My top uh... 11 albums in 2k5. ( Part 2 )

In my last post I dropped three great albums that I discovered this year. Oddly, none of them were released in 2k5. As we move up the list we start to see a few more contemporary albums.

• 08. Iron and Wine - Woman King (2005)
  
  Gentle, but highly sophisticated folk textures underscore lyrics which demonstrate a keen eye for the observation of human behavior. This album is the epitome of intellectual sad bastard music. Sweet, sad and very affecting. It'll make you tired just listening to it.
  
  Key Track: 'Jezebel'.
  Good Tracks: 100%.
  
  
• 07. Mos Def - The New Danger (2005)
  
  Genre bending street level hip hop, great beats, guitar riffs by Black Jack Johnson and a genuine sense of honesty, all of which help make this album my favorite rap/hip-hop/r&b album of the year by far.
  
  Key Track: 'Boogie Man Song'.
  Good Tracks: 90%.
  
  
• 06. Sex Pistols - Never Mind the Bollocks, it's the Sex Pistols (1977)
  
  The original punk rock revolution. There is so much hype around this album it isn't even funny, but let me tell you... the hype is true. Punk didn't come into the world a helpless, whining little pink thing. It came into the world a full grown beast, ready to eat your brains.
  
  Key Track: 'Bodies'.
  Good Tracks: 90%.
  
  
• 05. Ani DiFranco - Knuckle Down (2005)
  
  Ani never fails to impress me. Her sound has become increasingly sophisticated over the years. This isn't the bitchy crooner of albums long past, or the misguided voice of pent up frustration. This is a woman who sees what's wrong with the world and with her life, and is helpless to control it. She is still angry and unapologetic, but more humble than she once was. Her lyrics are under ever tighter control, and man oh man, what a voice. Ani's voice has gone from raspy three note trumpet to a full range choral orchestra. What a great album.
  
  Key Track: 'Callous'.
  Good Tracks: 100%.