Alright .. Here we are, the top 2 albums of 2005.
Before I get right into it. I'd like to explain my logic as this was a VERY difficult decision to make. Remember my whole idea that I'm going to "not be like the Grammy's" and reward based on the moment, not career? Well in this case, I have to make an exception. For the album I chose to be #1 wasn't necessairly as much FUN as the #2 album was for me in 2005, but it's the album that made the most impact in a way that this type of album could. For that reason alone, I couldn't deny it the #1 position.
So without further a due ...
2.
My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge
1. Helena
What's the worst thing I could say?
Things are better if I stay
So long, and goodnight
2. Give 'Em Hell Kid
3.
To the End
He calls the mansion not a house but a tomb
He's always choking from the stench and the fume
The wedding party all collapsed in the room
So send my resignation to the bride and the groom
LET'S GO DOWN
4.
You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison
In the middle of a gunfight
In the centre of a restaurant
They say, come with your arms raised high
No they're never gonna get me
Like a bullet through a flock of doves
To wage, this war against your faith
5. I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
6. Ghost of You
7. Jetset Life Is Gonna Kill You
8. Interlude
9.
Thank You for the Venom
So gimme all your poison, and gimme all your pills
And gimme all your hopeless hearts that make me ill
You're running after something that you'll never kill
If this is what you want then fire at will
10. Hang 'Em High
11. It's Not a Fashion Statement, It's a Deathwish
12. Cemetery Drive
13. I Never Told You What I Do for a Living
The leading band of the emo-punk regime. Although I hate to classify these guys as emo despite lyrics such as "Songs that make you slit your wrists..". This is the best album to come out of the latest wave in the punk/pop/emo/goth rock movement via Warped Tour. These guys catapulted to super stardom through their incredible theatrical videos like 'Helena', which is probably the best video/song of 2005. So back to the album. It's half dark, half uplifting. 50% fighting against evil, 50% embracing good. It's a see-saw battle that newly crowned posterboy of punk rock Gerard Way helped pen with his brilliant lyrics and catchy punk-soaked pop melodies. Teenage angst, feelings of isolation, feelings of confusion outline the border of this album, but deep within, is strong messages of hope, motivation, and a desire to be something in this world that has meaning. (and yeah it came out in 2004, BUT F'U. It's better this year)
SO. What's #1? What else could it be?
1. Interpol - Antics
1. No Exit
2.
Evil
It's the smiling on the package, it's the faces in the sand
It's the thought that moves you upward
Embracing you with two hands
3.
Narc
Cos it's just you, me, and this fire
Alright
Let's tend to the engine tonight
4.
Take You On A Cruise
I see that you've come to resist me
I'm a pitbull in time
The pretence is not what restricts me
It's the circles inside
An anatomy of kisses
And a teacher who tries
And knows how we'll disappear
5.
Slow Hands
I submit my incentive is romance
I watched the pole dance, from the stars
We rejoice cos the hurting is so painless
From the distance, of passing cars
But I am married to your charms and grace
I go crazy just like the good ol days
And celebrate, the myriad ways that I love you
6. Not Even Jail
7.
Public Pervert
If time was my vessel,
Then learning to love might be my way back to sea
8. C'mere
9. Length Of Love
10. Time To Be So Small, A
Wow. What can I say besides this band fascinates, intrigues, and questions every basis of the musical foundation I think exists within me. It started with 'Evil', led to 'Narc', and eventually back towards their brilliant debut album 'Turn Off The Bright Lights'. Although most Interpol fanatics will wager that the debut is better than 'Antics', it's much too difficult to make grounds for comparison. Their debut was majestic, magical, and almost too good to be real. Instead of trying to immitate and replicate the sound that sparked a chord with it's audience, they tried to go a different route here. The debut was sulky, hearts dragging and being stomped on - while their sophmore moves towards an emphasis on flexibility, a steady pace of gloom, and even some rhythm. Any attempt to re-create the gothic misery of their first album flounders via songs like 'A Time To Be So Small'. Their new sense of self-discovery is exploited wonderfully through 'Slow Hands' and the timeless 'Take You On A Cruise', probably one of the best songs I've ever heard.
It's the fact that Interpol's B-Material is better than any indie, out of NYC or London band who is trying to recreate the 80's revival synth new wave movement. And even though many may question Interpol's credibility because they may simply just be the next in Joy Division or New Order, we cannot mask them of the ability to conjure feelings of extreme remorse and even self enlightenment through their beautiful lyrics. These guys don't simply rhyme "hate" with "fate" - they are masters of their craft.
I hope you enjoyed the list. Thanks for taking the time to read.
You've been a great audience. See you in 2006.