Brandon's Top 10 Albums Of 2005

2005 has been quite a year for my ears. No, we here at The Tool Box don't get albums sent to us, but that doesn't mean we limit ourselves either. Out of all the albums I have purchased, these 10 made the biggest impact on me.

10. In Space by Big Star

Two original members of the highly influential power-pop band Big Star have joined forces with members of the Posies to make Big Star's first album in nearly 30 years. The garage rock of "Mine Exclusively" to the Beach Boy tribute "Turn My Back On The Sun" give the band a new dimension while still sounding like classic Big Star on songs like "Dony" and "Lady Sweet". Alex Chilton has once again returned to top form, but will it continue?

9. Pretty In Black by The Raveonettes

With 2003's incredible Chain Gang Of Love, The Raveonettes established themselves as a band worth listening to. The follow up, Pretty In Black, continues their vision of pop noir, although this time frontman Sune Rose Wagner trades in feedback for reverb. Songs like "The Heavens" and "Here Comes Mary" are as beautiful of songs that were written in 2005, while "Ode To L.A." is a must-hear for any Phil Spector fan.

8. Don't Believe The Truth by Oasis

Ever since 1995's (What's The Story) Morning Glory, I have been waiting for the band to return to that form. I have enjoyed their albums since then, but I have learned not to expect too much from them. That was until I was kicked in the face by a steel toe boot known as Don't Believe The Truth. From the opening chords of "Lyla", I immediately noticed that this was a more focused band ready to conquer the world yet again. Surprisingly, Liam Gallagher's contributions to this album are the ones that most often stand out. If you've been disappointed with the last few Oasis albums, don't expect the same.

7. Everything In Transit by Jack's Mannequin

This may be the biggest surprise of the year. Something Corporate frontman Andrew McMahon decided to do a full out pop album with none other than Tommy Lee on the drums. The odd couple seemed destined to fail. However, McMahon, rather than paying tribute to pop music, has embraced his knack for writing catchy songs and turned it up a notch. "Dark Blue" and "Holiday From Real" are probably the best songs he has penned in his young career. Lee also sounds better than ever, and surprisingly comfortable in this much lighter affair. Solid all the way through, Everything In Transit is as good of a beach album as there has been in years.

6. Aha Shake Heartbreak by Kings Of Leon

The Kings Of Leon are one of the many bands clumped into the rock revival clump. Not anymore. Their latest, Aha Shake Heartbreak, is an album meant to stand the tests of time. They rock harder than ever, while at the same time crafting captivating ballads. No song shows off their strengths than "The Bucket", perhaps their best song to date. Based on their two albums, this rock and roll family shows no signs of slowing down.

5. The Alternative To Love by Brendan Benson

This underappreciated power-popster has released two albums that have become cult classics. Now the Detroit star decided to give his music a more polished sound. Now normally this spells disaster, but Benson tastefully put together his strongest set of songs for his best album to date. While radio stations have yet to jump on his bandwagon, his songs have been featured in a number of commercials, most notably the new Ford Focus campaign. One listen to "Feel Like Myself" should be enough to get anyone hooked, yet he still marches on despite little mainstream attention.

4. Nashville by Josh Rouse

When you purchase a Josh Rouse album, you know you will not be let down. One of the most consistent songwriters out there, Rouse has put out what could end up being his masterpiece in 2005. Nashville sounds as if Rouse is having as much fun as he ever has throughout his very solid career. For every upbeat song ("It's The Nighttime", "Carolina"), Rouse matches it with a touching ballad ("Sad Eyes", "Streetlights"). Although Rouse seems to have reached an artistic peak, don't be shocked if his next album is even better.

3. X&Y by Coldplay

Perhaps the biggest band in the world, Coldplay has been on a huge roll. From selling out stadiums all over to world to helping out with the recent hurricane tragedies here in the U.S., Chris Martin and the band are everywhere. And for good reason too. While X&Y isn't quite as good as it's predecessor A Rush Of Blood To The Head it's darn close. "Fix You" and "Speed Of Sound" have become radio staples, while "A Message" and "Square One" may be two of their strongest songs. There is no doubt in my mind that Coldplay will be around for a long, long time.

2. Hearts On Parade by American Hi-Fi

When their self-titled debut 2001 debut, it seemed as if they were poised to become power-pop superstars. Their follow-up tried a little too hard to be edgy and catchy at the same time, and the band was written off as one hit wonders. Then Butch Walker came around and gave the band the push they needed. With Hearts On Parade, frontman Stacy Jones has his mind on one thing, writing songs that will be stuck in your head for eternity. Yes, the lyrics are sophomoric and silly, but it's only part of their charm. Give "Baby Come Home" one spin and you'll swear you're in power-pop heaven.

1. Worlds Apart by ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead

With the recent advancements in iPods and other music downloading technology, it has been said that the art of making an album is now dead. Apparently, the members of Trail of Dead live in a bomb shelter. With their 2005 release, Worlds Apart, they are out to conquer the world with ambitious arrangements and snarling vocals. Don't let the sugar-sweet melody of the title track fool you, it's the most "punk" song since "Anarchy In The U.K.". "The Rest Will Follow" and "Let It Dive" are also standouts. After hearing this, it is more than obvious that guitarist/lead singer Conrad Keely is one of the most intriguing and talented figures in music today.

10 Underappreciated Albums

Year after year, literally hundreds of albums don't receive the recognition that they deserve. Our staff here at the Tool Box came up with 10 that we thought are worth taking a listen to (in no particular order).

Quality Control by Jurassic 5
Embracing old-school hip hop, while at the same time sounding well ahead of its time, the Jurassic 5's 2000 release, Quality Control deserves to be mentioned among the likes of A Tribe Called Quest's, Low End Theory, and Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, but like most good music often is, has been completely overlooked among hip-hop's greatest albums. Utilizing duel turntablists, and four able MC's, the Jurassic 5 create an infectious mix of socially conscous, and artistically signifcant hip-hop, that should be a must listen for all hip-hop fans.

United By Fate by Rival Schools

Rival Schools is a supergroup of sorts, with members from previous bands such as Quicksand, Gorilla Biscuits, and CIV. However, Rival Schools is the one example of a supergroup meeting their full potential. In 2001, Rival Schools put out a set of 13 terrific songs that largely went unnoticed by the masses. Walter Schreifels unique pacing in his vocals and the bands tightness result in some tremendous results. From the riff heavy "Holding Sand" to the beautiful "Favorite Star", United By Fate contains a little something for every modern rock fan.

De-Loused in the Comatorium by The Mars Volta

Released in the summer of 2003 on the heels of the unexpected break-up of popular post-punk Fugazi-soundalikes At the Drive-in, this release proves where the talent and creativity came from. Freed from any restrictions of normality or expectation, Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez psychedelically crafted a 10 song monstrosity of an album of over an hour that defies any labels or genres.

Let Go by Nada Surf

Nada Surf's third release, 2002's Let Go is arguably one of the best releases of the past few years, and there's fair chance you've never even heard it. On Let Go, Nada Surf, reach a lyrical and musical depth rarely achieved in today's oversaturated market of indie pop bands, and in doing so, emassed an album of 12 tracks, that are not easily forgoten. At times rollicking, and at times bittersweet, Let Go anchors heartache and melanchloy in a sound that is warm and endearing, making it an album that certianly deserves a listen.

Pleasant Dreams by The Ramones
The Ramones are often classified as one of the most influential bands of all time, so it may seem silly to put one of their albums on an "underappreciated list". However, they are often most remembered for their classic albums The Ramones and Rocket To Russia. However after their "disappointing" Phil Spector produced End Of The Century (despite being a great album), The Ramones were confused on which direction to take next. Joey and Dee Dee decided to give pop songs one more try. Despite being a tad over-produced, this album contains one of their strongest set of songs, and is quite possibly is their last truly amazing album. "All's Quiet On The Eastern Front" is a song for the die hards, while "Come On Now" sounds as if Phil Spector had penned it during the peak of his career. Ignore the average reviews for Pleasant Dreams and give it a listen.

The Futureheads by The Futureheads

The Futureheads always seem to be lost in the shuffle, often overshadowed by the likes of Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand as the best music out of Europe, but with this self-titled debut, they prove they are more than just "another Brit-Pop band." Songs such as "Man Ray" and "Alms" are fast-paced assaults on the senses that leave the listener wondering why they haven't heard of this band yet. Perhaps with a solid follow-up album they will receive more respect, but this album is an excellent start to what could be a brilliant career.

Picaresque by the Decemberists

A favorite among some indie fans, they have yet to obtain the crossover appeal that fellow indie favorites Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, and the Shins have received recently. "Picaresque" released in 2005, proves they deserve to be in the same sentences with any discussion of great rock bands of today, with a combination of upbeat songs ("The Infanta, " "16 Military Wives") and well-crafted, creative opuses ("The Mariner's Revenge Song, " "Eli, the Barrow Boy").

One Mississippi by Brendan Benson

One Mississippi, Brendan Benson's first release, is power pop masterpiece, and I say that with no hyperbole at all. One would be hard to find an album as complete as One Mississippi, and as uniquely unforgettable. Whether it be the surrealistic "Insects Rule, " the wrought melancholia of "House in Virginia, " or the witty cynicism of "The Swamp", One Mississippi, is a work of pop mastery that has yet to be duplicated, and certainly belongs alongside many of the albums we've long considered "classic."

Worlds Apart by ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead

With the recent advancements in iPods and other music downloading technology, it has been said that the art of making an album is now dead. Apparently, the members of Trail of Dead live in a bomb shelter. With their 2005 release, Worlds Apart, they are out to conquer the world with ambitious arrangements and snarling vocals. Don't let the sugar-sweet melody of the title track fool you, it's the most "punk" song since "Anarchy In The U.K.". "The Rest Will Follow" and "Let It Dive" are also standouts. After hearing this, it is more than obvious that guitarist/lead singer Conrad Keely is one of the most intriguing and talented figures in music today.

Clarity by Jimmy Eat World

Before they obtained a fair amount of success with Bleed American's, "The Middle, " Jimmy Eat World released (way back in early '99) one of the best, emo, pop, rock, neo-punk (call it what you will) albums ever, and it's likely that you missed it. Every pop-punk, emo, screamo, whatever band of today owes more than they'll every know to this album, because every riff, harmony, lyric, vocal inflection, and back up screamer, that they've made so popular today is stolen straight off this album--and they make it sound better than anyone i've yet to hear. Just listen to the first track, "Table for Glasses, " and I garuantee, if you are fan of modern pop-punk, you will never look at the genre, (or Jimmy Eat World for that matter), the same.

Written by Chris Hoelscher, Brandon Tessoff, Mike Forster, and Justin Carmichael

Editor's note: As a result of copying and pasting, there is only one space after each period. I am too lazy to fix each one. Please accept my apologies for this and any other technical error I did not catch.