We Ridin’ Dirty – A Cornerstone Festival Report

 

This was my fifth time attending the annual smoldering sweat and dust pit known as Cornerstone Festival.  Every year I say it will be my last year as I feel so old and out of it in comparison with the average age of the normal festival attendee.  I also find that the bands I want to see are getting fewer and fewer as I graduate out of a fixation with hard music. 

            At 28, the most difficult part about the festival for me is not the horrible generator bands, the awful dust, the heat, or the port-a-potties (which were impeccable this year).  The hardest part for me is being away from my two sons, Javan 3, and Kenan 4 months.  I guess I’m including this because it was part of my Cornerstone experience.  It made me really look forward to the time when they are old enough to come experience the fest with me.  Of course, that will be quite a while down the road.

            Perhaps part of my nostalgic emotions this year were due to the fact that my 59-year-old father was at the fest with me serving as our camp cook.  It was really amazing how he assimilated into the culture.  People in our group kept coming up to me and telling me how great my dad was and how they just loved him.  It was really cool.  For years, I’ve known that my dad is the clutch man in a camping situation, but it was really great to share that with everyone else.  As I get older, I appreciate my father more and more.  Dad said he caught some great shows with Demon Hunter and Mewithoutyou among his favorite.  It all boggles my mind.  I love it.

            I spent more time this year just hanging out and not worrying about missing shows that I wanted to see.  I concentrated on what Cornerstone is really about: people and relationships.  It was so good to get reacquainted with old friends from years past.  I finally have experienced the best part of Cornerstone.  It’s the gathering of God’s people to truly fellowship, meaning, to share life in Christ together.  I had missed that in years gone by.  It was really cool to get to meet Conrad, Julia, Melissa, and my fellow writer, Evan. 

            With that said, let’s get on to why you’re really reading this: the bands.

 

Good Shows

 

Tooth and Nail Day – First off, let me say that I have been a fan of bands on T & N since the early days.  Like most of you, I’ve been a bit discouraged by some of their signees over the last few years as far as musical creativity is concerned.  I’ve also never known them to be a label that “wears its faith on its sleeve”.  This year was so different.  Many of the bands spoke up about their relationships with Jesus while doing so in a manner that was not preachy.  I made the comment that, “ this was the most Christian I can ever remember Tooth and Nail day being.”  It seems that the employees at the Nail have come head on into somewhat of a revival and a renewing of vision.  A few years ago I read an interview with Brandon Ebel that hinted at this and was very encouraging.  This year at the festival, Chad Johnson spoke with fire and zeal about what we need to be about.  He even took the stage prior to Underoath later in the festival to denounce the idea of idolizing rock stars.  It was really cool to see someone taking this stand.  Another band that impressed me with their purpose as well as musicianship that day was Becoming the Archetype.

 

Spoken – I know a lot of Decaporeaders might not be into this band but I have to tell you, they flat out rocked.  I caught their set on Tooth and Nail Day and was so impressed with the guys yet again.  I’ve seen Spoken a number of times and one thing that always gets me is the fervor of their hardcore fans.  These guys (and their fans for that matter) put everything they have into each and every show.  Once Matt Baird hits the stage there is no doubt who the front man of this band is.  These boys are sure to deliver a great night of entertainment. 

 

The Glorious Unseen – This band was completely unknown to me until about midnight of Tooth and Nail Day.  I had heard that there was going to be a worship service directly following the Mewithoutyou show and decided to stay and take part in what the festival should really be about.  I was so tired that I almost missed an amazing experience.  The band is a new signee to Tooth and Nail and shook me with their alarmingly good take on worship music.  This wasn’t just good to sing, it was actually really nice to listen to.  I look forward to picking up their debut album.

 

Mewithoutyou – What more can be said about these guys?  I just love them.  Even when their surroundings seem strange to them (main stage) and things may not go as planned, they put on one amazing show.  It’s been quite amazing to watch as they have grown in popularity and yet always tried to stretch themselves musically as well as intellectually.

 

The Rest of the Fest

 

Underoath – I like Underoath.  I’m not a huge fan.  I thought their show was pretty good but not great.  With that said, they blew so many other wannabe bands out of the water that it made me realize part of why these guys are everyone’s favorite.  I picked up the new cd and look forward to getting into what these guys are growling about.  And yeah, Aaron can sing his face off.

 

Red – I don’t know the lead singer’s name but he is absolutely the most intense person I have ever seen onstage.  I thought for a moment that his head might explode.  These guys probably aren’t for everybody, as they sort of resemble Evanescence with a male singer.  With that said, their show was wonderful.  The guitars were chopping at me like a woodsman and the bass sound was so heavy it made me shake.  All of this combined with really uplifting lyrics made for an awesome and even worshipful show.  Be sure to check these guys out if they make it to your area.

 

The Rocket Summer – I know, I know.  He annoys you.  That’s ok because his show at the Relevant stage was more fun than anyone deserves.  This kid uses more energy onstage than most of the hardcore bands at the festival.  His music isn’t the most complex thing and the lyrics might be a bit hokey at times but if you let yourself go you just might have a good time.  Who doesn’t like a good confetti cannon shot into the air anyway?

 

Hundred Year Storm – I only caught a couple of songs but it sounded like some great emotional rock akin to the Appleseed Cast.  I will be checking out their cd.

 

Seth Roberts (Lakes) – I hadn’t really heard a lot from Watashi Wa so I really didn’t know what was going on when I happened upon this show with about 150 other people one afternoon.  The tent was pretty empty and that’s really a shame because Seth and his buddies put out some of the most amazing pop music that I heard at the fest.  I was immediately compelled to go out and buy two cds worth of his smooth vocals.  Nate from Anberlin filled in on drums bringing a bit of novelty to a show that flew under many people’s radar.

 

Bernard – Buzz band alert!  Learn this name because you are going to be hearing a lot about it for the next year or so.  I wasn’t really impressed with Bernard after catching an acoustic tune on the Relevant Podcast, but I had heard good things about their live show from a friend so I decided to check it out.  Wow, was my friend right!  These guys make really great art. 

 

Anathallo – A couple of years ago I caught a couple of songs by this unusual band.  I was hot and tired and stuck outside of the tent.  I had no idea what I was actually missing.  Anathallo does not put on a great show; they give you a phenomenal experience.  After seeing this in action, I look forward to further exploring their music.

 

The Violet Burning – This was my first time seeing Mike Pritzl and company.  I thought they were simply fantastic.  Later I found out that they usually play with three guitars instead of just Mike on electric.  If they sounded as great as they did at Cornerstone, I can only imagine the sheer musical bliss from seeing them with a full band.  Mike shared some things from his heart and I really got the feeling that this band has a strong sense of purpose.  I can’t wait to get more TVB music in my collection.

 

Over the Rhine – I simply cannot believe that this band is not huge.  They astound me every time I see them.  Karin’s vocals sound angelic and the banter between she and Linford is right on cue every night.  Maybe I’m just old but there’s not much that I’d rather do at night than to sit in a dimly lit coffeehouse and listen to a live Over the Rhine show with my wife.  I love them.

 

 

Mute Math – I’ve never seen a show like Mute Math’s before.  It would seem that anything capable of making sound was used in the creation of their album.  The big kicker is that all of those crazy sounds coming out of your stereo speakers are reproduced 100% live during their shows.  The energy of the band as well as the skill with which they played “whatever they call it” was just phenomenal.  This may have been the best show I’ve ever been to at Cornerstone.

 

Denison Witmer – This year was a good year for me to reacquaint myself with artists that I used to be a big fan of but have tapered off my involvement with.  Denison’s sense of humor and soothing guitar work reminded me why I loved this guy in the first place.  His albums will always be near to my heart.

 

Rosie Thomas – I had never seen this lady before and really had no idea what to expect.  When she came out to sing with Denison prior to her show I was excited to find out what she was all about.  Let’s just say that when you hear her speaking voice, you are not expecting the beautiful sounds that come when she sings.  Her voice sounded to me like a bit of Sarah McLaughlin mixed with Karin Berquest.  Rosie’s crazy sense of humor and stage banter quickly won over pretty much everyone in the crowd.  She’s quite a delightful lady and I look forward to seeing her again.

 

 

 

Starflyer 59 – It was business as usual for one of the world’s greatest bands.  Jason and company pretty much went “30 minutes and out”.  The music was great and the stage banter was non-existent.  I guess I’ve learned not to expect too much from this musical genius. 

 

Kissing Cousins – I was anticipating seeing Kissing Cousins all week.  I had the chance to review their first ep for Decapolis and the band intrigues me.  I met some of the girls a day earlier in the merch tent and was struck with how nice they were.  They seemed genuinely thankful that I bought their record and was going to come to the show.  For those of you uninitiated, KC is an all girl band from California.  They play a slowed down brand of indie rock akin to Starflyer 59 and PJ Harvey with more of a dark and sultry edge.  The music is new and not a tired formula that we’ve heard before.  The girls pull off the recorded sound well during the live show complete with flute and a tambourine played by Josh Dooley.  These girls are developing into quite a find in the indie rock arena.

 

Leigh Nash – Obviously the return of Sixpence’s lead woman to the Cornerstone grounds brought a lot of buzz to the festival.  I was excited to check out a bit of what her new music would sound like.  Probably the main difference for me was the absence of Matt Slocum.  Leigh seems to have done a great job at writing songs that reflect her station in life right now.  The songs are about her husband and son mostly and reflect a maturity that is simply not present in much of today’s commercial pop music.  I can’t wait to check out the album.  She has lost none of her live performance ability and perhaps was even more engaging than when she fronted a full band.

 

Generator Bands That Caught My Attention

 

And Then I Turned Seven – One of the coolest Cornerstone experiences is when you are on your way somewhere else and pass a tent with music that stops you in your tracks.  This was my experience with ATITS.  They were playing show at the Fat Calf stage and I have to say, the first thing that caught my attention was the lack of screaming.  These guys were singing.  The music is a mix of acoustic guitar, violin, bass and electric guitar.  It was a welcome release from the brutal music that usually emanated from the Fat Calf Stage.  After only a portion of a song I knew I had to have the album.  This band earned a lot of new fans during the week.  The line to their merch table was amazing.

 

Alcina – Next to our campsite was a generator stage.  It wasn’t just any generator stage, for this stage hosted a hardcore/ska band that played about twelve times during the week.  That’s right, and they even had a girl saxophone player.  I didn’t catch her name but I’m guessing she goes by “Jeff”.  Just kidding.  Anyway, at some point we began hearing something wonderful coming from the general area that this band usually played.  It wasn’t ska, but metal.  I’m not a huge metal fan but this music was glorious.  The guitarist used a bit of delay and cool timing tricks instead of the typical metal shredding.  We sent a scout to check out what the deal was.  Apparently, this ska band had graciously let the metal band play on their generator.  The metal band’s name was Alcina.  They were quite impressive.  The band gave me a copy of their demo which I have been enjoying since I arrived home.  If you’re into metal, or even if you’re not, give these guys a listen.  They’re nice guys and good musicians.

 

Not So Great

 

Class of 98 – A friend wanted me to check these guys out.  I wasn’t really excited to since I didn’t like what I had heard online.  Yet, I decided to give them a try for my friend’s sake.  Wow.  These guys were awful.  You should understand that it’s my first real exposure to them and there were about 25 people in the tent for their show, but they just didn’t do it for me. 

 

90% of the Generator Bands – I don’t think I have to comment here.  You all know what I think because you’re probably thinking the same thing.

 

Dead Poetic – The vocals were off.  They were very off.  That’s about all I can say about this show.  I was not impressed.

 

Pictures to follow.

Comeback Kid's lead singer, Scott Wade has left the band for reasons unknown to the public as this point in time. Andrew Neufeld has taken over on vocals for the remaining tour with IGNITE, FIRST BLOOD and THIS IS HELL. Comeback Kid has said that they are not breaking up despite Scott leaving the band.

Seattle straightedge kings Champion are calling it a day after seven years at the leading edge of hardcore.
The band's label Bridge Nine gave no reason for the decision while the band's official website appears to have been taken down. Champion's most recent tour saw them play across Australia with Internal Affairs, Miles Away and Betrayed.

Champion's final show will be on May 27 in Seattle at a venue to be announced.

Julia Zulia-Tolosa
 
Last year Decapolis received over 475 albums for review.  While I try to listen to each album before I send them off to the writers, in my old age it’s taking more and more to grab my attention and keep it.  Here are my top 3 picks of the year.
 
1. The Wilderness: S/T
John Johnson’s album loosely following the life of a girl who flees to the circus.  ‘Love and Hate’ could rank in my top 20 songs of all time. 
 
2. Alkaline Trio – Crimson
Not my favorite A3 release, but a good one nonetheless. 
 
3. Paul Anka – Rock Swings
I got married this year, and this album was in the reception rotation.  Mixed with Nat King, Ella, and Billie was Mr. Paul Anka and his covers from Van Halen’s ‘Jump’, to Oasis’s ‘Wonderwall’.
 
 
Most Disappointing of the year:
 
Billy Idol: Devil’s Playground.  What the heck?  This album was terrible.  His voice still sounds amazing, but that's about it.
 
Honorable Mentions:
 
The Myriad: You Can’t Trust a Ladder
The Mars Volta: Frances The Mute
House of Heroes: S/T
Sigur Ros: Takk
Raveonettes: Pretty in Black
 
 
 
 
Peter Veness takes a look back at a quietly remarkable year in music - where hype surrendered to songs.
 
1. Sufjan Stevens: Come On! Feel The Illinoise
 
Stevens’ ability to mould the stories of Illinois with elegant and sometimes elegiac compositions while occasionally finding the moral in the story marks him as a rare and welcome talent.
His songs are fresh and heady, whether it’s the breathy female voices of the title track or the cajoling rumble of The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts, Stevens offers a hopeful perspective and the most beautiful compositions.
With two states down on his ambitious project the Michigan native should already be celebrated as a rare and joyous talent.
 
2. Sleater-Kinney: The Woods
 
From the opening wall-of-squall it was clear the trio were dismantling what had come before and replacing it with a larger vision.
Instead of the short fire Ramones inspired punk offerings listeners were met with a band finally free to play what ever it was they wanted to and boy did the arguments and breakdowns inspired by producer Dave Fridmann pay off.
The opening track The Fox is arguably the most sonically confronting song of the year – bruising guitars struck against the caterwauling voice of Corin Tucker.
The Woods proves any band can work for a decade and not have found their voice but now Sleater-Kinney has.
 
3. The Juliana Theory: Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat
 
It is all about consolidation on The Juliana Theory’s fourth studio LP. Their songwriting is more focused, gone are the unnecessary and unnatural histrionics that were so heavily criticised on their last album.
Replaced with what Juliana always did best, rhythmic rock songs that nod toward The Who as much as they do Smashing Pumpkins and Fugazi. Singer Brett Detar handed in the preaching lyrics of Love and reverts to what he does naturally; tell stories about people and the intimacy and heartbreak they share.
He might see Deadbeat as a suite of break-up songs but there is optimism amongst the hurt.
 
4. Sigur Ros: Takk
 
What Sigur Ros give us is an idea of just how infinitesimal humanity is. They replace chorus and verse with music that mirrors creation – grand, magnificent and often daunting. 
If ever mere rock musicians were to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize it should be the Icelandic lads for they remind us the world is not a cold, dead place and we should embrace each other for more than a moment.
They’ve done all of this and managed to keep moving forward artistically, Takk is their most pop orientated album yet and is filled with blustering drums and angelic vocals – just what you want from them.
 
5. The Lucksmiths: Warmer Corners
This Melbourne band has been delivering lyrically deft pop music for well over a decade and this time they have surpassed even 1997s critically acclaimed A Good Kind Of Nervous.
While accessibility has always been a standard for the trio they haven’t sacrificed musical progression. On Warmer Corners there are broad horn sections, warbling guitars and an almost Irish jig and none of it sounds out-of-place, especially when wrapped through Tali White’s soothing voice.
The stand out might is middle-album ballad If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home Now. It showcases chief songwriter Marty Donald’s subtlety and the whole band’s ability for restraint.
 
6. Bright Eyes: I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning
It was early in the year and the music press was unapologetically in awe of Conor Oberst – he owned the number one position on the Billboard while signed to an indie label and was touring the world to critical and fan acclaim.
His mixture of unapologetic political outrage and personal, diarised heartbreak delivered an album heavy with brilliance but occasionally lacking vitality. The studio strips Oberst of energy but any problems with energy are forgiven on stage when Oberst’s timidity and good looks provide the backdrop to an awe-inspiring live performance.
 
7. Antony and The Johnsons: I Am A Bird Now
Antony Hegarty’s distinctive and heartbreaking voice is, as it always has been, at the centre of his band’s music. Here he channels Nina Simone and album guest Boy George while retaining an absolutely unique musical vision.
The androgen his public face plays on is the most significant theme of this, his second album. My Lady Story and For Today I am a Boy are the most obvious meditations on gender.
But Fistful of Love, complete with spoken word intro from Lou Reed, is the album’s strongest point. The song initially appeared on a 2004 EP but here it sounds so much better with Hegarty rejoicing and demanding to be given fistfuls of the best love over the top of a superb brass jam.
 
8. The Mars Volta: Frances The Mute
Slowly The Mars Volta are crystallising their vision. It could take another couple of albums but on Frances The Mute we see a band in a transition of sorts.
There is less of the dripping water atmosphere and more actual music on this second LP, driven by the songwriting of Omar Rodriquez-Lopez.
More so than any other rock band today, people are utterly divided by The Mars Volta – you either get them or have nothing but disdain for their wild pomposity. But those who do not understand should not be mistaken, The Mars Volta do not hearken back to Yes or Pink Floyd but are perhaps the most forward looking back in rock today.
 
9. The New Pornographers: Twin Cinema
The New Pornographers might just be the most likeable band in the world. They are idolised by power-pop purists as the genre leader and every indie music fan will defend them for their songwriting ability while an increasing number of their fans are being won over by their children playing Twin Cinema to them.
Led by Carl (AC) Newman, Twin Cinema is far from simple but is amongst the most accessible guitar pop made this decade.
When the whole band bursts into chorus on The Bleeding Heart Show you know The New Pornographers are not interested in impressing you – they just want to own your heart.
 
10. Between The Buried and Me: Alaska
 
Oh sweet metal lords – how I though Kiss had died and not only died but been forgotten.
I shouldn’t have been worried.
Between The Buried and Me are chaotic, brutal and completely entertaining. You might choose to imagine Fear Factory with a taste for mathematically precise hardcore. There are lashings of Mr Bungle, Dillinger Escape Plan and a hefty dose of the aforementioned masked ones. But on top of that when they slow down, Between The Buried And Me deal in calypso riffs and chilled piano runs.
It sounds ridiculous and it is – that’s what makes it the most entertaining metal album of the year.
 
 
 
Chaz Murphy
 
1. Funeral Diner: The Underdark
They put out one of my favorite releases last year and this year is no different. Very dark artistic screamo. Amazing album!
 
2. Bane: The Note
One of the most popular and best hardcore bands in the scene today. This is there most dynamic and complex record to date. Best hardcore album of 2005.
 
3. Against Me!: Searching For A Former Clarity
Favorite punk album of the year. I love every song on this album a lot of it has become very personal to me. I love this band.
 
4. Johnny Cash: The Legend Of Johnny Cash
The man is black is dead but his legend lives on. This is the best collection (on one disc) of this greatest work. This is a record that every Johnny Cash fan has to have.
 
5. Modern Life Is War: Witness
One of the most versatile hardcore bands around today. They expanded their sound and showed their artistic wings on this album. D.E.A.D.R.A.M.O.N.E.S is the best song of the year.
 
6. Dropkick Murphys: The Warriors Code
Working class Irish boys from Boston. Funny, emotional and all out Celtic punk rock.
 
7. A Wilhelm Scream: Ruiner 
Great mix of straight up punk/”emo” and metal. Very powerful and fast paced album. Couldn’t stop listening to it for about 2 months.
 
8. Paint It Black: Paradise
Sophomore effort from my favorite punk band. Very Solid. Not as good as CVA but still amazingly fast and hard.
 
9. Miles Away:  S/T
Favorite hardcore debut album from a band from Australia. They will be blowing up the USA in no time. Very solid poppy style hardcore.
 
10. Rumbleseat: Is Dead 
Complete discography from members of Hot Water Music. It’s country/bluegrass/acoustic greatness.
 
Honorable Mentions:
 
Project X: Straight Edge Revenge
Classic long out of print hardcore album. Reissued and now available for all.
 
Disengage: Application For An Afterlife 
Great straight up Tool influenced rock album.
 
Ten 33: Nightmare On Grace Street
Great new hardcore band from Richmond VA. Solid effort.
 
The Finale: Things Can Still Get Better 
A weird guilty pleasure for me. Pop punk that I absolutely loved.
 
Boy Sets Fire: The Day The Sun Went Out
Reissued classic hardcore album from 1997. One of my top ten favorite records of all time but I don’t think a reissue can make top ten.
 
This Is Hell: S/T
Brand new hardcore band from NY. Solid sound that is influenced from American Nightmare. Very good.
 
Bear Vs. Skark: Terror hawk 
Great sound from MI. Solid sophomore effort but their debut was better.
 
Bravo ******* Bravo: II 
Great screamo/hardcore band from CT.
 
Gorillaz: Demon Days 
Another guilty pleasure.
 
Comeback Kid: Wake The Dead 
Not as good as their debut. Their sound changed but it’s still pretty rad.

 
  
Luke Kruse
 
1. Sufjan Stevens: Illinois
From the time I pre-ordered this album in May on, Sufjan Stevens’ masterpiece Illinois was never far from my stereo.  At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, Stevens’ 77-minute ode to the land of Lincoln is, quite remarkably, never boring.  From the brilliant orchestration found on the title track to the quiet strums of “John Wayne Gacy,” Illinois is a musical feast not found on any other record in recent history. Steven’s poignant lyrics tie all the songs together, creating the best record of 2005.
 
2. Bright Eyes: I’m Wide Awake, Its Morning
Conor Oberst, AKA Bright Eyes, released two records on the same day early this year, the electronic affair Digital Ash in a Digital Urn and the more stripped-down, I’m Wide Awake, Its Morning. The latter is Oberst’s folk-country album, and while it is scary to throw around names like “Bob Dylan” and “Neil Young,” one finds it hard not to hear this album’s tales of loneliness, love, and politics without thinking of those legends.  I’m Wide Awake perfectly captures what it feels like to be a twenty-something without all the answers.
 
3. Sigur Ros: Takk
Sigur Ros make music on a level of beauty that is difficult to put to words.  Takk, while not expanding the band’s sound to new levels, is certainly the most surreal listen of the year.  Try listening to “Glosoli” without your pulse quickening just a tad in preparation for the inevitable crescendo that somehow exceeds expectations every time.
 
4. The New Pornographers: Twin Cinema
Twin Cinema provided an infusion of fun into the musical landscape of 2005.  The delightful pop songs on this record dared you not to hum, sing or tap your feet along with them.  Frontman A.C. Newman more than holds his own, but it is the scene-stealing vocals of songstress Neko Case that make for the best moments on Twin Cinema
 
5. The Mars Volta: Frances the Mute
Frances the Mute is an incredibly frustrating album.  At times I think it is the best album ever, but most of the time the last thing I want to listen to is five minutes of chirping bird noises, which one must put up with when they listen to Frances; however, under the right conditions, the genius of this prog-rock behemoth of an album more than makes up for its over-indulgences.
 
6. Animal Collective: Feels
It took me a while to “get” the Animal Collective.  “Feels” is the least strange of their albums to date, but there are still enough bizarre sounds to please those who appreciate eccentric music.  The psychedelic sing-alongs on “Feels” are both creepy and endearing. 
 
7. My Morning Jacket: Z
Z strikes a perfect balance between being both accessible and experimental.  Z is what Coldplay might sound like if they grew up in Kentucky and listened to a steady diet of Radiohead, Bob Marley and Lynard Skynard. 
 
8. Akron/Family: Akron/Family
The Akron/Family came out of seemingly nowhere to create a debut record that turned heads everywhere.  Best described as experimental indie-folk, the songs on this record have an organic warmth that will have you coming back for more.
 
9. Broken Social Scene: Broken Social Scene
One of the more anticipated releases of 2005, the new Broken Social Scene record seemed to disappoint as many expectations as it met.  The Toronto-based indie rock collective made an album that takes a few listens to grasp, but once one does they would be hard pressed to find more exciting songs than, “Ibi Dreams of Pavement” or “Windsurfing Nation.”
 
10. Stars: Set Yourself on Fire
“Set Yourself on Fire,” released in Canada in 2004, saw US release early this year and was one of my most listened to albums of the year.  Stars created a magnificent album of wide-eyed electronic-tinged pop songs for those with broken hearts.  Lead track “Your Ex-lover is Dead” is a song that, if there was any justice in the world, would be a Top 10 hit.
 
Ten more great records from 2005:
Bonnie Prince Billy & Matt Sweeny: Superwolf
Wolf Parade: Apologies to the Queen Mary
Pelican: The Fire in our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw
Iron & Wine: Woman King EP/ In the Reins EP
Ryan Adams: Cold Roses
The White Stripes: Get Behind me Satan
Spoon: Gimme Fiction
Copeland: In Motion
Decibully: Sing Out, America
Low: The Great Destroyer
 
Biggest Disappointment of 2005 – Dredg: Catch Without Arms
These guys followed up their art-rock opus “El Cielo” with a radio-friendly snoozer of an album that wore out its welcome after a few listens.
 
Worst Album of 2005 – Weezer: Make Believe / Nickelback: All the Right Reasons
I think I threw up inside my mouth a tad when I heard “Beverly Hills.”  This once captivating band is officially dead to me.  As for Nickleback, well, its Nickleback.
 
Best Song of 2005 – Stars: Your Ex-Lover is Dead
I first heard this song on headphones while on a Greyhound bus traveling across the country.  It was the middle of the night and I was immediately taken in by the gorgeous dual vocals courtesy of Amy Milan and Torquil Campbell.  As the simple yet attention-grabbing chorus of “I’m not sorry I met you / I’m not sorry its over / I’m not sorry there is nothing to save” mixed elegantly with the horns, strings, and pop guitar riff, I wanted nothing more than for the song to never end.  I must have listened to this song three times in a row, another twenty on that Greyhound trip, and another hundred throughout the course of the year.  A perfect pop song.
 
Worst Song of 2005 - Nickelback: Photograph
Again, its Nickelback.
 
Five Best Concerts of 2005:
 
Sigur Ros
Mono
Sufjan Stevens
Do Make Say Think
Stars / The Most Serene Republic
 
Most Anticipated Releases of 2006:
 
mewithoutYou
Broken Social Scene
Explosions in the Sky
The Shins
Wilco

 
 

Jacob Gehman
 
I usually have trouble coming up with less than 30 albums in any given year that I would be comfortable tipping my cap to by placing them in my top ten list. The list then usually expands to be a top 15 or 20. This year, though, after I pulled any notable album off my self for consideration I had no trouble coming up with a nice top 12 list. Of the albums that didn’t make the list there are some very good and great albums that didn’t make the list and may, in fact, withstand the test of time better than the ones I have included. Not to mention that there are some recent acquisitions which would have the chance of making the list had I several more weeks to listen to them. But no matter. The following list is what I’ll call “The albums that impacted me most this year,” as to stay more true to the spirit of these kinds of lists.
 
1. (Tied) The Fiery Furnaces: Rehearsing My Choir (Rough Trade); Sufjan Stevens: Illinois (Asthmatic Kitty)
Picking a single album to take the top spot all by it’s self would have been like trying to decide whether Pulp Fiction or Jackie Brown is a better movie. Both The Fiery Furnaces and Sufjan Stevens released superb albums that, while they both have that indie flavor, are quite different. FF released a messy album that seems to go from here to there without much rhyme or reason, but that it does that and still remains cohesive is quite a feat. SS’s album feels painstakingly planned and plotted with nights of tossing and turning to figure out the best placement of a specific note. The sound is rich and angelic. His songs feel like a classical composition with an indie rock cloak. So since both albums are equally deserving to be number one, they both are (unlike on The Apprentice.)
 
3. The New Pornographers: Twin Cinema (Matador/Mint)
I just plain love this band. Seeing them live this spring was one of my highlights of the year. They are catchy yet have a musical complexity that really weaves together well. And I want to go on a date with their new keyboard player/backup singer, who has to be one of the prettiest girls to step on stage.
 
4. Antony & The Johnsons: I Am A Bird Now (Secretly Canadian)
Antony sings with a rich, androgynous voice that drips with genuine heartache. His lyrics tend to deal with gender identity issues which gives the whole album a touching otherworldly glow without feeling gimmicky.
 
5. Pattern Is Movement: Stowaway (NFI Label)
Here’s a cd that bowled me over. It’s hard for me to accurately describe, however, whenever I used to compose the perfect album in my head it often sounds very similar to this. Beef up the production a tad and this would be a serious contender for album of the year.
 
6. Sleater-Kinney: The Woods (Sub-Pop)
I had given S-K chances with several of their prior albums, which were a decent alternative to The Donnas but nothing I really went back to or liked for any reason beyond their pretty faces. This cd is everything I could hope for and beyond. It’s dark, layered, dense, smart, catchy… and lacks any dull repetition that marred past works.
 
7. Goldrush: Ozona (Truck Records/Better Looking Records)
This is another album that is honestly from 2004. However, it was released in late ’04 and I only received it to review this summer. So I’m counting it, too. “Ozona” is the album that Wilco could make if they really rocked out and let their Willie Nelson influences really show. But it’s not Goldrush’s style that sets them apart, but their ability to compose a ridiculously good song.
 
8. Steve Reich: You Are (Variations) (Nonesuch Records)
The most important thing to release this year from a classical music standpoint. Any time Steve Reich does something it’s a good idea to pay attention, doubly so when the album features his best composition to date. Track one, “You Are Wherever Your Thoughts Are,” mixes what we know and love about Reich and new twists and turns. While the rest of the album fails to rise to THAT, the rest of the material is adequate Reich.
 
9. Dungeon: Ta Det Lungt (Kemado Records)
Really catchy progressive psychedelic meandering muses. Technically an ’04 release, this album didn’t really start getting the attention it deserves (courtesy of an expanded, double disc re-release) until this year. This is the album that everyone who bought “Frances the Mute” should have picked up.
 
10. Blackalicious: The Craft (Anti)
So you thought “Late Registration” by Kanye West was this year’s top rap album? Think again. While this album didn’t seem to create the buzz that their last one, “Blazing Arrow,” did I find it to be an overall stronger album without the redundancy.
 
11. Fiona Apple: Extraordinary Machine (Epic/Clean Slate)
This album could have been better. And if it was better you would see it closer to spot three or four on this list instead of eleventh. Extraordinary Machine is a great mix of pop sensibility and experimental composition and execution. The best parts feel like Tom Waits’ cousin.
 
12. The Residents: Animal Lover (Mute Records)
Animal Lover is the first great album for The Residents since the mid 80s. While much of the material in between then and now has been good or solid, nothing touches the genius of the 70s and early 80s. This album is a seamless mixture of old ideas (for instance, a resurgence of character voices) and new ones (the smooth, danceable electronics). Hopefully this album marks a new era for Residents fans.
 
 
 
Evan Stanek
 
1.  Thrice:  Vheissu 
Artsy enough for the hipster, heavy enough for the hardcore kid, for me standing somewhere in the middle, it was, in a word, perfect.
 
2.  The Roosevelts: Its so Hard to Make a Sound 
Weezer wishes they’d written “Strutheo Camelus”.  I knew I liked this cd, but when every song from this cd showed up in my iPod top 25 played list, I had to give credit where credit is due. 
 
3.  Elliott:  Photorecording 
for someone who loved their records and never knew anything other than their music, this was an amazing blessing to me.
 
4.  Discover America: Psychology 
I have a man crush on Chris Staples.  Walking bass lines, snobbishly good guitar work, green eyes, tricky lyrics, his motives to make me move worked. 
 
5.  Bear vs. Shark:  Terrorhawk 
thanks to whoever reviewed this one on Decap, loved it.  Good old school true emo sound.
 
6.  Starflyer 59: Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice 
Jason Martin sucks….at writing bad music.
 
7.  Sides of the North: The Incurable Romantic 
nice moods and melodies
 
8:  Mae: The Everglow 
so many good songs, and they all fit together.  I couldn’t stop listening to Painless.
 
9:  House of Heroes: S/T
Took me awhile to get into it, but loved the amalgamation of styles and killer hooks.
 
10:  Jimmy Eat World:  Futures
Not perfect, but very respectable, felt good to hear some non-pop songs from the band again.
 
 
Honorable mention…
Luxury, Sigur Ros
 
CDs that I’d love to name drop, but honestly I don’t have a clue…
Sufjan Stevens, The New Pornographers
 
 
 
John Durkee
 
There’s no way I could say this is a definitive list, but it is what it is, another “Best of” list for 2005. This year I ended up choosing a top 15 and 5 honorable mentions, though the top 7 or so could easily be interchanged and 2 or 3 of the better honorable mentions could easily make the top 10.
 
Also, I most note that many of the typical top albums chosen for this sort of list were purposely omitted as this writer feels most of them were merely rated high based upon hype and not much else.
 
Top 10:
1. New Pornographers: Twin Cinema
Perhaps too poppy to be considered true indie rock, Twin Cinema was a pure joy to listen to. An all things to everyone sound and amazing vocals make this one of the better releases of the year.
 
2. Juliana Theory: Deadbeat Sweetheartbeat
Easily JT’s best album and one of the better releases of the year Deadbeat was full of catchy melodies and great rock anthems. Tracks like, “French Kiss Off” and “Shotgun Serenade” were two of the best songs of the year and of JT’s career.
 
3. Gorillas: Demon Days
Great dance-able beats, vocals and guest spots are all over this sophomore release. A more melodic sound brings about a better release than their debut and shows great growth, showing that maybe Damon Albarn should make Gorillaz his main project and forget about blur.
 
4. As Cities Burn: Son, I Loved You at Your Darkest
As Cities Burn delivers spirit-filled hardcore reminiscent of Strongarm with emotionally cathartic lyrics delivered at the most genuine level. Now that is refreshing.
 
5. The Mars Volta: Frances the Mute
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Frances the Mute was certainly a memorable album this year with it’s pulsating jams mixed with Led Zeppelin inspired hard rock, along with the ambient noise of Pink Floyd, made this release an amazing experience.
 
6. Cold play: X&Y
Big, powerful, soaring and simple all describe the utter brilliance of Coldplay’s X&Y. The ability to make simple songs sound so complex and beautiful makes the release one of the best of the year and thoroughly enjoyable.
 
7. David Crowder Band: A Collision or 3 4=7
A creative and challenging worship album brought through the CCM industry? A year ago I would have laughed if someone said that such an album would be released, but it was with DCB’s A Collision. Great music mixed with the underlying themes of Divinity Vs. Depravity and asking what true worship is, made this album transcend its importance in the musical and art world, but made it a truly important release.
 
8. History Invades- The Structure of a Precise Fashion
Unorthodox vocals, usage of noise while containing great melodies made up the fun and excitement of this album.
 
9. Sufjan Stevens- Illinois
Great album, a bit overrated, but I couldn’t keep it out of my top 10.
 
10. The Sights- The Sights
Perhaps not the most original release, but boy does it rock!
 
11. David Crowder Band- Sunsets and Sushi
A remix album that improved upon 8 already great songs, wow!
 
12. Pet Shop Boys- Battleship Potempkin
Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe helped make this soundtrack happen… Enough said.
 
13. Anberlin- Never Take Friendship Personal
An improvement upon an already great sound.
 
14. The Myriad- You Can't Trust a Ladder
An exciting and intriguing debut make The Myriad the top “new prospect” of the year.
 
15. Emery- The Question
Not quite the same level as their last year’s Weak’s End, but still a very enjoyable release.
 
Honorable Mentions:
John Reuben- The Boy Vs. The Cynic
Idiot Pilot- Strange We Should Meet Here
Sherwood- Sing, But Keep Going
Nine Inch Nails- With Teeth
The 88- Over and Over
 
 
 
Cal Callison
 
1. Coldplay: X & Y
Say What you will about this album but it's musically amazing yet
accessable.  They will continue to gain popularity and it's well deserved
because they rock.
 
2. Mae: The Everglow
I'm not into concept albums but this cd is fantastic.
 
3. Over the Rhine: Drunkard's Prayer
Tried and true, these songsters deliver an amazing, reserved piece. 
 
4. Sufjan Stevens: Illinois
I realize that he's the hip pick these days but the album is really good.  I
hope that the extra publicity he has gotten helps the general public to get
into the intricacies that are Sufjan.
 
5. Kevin Max: The Imposter
He's back and better than ever.  Hey, with guys like Andy Prickett and Jason
Martin involved how could it not be musical bliss?
 
6. Copeland: In Motion
Another favorite.  Classic pop stylings and rocking sing-a-longs.
 
7. Starflyer 59: Talking Voice vs Singing Voice
Always solid.
 
8. Anberlin: Never Take Friendship Personal
I thought this album had more staying power than the first one.  I still
love breaking this one out.
 
9. Luxury: Health and Sport
Hopefully this will not be the swan song for an amazing group of musicians.
 
10. Joy Electric: the Ministry of Archers
I just got this but my respect for the music of Ronnie Martin is increasing
by the day.  This was a solid effort.
 
Honorable Mentions:
Ryan Adams and the Cardinals: Cold Roses
World Leader Pretend: Punches

 
 
Jacob Merritt
 
So here are my choices, in absolutely no particular order. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you give all of these artists a listen. You can find them all on MySpace with little trouble.
 
Colour Revolt: S/T E.P.
Sleepy River: The Funeral Birth of a Tree
As Cities Burn: Son, I Loved You at Your Darkest
House of Heroes: S/T
Dredg: Catch Without Arms
Doves: Some Cities
The Heartstrings: Try Fly Blue Sky E.P.
Javelins: No Plants, Just Animals
Ben Folds: Songs for Silverman
Feist: Let it Die

 

Well, it's hard to break this news seeing as I have been following this band for such a long time, so I'll just paste what is on their website.

"After seven years as a band with various lineups, 3 records and over a thousand shows, FSF agree it is time to move on to other things in our lives. We have enjoyed touring the world over these years, and meeting all of our incredible fans. All of the members of FSF remain the best of friends and look forward to the future, whatever it may bring.

"Further Seems Forever will be playing our final shows in early 2006. They will be with the full electric band. We will be doing spot shows in various cities across the country and Canada. We will do our best to play as many places as possible but several members now have full-time jobs and other full time commitments. We hope to see all our fans out at the shows and look forward to playing for you one more time.

"We won’t be recording a new record but there will be some unreleased material coming out as well as a DVD with live footage and videos.

"We would like to thank all the people and bands who helped our band over the years and made it possible for us to do what we love. Without them behind the scenes we simply couldn’t have done this. Special thanks goes out to our families whose love, encouragement and understanding made it possible to be in this band.

"We will be keeping our MySpace page current and you can check that page as well as this site for new info on shows, the DVD and any other FSF related news.

"We wish everyone a great new year and hope to see you soon.

Jon, Derick, Josh, Chad and Steve
Further Seems Forever "

Right, back to work, no more lazing about in your thermals in front of the TV and if you're in the south, no more nude sunbacking on beaches that aren't for weirdos.

Lujo aren't lazy, I know this because they've been hard at work preping a string of new releases to gush over you like a warm shower after a blizzard. Red Gold, Baby Teeth and Roy have work of some description available for consumption, like, now.

Mr Aucoin, chief Lujo described the Red Gold EP, Your Napoleon, as " five quick and abusive songs featuring multiple desperate vocals, crass guitars, and secret melodies buried somewhere in the wreckage." I feel sad for the chords.

Baby Teeth, however, are far from abusive, prefering instead to deliver a southern countrfried rock tinge "minus the beer bellies and bandanas and prog-disco minus the stringy hair and capes. They made this EP on a dare, with each member working in complete isolation at home, the only rule being that the title had to be "Heather." You'll need to hear this to believe it."

All of this on top of Roy joining the label.

" You'll find the new release favoring messed-up chords to standard major-chord folkisms, sparse drumming to bashing cymbals, and delay to distortion. Make this album a part of your collection."

So there, get to work.

As a matter of journalistic integrity let's just quote direct from Pedro The Lion's manager who posted this on the PTL bulletin board.

"Here's the deal.

"Dave will be making music, touring, and releasing records under his own name. He'll still be writing and singing the songs. Just not under the name Pedro The Lion. The short term plan is for Dave to do the Undertow Orchestra tour in February ... and then do some solo touring and maybe some Headphones touring in the spring and summer.

"We'll probably have some sort of web and show only CD ready by Feb or March. It'll be Dave doing stripped down versions of Pedro songs and maybe a new song or two. We don't know exactly what songs yet.

"Then Dave will work on a proper studio album in the spring and summer that will be released by Jade Tree in early 2007.

"There will most likely be a new Headphones recorded by the end of 2006 for release by Suicide Squeeze sometime after the solo album.

"TW [Walsh - long time PTL member] decided that being a full-time musician and being away from his family 100 days a year was not the best thing for him now. Dave does not want to call what he does Pedro The Lion without TW's involvement. There are no hard feelings, no weirdness, or anything dramatic to worry about. TW did not break up Pedro The Lion. Dave has been thinking about dropping the band name for a long time. They are still good friends. TW will continue to work on The Soft Drugs recordings and i'm sure will be playing shows in and around Seattle whenever he can.

"This is not to say that the Pedro The Lion name will never be used again. But for as far as we are planning ahead, there will be no new releases or touring using the band name Pedro The Lion.

"I hope everyone is not too bummed out. I know it seems like Pedro The Lion is breaking up. Remember, Pedro The Lion is one of my favorite bands too. So I can’t help being a little sad.

"But it’s more like a shift in energy and not a really a break-up at all.

"Dave and I are really excited about what's coming up. The Undertow Orchestra tour is going to be amazing. To have these four guys touring together is a dream come true for me. It's an amazing chance for Dave to collaborate with these other artists that he has great respect for and do something new with his music. "

In the latest round of Cornerstone Festival's sixty bands in six days announcement; MxPx, Project 86, Ester Drang and The Myriad have been added to the week of festivities at Bushnell, Illinois.

Still no word on whether everyone's favourite Illinoisemaker will make an appearance at the '06 show but the lineup is already stellar with P.O.D expected to headline alongside the likes of Relient K, Cool Hand Luke, Denison Witmer, Becoming The Archetype and No Innocent Victim.

A full list of bands for the five-day festival at Bushnell, Illinois is available at the official website.

No Innocent Victim and Relient K are part of the latest batch of bands to be added to the 2006 Cornerstone Festival roster.

A full list of bands for the five-day festival at Bushnell, Illinois is available at the official website.

So what goes 'round comes 'round and the, depending on your take, mighty or only once mighty Payable On Death will return to headline Cornerstone in 2006.

The San Diego boys will bring with them a swag of new tunes from their Testify LP which Billboard reported will be ready for release January 24.

The first round of announcements feature leading metal acts Underoath, Showbread and As Cities Burn alongside folksy lad Denison Witmer and Cool Hand Luke.

A full list of bands for the five-day festival at Bushnell, Illinois is available at the official website.

Change-your-life indie darlings The Shins are hard at work preparing the follow up to the album that was supposed to be their sophomore slump but ended up becoming the critically acclaimed and fan adored Chutes Too Narrow.

Speaking with Decapolis, keyboardist Marty Crandall said the new album would be the best album ever made, period.

“It’s brilliant, incredible, the best thing you will ever hear, that you will ever give your ears the privilege to hear.”

While the songs might be brilliant, don’t expect to hear them for a while yet, unless you plan on catching the live show.

“It’s a really slow process for us because we do it all in James’ [Mercer, singer] home studio. It’s in the beginning stages … all of the songs are written and I think the lyrics are what is being worked on heavily now by James,” Crandall says.

The longevity of their second LP Never Make Friendship Personal has blown away Anberlin according to singer Stephen Christian.

One of the most polite and humble men in rock, Christian spoke exclusively to Decapolis about the moment when Tooth and Nail decided the band deserved a radio push.

“We’ve been selling the same amount of records per week in the States and around the world for a while now and so when the record label saw that they said there’s something to this record and people aren’t getting sick of it. So we went to Tooth and Nail and said how about a radio push, like around the world and lets try one of these songs on radio. They thought it over and counted up the costs and they did reports on Day Late and Paperthin Hymn.

“Brandon [Ebel, T&N chief] was a little sceptical at first, not of the songs but of the cost because we’re not a major label, we’re an indie.

“So we said, take on a gamble on us, you know we’re going to work hard and at the end of the day we did it because we were that confident in the songs.”

Ebel’s scepticism was unfounded, both singles have brought Anberlin’s best radio play since signing to T&N in 2002. At last count almost 20 rock stations have added Paperthin Hymn.

Mr Stevens will play NYC's Lincoln Centre on January 14 with a full band as part of the American Songbook series being hosted by the venue.

The all too rare show will, according to Asthmatic Kitty, feature reworkings of tunes from Stevens' three most popular records, the two states and Seven Swans along with new tunes which may or may not be epic, swelling and generally gob smacking.

This news comes on top of Stevens announcing a cover of Friendly Beasts to be released on a new compilation that says its only aim is to bring kids and parents together, weird huh.

It's been too long between innings and they're the first to admit but The Jealous Sound, responsible for one of the more glorious debuts in recent time, are heading back to the studio in January.

I for one am like a little girl expectantly waiting her big brother's return from his first term of college - not sure exactly whether that means i'm giddy or just plain frightened, both I suggest. But the quartet are busy calming fears by claiming this will be "proof positive that we haven't been sitting back".

Here's hoping.

The long-haired lads of Extol have released a new tune but there's only one place to get it and for most that means doing the import-hop.
UK metal magazine Metal Hammer has included the band's lead single from The Blueprint Dives, Pearl, on their latest DVD along with the Norwegian five-piece doing the Hammer Jam. You just got to love the hammer.

Whilst the splendiferously tantalising rumour of Sufjan’s Christmas songs seeing the light of the day appear just that we can, as always, be confident in David Bazan’s ability to lift the Lord high come yull time.

The bearded and gentle one has again teamed with Suicide Squeeze to release a Christmas 7in – this time Mr Lion reworks Silent Night and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Bazan even adds extra lyrics for no extra price.

As usual the vinyl is marble wax and there are only 2000 copies available, the series has sold out every year since inception.

Seems the Drang everybody loves are over taking their time with Rocinate and the follow up to the critically acclaimed Infinite Keys will be out January.

The absolutely 100 per cent official Ester Drang website had this to say about all post like way beyond post rock goings on for the lads.

We are pleased to announce...Ester Drang's new record "Rocinate" will be released on Jade Tree January 24th 2006. The band will be doing a preliminary tour in Europe with Sub Pop recording artist Rosie Thomas in November. Check myspace.com/drang for audio samples of the new full length as well as www.purevolume.com/esterdrang. The new website is under construction, so the myspce page will temporarily be the most updated hub on information regarding the band. thank you.”

No, thank you.

From Victory Records:

Bayside was in a terrible accident this morning while driving to today’s concert on the “Never Sleep Again” Tour, which includes their friends and label mates Hawthorne Heights, Silverstein, and Aiden. Their drummer John “Beatz” Holohan was killed when their van flipped after hitting a patch of ice outside of Cheyenne, WY.  Their bass player Nick Ghanbarian was also seriously injured. Anthony and Jack have thankfully been discharged from the hospital. Members of the band’s crew also remain hospitalized.

Tonight’s show in Salt Lake City is cancelled. An announcement regarding the rest of the tour will be made later today.

 

The Hope of Change has parted ways with David Massey, he will be replaced by Chris Schwabb. Chris Schwabb did spend sometime filling in for Nodes of Ranvier on bass.

The band's label, Harvest Earth had this to say: "We would like to wish David all the best in his future plans and welcome Chris to the family.

"The Hope of Change has currently started their tour. With the high gas prices and all please head out to one of their shows if you are in the area. Also if you can please support the band by purchasing some of their merchandise as it is a really tough time for touring bands right now. "

Sydney via the Earth long haired and occasionally bearded metal men Mortification (alliteration! is wonderful) are nearing completion on their latest behemoth, entitled Erasing The Goblin.

While it's yet to be made official offically, it appears drummer Damien Percy will be offered a permanent posting behind the kit for the band. Steve Rowe said he expects the album to be released early next year, the three-piece will then head out on a world tour.