Happy New Year! Did you enjoy the extra second?

Anastasia inspired me to do a Best of Albums of 2005. She did ten, I did five. She is highbrow, I’m lowbrow. Just so you know

1. Live From the Mountain Music Lounge Volume 11
my radio station puts out this album every year with live tracks and it is always fabulous. This year is no exception – some stand out tracks are Ben Lee and Carbon Leaf. And, really, who can diss an album with an appearance by a Xavier?

2. Carbon Leaf – Indian Summer
Ok, so I think this actually came out in 2004, but I didn’t get it until 2005. An awesome follow up to “Echo, Echo” this incredible group combines an Irish influence with meaty lyrics and comes out with songs that will stand the test of time. And Eddie is so excited that Lizzie will go to their concert with me so he doesn’t have to. (Dawn, are you in?)

3. Low Millions – ExGirlfriends
I love the idea of this album, a song for each ended relationship. The first song that got me hooked was the beautiful Eleanor (just so you know, if I were to have a daughter and Eddie weren’t involved in her naming, she’d be Eleanor). A word of warning, "Nikki Don’t Stop" is not a song you play in the car with your kids listening (although I want to know who this Nikki is, I think she was involved with Prince too, no?). And, who can resist a group fronted by Leonard Cohen’s son?

4. Hot Fuss by the Killers
Incredibly danceable and catchy tunes – I dare you to listen without getting at least one song stuck in your head. Xavier really likes this group as well.

5. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard by Paul McCartney
Sir Paul does it again. Harking back to his masterpiece, “McCartney” beautiful and mournful lyrics, wonderful catchy tunes. This album will knock your socks off. Well done, chap.

So, let me know what you liked this year, maybe I’ll find a new favorite for 2006.