CD's of the year

Well, another year is almost in the can, so what better way to put '05 to bed than to talk about some great things that happened this year? I'll start it off with music:

1. Wilco, Kicking Television: I'll be honest - I'm not a huge fan of live CD's. But it was great to see that these guys did one. Paste Magazine nailed it when they said that the current lineup is probably the one which will someday be remembered as everyone's favorite.


2. Coldplay, X&Y: I said when I first heard this that I couldn't hear a single. This has been a classic case of an album getting under your skin and not going anywhere. "Fix You" is simply astonishing...


3. Bob Dylan, No Direction Home: This disc contains what I consider to be the definitive versions of some of Dylan's best known songs.


4. John Davis, John Davis: Excellent solo debut from former Superdrag frontman.


5. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Cold Roses: Adams did a great job of reminding us why we love him as we conitnue to scratch our heads at his lack of superstardom. As an added bonus, he forged some new Garcia territory on this one.


6. Athlete, Tourist: I discovered this one, via my friend Nigel, while travelling in the UK. There are a couple of great tracks on here, "Half Life" and "Wires", which are worth the cost of admission.


7. Ray Lamontagne, Trouble: Every now and again, you hear a voice and it sounds like you've known them all your life.


8. Beck, Guero: 2005 had Beck in a good mood again, and in rare form.


9. Oasis, Don't Believe the Truth Oasis traded in the attitude (some of it, anyway) for some great melodies.


10. Mat Kearney, Bullet: I saw Mat perform live in Nashville a while back, and was instantly hooked...

Disagree? Did I leave someone out? Chime in below and let me know what you think...

Comments

[Broken Masterpieces]

Nothing Is Sound by Switchfoot is my favorite album of 2005. Sounds like I do need to get out and listen to some more music as everyone has some interesting picks. Something I'm getting into is Nickelcreek.

[Paula]

"Fix You" was the first song I purchased on iTunes!

I've got too many favourite albums to pick from, but coming close would have to be "What to Do With Daylight" by Brooke Fraser (NZ/Aus). Incredible.

[A F Baker]

Nickel Creek's Why Should The Fire Die is outstanding!

I don't buy too many cds from bands that can be heard on the radio. I'm a venue promoter and an artist agent, so I get 4 or 5 cds from indie bands every week. It's almost too much to listen to. There is a Christian band from Dallas called Addison Road that you guys need to watch out for.

[Kara]

I'll second the nod to Coldplay's "Fix You". :)
Carbon Leaf? Oh yeah, you bet! :D

[Corrine]

Of course I'm going to say Wherever You Are! It's awesome!

Our family is really into the new Thrice CD Vheissu. They do not bill themselves as a "Christian band," even though they are Christian, but their lyrics are straight from the Bible. I love the rich tone of the album.

Another CD I have been loving, even though it's not out until December 26, is Jonah33's second album, Strangest Day. I've been listening to the songs on their Pure Volume site, eagerly gobbling up any crumbs they throw our way. Can't wait till it comes out!

[patrickwitherow]

Is it true that if you put an egg on the stage of a concert (rock concert) that it'll be hard boiled by the time the show is over? If I ever get front row again I'll try it at one of your shows. I think it's an urban legend maybe.

[Pamster]

Indian Summer ~ Carbon Leaf

[www.OneYearBibleBlog.com]

Switchfoot's album #1. Don't have TD's latest yet... need to get it soon! :)

[jason]

Dude, did you buy the Dwight Yoakum album?!? The money back offer still stands.

[MrsJason]

What would this year have been for me without
Dwight Yoakum's Blame the Vain and Antigone Rising's From the Ground Up? Can't imagine.

It took me a while to warm to Mat Kearney, but after seeing him in Charlotte this summer, I loved him. During the song Bullet, one of his strings broke. The chorus became, "I would break a string for you. I would break a string for you." :D

[Sam]

I love Jack Johnson. He's awesome!
-Sam

[Kenny Eller]

I would add Third Day's Wherever You Are (come on Mark...lol) and Audio Adrenaline's Until My Heart Caves In.

[Sarah]

I would have to second Mat Kearney. I think seeing him live was what hooked me. I absolutely love him now.

I'd have to add Over the Rhine's "A Drunkard's Prayer" to the list of great albums of the year. Probably isn't your cup of tea, but Linford and Karen never cease to amaze me.

[Rhett]

10. Oasis - Don't Believe the Truth
9. Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams
8. Audioslave - Out of Exile
7. Mumsdollar - A Beautiful Life
6. Coldplay - X&Y
5. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
4. Foo Fighters - In Your Honor
3. David Crowder *Band - A Collision (3+4=7)
2. Switchfoot - Nothing is Sound
1. Fat Freddy's Drop - Based on a True Story

Some of these are New Zealand bands you may not recognise. I had Third Day's new one at 12, if you are interested. I did a whole top twenty on my blog a few weeks back, with a paragraph on each entry.

Actually, on your recomendation I've been listening to Wilco's live album (I work in a record store) and it's growing on me.