2005: The Soundtrack

Here we are at the end of another year, and what a year it's been. This year saw a lot of good times and a lot of not-so-good times, a lot of beginnings and a lot of endings. I had been playing around with some ideas for year-in-review posts - best movies, best songs, pure autobiographical stuff - but finally decided on a sort of hybrid: a list of the most memorable songs of the year set against a backdrop of the things that happened in my life of the year. I've always been the type of person that associates events with whatever song is playing/popular when that event happens, so this really isn't too much of a stretch for me. Actually the hardest part was just narrowing down the song list to something manageable.

2005 was a unique year for me in several ways, but one thing in particular especially stands out - in 2005 I lived in all three places I've ever really called home (actually 4 places, if you count drifting around Europe as one, because I got to do that this year, too). Therefore I divided the year into three parts, and came up with 3 different mixes to represent each one. And because I was in each place for roughly the same amount of time, I feel like I came up with a good overview of the entire year. Yeah some of these songs came out earlier than '05, so there are a couple of "new to me" picks, but hopefully that's not a problem for you. So here we go - my life this year, and the songs that were playing in the background - 2005: The Soundtrack

January through mid-May
Disc #1: Miami
Spending my last few months in Miami and ultimately leaving there in May was bittersweet in every possible way. Many of you probably know that I didn't exactly love law school or the city of Miami, but I sure had some good times along the way. For all of the awful classes, pointless reading assignments, shitty traffic, and moronic locals, there were at least twice as many fun things like those wild nights at Sunset Tavern/Cocoanut Grove/South Beach, Dean's Cup, IM basketball, of course, The Bricks. Fortunately I'm finding that the longer I'm away from Miami the more good things I remember and the more bad things I forget. That, however, does just make me miss it more. I really hated the way that graduation was so anti-climatic, with bar review starting the very next freakin' day and lots of people literally having to fly out as soon as the ceremony was over. Whoever came up with that system should be shot. Anyway, here's the music that got me through all of that:

Kings of Leon: The Bucket - I really like this band, and I don't know why they aren't more popular here in the US (they're huge in the UK). This is a great track from a great album.
Bloc Party: Banquet - 2005 saw a lot of dance rock/80's revival acts, and this was one of the best.
U2: Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own - I almost didn't buy How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb because Vertigo had already been so played out in that damn iPod commercial, but this is just one of many solid tracks on that album.
The Mars Volta: Cygnus...Vismund Cygnus - I don't even know where to start on this one; if you've never heard this song, get it, and be prepared to have your mind blown.
Kaiser Chiefs: Modern Way - I Predict a Riot was probably the most popular song from the CD, but this one was my favorite.
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: Will You Smile Again for Me? - I admit it - I only checked this band at first because of their awesome name. Turns out they know how to make an incredible album, as well.
The Black Keys: Stack Shot Billy - these guys have a cool White Stripes-meets-Stevie Ray Vaughn thing going on, and Rubber Factory was a great disc.
Green Day: Are We the Waiting/St. Jimmy - As much attention as American Idiot got, I feel like this particular song has been completely overlooked. Green Day's Bohemian Rhapsody, in my opinion.
The Bravery: An Honest Mistake - **see Bloc Party
Gorillaz: Feel Good Inc - Back in 2001 these guys released the single Clint Eastwood, and I thought they could never make anything as catchy as that. I was wrong.
Hot Hot Heat: Goodnight Goodnight - ** see Bloc Party
John Butler Trio: What You Want - this is one of those songs I loved the first time I heard it. Dark, moody, introspective...almost like if Dave Matthews did an Interpol cover.
United States of Electronica: Climb the Walls (Umbrella of Love) - Daft Punk also made a CD this year, but U.S.E even out-Daft Punk-ed that. Just plain fun mindless dance music.
The Arcade Fire: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - I really could have put any song from Funeral in this spot because the entire thing is outstanding, but this was the first one that popped into my head (maybe because it's track 1 on the disc, who knows)
The Decemberists: The Engine Driver - this is another song that just grabbed me the first time I ever heard it. The entire album is also excellent.
The Postal Service: We Will become Silhouettes - OK, so this CD actually came out in '03, but I didn't get it until early this year. Not a bad song on the whole disc. This one was at least used in a Honda commercial this year, so I guess that qualifies it for this list


Mid-May through early September
Disc #2: Chapel Hill/Europe
Moving back to Chapel Hill to study for the bar exam this summer was a rather interesting experience. Aside from the fact that studying for that god-forsaken exam in itself was something new altogether, it was also just very bizarre being there at age 25 without any of my college friends around. Sure, UNC's campus is still as gorgeous as ever and Franklin Street really hasn't changed too much since I was last there, but there was definitely something missing. These were the sites of some of my fondest memories, yet I found the nostalgia factor alone could only carry me so far. I don't know if it was more missing my friends, just being a few years older, or having to deal with the bar exam (I know all played a part), but it just wasn't the same place to me and I was actually anxious to get out of there after the exam was over. So anxious, in fact, that I ended up in Europe as soon as my lease ran out. That whole series of events still surprises me even today - I literally made all of my plans in a matter of about 3 days, and those were days I probably should have been studying (but I passed, so who cares). But even without the extra studying, I did learn one thing: Late night + a few beers + a few crazy ideas + a little extra student loan money + no reasonable people around to talk some sense into me = fun European adventure. No complaints there.

Jack Johnson: Never Know - Here's another case where I could've picked any song off the album, but had no narrow it down to one. A lot of people say all his music sounds the same - and I can't completely disagree - but I think In Between Dreams is his most complete effort so far.
Weezer: Beverly Hills - Weezer has always been great at producing the catchiest, sing-along type rock/pop/alt/emo you'll ever hear, and this one is no exception. Another great album.
Ben Folds: Late - I can't even drive through the Chapel Hill city limits without immediately wanting to turn on some Ben Folds, and fortunately I had the brand new Songs for Silverman to get me through this summer. Landed is probably the trendy choice for the album's best track, but I really enjoyed this one the most.
Beck: Girl - This song just has "summertime" written all over it. I've never been a huge Beck fan, but he always has a couple of tracks on each CD that I really like. This is one of them.
Cowboy Troy: I Play Chicken with the Train - A lot of the more traditional country music fans will tell you that "Country + Rap = CRap," but I think this is a cool song. What's not to love about a black cowboy rapper?
DMB: Dreamgirl - Stand Up is my pick for most disappointing album of the year, although this and maybe 2 or 3 other songs on there were pretty good. DMB is now officially off of my short list of bands that I would buy a CD from without having listened to it all first.
Dr. Dog: Oh No - I can't even really remember how I first heard of these guys, but I really enjoyed their CD, Easy Beat. It has sort of an early-60's West Coast vibe that I really got into.
Foo Fighters: Best of You - I've been a fan of the Foo Fighters for years, and I was really looking forward to In Your Honor. I loved the double CD electric/acoustic concept, and this is another place I could've stuck a couple of different songs.
Ludacris: Pimpin’ All Over the World - I first started listening to this song because someone told me about the shout out to Wet Willie's in Miami, but I'll admit it's insanely catchy. An unofficial theme song to the Europe trip.
Architecture in Helsinki: Maybe You Can Owe Me - These guys were playing at Cat's Cradle over the summer, and I downloaded this to see what they sounded like before I bought my ticket to the show. For some reason I ended up having to miss it, but I did enjoy this track.
Ryan Adams: Sweet Illusions - Adams completed his trifecta this year, releasing three different CDs. Cold Roses is the only one I currently own, and this is my favorite song on it. I'm planning to get the other two discs very soon.
The Sames: Hate the Ocean - here's my local music discovery of the summer. Out of Durham, NC, you've probably never heard of The Sames unless you've been listening to UNC, Duke, or NC State's student radio stations. I highly recommend picking up a copy of their debut CD, though; pretty strong effort all around.
The Coral: In the Morning - I got hooked on The Coral when I studied in London a few years ago, and Virgin Radio had this song in pretty heavy rotation all summer (yes, I listen online; I'm a dork).
Coldplay: Speed of Sound - this song was pretty much unavoidable if you were anywhere near a radio, television, or Old Navy store this year. This is Coldplay at its best; X & Y is also a solid album
James Blunt: You're Beautiful - this is one those songs I identify with because I know exactly what the guy is going through. You see a beautiful girl walking right towards you, and for one reason or another you're powerless to do or say anything about it. I think any guy can identify with that.
Fruit Bats: When U Love Somebody - the Mouthfuls CD actually came out in '03, so I have to file this one under "new to me." Overall I thought the album was very good, and this is one of the 3 or 4 tracks that I found outstanding.
Athlete: Tourist - OK, time for the cheesiest reason a song is on this list. This band is pretty big in Europe, and I was over there when I first heard their stuff. Yes, that's right, when I was a tourist. It actually is a good song, though.
Matterhorn Project: MUH! - Strangest song on here, hands down (I realize that's a pretty bold statement, considering Mars Volta is also on this list). The lead "vocals" here are performed by a cow. You heard me right: a cow. This was the song the owners played every morning at a hostel I stayed at in Switzerland.
David Gray: The One I Love - David Gray seemed to drop off the face of the earth for a few years there, but finally re-emerged with this single. I've always enjoyed his music, and this is no exception.
The Magic Numbers: Love Me Like You - If you haven't heard of this band, I strongly urge you to get your hands on a copy of their self-titled album. It's one of my sleeper picks for album of the year. Kind of a rock/pop/indie mixture that is very enjoyable.
Franz Ferdinand: Do You Want to - I loved Franz Ferdinand's debut album last year, and I was afraid that they were setting themselves for a huge sophomore slump by releasing the follow-up so quickly. It turns out there was nothing to be afraid of. This first single is only one of several great songs off of You Could Have it So Much Better.


Early September through the Present
Disc #3: New Bern
Law school was finished. The bar exam was over, and I had already purged most of what I had learned from my brain with hearty German beer. At this point I was thinking I would just move back home for about a month, see my parents, hang out with some old friends, and generally just chill for a while as I waited for the job offers to roll in. But that's not exactly how it happened. September flew by, and I still wasn't really giving 100% to the job hunt - it was nice to be home for awhile and my parents were cool with it, so I was very selective about where I sent resumes. Then it was October. By this point a little desperation was starting to creep in, but still nothing major. I spent the weekdays completely devoted to job hunting, but the weekends (which often included Friday and Monday) were still mine. I had an awesome trip up to Pennsylvania, and there were several weekend road trips around the great state of NC. Then it was November. Job searching was now a 7-day per week activity. "This will be the month," I told myself. But alas, it was not. All of a sudden, Thanksgiving comes and goes, and then it's December. Holy Shit, I'm still living at home! This month has seen nothing new on the job front except a score of new rejection letters. At least there were some awesome parties when everyone came home for Christmas. Here are the songs that have helped me cope:

Page France: Chariot - I've been on sort of an acousticy-folky binge for a while now (Ryan Adams, Fruit Bats, David Gray, etc), and these guys fit right in. I found out about this band on fluxblog, but I honestly don't know a whole lot about them.
Limbeck: Everyone's in the Parking Lot - this song sort of fits in the same category as Chariot, but doesn't have as much of the lo-fi feel to it. A catchy little song, though, about how bars/clubs/concerts can get so loud that you just want to go outside and hang out. We've all been there before.
Kanye West: Gold Digger - OK, unless you've been living in a cave for the last six months then you've probably heard this song about 978 times. And because of that, it will always remind of this fall. Still a good song from a great album. By the way, why do all rap CDs have to have 3 or 4 skits mixed in with the music? I've never understood that.
White Stripes: Denial Twist - I've liked - but haven't really loved - the White Stripes for a couple of years, but I can safely say that thanks to Get Behind Me Satan I am now firmly on the bandwagon. My Doorbell was probably a bigger commercial hit, but this song is the one that did it for me.
The Greenhornes: I'm Going Away - More folky-type stuff here. If I'm not mistaken, these are actually the guys that backed up Jack White and Loretta Lynn on the Van Leer Rose album that so many people went nuts for.
Sufjan Stevens: Come On! Feel the Illinoise!... - This guy is either a musical genius or is completely out of his mind. I haven't decided yet, but there is something undeniably appealing about the Illinois CD. I'm really rooting for him to cover all 50 states, but I don't think that would in any way settle the genius/insanity debate.
Stellastar*: Lost in Time - I really liked this song from the first time I heard it, and I had really high hopes for whole album. Too bad the rest of the songs did nothing for me at all when I finally heard them. It's almost like these guys are trying a little too hard to be The Cure. This one is worth the download as a single though.
Broken Social Scene: Ibi Dreams of Pavement - I really started to get into this band at the end of the summer, unfortunately about the same time my CD budget was starting to evaporate. Enter Paste Magazine. Each issue includes a CD filled with some groups you've heard of, and a lot more that you probably haven't. It's all good stuff, though, and I’ve played the October CD repeatedly from beginning-to-end this fall. This is the first of several entries from that disc.
Dungen: Festival - Paste song #2. Another instance of a song completely grabbing me from the first listen. I really tried to get into the Ta Det Lugnt album, but a lot of it was kind of out in left field for my tastes. Great track nonetheless.
Lucero: Hold Me Close - I think I read about these guys in Rolling Stone one time, but I can't remember how exactly I started listening to them. Sort of a dark, alt-country vibe here.
Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah: Upon this Tidal Wave of Young Blood - For what seemed like months, I kept hearing how this group was the next big thing, but I couldn't find any of their music anywhere - even on the internet, and certainly not at any of the crappy music stores around here. I finally got my hands on it when they released it to the big online services, and I wasn't disappointed. Some of the CD is a little strange, but overall it's really good.
The Cribs: Mirror Kissers - Love at first listen. This is one of those songs that make me immediately pull out my guitar and start looking for tabs. It's all of three chords, and insanely fun to play along with - if I were ever in a non-cover band, this is the type of sound I would want to have. I'm looking forward to getting a hold of their full CD.
The National: Secret Meeting - This song has one my favorite lines ever: "Didn't anybody tell you? Didn't anybody tell you this river's full of lost sharks?" I don't know why exactly that speaks to me like it does, but I think it's just a great metaphor for so many things in life.
Death Cab for Cutie: Soul Meets Body - Another Paste song, although this is one band I didn't need that magazine to turn me onto. I still haven't quite warmed up to Plans the way I did to Transatlanticism, but I haven't listened to it nearly as many times either. Great track.
Miami Football Team: 7th Floor Crew - Go back and read my intro paragraph; I said I was going to list the most memorable songs of the year, not necessarily the best songs of the year. If you've heard this song once, then I guarantee you remember it. I'm thinking about getting the lyrics transcribed onto my diploma.
The Darkness: One Way Ticket - '80s revival is all around music these days. If The Killers are our Flock of Seagulls, and Franz Ferdinand is our Duran Duran, then perhaps these guys are our Def Leppard. Apparently grunge didn't kill arena rock after all; it just sent it into a Terry Schiavo-like vegetative state. This CD proves there's still some life left in there somewhere.
The Flaming Lips: Mr. Ambulance Driver - This song was in Wedding Crashers this past summer, but it took me a while to track it down. I've never really been a big Flaming Lips fan in the past, but if this song is an indication of the direction they're heading, then sign me up.
Matt Pond PA: So Much Trouble - For a long time, I only knew this band for their cover of Champaign Supernova that was floating around on the internet. And because of that, I assumed that I wouldn't like them, as I have a theory that any group whose breakthrough song is a cover is, in reality, horrible. These guys might just prove me wrong. I love this song, and am looking forward to giving the album a listen.
Go Team: Huddle Formation - Every song on this album sounds like the theme song to a bad '70s sitcom, but for some reason, it works. I had read several reviews before I heard the CD, and I mainly just listened to it out of curiosity. I'm really surprised that I liked it as much as I did, and I have tons of respect for the group for pulling it off so well.
Shout out Louds: The Comeback - Howl, Howl, Gaff, Gaff is my other big sleeper pick for album of the year along with The Magic Numbers. I really can't describe how much I have enjoyed this CD. I first heard this song as a single about a month or so ago, and found it really catchy, but I wasn't prepared for every single song on the CD to be just as good. There's nothing really too deep here; just a fun rock album. There should be more of those.

Happy New Year!