Top 10 List (a little late)

I know December is gone and forgotten, but I feel the need to post my favorite albums and shows attended in the year 2005. So, here they are, in no particular order:

1. Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
I love all the layers of sound on this album. It's just gorgeous. It's also the show I am the most sad that I missed.

2. Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary
Some rockin' songs on this one. That's all you need to know

3. M.I.A. - Arular
Sure I feel like that white guy in Office Space when I've got this album cranked in my car and I'm doing my white girl dance, but who cares?

4. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Yummy yummy yummy. The music on this album makes me smile.

5. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - also self titled
I'm so glad these guys sold so many copies of this record with the help of the internet and word of mouth. I also love that the lead singer's voice is slightly annoying.

6. Sleater Kinney - The Woods
Another gem from the rockinest of the all girl rock bands still around today.

7. The Decemberists - Picaresque
Yes, my almost cousin is in the band, but I love this record! Especially the Mariner's Revenge Song

8. Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
I've heard that this version is not as good as the one leaked on the internet. But, I haven't heard that one and think this one sounds mighty fine. "Extraordinary Machine" is one of the cutest songs I've ever heard and makes me want to listen to it while wearing smocked dresses and patent leather Mary Janes, skipping down the sidewalk.

9. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
The first four songs are just fantastic. The rest of them are pretty good too.

10. Iron and Wine/Calexico - In the Reins
really nice. better than I thought it would be. also a show I'm sorry I missed.

Honorable Mentions:

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm and Animal Collective - Feels

Album I wish I heard in 2005:
Stars - Set Yourself on Fire

Top 10 Concerts of 2005:

1. Paul McCartney at the MCI Center - My Mom cried, I cried, my cousin cried, my Aunt cried. There's just something about Sir McCartney. I really didn't think he was going to get me, but then he sang "I Will" and I lost it.

2. Nine Inch Nails at the MCI Center - Yes I was moving closer and closer to the stage like a teenybopper. Yes, I'm almost 30 years old. But, Trent Reznor looks much better in person than I ever thought he could. And the music was good too.

3. Arcade Fire at the 930 Club - Anytime more than 5 people get on stage and can pull off a good show is a favorite in my book. They were awesome and I'm glad I bought into the hype surrounding them. It was also fun running into them before the show even though I acted like an idiot in front of the lead singer.

4. Sigur Ros at the Strathmore Center for the Arts - I have no idea what this guy is saying, but he has one of the most hauntingly beautiful voices I've ever heard. Thanks Steve and Taryn for this ticket!!!!!!!!!!!

5. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at the 8x10 - My favorite song from this show was "Satan Said Dance", which unfortunately, is not on the album. Yes, I jumped on this bandwagon too, but it was before npr did a story about them. The crowd at this show was really nice and fun also, which was a bonus.

6. Magnolia Electric Company/Grand Buffett at the Ottobar - Grand Buffett was one of the best opening bands I've seen in a while. The encore with both bands singing "Running with the Devil" was worth staying up until 3am on a weeknight.

7. Slint at the 930 - I was really tired the night of this show and didn't really like it that much after it was over, but liked it alot in retrospect.

8. Decemberists at the 930 - You can listen to this concert at www.npr.org (click on all songs considered). Again, the Mariner's Revenge song was my favorite.

Disappointing shows of 2005:

1. Wrens at the Black Cat - I think they were too drunk, or too nervous, or the crowd would just not SHUT UP, but the sound sucked and the songs didn't sound as good as their last show here.

2. Bloc Party at the 930 - Not worth staying up until 2am on a weeknight. But, "Helicopter" sounded good.

3. Tori Amos at Pier Six Concert Pavillion - I was super excited to meet her before this concert, and super happy I had 4th row seats, but this was not a very good Tori show. I'm sure I'll go again though.

Shows I'm sorry I missed:

1. Broken Social Scene at the 930
2. Calexico/Iron and Wine at the 930
3. Sleater Kinney at the 930
4. Coachella
5. Tuscadero at the Black Cat
6. Wolf Parade opening up for Arcade Fire