The nonsensical ponderings of Eric Frisch...

So, I saw something kind of like this on another blog earlier today, and it seemed like a cool idea, so I decided to do it.  These are my top 10 CDs of 2005.  Genre, style, and christian/secular labels are not considered, the only qualification is that the record had to be released this year.  So here we go, starting with...

 

10.  "Nothing Is Sound" by Switchfoot

 

 

This one was pretty good... solid release but didn't live up to the hype.  Try as they might, it just wasn't "The Beautiful Letdown".  Chalk it up to the sophomore slump... except that this is their fifth record.

 

9.  "I Wish We All Could Win" by The Afters

 

 

Good first release... starts of strong... but gets shaky towards the end.  Nice starter, though.

 

8.  "Commit This To Memory" by Motion City Soundtrack

 

 

If you're into the whole pop-punk/emo scene, this is a really cool band.  Their vocalist has a very cool, unique sound.  I'm a fan.  Lyrics aren't the greatest... a little too much profanity for my taste... otherwise this one would be up higher.

 

7.  "The Boy vs. The Cynic" by John Reuben

 

 

Let's put it this way... I'm not a hip hop fan.  And this is a hip hop record.  And its at number seven.  'Nuff said.

 

6.  "Never Take Friendship Personal" by Anberlin

 

 

When I got this CD, I would have predicted it to hold the #1 spot.  After a few months though, only a few tracks still remain in my usual rotation.  I just got tired of it faster than expected.  Too bad, too... because this is a solid record from start to finish.

 

5.  "Based On A True Story" by The Starting Line

 

 

The Starting Line has been one of my favorite bands for a while.  Their last CD was sweet.  Musically, this one is even better.  I love the sound of these songs.  Lyrically, the entire thing went to crap on this one.  Awful.  Even so, I can't get these out of my head, and it gets number five.

 

4.  "Lifesong" by Casting Crowns

 

 

And I thought their first record was good!  This one stayed on a repeat for at least three weeks.  Wow.  That's all I can say.  Mark Hall has one of the best voices in Christian music, and this band is not afraid to tackle the tough issues that face the church.

 

3.  "Last Chance To Breathe" by Spoken

 

 

Don't even put this one in unless you like heavy music.  I happen to like heavy music, and this is about as good as it gets.  Their last CD was awesome.  This one doesn't quite live up to that... but it rocks hard.  Rapidly rising on my "favorite bands" list.

 

2.  "Redemption Songs" by Jars Of Clay

 

 

This was a close one.  How fitting that my two favorite bands both released new records this year, and they landed in 1 and 2.  Here's Jars of Clay: favorite band, second favorite CD.  Awesome arrangements of old hymns in the signature Jars of Clay style.  Seeing them do these live earlier this year was a breath of fresh air, as well.

 

*drum roll* And the number 1 CD of 2005 is:

 

1.  "Why Should The Fire Die?" by Nickel Creek

 

 

Second favorite band, favorite CD.  Without a doubt the best music to be released this year.  Period.  The musicianship  and songwriting here is stunning, just like it always has been, just like it always will be.

 

So there you have it... my picks for the best music of 2005.  Seriously, check some of this stuff out.  You won't be disappointed, I promise!