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.