Top 20 Songs of 2005 (10 - 1)

10. Jennifer O'Connor "The Color and the Light" Red Panda

Somewhere near the intersection of Hope Sandoval and Lucinda Williams lives the music of Jennifer O'Connor.

9. Cat Power "The Greatest" Matador Records

From the as yet unreleased album of the same name. Chan Marshall recorded the album in Memphis with local session players. The result recalls Dusty Springfield's classic album recorded in the same city.

8. The National “All the Wine” Beggars Banquet

The best of the song-oriented bands from NYC. Matt Berninger's voice evokes comparisons to Mark Eitzel as does the songwriting. Excellent song from one of the best albums of the year, Alligator.

7. Ponce De Leon “Snap the Gator Jaw” Thorn01

Without a doubt, this is the most absurdist song on the list. Ponce De Leon take dance punk to a new level. "Snap the Gator Jaw" infuses '80's era new wave with punk attitude and completely bizarre lyrics.

6. Spoon “The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine” Merge

There are probably three or four other songs that I could have picked from Gimme Fiction that are just as good ("I Summon You", "Beast and Dragon, Adored", etc.), but Monsieur Valentine just won out. Brit Daniels does more with less than any musician I can think of. Also check out "I Turn My Camera On"

5. Anders Parker “I Found You” Baryon Records/Redeye

The former frontman of alt-country outfit, Varnaline, continues to impress me as the best singer-songwriter out there, or at least in Brooklyn. Following up 2004's amazing Tell it to the Dust, Anders released the EP The Wounded Astronaut earlier this year. Moving back and forth between piano and guitar on the EP, "I Found You" is as straight ahead a rocker as you could find in 2005. Also check out "Tell it to the Dust"

4. Okkervil River “The Latest Toughs” Jagjaguar/IODA

Who says New Hampshire doesn't rock? "The Latest Toughs" exhibits that this often alt-country band can do indie-pop like nobody's business. Also check out "Black"

3. Koufax “Why Bother At All” Doghouse

With all due respect to The Killers and Franz Ferndinand, Koufax does the retro new wave thing better than anybody - just listen to this song and you will know of what I speak.

2. Bloc Party "Helicopter" Vice

Also check out the remix of "Helicopter"

1. Sufjan Stevens "Chicago" Asthmatic Kitty

Sufjan is kind of a like a enigma wrapped in a puzzle encased in a riddle. I mean, what's the deal with the Christianity bit and how far does he think he can take this 50 albums for the 50 states schitk? That said, Illinoise has garnered more accolades than any other album (that I would listen to) this year, save the efforts from Spoon and The New Pornographers. While 22 songs on one album allows for a lot to choose from, it's the beautiful orchestration and harmonies of "Chicago" that sets this song apart. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you number one.