Laura Veirs - Black Gold Blues Lyrics

I know I’ve said Best Album of 2005 a hundred times this month, but I have another entry to my top 10 for this year; Laura Veir’s Year of Meteors. In fact, by the time you’ve read this post, I’ll have changed my mind about which song to showcase at least 13 times. This is the first time I’ve ever had REAL trouble deciding a song to upload from a given album; They’re all that good. I’d heard her once before, during a Grey’s Anatomy episode, and was intrigued. I didn’t really look into her until now but, over the last month, I have been obsessed. The Seattle native and former geologist (and ESL teacher, Math Tutor, Science Demonstrator, gardner, etc. I love reading all the ‘Before I was a musician I had ADD and did a million things’ background bios) has really carved herself a niche in the whole girl-with-guitar scene. I’ve said it before but, in an era where singers are dubbing their voices with effects to a point beyond recognition, it is a breath of fresh air to hear a girl with an amp and intelligent, relatable lyrics. It’s interesting to read up on her experiences from being in an all-girl punk band, to engaging in a 10-hour donkey ride through the hills of China during her college years. It’s also interesting to see that she has only recently seriously picked up the guitar, taking country blues guitar lessons as late as 2000. It’s certainly paid off, as this album showcases her talent and her promise. She’s currently doing some solo dates on the West Coast before engaging on a tour with the Decemberists (Who I’m not a big fan of but, being from a city who practically worships at their altar, can’t seem to help getting away from.). Their January show is definitely something I may consider. She is definitely worth it.
Buy Laura Veirs’ Year of Meteors

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez - Vondelpark Bij Nacht Lyrics

If you know me at all, you’d know that I have a very, very soft spot in my heart for The Mars Volta. Besides releasing one of the Best albums of 2005 with their release Frances the Mute, they also headlined one of my favorite tours this year. After recording, promoting and touring for Frances the Mute, I thought I had gotten my Mars Volta fill for the year. No! They also managed to put together a live album from their 2003-2005 tours which they intend to release later this month. It’s all music from their GROUND BREAKING 2003 release, Deloused in the Comatorium; really phenomenal stuff. After hearing about this album I, again, thought that 2005 had received its Mars Volta quota. Wrong again. Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez has just embarked on a solo tour with a newly formed quintet to promote a release that has gotten virtually no publicity nor mention until the last month or so. I had no idea he was forming a small side project. He had released an album a year or so ago of his own solo work, and there had been mention of a sequel, but this album is in a completely different direction. Many have called it much more jazz-influenced, which I think I can agree with. It is him at his most self indulgent, certainly. It sounds mostly like a jam session that just happened to be recorded. I’m really pleased with the large presence of Adrian Terrazas. A woodwind extraordinare for The Mars Volta, he really takes center stage alongside Lopez on this release. The back and forth performances are really enjoyable. I’d even argue that he outshines Lopez on a bulk of the album. Where Lopez’s playing sounds like merely noodling, Terraza is able to shoot back with riffs that are well-planned and well executed. This album is definitely something I could imagine listening to while at a small underground club in the city… and hopefully I will sometime soon. The quintet is currently touring in what appears to be faily small clubs through out Europe, with no current US dates planned. I’m hoping for something very small in the major cities. Maybe a show at the Paradise? Could be me at my most optimistic, but I’m certainly hoping for the best.
Buy Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’s Omar Rodriguez

The Doves - One of These Days Lyrics

Released in February 2005, Some Cities has proven to be one of my favorite releases and is destined for high ranking on many of next year’s Best of 2005 lists. The Doves, of Manchester England, consist of brothers Jez and Andy Williams and Jimi Goodwin. Formerly known as Sub Sub, the boys had a mid 90’s dance hit with their tune, “Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use).” (What a shitty, shitty name. Thank God they got over the dancepop stuff.) I got word of them when they were nominated for the Mercury Award in 2000 (They lost to Badly Drawn Boy. I’m a fan of BDB, but not more than The Doves). I don’t remember being a big fan of their 2002 release, The Last Broadcast, but Some Cities definitely brings them back to their stride. Their current single is Sky Stars Falling, and should be hitting Adult Contemp radios fairly soon.
Buy The Doves’ Some Cities