Stranger Than Paradise

My Top 40 of 2005



Physical State:insomniac
Mental State: awake
Music: Eluvium - Talk Amongst The Trees
Fashion sense: grey t-shirt, pajama bottoms

Word of the day

insomnia

n : an inability to sleep; chronic sleeplessness [ant: hypersomnia]

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Ok it's 4am and I am fighting off both insomnia after many days of sleeping eratically and a slight heartburn from the mixed vegetable indian roti I had last night. I'm also doing my annual catchup with tv series I have missed over the year including the stellar 4th season of Six Feet Under (especially the David abduction episode) and the repetitive and frankly boring Little Britain. Everyone's doing their year end lists so I have decided to post mine. For you dear reader(s) I wanted to share my thoughts for this year's exceptional releases in my mind. No doubt this post will be followed up by the customary "Oh did I forget that this year too?" post. It's already happening with Eluvium's Talk Amongst The Trees which I've just heard and liked but didn't hear until it was too late. Sorry Matthew Cooper. Graceful loops of chilly ambience and a position as indie rock's Brian Eno. It reminds me of the view of windy Lake Ontario from Sunnyside Beach in the dead of winter. There's some circular logic to a lot of the songs so if repetition in music bores you then this might not be your bag. Good for meditation this Eluvium I would imagine though. He might even help me out of my insomnia now. If Fennesz is the sound of summer than Eluvium is the sound of winter. So here we go in no particular order. Comments appreciated and your lists always welcome. The tops spot hands down goes to Sufjan Stevens this year.


1. Low - The Great Destroyer
Duluth, Minnesota’s godfathers of zen and art of indie rock branched out this year with a heavier amped-up sound. Featuring the production talents of the inimitable Dave Fridmann, The Great Destroyer was this year’s document of Low growing exponentially.

2. Immaculate Machine - Ones and Zeroes
Like fellow Victoria, BC’ers The Organ, this young trio displays a distinct Blondie meets Smiths influence. The shining star here for me is the amazing and powerful voice of Kathryn Calder who may just turn out to be the next Neko Case (no surprise then that she toured as Neko’s replacement on the New Pornographers’ European tour). One of the best new bands I saw live this year (in London of all places).

3. The Guest Bedroom - We Like Accidents
This little known Toronto band debuted with this extremely strong ep that I couldn’t get enough of, especially the title track. Their Constantines vibe mixed with the Kathleen Hanna-like yelp of Sandi Falconer made these guys a talent to watch this year.

4. Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better
Glasgow, Scotland’s indie-disco dance party showed that you can manage to make another album while still avoiding the sophomore slump. Outsiders was for me the best track of the album that tops even Blur’s Girls and Boys from many years ago. This album might even be better than their debut. Aye laddie.

5. Sons & Daughters - The Repulsion Box
Speaking of Glasgow here comes yet another wicked young talent from the centre of the universe for great pop music. After their strong debut ep Love The Cup, Sons and Daughters unleashed this masterpiece that mixes everything from Johnny Cash to The Smiths to The Clash. Adele Bethel seems like the kind of Scottish lass that you’d want on your side in a bar fight which is what this album sounds a lot like the soundtrack to.

6. Bearsuit - Team Ping Pong
Cuddly and chaotic was a term I once reserved for Deerhoof but these young kids from Norwich, England are also in that category. Not afraid to hide their accents nor their passion these guys were one of the nicest bands I ever had the pleasure of meeting when I dj-ed for their show in Lancaster, Lancashire this fall.

7. Mommy and Daddy - Duel at Dawn
The East Village’s ultimate power couple were also some of the nicest people I met this year. The Sonny and Cher of indie rock gave us more of their dirty overdriven bass and frenetic Roland 808 drum machine beats. Edmond performs like an electrocuted cat while Vivian holds court with the best rock poses. Man these guys are awesome. Sexy crazy cool.

8. The Fiery Furnaces - EP
Out of obligation to Rough Trade, or as an answer to their more arty rock opera The Blueberry Boat just months before, Brooklyn’s brother and sister team released this compilation that lives more in the world of their debut Gallowsbird’s Bark. The singles all overlap into one another with the FFs wanting you to deal with them on “whole album at one sitting” terms it seems.

9. Spoon - Gimme Fiction
This album could have just as easily be called Gimme Shelter. Is it just me or does Spoon hold the prime position as indie rock’s Rolling Stones? I love the swagger and sweat that these guys lay down here.

10. Wolf Parade - Apologies To The Queen Mary
Montreal you just keep on continuing to kick asses and take names. The new wave brilliance of Wolf Parade may make them this year’s Modest Mouse (no surprise then that MM main man Issac Brock produced this album). A shambolic, quirky and amazing debut from these guys with more interesting things ahead.

11. Orange Juice - The Glasgow School
Sure we all liked “Rip It Up and Start Again” back in the day but did you know that Edwyn Collins and his crew were a very tight indie pop band with a handful of excellent singles rarely heard outside of the UK? The Glasgow School is an appropriate title for this compilation. There have been many students of OJ’s musical blueprint, they go by names such as Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand. The Domino records guy who is re-releasing these lost Scottish gems, with Josef K up next, deserves a great pat on the back.

12. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - s/t
These Brooklynites are proof positive of the power of the self-promoter and the possibilities of true “indie” in indie rock. With no record label to release their debut, they did it themselves. The rest, as they say, is history as they managed to not only sell a lot (and I mean A LOT) but also managed to end up on many critics top ten lists all without the aid of the monied marketing machine.

13. Maxïmo Park - A Certain Trigger
“I ehm yoouhng and I ehm lohst” (from Coast Is Always Changing)...ah you have to love those Northerners in England. These dudes from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne channeled the raw pop beauty of early XTC and The Jam. Take that Bloc Party, this is the sound of England that I want to hear more of. Curiously these guys were released on electronic stalwart Warp. Who cares, it’s damn goohd stoof, soohn.

14. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
This Vancouver mega-band made an indelible mark internationally this year with this varied third release. The talents of Carl Newman matched with the sweet voice of Neko Case make this one of the best releases.

15. The Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree
John Darnielle is one of the most interesting songwriters out there today and his Mountain Goats have become one of my favourite bands over many years gaining my respect with each release. Taking a position in my mind as the Raymond Carver of indie rock, Darnielle’s great stories just a keep on comin’.

16. The Decemberists - Picaresque
What can be better than more Dickensian folk-pop tunes from the creative mind of Colin Maloy. These guys just consistently keep on putting out interesting stuff.

17. Black Mountain - s/t
These Victoria, BC shaggy-haired rock allstars managed to find a place where Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer and The Velvet Underground could all co-exist on album and sound incredible. Remember learning recorder in grade school? You too can be a rock star.

18. Elliott Brood - Ambassador
Sounding like an album ripped straight out of the pages of a Flannery O’Connor novel, Windsor ON’s Elliott Brood (not a guy but a band) managed to maintain the tradition of fire ‘n’ brimstone country punk à la 16 Horsepower. Live these guys must be one great party to behold, like a Southern revival or something. Salvation for your wicked soul.

19. Iron and Wine & Calexico - In the Reins
It was inevitable that these two great factions of alt-country would meet up one day. More mariachi and Morricone magnificence from Calexico matched up with the sad cowboy croon of Iron and Wine’s Sam Beam.

20. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Hands down the best release of the year (and I see that many others agree looking at critic’s lists this year). In the ongoing 50 U.S. states project, Sufjan emerges with a true gem in tribute to Illinois this time round. I’m convinced this guy could make the hydro bill sound sad and beautiful. A repeat offender for my best ofs.

21. Pernice Brothers - Discover a Lovelier You
Now a Toronto citizen, Bostonian Joe Pernice has brought out another velvet-voiced pop masterpiece to my ears this year. A charming release end to end and a sweet addition to their pop canon. The Pernice Brothers manage to isolate the beauty of ELO’s Jeff Lynne and feel-good pop everywhere.

22. Teenage Fanclub - Man-Made
Glasgow does it again. This might be the best album since Bandwagonesque that these Scots have released. This release showcases a reunion of all the original Teenage Fanclub members. Their smooth delivery and Big Star power pop is as comfortable as that pair of well-worn jeans. This album tends to be one speed and that’s alright with me.

23. Picastro - Metal Cares
After many years on the Toronto indie scene, Picastro’s finally being recognized for their poignant sad songs by a larger market. At the centre of this sadcore collection is the sleepy voice of Liz Hysen who consistently manages to expose us to her naked and raw emotions with a cathartic edge not unlike The Swans’ Michael Gira. This album also includes incredible string arrangements from “do no wrong” Toronto indie star Owen Pallett of Final Fantasy.

24. Great Lake Swimmers - Bodies and Minds
2005 was the year that the world started to take notice of quiet and reflective Toronto singer/songwriter Tony Dekker. With his grain-silo recorded debut being re-released internationally this was also accompanied by this sophomore release recorded in a rural church in London, Ontario with a full band and even a choir. Channeling that other great Canadian, Neil Young, Dekker manages to make one sweet country-pop album here.

25. The Clientele - Strange Geometry
Alisdair MacLean leads this trio of 60s influenced popsters who seem to belong in an English garden after the haze of morning has lifted. Exquisite is a word that I think best befits The Clientele who consistently put out great autumnal pop music. Look out your window, it’s a lovely day.

26. Scout Niblett - Kidnapped By Neptune
Note to future me, you’re probably rockin’ more than ever. Nottingham, UK native now living in Oregon, Emma Louise “Scout” Niblett has finally shrugged off the Cat Power comparisons and come into her own as an artist of contrasts, the soft and the hard. With production from “The Steve” (Albini), Scout rocks harder and more varied than ever before. Also the best live show I saw all year with Shellac’s Todd Trainer backing her up on drums. Simultaneously kooky and cool.

27. Alina Simone - Prettier In The Dark
Ex-pat Siberian now living in Chapel Hill, NC. Alina finally saw a full release for this exceptional debut ep on NC indie Fractured Discs. Rockin’ in a world where Sinead O’Connor meets PJ Harvey, Alina is a talent to watch and a super nice person. Production touches here from Steve Revitte (Liars, JSBX). Glad to call you a friend there, Alina.

28. Smog - A River Ain’t Too Much To Love
I probably have more Bill Callahan (Smog) albums than any other artist and I never tire of his slow-moving sad songs. After many years of great releases Bill returns with an album that seems to be inspired by his recent move to Austin, TX. There’s a more rural vibe that reminds me of a David Gordon Green film on this album and especially on his interpretation of the American folk classic, In The Pines.

29. Françoiz Breut - Une Saison Volée
Cherbourg, France native Françoiz Breut returns once again with a beautiful collection of her smokey gypsy-indie rock with a distinct Gallic flair. This album featuring some assistance from Herman Dune and the great Joey Burns of Calexico. Formidable. One wish...the Yann Tiersen/Françoiz Breut/Tindersticks album to surface in 2006, s’il vous plait!

30. LCD Soundsystem - s/t
After many years of acting behind the scenes as one half of the DFA record label backing artists like The Rapture, James Murphy emerged with this disco-punk party that is equal parts Arthur Baker, PIL and The Fall (with a little Talking Heads thrown in for good measure). Probably heard on more style tv shows this year than any band. Dancing is mandatory when listening to this. More cowbell, kid!

31. Out Hud - Let Us Never Speak of This Again
Both with this project and with shared members in !!!, Out Hud have managed to teach the indie kids to dance again. This smart mix of rubbery bass-heavy riffs, New Order synths and New York street funk have made Out Hud a much sought after prospect for music festivals and cool dance clubs worldwide.

32. Annie - Anniemal
Specfically "Heartbeat". Remember how you heard that Kylie Minogue song and felt guilty and not “indie” enough for liking it? Well not to fear your saviour has arrived in the form of Norwegian artist Anne Berge-Strand with the catchiest single of the year that you could listen to 10 times a day. The combo of Air-quality grooves and Annie’s sweet voice make this a no-brainer. She’ll probably become damn famous. A guilty pleasure without the hangups.

33. Broadcast - Tender Buttons
Birmingham, England retro-popsters Broadcast are now down to two original members and a more folky sound that’s less Raymond Scott and more Free Design.America's Boy a standout track that is a questioning of what it means to be a soldier in the Bush army. Still one of my favourite bands, hands down.

34. The Books - Lost and Safe
The New york duo of Nick Zamuto and Paul De Jong have created another collection of sound collages and pastiche of samples from lectures, news items and instruction records. This time we see the emergence of Zamuto with a more active vocal responsibility that turns the role of song lyric on it’s head. Reminiscent at times of what a lunch between Laurie Anderson and Hood might sound like, this is truly unique music that sounds unlike anything else.

35. Caribou - The Milk of Human Kindness
Dundas, ON native Dan Snaith now living in London has turned in another great release in the form of this kaleidoscopic scrapbook of beats and sounds. Seems that the change from being Manitoba to Caribou has not changed the spirit of creativity or inventiveness that Snaith continues to amaze us with. He hasn’t even hit his stride yet it seems. A strange and wonderful pop.

36. Ladytron - Witching Hour
Three albums in, Liverpudlians Ladytron show no signs of slowing down. In fact they seem to be gaining steam here on this release with a new sound that is broad, edgier and less reliant on the electroclashy plinkyness of their earlier work. There seems to be a new found exploration of different textures, Numanesque keyboards and even of things like guitars. Are friends electric?

37. The Bell Orchestre - Recording a Tape The Colour of Light
This Montreal band made up of some members of The Arcade Fire have turned the instrumental art-rock sound of Montreal on it’s ear this year. With the skillful string arrangements of Sara Neufeld and musical direction by Richard Parry, Bell Orchestre have created an incredible jazz-rock-classical hybrid that is as much Arvo Part as it is Penguin Cafe Orchestra. I can’t get enough of this album. Rock the french horn, dudes.

38. Clickits - Express Gifts
The name reads like the band sounds (especially if you’re addicted to the Macintosh alert sounds). This Lancashire duo creates beautiful collages of found sounds such as cardboard boxes, tools, chains framed by lovely melancholy keyboards. I haven’t heard sweet sad glitch sound this good since Aphex Twin, Isan or Kim Hiorthoy. They also remind me of times of my all time favourite collage duo...(see below)

39. Boards of Canada - The Campfire Headphase
Thankfully there was yet another return journey to planet Boards of Canada this year in the form of The Campfire Headphase. I think that it goes without saying that I could listen to these guys endlessly on repeat for a week (and have at times it seems). The mix of peaceful ambience and catchy beats is this brother team’s classic trademark. Their dreamy selections of pastoral folktronic music is as much at home as you drift off to sleep as it is on an airplane flight (which I found works better than drinking). Sedated and superb.

40. Ulrich Schnauss - Far Away Trains Passing By
A bit of a cheat. Technically a 2001 release on Germany’s City Centre Offices, this master work was re-released by the brilliant minds at Domino Records with an additional cd that is like getting two great albums in one. It goes without saying that I am a huge fan of Schnauss who I picked last year as my favourite artist of the year. It seems appropriate to end this compilation on even more of his dream-poptronica that is equal parts Gary Numan, Slowdive’s Pygmalion and My Bloody Valentine. This guy should be an international star for his ability to de-stress. Yoga or Ulrich Schnauss, the choice is yours.


Now go out and buy some of these and check them out for yourselves. Also let me know some of yours.