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. Its 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!
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