2005 Music Awards

3 Biggest Surprises
3. Natasha Bedingfield, Unwritten. Wins the annual Dido award for "female pop artist who hits the chart with a catchy-ass single that overshadows a surprisingly solid pop album"
2. Kanye West, Late Registration. Avoided the sophomore slump with catchier hooks and just-as-deep poetry.
1. Jamie Cullum, Catching Tales. Modernized his sound even further to become just as vital a songwriter as he is a gateway to the past.

3 Biggest Disappointments
3. Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine (released version). Not nearly as tight as her previous 2 albums, and the "improvements" made from the bootleg version are often, in fact, not.
2. Switchfoot, Nothing is Sound. Foreman's lyrics get lost in over-produced guitars amd surprisingly forgettable melodies.
1. The Raveonettes, Pretty in Black. Hey, I've got an idea: let's get rid of everything that made our sound so unique! Borrrrrrrrrrring.

Top 10 Songs
10. The Raveonettes, "Love in a Trashcan". The album's saving grace is a cool retro beach rocker.
9. Jamie Cullum, "Catch the Sun". A damn fine cover capped by a majestic piano solo.
8. Kanye West, "Heard 'em Say". Is it just me, or is this a best-case scenario for "Mr. Rogers goes TRL"?
7. Bright Eyes, "Road to Joy". Ode to Joy transformed into a intense, chaotic, hummable tirade.
6. Amos Lee, "Arms of a Woman". Simple, straightforward, earnest, depressing, calming, and pretty.
5. Coldplay, "Fix You". Same as "Arms of a Woman," but with a more dramatic ending.
4. John Legend, "Ordinary People". I'm astonished that someone was able to write and perform this as an amazing pop song.
3. Sufjan Stevens, "John Wayne Gacy, Jr.", "Casimir Pulaski Day", and "Come On! Feel the Illinoise!". A pair of tragic folklore, with lyrics shifting from haunting to humorous to breathtaking, complemented by a bubbly, syncopated melange of classical/jazz/pop goodness.
2. Ed Harcourt, "The Storm Is Coming". It's got it all: aggressive guitar static, triumphant piano chords, a killer hook, and a whistling fade. The perfect album opener.
1. Rosie Thomas, "Pretty Dress". I know, this song emasculates me so bad. It singlehandedly made me wish I had a little girl.

Top 10 Albums
10. Over the Rhine, Drunkard's Prayer. Another round of intimate, complex, genuine songs that sound like they're being played in your own living room.
9. The New Pornographers, Twin Cinema. So damn lovable, sunshiny, and catchy. A perfect album for a warm, summer day.
8. Kanye West, Late Registration. Yeah! The mainstream got it right for a change!
7. Eisley, Room Noises. There's no reason these teen girls can't make it big. They know how to write a tight, hummable, memorable song.
6. Bright Eyes, I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning. "Potential" turns into reality. Somewhere, Bob Dylan is smiling (and not because he's still daydreaming about filming that Victoria's Secret commercial)
5. Coldplay, X & Y. Whatever, you haters.
4. The Mars Volta, Frances the Mute. You know that saying "crazy like a fox"? Meet the musical equivalent.
3. John Legend, Get Lifted. Technically it came out in 2004 (Dec. 28), but I don't care. John Legend is one cool mutha with soulful chops, slick beats, and an elegant piano to boot.
2. Jamie Cullum, Catching Tales. Suave, cunning, and ambitious. He's no gimic. This is the real deal, a gift to old and young music lovers alike.
1. Sufjan Stevens, Illinois. Singlehandedly expanded my vision on what can be done in music. Concert band meets folk meets jazz meets rock meets A&E documentary. Absolutely mesmerizing. Absolutely gut-wrenching. Absolutely incredible.

Honorable Mention: Brendan Benson, Alternative to Love; Blackalicious, The Craft; Ed Harcourt, Strangers; Amos Lee, Amos Lee; Rosie Thomas, If Songs Could Be Held.