Prkr
The Ghost Year (a tape was found buried in the ground)
( beeprepaired )

12 songs, 12 reasons to go camping- no matter the season or climate.

don's mobile barbers
version two point zero
( cordelia records )

The UK has Tony Blair and don's mobile barbery. One of these things reigns positive. (hint: the good force consists of 2 men). "get me out of this dream / by any means" .

Jeff Gomez - how we did not force you to contribute to meaningless.. . I will never know. This album was listened to more than 90% of any others, and how we didn't pen a proper review is a total injustice to the superb "indie" music being made (or the best music being made [period]). "Who's Walking Away" sums up my year. I really hope you don't think of sctas when you play "They Might Be Assholes", we adore you and picking you up just to put you down. (+ if you're still down to send us a Magnetic Fields track - we'd overwhelmingly accept)

One big file stuffed with 100 great songs. It was a project from August - November 2004, but shit-damn get it now and amaze yourself! BNT = Jason Corace.

dreamend
Maybe we're making God sad and lonely
( graveface )

No, no, no. God's just jealous - you know how those prima donna-types can get over good art and great music. Take that envy and multiply it by 10. Hell, maybe God is one of "us".

"does a kick in the teeth make it hard to smile?"

via satellite
Cities Are Temples
( Loud+Clear Records )

These guys might not follow the belief of a Universe that will go on forever - and they make their case for imminent demise sound quite lovely. Seek "Seven Winged Lions". See also: Manuok ( Scott Mercado of via satellite ).

papercuts
Mockingbird
( Antenna Farm )

This may be my favorite album of all time. Released in the final quarter of 2004 - this record amazes me.

maximilian hecker
Lady Sleep
( Kitty-Yo )

Hooked ever since I got that used copy of his 2-song EP Polyester {The Days Are Long And Filled With Pain}. Mister Hecker may be a little too much for some, with his chamber-style of beauty in song, but I can't argue with lyrics atop piano such as these: "I wallow in sounds of flapping wings / Flying in darkness while she sings / Oh my lord, I will be". "Anaesthesia" a sure best song from the year. Import it all!

Birds. Lovers. Harmonies. Did I mention birds? Plus, "Wildcat" is a certain Top 5 track for the year. If you missed this album - don't walk when rushing to download get it.

There was one entire 30-day month this year where each awakening I started the dusk with Black Forest ("Eva Braun"!) and a diet of Fun Dip & acid. I lost 45 pounds and my ENTIRE fucking mind, but I somehow didn't forget to put this treasure chest of frazzle on my list. Classic.

"Show me your titties.. " Oh, Billboard adores 'em.

January 25th, 2005. Two multi-directional albums share a release day. This one is still really, really good. Don't hate a guy because he has "it".

chin up chin up
s/t EP (reissue)
( Flameshovel | Record Label )

Maybe see the list from 2004 - chin up chin up require a new category that they alone can fit in. Again - birds. This was a reissue of an out of print EP with added mixes & videos.

I suppose this will be one of those import-only bands until someone gets of the senseless fucking 80's revival kick. My computer really likes this album - like a meeting of the minds for machines. Dug up an interview for viewing. The very same label was smart enough to release Thee More Shallows!

Perfect. Buy everything. Twice. One of my top 5 albums for 2005.

23 songs, 61 minutes, recycled materials. "She showed me Jesus at the bottom of a Colt .45". I listened to this album enough this year to actually live it - and that would be a strange ride.

John Vanderslice - you never fail me. An album that - from start to finish - keeps the dream alive. "Dance, Dance Revolution".

One of those artists & albums that appeared out of nowhere and clicked instantly. Thanks Mark Mitchell!

Of Montreal
The Sunlandic Twins
( Polyvinyl )

"The auria is bleeding and the boyish voice is leaving / I've been an evil tenor / I filled the innocents doe eyes with glue" - So Begins Our Alabee

Songs Of Green Pheasant
s/t
( Fat-Cat )

Late vote - major vote. This album doesn't need to grow on you, but it does anyway.

Great Lake Swimmers
s/t
( MISRA )

It may be years before I tire of listening to Great Lake Swimmers. Bodies and Minds followed close behind the American reissue of the self-titled album and they both are shiny spots for the year. One of my top 5 favorite albums for 2005.

"God doesn't always have the best goddamn plans, does he?". I finally had reason to move on the dancefloor again - but didn't. Too busy too dance. Hype paid off for once out of 300+ picks.

Thee More Shallows
More Deep Cuts
( Turn Records )

New art, super-great American label, same great songs. "2 AM", Top 5 track for the year.

The Lonelyhearts
Dispatch
( DIY )

Biggest surprise of the year for me, and one of my top 5 albums for 2005. Order everything you can find, then move into Rust Belt Music. FANTASTIC ALBUM FROM START - FINISH!

last of the blacksmiths
last of the blacksmiths
( self-released )

Yet another California (San Fran - yes) crew doing what few California bands choose to do: make superb (may I type "Americana"?) music. "Grass Blade" is full of stunning movements, I may never tire of hearing such song. The Lonelyhearts (above) and lotb should be bundled together as a set.

The Prayers & Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers
The Mother of Love Emulates the Shapes of Cynthia
(bu hanan records )

One of my top 5 albums for 2005. Imagining what this band will do next keeps me alive. Be proud Arthur Sellers, Sir. Be proud!

Everything is Fine
Ghosts are knocking on walls
( Tract Records )

Officially released (formerly a limited cd-r) and so goddamn'd spectacular. Marc Manning - I adore you, but you already knew that.

TARANTULA AD
Atlantic
( Kemado )

A whole new facet to the "post-rock" ( just used for reference ), instrumental scene of music. Brutally beautiful. "You can't make this kind of shit up". That 5:20-ish mark on "Grazie Signore" is the thing of legend and very long nights!

Green Milk from the Planet Orange
City Calls Revolution
( Beta-lactam Ring ) 2005

I really have no idea what I am hearing - but I LOVE it! Big sounds - loud colors.. . "it" comes from Japan. These amps go to 12.

31 Knots
Talk Like Blood
( Polyvinyl Records )

After some really great albums on 54'40-or-Fight, Polyvinyl snagged Portland's 31 Knots. Amazing album and the best to date! "Come now one and all!"

thanksgiving
Caves Days Moments
( Marriage Records )

" ________ __ ____ _______ ____ _____ _____ __ "

Maxïmo Park
A Certain Trigger
( WARP )

It's worn off a bit, but in March of this year I was all about "Apply Some Pressure". Another band well worth keeping the good eye on - once you shovel past the hype of THE GO! TEAM.

I thought the typewriter art was acid - I was wrong (or already afloat). So, I ingested the ill-scented packet of jimson seeds that came in the hand-made package and pushed through.

Y.A.C.H.T.
/\/\EGA
( Marriage Records )

Who else can't fully believe this guy plays drums & shakers for Devendra? "I Love A Computer (Anacortes Version)" rocks the blocks non-stops.