SASIC TOP 30 ALBUMS OF 2005

‘Oh, look Daddy! Is it a bird? Is it a plane?’
‘No Junior, it’s the horrifically inaccurate SASIC Top 30 Albums of 2005 numbers 20-11.’
‘Oh, that’s disappointing.’


20. The Great Destroyer – Low [Rough Trade]
Unfairly underrated in some quarters, Low provide another ‘sludge-core’ (who the fuck comes up with this genre names?) classic, with enough hooks and pithy lyrics to keep anyone gripped for the duration.


19. Arular – M.I.A. [XL Recordings]
Fulfilling the promise of her earlier releases, M.I.A. unleashes a full debut that combines the anger and the indignation of her lyrics with some of the freshest beats around. For some reason, also includes songs co-written with Elastica’s Justine Frischmann, which should be enough to make it worth a try in anyone’s book!

18. Before The Dawn Heals Us – M83 [EMI]
With the Prodigy’s singles compilation proving their best days are behind them and the new Chemical Brothers offering only showing fitful examples of their past glories, it remains with M83 to keep the dance/rock flag flying with a wildly inspired collection varying from Kraut-rock to straightforward electronica. Bliss.

17. Late Registration – Kanye West [Roc-A-Fella]
Proof, if proof be need be, that Kanye is the future of American rap, a collection which surpasses 2004’s ‘The College Dropout’ in every way and even makes Maroon 5’s Adam Levine sound human on their ‘Heard ‘em Say’ collaboration.

16. The Meadowlands – The Wrens
A remarkably mature record, as deep and heartfelt as anything produced this year. Even though it is let down by being overly long in some areas a brave and involving record which will hopefully see them grasp the success hey so richly deserve.

15. Don’t Believe The Truth – Oasis [Big Brother]
Holy shit! Even Oasis have knocked a decent record out this year. Easily their best since 1995’s Morning Glory, it justifies the belief from all the saps that brought Be Here Now et al, (me included) that they still had something left in them. OK so their ripping off The Stranglers and The Kinks off this time instead of The Beatles this time, but who cares when the results are this triumphant and, above all, FUN?

14. Best Party Ever -The Boy Least Likely To [Too Young To Die]
As childlike as their record label’s name suggest, The Boy Least Likely To’s debut effort combines the childlike innocence of its wonderful lyrics with enchanting music to make everyone feel the child inside of them. Except, hopefully, Gary Glitter.

13. In Case We Die – Architecture In Helsinki [Mooshi Mooshi]
As schizophrenic as some of the little twats you see on ‘Supernanny’, as inventive as some of the twats you see on ‘Scrapheap challenge’ and one of the year’s most entertaining live bands, AIH’s quirky blend of twee and, to an extent, new wave on this second album, was undoubtedly one of the years highlights for those lucky enough to embrace it.


12. Aerial – Kate Bush [EMI]
So what does a 13-year wait give you? Kate’s best album since ‘Hounds Of Love’, a record in which she makes singing pie to the nth digit sound sensual, songs about Hoover’s which seem normal rather then ridiculous and once again entraps us in a world which can only be her own. The best double album of the year by an embarrassing distance, and well worth the hype.

11. A Healthy Distrust – Sage Francis [?? ??]
In a poor year on the whole for Hip-Hop, the underground scene is strongly represented in the form of Francis’ second album, a strong continuation of the promise and themes from ‘Personal Journals’, but taken to a higher level this time out. The rap record of the year, no question. This is what Eminem would be doing if he still had his heart in it.

The Top Ten will follow shortly. Aren't you excited? No? Well fuck off, then :) Lol Rofl nOOb