Ingrained Refrains: December 2005

There is nothing more difficult than talking about music. Even so, as 2005 comes to a close, it's time for the all important "Year That Was...", music edition. I wasn't going to do it this year...it always takes so long and it's so hard for me because I'm such a fan of all of it; but, I succumbed to the peer pressure...damn all of you who for some inexplicable reason want to hear what I think.

I started with a Top 10 that grew into a Top 20 before I realized there have been so many fanfuckingtastic releases this year that even THAT wouldn't cover it. My list is just that...MY LIST. You can agree with or argue my choices but it won't change the fact that every single album on this list is MONEY, pure and simple. If you agree, that's great and we can still be friends. If you agree and we're not already friends, we should be. If you disagree with more than 5 of these selections, we have absolutely no business remaining friends and it's best we part ways now because you have no taste whatsoever and you suck.

If there are artists here that you don't know...for God's sake familiarize yourself with them, people! There is so much more to life than Top 40 radio!!! I have every one of these albums and will be more than happy to hook your ass up along the way if possible. I've given out a lot of CD's this year just because they were THAT good, I felt the overwhelming need to make double and triple purchases and a few of these, I've had given to me by special friends. (You know who you are!!) Most of these albums are in my getfile (you cool kids know what I'm talkin' about) and you can help yourself anytime I'm online. I'm kind and generous that way. (HOLLA old school Natalie Merchant!!) I should be ashamed to admit that I purchased all this music over the course of the year but I'm not. Not one damn bit.

I won't argue the fact that not all of these are musical masterpieces...that's not what I'm about. This isn’t the most elitist record I could have compiled either...it’s just what I’ve loved and listened to the most this year. As always, this list is all based upon opinion and my motto has always been and continues to be that opinions are like assholes; everybody's got one...everyone else’s seem to stink so much worse and the only one that has the power to impact me is my own. (Seriously, if you don't get the "impact" portion of that statement...leave now. Thanks!)

Without further adieu, I give you Linda's Top 21...plus 13 more you're an idiot if you don't give a listen to (in no particular order) of 2005. Enjoy!

Blue Merle-Burning In The Sun

I had the fortunate pleasure of seeing these guys open for Train a few years ago at the Granada Theater in Dallas. Before their set, we were all looking around on stage at the diverse instruments thinking "What the fuck is this gonna be?" and shaking our heads silently. Well, what the fuck that was is one of the better openers I've ever seen. After the show, we had a chance to meet the boys of Blue Merle and Train and I must tell you that a better bunch of guys you'll never find. Luke was fantastic and while he's been compared to Chris Martin...I gotta say, he's in a league of his own. While I love every song on this album, the tracks I demand you listen to (a.k.a.: my UBER favorites) are:

Lucky To Know You, Part Of Your History and Either Way It Goes

Jack Johnson-In Between Dreams

To sum it up, this album touches me where I chill...ya know, on the inside. I have had this disc on repeat for more weeks this year than maybe any other and it's due to the fact that not only is every song great but the lyrics are completely relatable. It can be argued that so many of them sound the same but to that I say this..."If it ain't broke, don't fix it." If you've been living under a rock for the past several years and haven't heard of Jack Johnson, I implore you to do yourself a favor and to pick up this album as it is his best work to date. After doing so, I implore you further to listen to my favorite tracks:

Better Together, No Other Way, Sitting, Waiting, Wishing, Staple It Together and Do You Remember

"Love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart. Like why are we here? and where do we go? And how come it's so hard? It's not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving. I'll tell you one thing its always better when we're together"

James Blunt-Back To Bedlam

Former military man gone guitar picker, James Blunt has won over the UK this year with his amazing sound. He may in fact be their greatest export of 2005. The fact that a guy with the last name Blunt has a song titled "High" on his album alone makes him cool as hell but that's not why I want you to pick it up, peeps. Grab it because it's good. His voice is ethereal and his lyrics are honest....they get in your head and you can't forget them. You can find me singing the lyrics to these songs at any given point in time:

So Long Jimmy, Goodbye My Lover and Tears And Rain

Jamie Cullum-Catching Tales

On the heels of the success of "Twentysomething", Jamie Cullum kicked it up a notch with this year's "Catching Tales". Immediately, you can hear the expansion and shift in musical direction he's making with this album. Infusing jazz and pop with a little bit of flava, he's definitely made a recipe for success. He hasn't abandoned his old school roots though and has a killer cover of "I Only Have Eyes For You" along with a fun little upbeat jazzy ditty "Nothing I Do" and the beautiful ballad "I'm Glad There Is You" to satisfy those who love that "classic" sound and feel. I fell in love with these tracks:

Get Your Way, Nothing I Do and Our Day Will Come

Michael Buble-It's Time

Same song, second verse. Well, that's not exactly a fair statement. While comparisons can be made between Buble and Cullum, they really are altogether different. Michael's voice is so smooth...like buttah y'all! I could listen to him sing the back of a shampoo bottle and think it was the best thing ever. He's just that good. He's the Frank Sinatra of our over processed, cookie cutter pop star generation. He is fond of the covers and while that's typically a HUGE turn off to me...he does them so well that they become his own so it's all good. "You Don't Know Me" on this album is a fine example of that. I've yet to meet the person who doesn't love "Home" and his spin on "How Sweet It Is" gives that song new life. These are muy bueno:

Home, You and I and You Don't Know Me

Susan Tedeschi-Hope & Desire

Even though she's a two time Grammy nominee, unless you're a fairly big fan of the blues, I'm bettin' you haven't heard her name...this makes me sad. Susan is dynamite in a little package. "Just Won't Burn" came out in 1998 and I was hooked. She's a little bit Janice, a little bit Bonnie (if I need to tell you their last names, hit the road). Her live set is a complete journey into what blues is all about and her voice will pick you up, shake you around and throw your ass a mile away where you'll fall into a sweaty heap and run back beggin' for more. You'll hear the gospel in her voice but it won't deter you from the music one bit...even if that's not your thing. She too does a few covers on this album but they're KILLER and she does Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and The Stones justice in my opinion. These are MUST listen to's:

Tired Of My Tears, You Got The Silver and Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever

David Gray-Life In Slow Motion

David Gray is far and away one of my MOST favorite singer/songwriters of all time. It's hard to top an album like "White Ladder" and while I don't feel this does that...it's close enough to perfect for me. I waited for an eternity after "A New Day At Midnight"...at least it felt that way...for a new offering from David and this hit the spot. It's the first of his seven efforts that was actually produced by someone else and in a real studio and from a production standpoint, that shows. It's chock full of goodness but the songs that went straight to the heart of me are:

The One I Love, Lately and Now And Always

The Fray-How To Save A Life

Fresh and full of charisma, The Fray's "How To Save A Life" is arguably the best album of the year. From the first second I gave the first song my first listen...I was hooked...like a wide mouth bass. Every single song is SUPERB. The style, the sound, the lyrics...all of it combine to make a perfect record. If you don't believe me, get your ass off the couch and go pick up a copy...you will NOT be disappointed. The best of the best:

Over My Head (Cable Car), How To Save A Life and All At Once

Fuck it, they're all my favorites...it's just that good.

Augustana-All The Stars & Boulevards

Modern American rock at it's best threw up all over this CD and nobody needs to clean it up. Augustana and The Fray go hand in hand but they're distinctly different. This album, for me, harkens back to the '90's and everyone knows how great that music was! Their sound is infectious and you'll find yourself putting this on repeat for days on end. There's not a bad song to be had on it but some goodies are:

Hotel Roosevelt, Boston and Stars And Boulevards

Kanye West-Late Registration

The follow up to "The College Dropout" does not disappoint and doesn't suffer the Sophomore slump. Love him or hate him, Kanye knows how to deliver the goods and does so on this effort with a little help from his friends. Jamie, Adam, Common, Jay-Z...they all lend so much to this disc. You know your ass has been singin' "Gold Digger" every time you hear it...ya can't help it. A few of the better tracks:

Gold Digger, Heard 'Em Say and Crack Music

Ben Taylor-Another Run Around The Sun

James Taylor + Carly Simon = Ben Taylor. The prodigal son has a leg up due to breeding alone but don't sell him short...he's an extremely gifted artist in his own right. He couldn't hide his roots if he tried because he looks and sounds JUST. LIKE. HIS. DAD. But, he's also got a lot to offer on his own. With his first real solo effort, Ben puts himself out there unabashedly and bares it all for the world to see on this very personal compilation. He's definitely earned his acclaim as one of the best singer/songwriters of the year and you can rest assured he's not going anywhere but to the top. Again, every fucking track is the shit but these are standout great:

Nothing I Can Do, Think A Man Would Know and You Must've Fallen

P.S. He does a version of "Nothing Compares To You" that will GUT you I swear it. If you want it, let me know. It'll change your life.

Loquat-It's Yours To Keep

It's not often that a group garners a top spot in the soundtrack of my life without really payin' their dues but Loquat did that with "It's Yours To Keep". Their sound is so unique and her voice is so fantastic that they passed go AND collected $200 the first time I heard them. Most of you are probably sick of my pimpin' them but trust me, it's for your own good. It would be a crime to overlook talent like this. The tracks that "did it" for me are:

Take It Back, Swingset Chain, Slow, Fast, Wait and See and Internal Crash

Ben Folds-Songs For Silverman

Who doesn't love the musical genius that is Ben Folds, huh? Once again, Ben gives the people what they didn't even know they wanted and he does it in the way that only he can. Giving credence to nerds everywhere, Ben centers this album like the rest around his brilliant piano playing and makes it all sound cool. Sounding more like Ben Folds Five than ever before on a solo effort, old school fans will get a lot more from this record than his previous releases. Fun, funky and touching, these are great:

Sentimental Guy, Late, Landed and Gracie

Mariah Carey-The Emancipation of Mimi

Say what you will about Mariah Carey but she's made one of the most remarkable comebacks of the decade. Post mental breakdown Mimi has come correct with "The Emancipation..." and there's no denying that she hasn't lost her hold on the industry. She's always been talented, that's a given; but, the re-marketing and image consulting has paid off in a major way this year. I'm glad she's back...I missed her. Those of you who know me well realize that this selection is a bit on the painful side as I typically shy away from anything that gets this much air play but honestly, it's a great album. The greatest from it:

We Belong Together, Shake It Off, To The Floor and Say Somethin'

Amos Lee-Amos Lee

I CANNOT say enough about Amos Lee to do him justice. I saw him open for Norah Jones last year and he literally blew me away...my jaw dropped within the first four minutes of his set. He's just an amazing talent a great performer and truly a great guy who hasn't a CLUE just how fantastic he is. Humble, modest and genuine...it all shines through on stage...and off. His music is PERFECT for anytime but mostly, he's easy like Sunday mornin'. If you haven't heard of him...get on it!! These songs getcha where ya wanna get got:

I'm Not Myself, Give It Up and Arms Of A Woman

Nickel Creek-Why Should The Fire Die

Again, it could be argued that this CD is THE BEST of the year (I know Casey and Dawn and a HOST of others would probably agree). Nickel Creek has an uncanny ability to blend various musical styles in such a way that you don't even realize you're listening to what the industry deems "country" music. If you're looking for truly eclectic music, this is the quintessential example. On stage they are electrifying and all three members are completely "on" all the time. The musicianship of this group is second to very few and if you haven't heard this album...what the FUCK is taking you so long?!?!?!!? Standouts:

Helena, Doubting Thomas, Tomorrow Is A Long Time and Eveline

Jamie Lidell-Multiply

This is such a great piece of art...and I say art because to me this CD reminds me of someone painting a portrait. Jamie Lidell is blue eyed retro soul and every track is full of funk and spunk. If I didn't know better, I'd say that Jamie was attempting to single handedly revive the sound of the 70's with "Multiply" and he's done a damn fine job of doing it. Between the arrangement and his searing vocals, this is one of my favorites this year. Shake your groove thang or chill to these anytime:

When I Come Back Around, A Little Bit More, Game For Fools and Multiply

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Another band with a throwback sound, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah harken back to the 80's with their self titled debut...think Talking Heads and David Byrne. It's a feel good album for me and has mass appeal for all my fellow 80's babies. Their influences are obvious but that doesn't make them completely unoriginal. This is a superfantastic Indie band with the potential to go straight for the top. So, snatch the disc and clap your hands and say YEAH whilst enjoying these selections:

Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth, Over And Over and Blue Turning Gray

Alternate Routes-Good and Reckless and True

The Alternate Routes are from Connecticut but their Southern style is evident on this release. The songwriting on this album is superb...the lyrics, the melodies...it all works. If I had to classify them with a label for their sound, I'd say alternative pop/rock...I can see them coming to an adult alternative station near you soon. This CD went from a catchy new addition to one of my favorites of 2005 faster than I realized. It's totally repeatable and I suggest you have a listen to these...on repeat, of course:

Ordinary, Hollywood and Going Home With You

John Mayer Trio-TRY!

So those of you who know me know how long I've been waiting for Mayer to produce some blues. YEARS, people...I've been waiting with baited breath for this fucking record for YEARS! And, it's finally come. Backed by Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan, accomplished in their own right, John formed JM3 and he's done me proud. He's stepped out of the pop zone in a major way and taken a leap of faith with this one and luckily, there was a full pool waiting for him when he jumped. Am I biased by my blind adoration? Probably. Does that make this album any less kick ass? Hell no! I don't dislike even one track even one tiny bit but these are the SHIT:

Who Did You Think I Was, Another Kind Of Green, Gravity and Vultures

Fiona Apple-Extraordinary Machine

Fiona's feminine angst pretty much defined my formative bitch years and I've anticipated this (along with Ewt and a bunch of my other girlies and girlie lovin' boys) forFUCKINGever. I've been through a terrible break up and become a Mother since she put out an album so I wasn't quite sure if we'd still be on the level but she's been through the same so lucky for me, we're still eye to eye. She's struggled like hell trying to get this album out and for that, she deserves MAD kudos. Jon Brion (a damn genius in his own right) worked on this with her and his influence is extremely positive. Once again, she's bearing her soul and pouring her heart out into the music and lyrics and I LOVE that in an artist!! Again, I don't dislike anything on this album but these had the greatest effect on me:

Extraordinary Machine, O' Sailor, Window and Parting Gift

The following artists need no introduction...and if they do, kindly get the fuck OFF MY PAGE because you have no business here in the first place. While it could be said that they belong here by virtue of sheer legendary status alone, they're here because these albums are the cream of the crop and at the tippy tip top this year. All of these performers have produced YET AGAIN quality, quality tunes this year and I urge you...no, I DEMAND you get in gear and touch upon them in '06 if you haven't already. Since I shouldn't have to explain to you why they are great, a brief listing of my favorite tracks will suffice. They're worth your time...and your fucking dime so go buy 'em!