Ben Folds Songs for Silverman
Ben Folds returned with a much more somber and retrospective album in 2005. The shortfalls of Folds' latest, like many of his other previous albums, lies within the inconsistencies of the record. Unfortunately, this time around there are no stellar singles to make up for it. While still a worthwhile album, particularly for fans, there's nothing truly noteworthy about this album, though many will be happy with the mere maturity that exists within it.
39.
Franz Ferdinand You Could Have it So Much Better
Franz Ferdinand returned after their breakthrough debut album hoping to continue to fuel the feeding frenzy. However, it appears that they perhaps tried too hard, and rushed through this album. There are definitely some good fun songs on here, but they hardly showed much growth. These guys are talented, that's obvious, but they have to start pushing themselves a little bit more before they become the Fatboy Slim of the Indie Rock world.
38.
Amos Lee Amos Lee
Under the Blue Note label, where he benefitted from the publicity of not only being featured in Starbucks, but also in having Norah Jones as his labelmate, Amos Lee was able to have a great commercial foundation for this release. Ranging from the blues to folk to R&B, Amos Lee is as talented as he is dynamic, and if there were any justice in the world, he would be the cover boy for Blue Note rather than the aforementioned counterpart. Songs like "Seen It All Before," "Colors," and "Keep It Lose Keep It Tight" are sincere and mature in their approach, and really show the depth that Lee possesses as a songwriter. One of the top new artists of 2005, this is surely worth a look.
37.
OK GO Oh No
Chicago-based OK GO's sophomore album is anchored by the Franz Ferdinand-esque single of "A Million Ways," which classifies the new sound that has been integrated with the likes of more traditional OK GO songs such as "Oh Lately It's So Quiet." This album feels a bit like Phantom Planet's self-titled debut album of last year where they took their ultra-pop sound and trashed around a bit and came out with a sound that while harsher and more aggressive on the outside, still is infectiously sweet on the inside. Not for everyone, fans should find enough to enjoy, and for those that are looking for a dose of what OK GO is like, they should find something on this album as well.
36.
Jack Johnson In Between Dreams
It's interesting how an artist like Jack Johnson can be hammered by most reviewers, yet a band like Coldplay can be so well celebrated. Yes, Jack Johnson writes incredibly mellow music, no he's not the best songwriter on the face of the earth, but here's the one stat that counts: He's gotten better with each release, and this has been his best release yet (and that's more you can say for the British mellow-rockers). Tracks 1-4 are all very good, with other highlights being "Breakdown" which is a carry over from Johnson's work with Handsome Boy Modeling School and also the single "Sitting, Waiting Wishing." Really worth a look.
35.
Jamiroquai Dynamite
Dynamite shows Jamiroquai in their best form since 1996's Travelling Without Moving. Packed from beginning to end with top-notch r&b and dance grooves, this is surely their most consistent album yet, even if it isn't their most ambitious.
34.
Kings of Leon Aha Shake Heartbreak
This effort from the Nashville group is pure fun. While the bold, brash, and cocky sound may not be for everyone, Kings of Leon are well on their way of becoming household names. From the frustrated innuendoes of "Soft" to the spunky and rollicking "Razz" and "Four Kicks" to the classic rock of "The Bucket" and "Slow Night, So Long" there is something for everyone, particularly if you have any type of fascination for southern-rock based music.
33.
M.I.A. Arular
Few independent artists made as big a splash as M.I.A. this year, and even before her release of the single "Galang" people were talking about her. Already an intriguing artist, based upon her eccentric history, she also struck a lot of people's attention with her infectious danceable rhythms that covered up the incredibly intellectual political implications found within many of her songs. Very engaging and fun at the same time
32.
Fiona Apple Extraordinary Machine
From one heavily hyped album to another, Apple's Extraordinary Machine was a long time coming. After being shelved for a little more than a year, she was finally able to redo the album, leaving only two tracks as is from the original Jon Brion-produced version. After such a lengthy absence (her last release was back in 1999), it's almost impossible to satisfy her hungry followers. However, all things equal, Extraordinary Machine doesn't hold up nearly as well as her two previous releases. Despite this, it's still a very good album, and proves that even when Fiona Apple isn't in top form, she's still one of the best.
31.
LCD Soundsystem LCD Soundsystem
From the moment "Daft Punk is Playing at my House" blares as the opening track of this album, it's pretty apparent that LCD Soundsystem is a very special group. Incredibly intelligent, witty and aware, each of the songs ooze with pop culture references that make not only for endearing spoofs, but also good fun. Highly recommended.
30.
Doves Some Cities
Having been around since 1998, it's amazing that Doves have not come to see the same level of success as other British rock groups. Instead, they have maintained under the radar, with only a few singles that have managed to become popular thanks in part to TV spots. With Some Cities Doves changed the landscaping of their music slightly, as it's both slightly more expansive and rocks a bit harder. While there are highlights, specifically "One of these Days," "Black and White Town" and the title track, there really isn't a bad song on this cd.
Look for Part II to be featured next week
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