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. 

Keavin Wiggins' Top 5 of 05.

5.  Thinking Aloud – Remote Mind Control: Yet another killer Orange County / Long Beach band. Jam punk/ alternative at its finest.  I admit that it was their live show that won me over but the album gives us a look at some of their greatness. It's the raw yet controlled energy that can't be denied.  I expect big things from these guys.
(samples / buy cd)

4.  Hermano - Dare I Say: This was a last minute addition. aG reminded me again of just how kick ass this CD is. All due respect to QOTSA and Josh but John Garcia still produces the absolute best stoner rock. After just one listen to this CD you should be convinced that he should be a huge star apart from his underground fame as the former singer for Kyuss. In any year this CD would standout but especially in a year like 2005 where a lot of the music was forgettable, this was one of the few CDs I knew that I'd be playing for years to come.
((samples / buy cd | review)

3. Street Dogs -  Back to the World:  After reading the raving review for this CD from Travis I had to give it a serious listen and it lived up to the high expectations Travis set. A full throttle kick ass REAL punk album. You would think that more releases like this would be out there but punk has been so bastardized that CDs like this stand out for their authenticity.  If you want real punk, Street Dogs are your best bet.
(samples / buy cd | review)

2.  The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin Vol. 1:  One of the most underrated bands out there right now.  They effectively bridge psychedelic, garage, power pop and classic rock to create something unique.  It feels a bit like what you would expect The Who to sound like if they were forming right now (but with less banal lyrics.) I can't say enough about this album, I've just about wore out the CD; I've played it so much. 
(samples / buy cd | review)

1.  Tremolo - Love is the Greatest Revenge: My musical tastes run the gambit but lean towards the heavier side. Tremolo broke through that the first time I heard this CD and made me an instant fan. Smart, melodic, with plenty of hooks to grab your attention, this album is what I feel U2's last few offerings should have been.  My friends got sick of hearing me rave about this CD but the few that gave it a chance were converted! For me this was the best CD released in 05 hands down. 
(samples / buy cd | review)
 

Honorable Mention

Enuff Z'nuff – One More for the Road: Surprised? I had to pick this one and not just because the photos I took are used on the cover and I helped put the show together. =) For those that do not know, this is the real live recording of the one-off reunion show with Donnie Vie, Vik Foxx and Derek Frigo.  It’s a testament to an amazing show that sadly can't be repeated because Derek passed away last year. It's bittersweet to listen to, but Derek never sounded better!