Top 50 albums of 2005 - part 3 (30-21)
30. El Ten Eleven El Ten Eleven (Bar-None Records)
If you're in for a life change and need the final kick, buy this album. Instrumental bands like El Ten Eleven provide the ultimate solutions without saying a god damn thing. Stripped clear of adverbs, nouns, and you', the music goes directly to the listener's soul without passing through the brain to translate all the shit about love, girlfriends, and life changes. The music is the life change; it provides the message because the listener is forced to hear their own message. El Ten Eleven's musical freedom will allow you your own freedom and what more could you ask for in an album. Darren Susin
29. MIA Arular (XL)
There is something to be said about hype and the lack of value of the music behind it. There is also a lot to be said about a politically inclined artist that just happens to associate herself with an innovative DJ/Producer. M.I.A. simply out shined the hype by tremendous flow and a political awareness that is rarely found in hip-hop to go with her intelligent rhymes. This is a danceable protest pamphlet over a subject that few of us are familiar with, more reasons to pay close attention to her. Simon Thibaudeau
28. Langhorne Slim When The Sun's Gone Down (Narnack Records)
Langhorne Slim's voice is like this strange holler that's a little bit hillbilly and a little bit rock n' roll blues (think Jack White meets Gordon Gano). All throughout When The Sun's Gone Down, all is as it should be. Steph Haselman
27. No Neck Blues Band Qvaris (5RC)
This is probably NNCK's masterpiece. Why? Simply because it is the most digestible release on their discography. Not only it is an easier listening, it is their darkest, most accomplished and structured improvisation on record. It is almost mindboggling to think that they are able to create music of this quality without so much of a blueprint beforehand. This is a group of musicians in complete control of their art and Qvaris is a testament to this control. Simon Thibaudeau
26. Precious Fathers Precious Fathers (White Whale Records)
Like a log cabin, Precious Fathers are a homely mix of ingenious construction and a beautiful alpine setting. The optimum method of listening to this, their debut long-player, would ideally be inside of that very log cabin, fireplace and hearts ablaze. It sounds like chocolate tastes. And it would seem that the key to this musical wonderment lies in contentedness and experience
A mix of intelligence and experienced, instinctive musicianship, this record immediately sounds at ease with itself. The delicate guitar phrasing in opening song Prairie Train is a lesson in crafting a musical experience. By the time the horn comes in, you already think it's been there from the beginning, such is its opacity. Daniel Ross
25. Death Vessel Stay Close (North East Indie)
Joe Thibodeau's voice is a singular one. It's high register may disorient you at first, but once you settle into it, you see that it is no mere novelty. It brings forth a sense of honesty, wonderment, and innocence to these country-folk songs that few other voices could. That aside, the songs on this record are what make it special. It almost sounds like an album full of standards. When the fiddle comes in between verses in "Break the Empress Crown", my heart leaps, and the chorus is a fantastically catchy sing-along. "Mandan Dink" repeats the same verse over and over, but that's fine by me, because that's all I want to hear anyway. "Blowing Cave" is as haunting as any song this year. I could go on, but I'll stop. A truly affecting album that runs the gamut of emotions. Robert Ferdman
24. Stnnng! - Dignified Sissy (Modern Radio)
Stnnng comes rolling out of Minneapolis like some bastard savior for true rock and roll behavior. Taking cues from the greater Mid West indie rock scene (and then more specifically from fallen Minneapolis legends Lifter Puller and Touch and Go mainstays Jesus Lizard) these five guys are prepared to tip a few tables over to get some attention. With story-like lyrics forcefully spit out by Chris Besinger, they tear through fourteen venom filled tracks in a little more than a half hour. Touching on influences that span decades (The Stooges, Melvins, along with everything else mentioned) while still maintaining a feeling that is completely unique. Jake Haselman
23. The Drift Noumena (Temporary Residence LTD.)
Why is this release so good? First off, it is the first full-length from this Bay Area band of dub-inspired independent musicians, with as much attention paid to guitar loops ala Mogwai as crazy bass lines ala King Tubby. Danny Grody (also of Tarentel) gets to finally play the amazing guitar lines that are a little too "mainstream" for the sounds of his other band. And drummer Rich Douthit and bassist Safa Shokrai move like a train full of swinging jazz musicians. Add to this the voluminous horns of Jeff Jacobs and you have one of the most successful foursomes to date. "Noumena" will bridge the gap between these forms of music, just like Godspeed bridged the indie rockers with the classically minded. From the slowly forming (almost primordial) opener, "Gardening, Not Architecture" to the swirling beauty that is "Hearts are Flowers", this album is completely unpretentious in its attitude, confident in its abilities, and successful in every aspect. Grant Capes
22. Cave In Perfect Pitch Black (Hydra Head)
Calling this the most difficult record they've ever made, Cave In makes it sound easy as they crash through 10 intense tracks. With brooding drums and guitar riffs dipped into the deepest, murkiest waters, Pitch Perfect Black shows that even the heaviest of hitters can age gracefully, no matter what the Osbournes have proven otherwise. Had time frozen in 1996, Cave In would be globe-trotting in style with Gavin Rossdale begging for an autograph. The title hits 2 for 3, as this album is both Perfect and Black. Darren Susin
21. Lowlights Dark End Road (Darla Records)
Over all, even more than it is haunting, Dark End Road is a very sad album. These are love songs that make you ache not from joy but rather from the actual stabbing pain they make you feel in whatever place you get sad. Steph Haselman
|50 - 41| |40 - 31| |30 - 21|
|20 - 11| |10 - 1| - IW Staff | 2005-12-27
