Given that we have around five feature music writers here at Zboneman.com (Kyle, Tyson, The Boneman, Jeff, and Ryan) I considered not even writing a Best in Music list, particularly because I've been so busy with the movie portion of the site.

What many readers might not know is that I've been running a CD shop for the last twelve years, and unfortunately, that run has come to an end. Sadly, I have to close the business down. It's a tough market out there these days particularly with corporations breathing down my neck and internet sales sky rocketing. All I can do is hold my head high and move on. So while this is an especially painful time for me, and while I only write a handful of album reviews in a given year, I decided to throw a list together anyway.

2005 was an extremely creative year in music, and most of my favorite albums were put out by newcomers or lesser known bands. Not a whole heck of a lot of veterans on this list. Still, for those who've dug deep, it was an exciting year in music.

1. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club-Howl

BRMC scored big with their latest release Howl. While many bands in 2005 were perfectly content in delivering more of the same, Black Rebel opted to trade in their distorted guitar rock sound for a stripped down acoustic affair that is both intimate and surprisingly spiritual. And you have to love that slide guitar. An outstanding (and underrated) achievement.

2. Spoon-Gimme Fiction

Spoon boasts perhaps the strongest song writing of the year in Gimme Fiction, an indie rock gem full of catchy melodies that recall the Beatles, and compositions that are both edgy and extremely accessible. Lead vocalist Britt Daniel is as confident as they come. Even our very own Boneman considers him the most compelling front man in contemporary rock (based mostly on their scorching set at 2005's Vegoose festival). On a side note, a special shout out to Merge Records for seeking out some of the strongest talent of the last few years (including Arcade Fire.)

3. Stereophonics-Language. Violence. Sex. Other?

This U.K. outfit has delivered their strongest effort yet, and while there were certainly better records in 2005, Language. Violence. Sex. Other? Is perhaps my favorite CD to listen to repeatedly. It's the band's most rocking (and infectious) album to be sure, and tunes like Rewind and Dakota are instantly hummable.

4. Bloc Party-Silent Alarm

This London based quintet has created a retro masterpiece in the form of Silent Alarm. With a sound that encompasses the last twenty-five years in British rock, Bloc Party are often compared to The Cure and Ride. Their latest effort is high on energy from beginning to end. An amazingly entertaining and accomplished work.

5. Elbow-Leaders of the Free World

Elbow makes good on the promise of greatness. Leaders of the Free World is easily their strongest most accessible effort meshing the intimacy of Peter Gabriel and the epic craftsmanship of Pink Floyd. While that may seem like a stretch (the previous mentioned artists are pretty grand company), listen to this outstanding record and you'll know what I'm talking about.

6. The Decemberists-Picaresque

While Bright Eyes are one of the big independent success stories of the year, I prefer Portland natives The Decemberists. With a catchy collection of folk rock tunes, lead vocalist Colin Meloy emerges as a spellbinding storyteller. With a sound reminiscent of Morrissey and Belle and Sebastian, The Decemberists have released a solid effort in the form of the gorgeous Picaresque.

7. Sigur Ros-Takk

Simply put, Iceland's Sigur Ros makes pretty music, and their new record Takk is extremely...pretty. While the ambience and lush lullaby melodies remain in tact, this effort contains tracks that are tad more upbeat. One might call Sigur Ros an abstract version of Coldplay.

8. Sufjan Stevens-Illinois

Sufjan Stevens is a true American original. How many artists can you think of that would dare attempt to do a concept album for every state in America? Not very many. While it's far too early to know if Stevens will actually be able to see this massive project through (he's only two states in), Illinois is a brilliant effort and should be part of every music lover's library. Chalk full of Stevens' signature heartland folk, Illinois emerges as a witty, ambitious work of art.

9. Sleater-Kinney-Woods

Sleater-Kinney's Woods is a hard rocking, grungy, guitar heavy affair. Vocalist Carrie Bernstein shows incredible range and does things with her gorgeous, punk inspired voice that I thought not possible. From the high energy opening number The Fox, I was completely hooked. While Sleater-Kinney's last record One Beat was outstanding, I'd say that Woods is my personal favorite.

10. Dungen-Ta Det Lugnt

I suppose putting Ta Det Lugnt on this list is a bit of a cheat seeing how it actually came out in 2004. Due to the fact that it's imported, I didn't really get to here it until 2005, so screw it! I put it on the list this year. Hailing from Sweden, Dungen has fashioned an epic masterpiece that is much more than an ode to the psychedelic rock of the 70's. This CD sounds as if it was actually recorded in the 70's. While Dungen sing in their native tongue, they articulate in an American sort of fashion giving Ta Det Lugnt a slightly Americanized sound. Vastly superior to that last Kings of Leon record.

11. Beck-Guero

What can I say? I'm a huge fan of this guy. Sea Change was a milestone for this gifted artist. Guero represents a more trippy, Odelay/Midnight Vultures era Beck, and I enjoyed every second of. The rapping, the offbeat sampling, etc. It's all there in full force. Another entertaining record from one of our most adventurous artists.

12. Oasis-Don't Believe the Truth

The Brothers Gallagher return with the slickly produced Don't Believe the Truth. While many have tired of these cocky Brits, I still embrace them. And while many are quick to paint them Beatles knock offs, I say what they do, they do extremely well, and this is more than evident on their latest release. An infectious collection of simplistic Brit rock that really starts to take shape four tunes in.

13. Danger Doom-Mouse and the Mask

With all do respect to Kanye West, Danger Doom's Mouse and the Mask is the most adventurous hip hop record of the year. While it might not be as grand or as important as Late Registration is, this is a more enjoyable listen. This collaboration between super sampler Danger Mouse and the uber eccentric MF Doom, pays homage to characters from The Adult Swim Network in a trippy, innovative ball of hip hop fury. Immensely entertaining.

14. LCD Soundsystem-LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem is a brilliant dance-rock fusion headed by multi-talented James Murphy. This self titled release sort of defies a genre label. With the catchy "Daft Punk is Playing at My House" leading the charge, it's near impossible to listen to this record without a great big grin on your face. As an added bonus, LCD Soundsystem comes with a bonus disc featuring singles that are sure to keep anyone in the club scene happy.

15. Gorillaz-Demon Days

Demon Days is one of those albums that I like to listen to in a dark room from beginning to end. It isn't exactly a true concept album, but it sure feels like one. It's a perfect meshing of Brit pop and hip hop, and the whole animated character /alter ego thing the band members have created only add to it's overall all appeal. Despite the absence of Dan the Automator, this is still a step up from their first record. A wildly original masterpiece.

16. Common-Be

Kanye West not only delivered an outstanding record in the form of Late Registration, he also produced an even better effort in the form of Be, the latest (and best) CD from Common. This Chicago native is known for fusing elements of hip hop and rock in much of his work, but Be is more of a straight forward rap record, and an amazing one at that. I suppose that Mr. West's involvement has a lot to do with the edgier Common on display here, but the big surprise is what a more assured work this is than West's latest. Don't get me wrong, Kanye is a force to be reckoned with, but Common has fashioned a less predictable work with Be.

17. New Pornographers-Twin Cinema

Twin Cinema is a power pop opus and easily the best record on this endlessly energetic indie rock band's resume. An amazing accomplishment made all the more impressive taking into consideration that their Electric Version is a near perfect album Vocalists A.C. Newman and Neko Case are just like Peanut Butter Cups. Two great tastes that go great together.

18. Mars Volta-Frances the Mute

Mars Volta's Frances the Mute is an explosive, spontaneous mixture of sonic vistas and experimental rock. Comprised of members of At the Drive-In, Mars Volta have created another stunning record (their first full length was the equally adventurous De-Loused in the Comatorium). Every time I listen to Frances the Mute, I get something new out of it. I liken the experience to listening to Led Zeppelin for the first time.

19. Paul McCartney-Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard

As you'll notice, there haven't really been any true veterans on this list. Paul McCartney has the distinction of being the first old school rocker to make the top twenty. Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard is a return to form for this legendary Beatle, and part of the credit for it sounding as lovely as it does should go to producer Nigel Goodrich. McCartney is extremely introspective here, giving the CD an intimate feel overall, and Chaos and Creation is extremely accessible to boot. Simply a great listen.

20. The Soundtrack of Our Lives-Origin Vol. 1

I love Soundtrack of Our Lives. I can't get enough of them. While Origin Vol. 1 isn't quite the slice of anthemic rock Behind the Music is, this Swedish outfit has still fashioned an outstanding ode to the likes of The Who. Ebbot Lundberg's high energy vocals and the band's guitar driven tunes make for a great sound that some might call Swede filtered Brit-rock. On a final note, should you ever have a chance to see these guys live, GO!

21. The Doves-Some Cities

Manchester's The Doves return with another excellent collection of atmospheric rock songs. Some Cities finds the band fine tuning their sound, and while most of this record plays at a mid-tempo speed, the band does find the time to kick it up a bit. Their latest release brightens things up trading in gloom for a shimmering glow.

22. Opeth-Ghost Reveries

Right up front, it should be noted that I'm not much of a metal-head. Anyone who's read this list can clearly see that. Having said that, Opeth's Ghost Reveries is one of the best metal records I've heard in years. While lyrically, this band is a little too...evil for my tastes, there's no denying their true musicianship. The guitar work by Mikael Akerfeldt and Peter Lindgren is simply masterful. Akerfeldt's vocals are strongest when he ditches the trademark demonic growling, and settles into a comfort zone that we can all understand, which, happily, occurs more often than not. I was shocked by his range. Opeth is progressive metal at it's finest.

23. Supergrass-Road to Rouen

Truth be told, it took me a few listens to warm up to Supergrass' Road to Rouen. At first, I thought it was too melancholy (I'm used to a zany Supergrass) and far too short (it clocks in at about thirty-four minutes). Upon further spins, however, I've come to recognize the beauty in this exceptional album. This record is more Led Zeppelin than Beatles and further proof that change can definitely be a good thing. I'm still a little peeved by the short length, but it's still an outstanding record.

24. Stellastar-Harmonies For the Haunted

File Stellastar's Harmonies For the Haunted under 2005 guilty pleasures. This isn't to say that this record is bad, but it isn't exactly a work of innovation or originality. What it is though, is an extremely entertaining CD. A sort of ode to 80's pop, most notably Modern English. There are even hints of U2 with all those glorious, ringing guitars. I really enjoy this band.

25. Bruce Springsteen-Devils and Dust

Nebraska it ain't, but Devils and Dust represents a quieter, more introspective Bruce Springsteen. A Springsteen I love every bit as much as the front man of the E Street Band. Devils and Dust is a subdued, acoustic affair--the complete polar opposite of the brilliant (and hopeful) post 9/11 masterpiece "The Rising". It's still classic Springsteen, but in an entirely different way. This is a somber record to be sure, but it's amazingly effective.

For your listening pleasure, I offer up another 25 noteworthy titles from 2005.

26. Kanye West-Late Registration

27. The Eels-Blinking Lights and Other Revelations

28. The Rosebuds-Birds Make Good Neighbors

29. Magic Numbers-Magic Numbers

30. My Morning Jacket-Z

31. Robot Ate Me-On Vacation

32. Ed Harcourt-Strangers

33. Bright Eyes-I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning/Digital Ash in a Digital Urn

34. Kaiser Chiefs-Employment

35. Louis XIV-The Best Little Secrets Are Kept

36. Quasimoto-The Further Adventures of Lord Quas

37. Neil Young-Prairie Wind

38. Super Furry Animals-Love Craft

39. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

40. Ryan Adams-29/Cold Roses/ Jacksonville City Nights

41. Fiona Apple-Extraordinary Machine

42. White Stripes-Get Behind Me Satan

43. Wolf Parade-Apologies to the Queen Mary

44. Martha Wainwright-Martha Wainwright

45. Calexico/Iron and Wine-In the Reins

46. Sage Francis-A Healthy Distrust

47. Ben Folds-Songs For Silverman

48. The Raveonettes-Pretty In Black

49. Go! Team-Thunder Lightening Strike

50. Coldplay-X & Y

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

While Canada's Arcade Fire actually released their stunning debut " Funeral" in 2004, they still emerged as the artist of 2005 in my book. Virtually unknown during most of last year, they suddenly exploded through extensive touring and massive underground buzz. Suddenly, they were everywhere. Not only were music lovers spinning their CD, but legendary musicians from all over the world quickly took notice of this amazing band. U2 began playing the infectious anthem "Wake Up" before they'd hit the stage every night of their sold out tour, and even had the band open their Canada gigs. Then various festivals (including Coachella and Vegoose) starting pursuing Arcade Fire heavily to play their events. Even David Bowie showed up at one of their shows and hopped up on stage to jam with them. Yes, it was a big year for Arcade Fire, but what's most impressive is how confident these guys have become in such a short amount of time. I was privileged enough to see them at both Coachella and Vegoose, and I can honestly say that I'd put them second only to Radiohead as the premiere live act of the last ten years. Their swagger, confidence, passion, and energy has to be seen to be believed. I'm almost afraid to hear a follow up to "Funeral". I love that record so much that the idea of them releasing another disc is scary to me. Perhaps that's selfish on my part, but I can't help it. I'd say that "Funeral" is probably the best record I've heard since O.K. Computer, and for those of you who could care less about Radiohead, that statement probably means nothing. For those of you who love O.K. Computer, it's a huge deal. While Arcade Fire is a completely different kind of band, their "Funeral" is brimming with passion and spirit, and that is the common thread. I really can't say enough great things about these guys. I wish them all the success in the world.

WORST OF THE YEAR

I won't bore you with a list of the worst in music. There's absolutely no reason to give a bunch of unnecessary plugs to bands that don't really deserve it. I will, however, give you my personal pick for the single worst CD of 2005, and I'll start it off with a hint. You know that saying "Behind every great man is a woman"? This particular phrase does not apply to...

BLACK EYED PEAS!

Monkey Business. WHAT A PILE OF CRAP! The most disheartening thing about it is that Black Eyed Peas was a great band on the verge of great things. Behind the Front and Bridging the Gap are bonafide hip hop masterpieces, while Elephunk and Monkey Business are bonafide masterpieces fo shit! Look, Fergie is a looker, I'll give you that, but she brings nothing exciting to this once amazing band. I can understand that this group was bummed out by the lack of commercial success of their first two records, but bringing Fergie in wasn't a good choice. She's become the centerpiece of the band. That may have translated in to more money, but it certainly didn't translate into quality. "Don't Phunk With My Heart" is a boring, gimmicky, tired hip hop anthem, and I thought it was one of weakest hip hop tunes I had heard in a long time. That is until I heard "My Humps". WHAT THE FUCK! What happened? The Black Eyed Peas were so good. I beg you. Please come back to us. You don't have to drop Fergie completely. Just make her a background singer or something. Just please, come back to us. We know there's still good in you. Come back from the dark side. PLEASE!