2005 In Music: Sufjan Who?

Being the end of the year, it's time once again for the pointless exercise of listing the top ten albums of the year, in my humble opinion. Here they are:

1. The Decemberists - Picaresque. This band continues to amaze me. I'm still going through and absorbing all of their albums, and although there's a certain formula to what they do, the songwriting and storytelling is simply exceptional. Great lyrics, great melodies, and they put on a fun show.
2. Paul McCartney - Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. I was prepared for yet another McCartney album with one or two great songs and nine pieces of crap. What I got instead was a fully-realized, expertly produced work that knocked me out from the first listen.
3. Morrissey - Live at Earl's Court. I don't know if I should include a live album on the list, but it's my list dammit. Incredible sound quality, the band sounding airtight, and a good mix of solo and Smiths songs.
4. Andrea Echeverri - Andrea Echeverri. Ever since first hearing about Los Aterciopelados on NPR several years ago, I've been a fan. I don't need to know what they're saying - I can't understand Michael Stipe either. Singer Andrea Echevarri released a solo album, and it's even hookier. Great voice, groovy production.
5. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan. Certainly not the best White Stripes album, but it's exciting to see the band branching out to different arrangements. I love hearing the piano as a rock instrument. And "My Doorbell" is the single catchiest song of the year.
6. Michael Penn - Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947. I just heard this one all the way through last week, but it's great. He must have been listening to a lot of Aimee Mann records.
7. Brendan Benson - The Alternative To Love. Simply great pop songwriting. It will be interesting to see what he and Jack White come up with together.
8. Spoon - Gimme Fiction. Another one that I was pretty late to. Heavy Beatles influence (but I tend to hear that in everything), solid songwriting. "Sister Jack" is a standout.
9. Shivaree - Who's Got Trouble? They opened up for Michael Penn this year, but I didn't make it to the show. Three or four great songs amid some pretty middling stuff, but those three or four songs augur well for the next album.
10. Feist - Let It Die. Verrry smoooth.

Honorable mention to Beck and (I suppose) Weezer. Oh, and here's what I thought last year.