You know what happens at the end of every December? That's right Best of lists, Best Movie of 2004, Best Album of 2004, they are everywhere. Not the answer you were looking for, huh? With all those lists at the end of the year, early albums slip through the cracks but not today, today we are going to look at the top 5 of 05, so far.
5. Eisley - Room Noise
In February Eisley released their debut full length album, "Room Noises".
This 5 piece alternative rock band composed of three sisters; their brother and their best friend play a style of bittersweet pop-rock laced with Alice in Wonderland lyrical imagery. Sisters Sherri and Staci DuPree share vocal duties and their crystalline voices complement each other as they lead the listener down the musical rabbit whole. Lyrically the songs on "Room Noises" tackle issues of love, loss and regret. "Room Noises" is differently a great start for the young members of Eisley.
4. The Mars Volta - Frances the Mute
March saw the release of The Mars Volta's sophomore album, "Frances the Mute". The Mars Volta made waves in '03 with their first full length release "De-Loused in the Comatorium." Both fans and critics embraced the experimental concept album about one man's existential journey. However, The Mars Volta's second full length release takes the band in a new direction while being able to retain some of those elements that made their first record successful. "France the Mute" is a challenging album that will reward the listener who is willing to take a chance and wrap their head around a musical Pandora's Box.
3. The Frames - Burn the Map
"Burn the Maps," the latest studio album from The Frames is set to give U2 a run for their money as best Irish export (also in the running are Guinness Stout and leprechauns). On "Maps," The Frames release a sense of musical urgency not heard in their previous work. Creating that urgency is a delicate process. Most songs begin with a muted introduction, and build with both electric guitars and a blazing string section which helps lead the band through its peaks and valleys. The sporadic sonic textures on "Burn the Maps" make the album a bi-polar experience that will leave you wanting more and your daily dose of Prozac.
2. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake Its Morning
Bright Eyes released two albums on the same day this year, an ambitious prospect. "I'm Wide Awake Its Morning" and its digital pop counter part "Digital Ash and In A Digital Urn" are both solid albums. However, "Morning" sees Bright Eyes at its best, laying down 10 tracks of alternative country rock the chronicle experiences Bright Eyes Front man Connor Oberst experienced in his move from Omaha to Manhattan. Compared to Bright Eyes erratic earlier work, "Morning" is a more focused and mature record. With "Morning" Bright Eyes released a firmly grounded alt-country album, which is gear jamming, cross country drive worthy.
1. Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams
On "Dreams" Johnson's 3rd album, you can tell that he is living his. The surfer slash filmmaker slash musician has soon that he can successfully make albums his way. The laid back native Hawaii plays a style of folk rock best suited for a late night bonfire beach party. The acoustic sound a low-fi sound on "Dreams" transports the listener into Johnson own world. One with early morning surf sessions, followed by proactive protection of the environment, and occasional relationship strife. And it is the darker themes that stick out on the record. "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" finds Johnson reflecting on a relationship gone wrong and wondering how it happened. "In Between Dreams" is a must own for Johnson fans, and hopefully a great introduction for new comers.
With 7 months left there are still great albums on the way.
Zac's Picks
