Best of 2005

RANDY says - "I'm afraid I have to default. I don't even have 10 2005 cd's. What a sad state. Two on an '05 list, though not sure they would normally appear, would be John Prine's 'Fair & Square' and Jimmy Lafave's 'Blue Nightfall'. Both are honest heartfelt efforts, neither reaching for grand statements. As comfortable as old shoes, but with a few cracks in the leather.

Best on a reissue list:

The Boomtown Rats debut. Still packs a punch and a reminder when music was fun. Kept company by the Ramones 'End of the Century' Do You Remember Rock 'n Roll Radio'?

Heavyweight additions this year:

Paul McCartney's solo debut. It seemed slight at the time, but has aged well. The simplicity seems to carry much more weight now. Bob Dylan's 'Another Side'.   The last of the original folk albums and the introduction of the surrealism to follow. Nick Drake, Five Leaves Left. Stark, brilliant.

History:

Lonnie Mack: Memphis Wham.   This guy should have been a contender.

Righteous Brothers. Verve's Greatest Hits. The vocal dynamics between those two may never be matched.

Jazz World:

Charlie Parker: Boss Bird (Proper Box). I know seems a cheap and obvious choice, but this set collects the best of Savoy, Dial and Verve for a great price and an unbelievable overview. Parker changed the way the instrument was played.

Miles Davis: Sketches of Spain: - Quiet, moody, and simmering.

Country Roots:

Roy Acuff, 'King of Country Music' (Proper box)

Ernest Tubb 'Texas Troubadour' (Proper box)

Hank Snow 'I'm Moving On'

Lefty Frizzell 'Shine Shave and Shower'

30's to early 50's, roots county. Elvis's ears.

The rest of the year is littered with Jazz artists of the late 50's West Coast Sound (Chet Baker, Wes Montgomery), other Rock filler (Dillards, Amazing Rhythm Aces, Pink Floyd, Gabriel Genesis), contemporary Americana (Alison Krauss, Raul Malo)and a smattering of Classical.

When I look back on '05, I'll say it was the most disappointing year yet for "new" music. When I look back at what I added, I'll say I haven't given up and that there is still a multitude of great music to be found.

You just have to digger deeper and cast a wider net.