes away from the nice guitar work that used to litter MMJ's previous efforts. More keyboards, less fuzz & huge soaring choruses are what Z consists of. Unlike everyone else who is into music, I am not completely sold on this record. In fact, I find it to be a bit over hyped. I think 2003's It Still Moves is the group's masterpiece & beats the pants off Z hands down. In fact Z sounds a bit like The Flaming Lips little brother who is trying to find themselves.

31. BLOODHOUND GANG / HEFTY FINE

Aristotle, Einstein, Da Vinci, Jimmy Pop… geniuses, all of them. Jimmy Pop delivers another fun, crude & totally lewd album that will make every suburban male & frat-brother chuckling while drinking Natty-Ice. Did I paint a good enough picture of the target audience that the Bloodhound Gang caters to? When I think of the Bloodhound Gang I think of noogies, being pantsed & beer bongs. Is that better? It's the Bloodhound Gang, nothing different & that's how we like it.

30. JOHN DOE / FOREVER HASN'T HAPPENED YET

John Doe is one of my favorite singers & his voice has never sounded better then right here on Forever Hasn't Happened Yet. This record sounds as if being alone is so romantic but that's the power of John Doe. He could sing songs about killing people and I'd think it were beautiful. This is roots-rock at its best, if you are a fan of X or The Knitters then you must pick this up.

29. THE VERA VIOLETS / SUNSHINE DUST

This is the second release this year for The Vera Violets. I am truly envious of Jonathan Beadle for making such quality music & as a fan, to receive two stellar releases by him in one year? - Simply fantastic. This record seems to show more of a Brian Jonestown Massacre influence rather than the typical Shoegazer influence (i.e. MBV, Ride, Slowdive, etc.)

28. LOU BARLOW / EMOH

Lou Barlow is the king of connecting the heart to the world of little indie rock tunes. Lou is one of the most consistent songwriters out there & he continues to turn out wonderful songs. In case you cannot tell, Lou Barlow is one of my biggest idols; I still sit in my bedroom & play Sebadoh songs on my guitar. This record is loaded with some fine sparse arrangements but the jewel in this crown is by far 'Legendary'. If you can listen to that song & not be moved then you might want to check your pulse because you are a cold, cold motherfucker.

27. THE PADDINGTONS/ FIRST COMES FIRST

I'm a sucker for throwback British punk rock - thus such a high ranking for Hull's (supposedly the #1 crap town in the UK) The Paddingtons. People often dismiss this band as another Libertines knock-off but there is something much more exciting here, don't believe the hype & take a listen.

26. MALL MACENROE & ANDRE MACASSI / DA U.S. OPEN

Mac Mall & the late Mac Dre are two of the most famous bay area rappers & this collaboration between the two is the best rap record I have heard in years. Although it has very little to do with tennis & more about hustlin', getting head & handlin' you biotch - the concept that these two would even do something as ridiculous as going by the names Macenroe & Macassi is hilarious. If you're gangsta, if you are from the bay or if you like the fellatio then this should be in your collection. "Ostrich neck / Uuugh, she's like a jizm magician".

25. MERCURY REV / THE SECRET MIGRATION

The Secret Migration is a record that as a whole it not that great. In fact half the album is loaded with what I'd call average songs. However, the remainder of the record consists of five of the best songs I have heard in this past year. I never recommend Mercury Rev records to people because lead singer Jonathan Donahue's voice is very different. In fact, I'd rate him up there with Roland Gift as two of the strangest voices in music.

24. THE DEAD 60S / THE DEAD 60S

If the Gang of Four had a baby with the Clash it might sound a bit like The Dead 60s. This is one record which sounds like it should be far more popular than it actually is. If I had to put an album on for a party in 2005, this is my first choice.

23. TEENAGE FANCLUB / MAN-MADE

Man-Made was made by three men who have the best ears for melodic, powerpop; a la Big Star. In fact, the comparison to Big Star has been getting tedious for quite some time but it is rightfully so. Teenage Fanclub takes you there, to a place that makes you want to sit back & enjoy & in a world of hideousness, that goes a long way.

22. ANNIE / ANNIEMAL

I love Annie. I love Annie. I love Annie. I love Annie. I love Annie. I love Annie. I love Annie. I love Annie. You should too. Anniemal has some of the finest eurodisco jams I have ever heard. So shake your groove thing because it's hip to like this Norwegian "hottie".

21. THE CRIBS / THE NEW FELLAS

The Cribs are a trio of brothers; much like the Bee Gees only incredibly attractive. No offense to Barry Gibb he wasn't too bad looking but I'd say Andy was the hunky one. Okay, looks aside, The Cribs to me, sound like a modern Kinks, which is one of the highest complements that I can give. I am a bit surprised that this band opens for bands like Bloc Party & Maximo Park when they are far superior & supposedly their live performances blow away headliners.

20. THE WARLOCKS / SURGERY

I'm drugged, I'm stoned & I'm moving in slow motion. These are things that come into mind when I put on The Warlocks third release, Surgery. It's a slow but beautiful record filled with great guitar work that rivals every neo-psychedelic record out there. The Warlocks are a great throwback to the Paisley Underground of the 80's mixed with a bit of Jesus & Mary Chain; this will make you dust-off your Dream Syndicate records & re-live a time once forgotten.

19. THE WHITE STRIPES / GET BEHIND ME SATAN

The first thing I noticed about Get Behind Me Satan was the huge lack of guitar. Which coming from The White Stripes stand point seems a bit weird. And although Jack White claims that he writes most of the songs on a piano & then translates them to guitar, I still miss his guitar work because that is what he does best. With that being said, this record is by no means shabby. There is a freshness to this record that the other White Stripes records haven't had - most likely from the different instrumentation - heh, catch 22 Jackie boy.

18. THE TEARS / HERE COME THE TEARS

Suede part II ! Brett Anderson & Bernard Butler put aside their differences, grow-up & make the best comeback record of the year.

17. SENNEN / WIDOWS

'Widows' is as gorgeous of a record as there is for Shoegazing bands to aspire to make. This is by far my favorite record of 2005 to play while making out. Lights off & music swirling around, this album will get you laid - I gurantee.

16. FRANZ FERDINAND / YOU COULD HAVE IT SO MUCH BETTER

The Franz Ferdinand bus keeps moving with their sophomore release & it's more fun, more bouncy & catchier than the first record to boot! With the typical sound aside, the real gems on this one is the slower numbers; 'Walk Away', 'Fade Together' & 'Eleanor Put Your Boots On'. Great record from the new kings of Scotland.

15. THE VERA VIOLETS / THE LAST KISS

The first release from the king of Florida Shoegazing: Jonathan Beadle & The Vera Violets is 36 minutes of heaven. I have been trying to champion this band for the past year & everyone I inflict their beautiful songs upon, falls in love with this record. Just as I did from the very first note I heard.

14. BLACK LIPSTICK / SINCERELY, BLACK LIPSTICK

This is my mom's favorite record of 2005 & it's very well-documented that my mother is far cooler than I (she's a middle-aged metalhead). Of course, I think I deserve some cool points because I was the one who introduced to this album, that has to count for something, right?

13. GOLDIE LOOKIN' CHAIN/ SAFE AS FUCK

Just when you thought the GLC couldn't release anything more ridiculous than the groups 2004's Greatest Hits. Behold the UK's finest rap group in their finest hour. Rappin' about being white, British, hormone replacement therapy & boy bands make the GLC the best underdog in the rap community.

12. ELKLAND / GOLDEN

Elkland is by far the best new Synth Pop band around. Excellent songwriting, although the word, "Disco" comes up a lot. & we all know that the word 'Disco' is synonymous with shite but Golden is far from that.

11. OF MONTREAL / THE SUNLANDIC TWINS

It's hard to top 2004's Satanic Panic In The Attic which coincidentally enough topped my 2004 albums. And although this record sounds like an extension to Satanic Panic... it just barely misses the mark. Nevertheless, this is another excellent release by Kevin Barnes & I cannot wait for the next Of Montreal release - just like always.

10. ROBBIE WILLIAMS / INTENSIVE CARE

Love him or not - Robbie Williams is one entertaining performer who just so happens to make good music. There were a lot of doubts whether or not Robbie could make a quality record without long-time songwriting partner, Guy Chambers. It just so happens that Robbie Williams not only crushes those doubts but also releases his best release in years.

9. SUBURBAN KIDS WITH BIBLICAL NAMES / #3

Sweden makes the most consistent, wonderful, pop records in this time of age. Suburban Kids With Biblical Names continues this tradition with one of the most ear-pleasing group of songs from this year.

8. THE BOY LEAST LIKELY TO / THE BEST PARTY EVER

At first hear, 'The best party ever' sounds like a pop record made in the Appalachian Mountains, not in some bedroom across the Atlantic. With a great range of instruments including spoons & banjos, makes this record a true gem worth seeking.

7. MEW / AND THE GLASS HANDED KITES

With their complex compositions, arpeggio guitar work & falsetto vocals, Mew solidify themselves as one of the best Danish bands with their epic sophomore release. The songs on this record are impressive & progressive but the overall concept is a bit loose. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a new replacement of your love for old Genesis, Yes, especially Rush (The vocals aren't as annoying as Geddy Lee), then I highly suggest this record.

6. SOUTH AMBULANCE / SOUTH AMBULANCE

South Ambulance's debut record is a mix of shoegazer bliss & indie pop. On their label's site it reads: "If Television Personalities had been melancholic Swedes who released records on Creation in the Early 90's they might have sounded
something like South Ambulance." And they couldn't have said it any better & I sure and the hell can't.

5. WE ARE SCIENTISTS / WITH LOVE & SQUALOR

I am so fucking sick of American bands releasing their records in the UK before they do in their home land. Back when I had to first import this record to the States, nobody I knew had ever heard of this band. And now, they are the hottest thing since Winona Ryder's purse. Good for them, they deserve it but fuck them for making me spend $30 so I can have their record 4 months before my neighbors. It just doesn't pay to be awesome. Oh and regards to the music on the record, every song is solid & melodic & will be on mix tapes from here to Kalamazoo.

4. GOLDFRAPP / SUPERNATURE

You want to be sexy? You want to dance at the disco and get freaky? In the car ride before you hit your local disco, put on ' Supernature' & it will put you in the mood for the night. In fact, this record should only be played in the dark. It's so sexy, smooth & hands-down the best electronic record of the year.

3. THE RUSSIAN FUTURISTS / OUR THICKNESS

don't even know how to describe The Russian Futurists, the only words that come to mind are: melodic, big beats, heartbreak, tenderness, Longing, etc. etc. All I know is that this is one of my favorite records & my heart still yearns to hear it.

2. ...AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD / WORLDS APART

Whoa, how is it possible that the trail of dead keep topping themselves with each release? I thought there was nowhere to go but down after 2002's 'Source Tags & Codes' & before that I didn't think they'd be able to top 1999's 'Madonna'. Wrong again, the …Trail Of Dead defy the laws of Christopherness. This record would have easily been the top record of the year if it wasn't for a little band below them releasing a record. In fact, 'Worlds Apart' only lost by 7/10ths a vote in my system. The whole record is a masterpiece, if you don't have it you stink & need to be cleansed with the greatness of the …Trail Of Dead.

1. THE WEDDING PRESENT / TAKE FOUNTAIN

The Wedding Present is back - Although they never really went away, especially with David Gedge's ever-reverting Cinerama. It's not a secret that The Weddoes are my favorite band ever & David Gedge himself is my all-time favorite songwriter. In fact the reason why I don't pursue making music is because it's as if Gedge somehow channels the music I would make telepathically. He's my hero, my champion, my king of the thing I love the most. 'Take Fountain' is perfect; it slides right into place after Cinerama's masterpiece, 'Torino'. With David Gedge & guitarist Simon Cleave continually progressing with musicianship, filled with spaghetti western atmospheres, Proco Rat distortion pedals & heart-felt words - I wouldn't mind TWP to keep making records forever.

TOP EPs

5. LOUIS XIV / ILLEGAL TENDER

4. TEST ICICLES / BOA VS. PYTHON

3. BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE / WE ARE THE RADIO

2. AIRIEL / AIRIEL

1. AIR FORMATION / 57 OCTAVES BELOW

TOP SINGLES

5. ELKLAND / APART

4. BEN FOLDS / LANDED

3. THE WEDDING PRESENT / I'M FROM FURTHER NORTH THAN YOU

2. TELEVISE / OUTSIDE OUT

1. ARCTIC MONKEYS / I BET YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR

DISAPPOINTMENTS

MOMUS / OTTO SPOOKY
NADA SURF / THE WEIGHT IS A GIFT
DEATH IN VEGAS / SATAN'S CIRCUS
SAY HI TO YOUR MOM / FEROCIOUS MOPES
THE DARKNESS / ONE WAY TICKET TO HELL AND BACK
MASTER P / GHETTO BILL