so, this is my humble "favorite records of the year" list... a few disclamers.. I admit, I'm 31 and I get in ruts with what records end up in heavy rotation.. I'm sure there were hundreds of records I should have listened to this year, and would have probably loved.. but.. I like what I like.. so, if you're interested, here are some of my favorite records of 2005 - in no particular order..

Son Volt - Okemah and the Melody of Riot (Revolution Rock from the midwest - a good record for the post election blues - I listened to a TON of Jay Farrar this year, but this was the new record, so it makes the 2005 list)

Sufjan Stevens - Illinois (I saw Sufjan and the Illinoisemakers in Champaign this year - thanks Steve and Heather! - I continue to love the simple honesty of Sufjan's lyrics - this one has some great uncomfortable moments too - John Gacy Jr.

Ryan Adams - Cold Roses (Magnolia Mountain might be my song of the year - After being pretty disappointed with 2004's Rock and Roll, Cold Roses is the side of Ryan Adams that I love - the Cardinals are a great band, also - this record really  helped me get through a very hard year.)

Over the Rhine - Drunkard's Prayer (I might have to call this one my number one record of the year - brilliant in it's understatement - a healing companion to Ohio's brokenness - a very natural and spiritual album - a record that feels like home - and forgiveness - )

Matisyahu - Live at Stubbs (My wife, Maria, turned me on to Matisyahu this year - I love this record because it is very uplifting, unique, and genuine.  I'm not a big reggae fan, but I love how his band takes the music in interesting directions.  Hasidic Reggae works!)

Iron and Wine/Calexico - In the Reins (What a beautiful record.  Southern and Gothic, Simple and complex - I started getting into Iron and Wine finally this year - it never ceases to draw me in to the stories in the songs.)

Coldplay - X & Y (Another record that really helped me through this year.  Listening to "Fix You" was good medicine in the toughest parts of this year.  I imagined the lines "Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you" as somehow being for my dad as he passed away, leaving behind the struggle and pain of cancer and bathing in God's eternal light, being healed finally.)