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.
Trent McMartin's Top 5 of 05.
5. The Mohawk Lodge - Rare Bird:
Rare Bird is classic Canadiana taking equal parts Neil Young, Joni Mitchell
and Gordon Lightfoot with the contemporary flavour of Ron Sexsmith and
non-Canadian British supergroup Coldplay. A melancholic album that was
also the very first release for Vancouver's White Whale Records, Rare Birds
is not perfect, actually far from it, but its imperfections are its charm
and its lack of production only enhance the overall feel of the album.
(samples
/ buy cd )
4. Brian Borcherdt - The
Remains of Brian Borcherdt Vol. 2: Brian Borcherdts The Remains of
Brian Borcherdt Vol. 2 is an emotional and thoughtful hybrid of melancholic
alt-country and abrasive alternative rock. Every song summons a different
feeling whether its the heartfelt ballads or the rockers. The album won't
cause you to get up and dance like some kind of tenny bopper but it will
satisfy those yearning for something introspective and thought provoking.
(samples
/ buy cd)
3. System of a Down - Mezmerize:
Metal masters SOAD returned in 2005 with Mezmerize the first of two albums
to be released this year. Mezmerize still contains the edge and outspoken
social and political views of past releases but this time features more
of guitarist Daron Malakian sharing mic duties which is great since his
shriek perfectly compliments lead vocalist Serj Tankians voice. And oh
yeah, BYOB is the catchiest thing the band has ever come up with.
(samples
/ buy cd | review)
2. North Atlantic Explorers -
Skylines: The North Atlantic Explorers have crafted an experimental
album full of spacey sounds and earthy arrangements. Skylines is a mixture
of the atmospheric abstraction of Sigur Ros and the down home simplicity
of Neil Young, The Red House Painters and the Cowboy Junkies. Packed with
emotion, Skylines is a first-rate debut from a group not only willing to
challenge listeners but also themselves.
(samples
/ buy cd)
1. Thrice - Vheissu:
Thrices latest CD Vheissu is the most accessible album the band has ever
released. This time around the California quartet experiments with
different styles incorporating electronics alongside their trademark screamo
sound. The result is a rewarding listen that at times can be a bit uneven
but still has enough bite to satisfy the core rabid fan base. Strong
cuts include Red Sky, Between the End and Where We Lie, and Atlantic.
(samples
/ buy cd | review)
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