Porn is king
My infatuation with Porn — the band, The New Pornographers, that is — has been growing by leaps and bounds since I reviewed their latest album, Twin Cinema, earlier this month. At the time I reviewed it I had not had time to fully digest just how good this album is, and if I had to rate it today I’d probably drop an extra star on it. One tune, however, stood out from the very beginning and I knew it was a keeper. 
And that’s what our favorite songs do, they grab us and command our attention. For whatever reason — an addictive rhythm, a sultry lyric, a clever drum beat — our most delectable ditties appeal to us on a level only we could understand. What might be a great song to one, could be trash to another. But that’s the beauty of art, it’s in the eye of the beholder. So, without further ado, I present my favorite songs of 2005:
1. The New Pornographers: Sing Me Spanish Techno (Twin Cinema):
New Pornographers mix a tasty concoction of power-pop rhythms, indie inflection and shake them up with an eclectic twist of quirky lyrics and odd instrumental arrangements to yield this year’s most invigorating song.
2. Mike Doughty: Looking at the World from the Bottom of a Well (Haughty Melodic):
Former headman of ’90s hipsters Soul Coughing, Mike Doughty is out on his own and doing great. Bottom of a Well pulls influences from all over the place, including electronic and hip-hop, for what may be the year’s biggest surprise hit.
3. Sufjan Stevens: Come on! Feel the Illinoise! (Come on! Feel the Illinoise!):
One of the most ambitious songs (and albums) to come around in a while, Illinoise – clocking in at nearly seven minutes – combines innumerable musical influences and distributes it in an incredible history lesson of the state. Brilliant!
4. The Decemberists: The Engine Driver (Picaresque):
Slow and lulling but ultimately addictively sweet and infectious, The Decemberists have quite possibly crafted the year’s most hummable tune.
5. O.A.R.: Lay Down (Stories of a Stranger):
Guitars, bass, keyboards, drums and even a saxophone are locked, loaded and ready to accost fans and other unsuspecting listeners with heaps of jam-band goodness. Toast not included.
6. Erin McKeown: To the Stars (We Will Become Like Birds):
One part erratic drum beat, two parts simple guitars, a healthy dose of an incredibly gifted singer/songwriter and you have the most memorable song off an album chock full of ‘em.
7. Beck: Girl (Guero):
The tune that helped Beck get his groove back. Sure, it reeks of mainstream excess and a catchy, finger-snappin’ chorus (“Hey! My sun-eyed Girl!”), but it’s fun as hell. And I’m a sucka for fun.
8. Son Volt: Chaos Streams (Okemah and the Melody of Riot):
An album sullied by an egregious political message, but there’s no denying this tune’s incredible appeal. Deeply layered guitars dominate this alt-rock classic.
9. Anna Nalick: Breathe (Wreck of the Day):
With a melody sweet enough to buckle even Johnny Rotten’s knees, I can listen to lovely Anna sing “Breathe” over and over and over. So delicious.
10. Old 97’s: The New Kid (Alive & Wired):
OK, I gotta admit I allowed my wife my last choice, but she did me proud. Rockin’ 97’s live 2005 release includes rousing version of “The New Kid,” her favorite tune from last year’s excellent album “Drag it Up.” Way to go, baby.
December 20th, 2005 at 9:16 am
vin, ask chris how to link up the songs to itunes, would make it easier for folks to check out the songs. my list would read substantially differently, but i haven’t heard quite a few of these so i can’t disagree. i’ll follow up with a comment of my top 10 sometime today or tomorrow.
December 20th, 2005 at 9:32 am
Just got the year-end issue of Spin in the mail yesterday. They had Gorillaz’ “Feel Good Inc.” as the No. 1 tune. “Late Registration” was their top album.
December 20th, 2005 at 9:33 am
spin is the best mainstream music magazine by far, i also just received that issue.
December 20th, 2005 at 9:46 am
feel good inc. was definitely on my radar. great song, but i was kinda sick of it. absolutely worthy of an honorable mention.
December 20th, 2005 at 9:52 am
dare is a much better choice for the best gorillaz song of the year
December 20th, 2005 at 10:23 am
ok, so here’s my top 10, poorly formatted and not really punctuated, also not in particular order, just the 10 best:
1. gorillaz - dare
2. ben lee - catch my disease
3. kayne west - gold digger
4. ben folds - you to thank
5. paper tiger - have your people call my people
6. bright eyes - when the president talks to god
7. finch - brother bleed brother
8. the juliana theory - this is a lovesong for the loveless
9. the white stripes - my doorbell
10. dangerdoom - athf
ok, so i did this off the top of my head, so it’s not very conclusive, but since it’s a comment on yours rahter than an actual article of mine, it will do. cheers!
December 20th, 2005 at 10:34 am
I’ve got to give props to Dare as well.
December 20th, 2005 at 10:45 am
Surprised to see “Mr. Brightside” included as a 2005 song in Spin. I’d have to include that. And I’ll drop Doves again with “Black and White Town.”
Another vote for DARE.
December 20th, 2005 at 5:09 pm
Wow, it seems like I’m the only dude in here who’s not totally crushing on Dare. I mean, it’s alright, but does everyone really love it that much? What am I missing here?
December 20th, 2005 at 5:17 pm
I do have to second “Girl”, though. Best track on that record, and definitely one of the best of the year.
December 20th, 2005 at 7:13 pm
Actually if I had to pick, I might put O Green World above both, but it’s a song that has its highs and lows. Dirty Harry has really grown on me. It’s got kind of a jarring meter to the rap, but it grew on me once I learned to appreciate it.
December 20th, 2005 at 7:16 pm
fire coming out of the monkey’s head and every planet we reach is dead are my faves… those and dare… i think a 3-way tie. but i think dare is this years best dance sog by far.