Haven't had a chance to update recently, mostly because I've been busy having virtually no social life, thus nothing interesting to say.
Still trying to find the right apartment/roommate situation close to or in NYC in order to stop this ridiculous commuting (I lose about 4 hours a day between driving to the train/waiting for the train/riding the train). Any tips are welcome. I'm doing a lot of looking in Brooklyn.

Anyway, I Was recently reminded of an album I really loved this year, so I thought I'd generate a top 5 of '05. These albums may not all have been released this year, but I didn't hear em till this year:
1) Aimee Mann - The Forgotten Arm: I don't know if it's because I'm seemingly surrounded by people in and out of recovery or battling their demons, or if it's because Aimee Mann is an extremely gifted writer, or because I just love her voice, but I have listened to this CD (in its entirety, a rarity for me) regularly since picking it up in May.

2) Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlantacism: As I believe I've previously mentioned, this is the year I was introduced to Death Cab. This album isn't the most recent, that would be (the also quite good) Plans, but this is the album I listen to more. It features most of my favorites from the band (The Sound of Settling, The New Year, and my current favorite, Expo '86). How a guy can write such catchy tunes and sing with such an airy voice with the most dark and longing lyrics is beyond me.

3) Kaiser Chiefs - Employment: Sure it, might not be as good all the way through as the Franz Ferdinand album, but it features two of my favorite songs from this year: I Predict A Riot (try to avoid humming it. I dare you.) and Modern Way.

4) Franz Ferdinand - You Could Have It So Much Better: Their debut last year was perhaps my favorite CD of 2004, and this is quite a good follow up. The first track, The Fallen, is a song I've played on repeat some nights on the train. Also includes the excellent first single Do You Want To? Their music is as fun as it gets for me. Nice 80s rock, tongues firmly planted in cheek.

5) Morcheeba - The Antidote: While not as good as their last effort, Charango, they changed lead singers (a feat I'd never imagined possible, as I loved Skye) and fell back into a more danceable groove, following the often slow moody and really really sensual Charango. But the new singer sounds like Shirley Bassey, and I love that. Love Daylight Robbery.

6) The Arcade Fire - Funeral: I have no idea what makes me like em. I honestly can't put my finger quite on what feeling it is that overcomes me when I listen to Wake Up. Truly - anyone have any ideas?

Albums that I wish were better (doesn't mean I didn't like them, but I had higher hopes): Ben Folds - Songs for Silverman, Coldplay - X&Y (it's not to say it isn't a good album), Garbage - Bleed Like Me (what a bummer), Beck - Guero, Michael Penn - Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947 (I've liked a lot of his previous albums, but apparently only one good album can come out of his house in any given year and this year it's his wife's)

All this being said - I'm looking for new things to listen to. What's everyone else going crazy for?