2005: What a year! To be frank with you, this has been the best year of my life. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the early part of this year in London. Over there I became enthralled with the “European experience” and hope to live there again sometime. Every day was interesting, carefree and held a new experience. While compiling this mix, those days seem years ago, not months. Needless to say, a few of the songs on this mix were influenced by my time abroad. This summer I met my beautiful girlfriend and returned to the mideast. Other tracks reflect my overall good attitude because of these things. I hope that you appreciate some song's from 2005’s soundtrack to my life. Happy holidays and thank you for being part of my life.
01. Horsemen - THE BEES
This song seems fitting for an opener. Not too original, but a great retro sound, if you are into that kind of thing.
02. The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine - SPOON
One of my favorite bands. This track is off the newest album, one of my favorites of the year. Try to see them live, they do not disappoint.
03. Pouncer - BLANKS.
This is the lead-off track on the next endless recordings release. Blanks’ Infinite Lives is shaping up to rock your world. Check my website for more information.
04. The Skin of my Yellow Country Teeth - CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH
Newly crowned “indie darlings” deserve all of the press that they have been getting. Their strong work ethic should be an inspiration for everyone.
05. Stand up Tall - DIZZEE RASCAL
Dizzee stays at the forefront of the UK “grime” scene in 2005. This is a track off of his latest album. Might take you a few listens to absorb.
06. Easy Beat - DR. DOG
When I finally checked out this recommendation, well, I was not disappointed.
07. I’ll Believe in Anything - WOLF PARADE
I took this compilation’s title from this song. Year of the Wolf.
08. Texas Town - FRANK SMITH
For some reason, I just can’t get enough of this record.
09. Daft Punk is Playing at my House - LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
LCD Soundsystem recorded my favorite dance tracks of the year.
10. Ladyflash - THE GO! TEAM
Like the Avalanches, (on a mix a few years back) these Brits create sweet jams from other artists’ sweet jams. You’d love this record.
11. Give Me Every Little Thing - THE JUAN MACLEAN
Seems like my time in London opened me up to dance a little bit more; this is another one of DFA’s gems. Give me every little thing.
12. Surgery - MAD MAN FILMS
Following in the footsteps of too many artists, this great Boston band is now calling NYC “home”. Check out the energetic live show if you get a chance.
13. Diamonds From Sierra Leone - KANYE WEST
This cut comes from what was probably the biggest record of 2005. It proves that Hova is always better when he is the guest MC.
14. Pull up the People - M.I.A.
Outstanding record. Seems like the critics agree with me on this one.
15. Heavy Lifting - AMBULANCE LTD
Though their debut has been out since 2003, I only recently got into it… now I can’t seem to stop listening. A solid and varied record from start to finish.
16. The Girl’s Attractive - DIAMOND NIGHTS
Part like it is your job, drink some PBR, and listen to Diamond Nights.
17. Graffiti - MAXIMO PARK
Yet another British group. These guys’ sound gets everyone dancing but it seems like Americans are just a little late to notice.
18. Time of the Season - THE ZOMBIES
Buy this record now! I can’t believe no one had told me of this before now.
19. Homesick - KINGS OF CONVENIENCE
Who else but a Scandinavian duo could create such beautiful winter music.
20. Heartbeats - JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ
Time to sleep, thanks for listening.