Jesus Christ's Top 11 Albums of 2005

These lists seem all the rage, and considering I’m the guy who created sound, I figured some of you out there might find my picks somewhat more interesting than the random blogger. I must say, 2005 was quite the year for music! Kinda like 1467, but less retro.

11. Maximo Park – A Certain Trigger
I have trouble listening to this album without standing still. This was my soundtrack through most of hurricane season. Fashion rock seems so shallow lately, and this was the only album I thought that was worth its hype.

10. Antony and the Johnsons – I am a Bird Now
Tell Me you can’t hear Me in that voice. I created that voice, that’s Me you hear. There is no better example in 2005 of a singer/songwriter writing music in a world so deeply affected in sin.

09. The Boy Least Likely To – The Best Party Ever
“I’m glad I hitched my apple wagon to your star” was a line I heard many of you pray to Me this year. I love it when you can take a song that is not at all about Me and turn it into a prayer that fits our relationship. This album reminds Me of how in love I am with my playful creations.

08. Jason Forrest – Shamelessly Exciting
There’s nothing new under the sun, but every not and then something comes that takes the old and makes it feel new again. These mash-ups reminds Me of how I made the insects.

07. Spoon – Gimme Fiction
This album is worth buying if it only had the track “The Beast and Dragon, Adored”. When sin entered this world, Clear Channel came with it. That is the only reason this band isn’t on the radio 24/7. This has been on so much, the angels are almost getting sick of it… but once “I Summon You” hits, they are still all clapping along.

06. New Pornographers – Twin Cinema
Such and unfortunate band name. I would brag about them more if I didn’t have to say that band name. We call them the “New P’s”. However, no matter how terrible that band name is, there is no denying that “Sing me Spanish Techno” is close to musical perfection.

05. In Good Company Soundtrack
The album is terrible. In fact it is hardly bearable at all. It is an embarrassment to have in my CD collection, and this is coming from the guy who has every Petra album. However, Iron and Wine’s “The Trapeze Swinger” is hands down the best song of the year. It’s in league with anything David wrote, and if it wasn’t for the cussing it could even be Psalm-able. That line about the graffiti outside my gates gives Me shivers every time.

04. Stars – Set Yourself on Fire
This one grew on Me. At first it seemed a little too poppy for my liking, but it sank its teeth in deep and now I love every track. You all can hype Kelly Clarkson as “pop-chic” to Me all you want to, but this is the fun with out the bad aftertaste.

03. Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake It’s Morning
You bloggers are too harsh on this kid. It is easier for you to love the cold darkness than one who wears his bleeding heart not on his sleeve but in front of him like a shield. Conor is a poet, and you do not have too many poets writing music these days, so back off him. This album was one of the few “genuine” albums I heard this year, and if he doesn’t fit your tastes, he should at least fit for your respect. He is a man after my heart, and if he keeps searching for it, he might just find it.

02. Black Mountain – Self Titled
This album reminds Me of my Old Testament days. This is what it the seven plagues sounded like… horns, backing choirs, and beautiful electric guitars.

01. Sufjan Stevens – Illinois
Preaching to the choir, I know, but I love him and he loves Me, what can I say? This album was genius and he gave me mad props without feeling forced or preachy. His relationship with Me is natural and comfortable, and he fearlessly shows that with an every day nonchalant-ness as he mixes his every day ups and downs within his state line boundaries. A genius and a friend.