The Year That Was: 2005 - Part IV (15-11)

:: 15 ::

Nada Surf | “Armies Walk” | The Weight Is a Gift

From its Moon-ish drum intro to the shouted “Armies walk! Inside of me!” chorus to the Beach Boys ode at the coda, “Armies Walk” is nothing short of our suggested personal anthem for 2005. For all of you.

Artist Site: http://www.nadasurf.com/
Buy The Weight Is a Gift


:: 14 ::

Devin Davis | “Cannons at the Courthouse” | Lonely People of the World, Unite!

Upon first listen, Devin Davis’ dream sequence “Cannons at the Courthouse” seems to start to unravel when it brings smoking reefers with Willie Nelsonon the roof of the White House into the narrative, just as it seems to continue headstrong into lyrical grievances with Wal-Mart and Starbucks. But as the song recovers and builds into a cohesive, it becomes clear that Devin Davis has taken his audience for an energetic indie-rock ride. While the multiple movements alone each contain elements of genius, they together prove to be something of a sacred song for the ADD kids.

Band site: http://www.devindaviswebsite.com/home.html
Buy Lonely People of the World, Unite!


:: 13 ::

Ryan Adams & the Cardinals | “If I Am a Stranger” | Cold Roses

We’re going to stick with Ryan Adams first release of 2005 on this one. For the occasional, not-so-dedicated fan, his rate of output is just plain hard to keep up with. Adams is at his best when he sticks to straightforward jangle country rock. “If I Am a Stranger” reminds us all just how good his hooks can be.

Band site: http://www.ryan-adams.com/
Buy Cold Roses


:: 12 ::

Coldplay | “Til Kingdom Come” | X&Y

Chris Martin needs to lay off the falsetto. Again, it’s the understated beauty on “Til Kingdom Come” that brings the song to near-perfection. It’s that and the kick-in-the-ass the song gets from the organ in the choruses, but all we know is it’s hard to argue with Coldplay when they’re getting it right.

Band site: http://www.coldplay.com
Buy X&Y


:: 11 ::

Calexico & Iron and Wine | “A History of Lovers” | In the Reins

Iron and Wine’s second 2005 EP, the product of a partnership with Calexico, manages to outdo the first. Calexico’s tight, intricate backing tracks beefs up Sam Beam’s song stylings in a way his solo efforts avoided (even the more filled-out Woman King). The full band always stops well short of overpowering Beam and gives us all our pedal steel fix for the day.

Artist site: http://www.ironandwine.com
Buy In the Reins