Top Ten for 2005

Tis' only a couple of weeks past the time of year when the traditional Best Of lists are published so let's take a couple moments to do the same here. With a severe tip' of the Google AdSense jar to Da Crazy MuthaBugga SG, I give you purposefully conventional Best Albums of 2005:

“Late Registration” (Kanye West) - I like the hits man. And this one's chock full of 'em. Or at least they'd all be hits if hits were measured in innovative beats. Spending as much as I do these days coming up with beats of my own I have a special appreciation for the skill it takes to create a beat that makes me wanna sway my neck. Kanye does this every time with rhythmic rhyming syncopation that keeps me thinking for hours after the album's faded.

“Try! John Mayer Trio Live in Concert” (John Mayer Trio) - I get the feeling that John Mayer put out a couple of pop albums just so he could afford the Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino rhythm section. But unlike Sting's Dream of Blue Turtles or whatever it was called, this one doesn't further explore the pop end of the musical spectrum but, rather, steers towards Texas (well, Austin anyway) in its blues roots. Say what you will about his being a pop sensation, Mayer's guitar skills are hot.

“Illinois” (Sufjan Stevens) - A song about John Wayne Gacy that makes me want to cry. Sufjan Stevens skills at writing a sentimental song that never sounds preachy are enviable. Combined with the breathy ribbon-mic vocals they make this album a late-night drive favorite.

“Broken Social Scene” (Broken Social Scene) - A collective of sorts with offshoots and what not. As much art collective as a 10+ piece band. Saw them live in San Francisco and the three guitars and two drummers actually worked!

“Pixel Revolt” (John Vanderslice) - San Francisco indie favorite John Vanderslice produces beautiful music using pristine analogue gear and then breaks it down using modern technology. It is this creative approach that makes the rock he produces so original in a sea of singer-songwriters.

“Motown Remixed” (Various Artists) - Take the breaks that hip-hop artists were gonna get to eventually (if they hadn't already) and put sequenced hip-hops beats behind 'em and what do you end up? An instant party classic. I've gotten a ton of mileage out of this album but lying and telling people I remixed the songs rather than Z-Trip, Jazzy Jeff and DJ Spinna. Just kidding.

“Kicking Television: Live in Chicago” (Wilco) - They've become a favorite band of mine because of the textures they create with a conventional line-up. THis live album captures they're talent as musicians with a hometown that can't be faked.

“Demon Days” (Gorillaz) - What started as an industry in-joke has quickly become one of the most respected brands in rock. That is, if you're in the know. DJ Danger Mouse (their most recent collaborator) isn't exactly a household name but his involvement certainly lends even more street creed to this hip-hop flavored trip.

“Guerolito” (Beck) - The remixed version of Guero, itself a contender for top ten status. This one wins because of it's diversity. With more than 50,000 labums produced a year now, I like being exposed to many producers whose names I can be on the lookout for from here on in.

“Be” (Common) - Common's always been a favorite ever since he busted on the scene (at least my scene) with the hook on De La Soul's “The Bizness” from Stakes is High: “I'm the C to the O double-M-O-N I sit and think with a drink about how I'm gonna win”