Every year around this time, when the trills of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have launched a successful assault on radio airwaves, the hollier and jollier amongst us incessantly hum Mannheim Steamroller, and Holiday Mariah has permeated the ambient music selections of retail establishments, I become overwhelmed by the urge to stick a fork into my eye. This, however, would likely have the ironic effect of landing me in an emergency room also infected by the jingle-belled bubonic plague that is holiday music.
Rather than inflict physical violence upon myself, I've instituted an annual December tradition of pulling together a playlist consisting of the songs most emblematic of the past twelve months. Although also useful as a time capsule, I view this creation primarily as a defense mechanism. Once burnt into CD format and downloaded onto the iPod, I'm immunized against involuntary exposure to "Santa Baby."
The following is not so much a "best of" list as a compilation of songs that will bring back this year even when I'm an old bat in a nursing home, unable to remember the names of my children and screeching at any and all passersby for espresso and Percocet, in that order. Here, for your listening pleasure, is the 2005 edition.
Lady (Lenny Kravitz)
You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son (Wolf Parade)
Soul Meets Body (Death Cab for Cutie)
Where Does The Good Go (Tegan & Sara)
Smile (Remy Zero)
Open Invitation (Black Rebel Motorcycle Cult)
Poison Oak (Bright Eyes)
Portions For Foxes (Rilo Kiley)
So Begins Our Alabee (Of Montreal)
Comfortably Numb (Scissor Sisters)
Swing Life Away (Rise Against)
Ageless Beauty (Stars)
Felt Tip (Love Is All)
Forever Young (Youth Group)
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