Rogue Wave – Descended Like Vultures (Sub Pop)
Had I bought this album sooner, it would easily have been in my top 10 of 2005. Other BTO bloggers have already sung the album’s praises—and for good reason. Zach Rogue weaves together an intoxicating blend of accessible but accomplished melodic pop gems as well as several slower, acoustic oriented numbers. No sophomore slump here.
Stars – Set Yourself on Fire (Arts & Crafts)
Another one of 2005’s best that I just picked up early in the new year. This sumptuous Canadian export will warm you up even if you don’t follow the title’s advice.
Gabor Szabo – Spellbinder (Impulse!)
Szabo scored on his second album, which was released 40 years ago. Accompanied by Chico Hamilton on drums, Szabo’s playing takes on a more Latin feel here. He even sings/talks the odd but hauntingly memorable and ultimately winning “Bang Bang (She Shot Me Down).”
Gabor Szabo – The Sorcerer (GRP)
The Hungarian guitarist made a few very good to excellent albums in the 60s including this one. Despite a penchant for the occasional cheese-ball cover, Szabo’s folk/jazz playing takes on a deeper and almost mystical dimension on longer cuts like “Space” and “Los Matadoros.” Recorded live in 1967 at Boston’s Jazz Workshop.
Supergrass – Road to Rouen (Capitol)
The group’s fifth LP is a varied affair that wears its 60s and 70s influences on its sleeves but in sum is original and another solid effort.
13th Floor Elevators – The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators (Varese)
Fuzzed out psychedelia from Austin, Texas recorded 40 years ago!
The Bomb – Indecision (Thick)
If you liked Naked Raygun chances are you’ll like Jeff Pezzati’s latest flame-thrower.
Captain Sensible – Revolution Now (Deltic)
Relistening to this for the first time in a long time, it was a pleasure to again hear such gems as ‘The Coward of Treason Cove,” “The Kamikaze Millionaire” and “Exploding Heads and Teapots (Past Their Prime).”
The New Pornographers – Twin Cinema (Mint/Matador)
As sweet as sugar—but good for you.
The Music Machine – Turn On: The Best of the Music Machine (Collectables)
An underappreciated band from the 60s that dived headlong into the darker side of psychedelia.
