Over the last few weeks of 05 we will be posting our writers' picks for the best of 2005. 

Each day we posted a new Top 5 list from one of our writers. Now at the conclusion we are please to present the master list comprised of the top picks from all of our writer submissions. 

Johnny Hardcore's Top 5 of 05.

5.  Audioslave - Out of Exile: We all knew when Chris Cornell & Tom Morello got together we were in for a special treat,  They did not disappoint us with their sophomore release "Out of Exile"  The songs Be Yourself, #1 Zero, Heaven's Dead & Your Time Are just a few songs you listen to and find yourself increasing the volume on.  This is just a great Rock n Roll album that when it is done it leaves you with, "that's it, no more".....Not to worry, they have already started work on album #3 and it should be out by late summer 06' if not sooner knowing these guys.
(samples / buy cd )

4.  Korn - See You On The Other Side: Korn needed to evolve.  And with the departure Brian "Head" Welch, I think there was a little fear as to what would come out of it.  This album captures the old grinding Jonathon Davis with the new more melodic sound of Munky's guitar work. Not many bands can change up their style and message in one fell swoop. Korn accomplishes this in great fashion.  Songs like "Twisted Transistor" and "Coming Undone" show evidence of this.
(samples / buy cd | review)

3. Coldplay - X & Y:  What can you say about this album... If you didn't think Coldplay was really serious about being the best band in the world, you better believe it now.  This album is just creative genius. This is what happens when 4 Tier One Musicians get together with no egos can do.  Every song is very well written and Chris Martin's vocals and stage presence make this a band we will be hearing from for a long long time to come.....hopefully. 
(samples / buy cd | review)

2.  Throw Rag - 13 feet & Rising:  Local Band from Orange County, CA. Just a fantastic collection of driving guitars and with some great lyrics.  They do a cover of Hank Williams's song "The Bottle Let Me Down".  That is no where near a country rendition with Lemmy from Motorhead singing back up vocals....Get the picture.?  This album is the diamond in the rough.  This band is very very under rated. 
(samples / buy cd)

1.  Foo Fighters - In Your Honor: As Dave Grohl puts it, this is his Physical Graffiti.  And I think it truly is.  Disc one is filled with grabbing hard and fast guitar riffs and excellent song writing skills, i.e. the songs "No way back" "DOA" "and the title track "In Your Honor".  Disc #2, is filled with all acoustic numbers, one being a duet with Norah Jones called "Virginia Moon" A must hear.  We also can't forget Taylor Knox.  His drumming on both of these albums can't really be measured.  Take a good listen to Disc #1 and try to figure out where he pulls this stuff from.  He is truly one of the best drummers in Rock n Roll.  He also sings a song on Album #2 called "Cold Day In The Sun".  That is a very catchy tune.  Kind of sounds like he was hanging out with Tom Petty when we wrote it.  This album has nominated for 5 Grammy's  
(samples / buy cd | review)