Written by Anthony Nguyen
April 3, 2005

The Year is now 1/4th over! Let's see what the top records of the year are so far, as judged by the wonderful Anthony Nguyen. Dang he's cool.

1. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning

Connor Oberst is seriously ready to take over the world. Releasing two records with completely different feels is quite has been done recently with sickness (Nelly's Sweat/Suit), but Oberst has made a wonderfully addicting record of diary-themed songs on this more traditional alternative folk I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning.

2. Stars - Set Yourself on Fire

Montreal's Stars have the track record to pull anything off magically. With a solid sophomore effort Heart in 2003, and the distinction of being part of the Arts & Crafts/Broken Social Scene family, only good things should be expected. Thankfully, they deliver with charming vocals of Torquil Campbell, and angelic vocals of Amy Milan. The drumming is tight, and the music is enough love-dream-pop to make you smile, cry, and ponder for hours. This is perfect pop music.

3. Iron & Wine - Woman King [EP]

Sam Beam's latest EP is terrific. This 7 track sampler shows alot of promise for any upcoming release he has in store for us. The melody driven, soft rock album tells a tall tale of the lady Jezebel. It's a sure hit. Listen.

4. The Decemberists - Picaresque

The Portland based band that has brought us records about Pirates and Queens is back again. Colin Meloy's song writing is imaginative as ever; his story telling is grand and he has the voice to deliver it successfully. While a bit whiny at times, the accompanying music is fantastic everywhere, especially during the decepting "The Bagman's Gambit." The second half picks up and is splendid.

5. Low - The Great Destroyer

The Minnesota quiet rockers went loud finally. This is a great record where this band known for its soft, quiet, mellow rock, decided to kick in the electric powers of the guitar and crank it up a notch. Experimental and wonderful, this is definately a record to check it out.

6. ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - Worlds Apart

Austin's Trail of Dead had a tough task of meeting up the high marks left behind when they dropped Source Tags and Code on us in 2002. While not quite on the same playing field, Worlds Apart is a still a very good record, and shows a more melody, vocal based effort from the band known for destruction intensity. It's still loud, and it's still crazy at times, but its definitely a more mellow Trail of Dead. (that's not saying much)

7. Thievery Corporation - The Cosmic Game

The Duo from DC have made great soundtracks for the coffee shop talk, or the sit and chill. Mixing in industrial, progressive techno, and trance with trip hop, and indian/latin influences, Thievery Corporation continues their blend of eclectic electronica, this time with the aid of the Flaming Lips, Perry Farrell, and David Byrne.

8. New Order - Waiting for the Siren's Call

If any band has high standards to meet, it is this one. But you know what, it doesn't even matter. New Order can booze themselves silly, struggle and write randomness, record it, and it'd still be good. They have a knack for successful dance-pop tunes, and while even a solid step below anything from Technique, Brotherhood, or anything from the 80's, Waiting for the Sirens' Call is a very solid release nonethless. Pitchfork Media puts it best: New Order's "meh" is often better than most group's "hell yeah."

9. Buck 65 - Right Here is Buck 65

In some mash up mix of completely opposite genres, Buck 65 pulls through with flying colors. If you take the nitty gritty of western country, hip hop beats, some dark alternative, and slow churning rap, you get something along the lines of Buck 65's style of play.

10. LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem

The best of the best for the dance-punk genre has been crowned. LCD System wins! Yay! Who's the big winner tonight? LCD Soundsystem! LCD is the big winner! yay! Crazy lyrics, super beats, loud basslines, and dance floor friendly. LCD Soundsystem is nice.

11. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
Cool dance punk with a post-punk feel. Could be the next Franz Ferdinand.

12. Fiery Furnaces - EP
A very solid collection of B-Sides from a odd indie-pop band.

13. Louis XIV - The Best Little Secrets are Kept
Dirty, scandalous tracks with a post-punk attitude.

14. M83 - Before the Dawn Heals Us
Kevin Shields has officially found a host for his soul in the French band M83. No I'm just kidding.

15. Bright Eyes - Digital Ash in Digital Urn
The Postal Service wannabe side of Connor Obersts succeeds and fails equally.