top five O' oh five.

I ain't no music connoisseur, but these are my Top 5 albums of '05. Because I want to do one of those Year-End list nonsense.

5. Rachael Yamagata - Happenstance

After my Ipod Kenny got stolen, I started on a CD buying spree. Hers was one of the first of many and remained in my player for months. Fiona was still on hiatus back then and Rachael sounded eerily like her. Her husky voice that compliments the bittersweet lovelorn lyrics, not that she is anything you haven't heard before, but she made me feel good.

4. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois

After Michigan, comes Illinois. Haven't heard Michigan yet though, since Illinois' the first Sufjan Steven sound I heard. Nevertheless, I am in no hurry for the first of 50 American states -named albums he will eventually release. The second one is an emo fanfare with long, bizzare titles yet still interesting enough to last for awhile on my Ipod.

3. Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine

Need I say more about Miss Apple? Her comeback album is an extraordinary masterpiece, Mike Elizondo or not. Her poetry still astounds. Little Miss Angst is all grown up, and it gets better with each listen.

2. The Shins - Oh, Inverted World

There is something very surreal about The Shins. I don't know how to explain it. I don't know how to explain the hauntingness. But they were there during my long MRT rides to camp. Which is equivalent to saying their music could have accompanied you during a road trip down Route 66.

1. Jose Gonzalez - Veneer

Quiet is indeed the new loud. He keeps things bare and simple. Meanwhile, close your opened jaws while you marvel at his innate guitar skills. The way he orchestrated that strumming and insane fingers with his incredible voice to bring you this fantastic album - wow.

Other artists I wished I could list.

Serenaide - I've only heard one song. I want to hear more.
Martha Wainswright - I've heard nothing but good about Rufus' sister. But at 40bucks a CD? I saw it at 18bucks but I just discovered pirating.
Madonna - Madge ventured into the swinging 80s. It's alright to bring the music back, I guess.

But not the shoulder pads or leg warmers, please.