Mix of the Month: December

I find it fitting that the last mix of 2005 is the "Best of" mix. This is the fourth year-end mix I've done, and the third time I've tried to capture a mix of songs that reflect both what we were listening to and what was grabbing attention that year in general. I feel confident in saying, I guarantee there's at least one song on here that you loved this year, and at least one that you hate or are, at the very least, totally sick of. It's likely your mix would look much different. It is certain that if you made one and I know you, I desperately want a copy.

2005 was a super-full year, man. Without Googling a list of events from various news sources, going just off the top of my head, your average American would find it hard to remember this year without mentioning something about Katrina or Live 8 or the Supreme Court, or that tawdry Brad/Jen/Angelina business. Personally, the year was super-full as well, and as I was collecting images for the case, I found that 2005 boiled down to 4 major things:
1) Got married, threw a wedding (some would argue these are two different things)
2) Went to Europe (me, for the first time)
3) Bought and renovated a house
4) Adopted a dog

So as for what we did, I think that's quite enough. As for what we listened to, well, here you go:
mAc & Dinah 2005


Vertigo/U2 (How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, 11/04)
I'm sure I could split my friends and family right down the middle into either a "LOVE U2!" or "HATE U2!" camp. The fact is, however, 2005 was a very U2 year, from the iPod to Live 8 to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Personally, I fall into the "Dig U2, have since Boy, and this is a damn catchy song" camp, and I can't think of a better way to count off a full and kind of fucked-up year then by counting off, "One! Two! Three! Fourteen!"
Hey Scenesters!/The Cribs (New Fellas, 06/05)
This is one of many contributions from my friend Amanda, who is that friend who is cooler than I and keeps me up to date on the latest tunes. When I first heard this song it kind of sounded like they were saying "Hey seestors!" Which made me smile, as I have opened more than one email to my sisters exactly that way.
Doesn’t Remind Me/Audioslave (Out of Exile, 05/05)
I love Chris Cornell. LOVE. In my ideal extra-hot boy band, I have Dave Grohl on drums, Tony Kanal on bass, Dave Navarro on guitar and the amazing Chris Cornell singing the vocals that make me want to roll over and howl at the moon. Hotness aside, Audioslave has quickly become one of my favorite bands ever. I love this song in particular for the contrasting guitar parts, the rolling drums, the thoughtful lyrics and, of course, Cornell's voice.
Fashion Death Trends/Frausdots (Couture, Couture, Couture, 09/04)
Let's start with the fact that any album named "Couture, Couture, Couture" has my (and Carson Kressley's) attention. And then move on to the fact that the album is, in fact, excellent and this is just one of many great songs on it. We have Jimmy to thank for this one.
Talk/Coldplay (X&Y, 06/05)
Here's how this one goes: It's the middle of August, and I'd wake up each morning aching from working the night before. I'd go to the office for 8 or 9 hours, then drive over to the new house where we'd scrub/spackle/prime/sand/paint until either 1 a.m. or until we just couldn't do it anymore. Then I'd get in my car to go back to our apartment, roll the windows down (because at this point, I smell homeless), and crank the Coldplay. Dreamy enough to sooth after a long day, but with the heavy guitars at the end to keep me awake on the drive home. Perfect.
Girl/Beck (Guero, 03/05)
On our wedding day, my Divas and I were listening to the new Beck and Garbage albums while we got ready together. I like this one for it's happy, dancy sound and the awesome syncopated guitar solo in the middle. My onlyquestion: is he saying "my sonar girl" or "my sun-eyed girl" or both?
Daft Punk is Playing at My House/LCD Soundsystem (LCD Soundsystem, 02/05)
If you feel, as Christopher Walken once did in one of the funniest SNL sketches ever, "I need more cowbell!" then baby, this song is for you. And for anyone who feels like shakin' they ass.
Filthy/Gorgeous/Scissor Sisters (Scissor Sisters, 07/04)
mAc loves the Scissor Sisters so much, like, a lot. The whole album is really catchy and fun and addictive. This song in particular got listened to to death.
Why Do You Love Me?/Garbage (Bleed Like Me, 04/05)
We saw Garbage in concert this year, and I have to say, they brought it again. Bleed Like Me is no Version 2.0 (but then, what is?), but it's a solid album with some kick ass songs on it. Like this one.
Feel Good, Inc./Gorillaz (Demon Days, 05/05)
This is the ultimate party song. Put it in the mix at your next party and watch your guests get down.
Jerk It Out/The Caesars (Paper Tigers, 04/05)
This song sounds like a cross between a 50's beach party and a rave. Like dropping some X and doing the Mashed Potato. Like psychedelic innocence.
I’d Rather Dance With You/Kings of Convenience (Riot Empty Street, 07/04)
I'm late to the Kings of Convenience party, but now that I'm here I'm going to pop on a lampshade, tell all my friends and stay awhile. I love the quiet beauty of this song. I love the lyrics. I can listen to this song on repeat and never get tired of it. It's just that good.
Why Bother at All/Koufax (Hard Times in Fashion, 08/05)
This is a great song, but as for why it's on the mix, I'm going to be straight with you: I'm a sucker for a band that kind write a rock & roll lyric using the word "albeit."
My Doorbell/The White Stripes (Get Behind Me Satan, 06/05)
I feel kind of defensive about this selection, due to the recent outpouring of hatred for all things White Stripes by many of my friends and family. But mAc and I both like this song. It's got a sexy beat and I continue to be impressed with Jack's ability to write a vocals/melody-driven song that sounds complex, but is actually very simple. So, you know, there. Skip it if you hate it.
An Honest Mistake/The Bravery (The Bravery, 03/05)
What's that, you say? New Order? Nope, it's The Bravery, with an 80's-inspired treat for anyone with a penchant for 80's new wave dance music.
Your Ex-Lover is Dead/Stars (Set Yourself on Fire, 03/05)
Stars may be my favorite new discovery of 2005. It started with "Elevator Love Letter" from the album Heart, featured on Amanda's best of 04 mix. Again, late to the party. But then I heard this one, and I was theirs forever. I love everything about this song. The waltzing 6/8 time, the lyrics, her breathy vocals, the strings, the jangly guitars, EVERYTHING. "Your Ex-Lover is Dead" might just be the dreamiest song ever.
Over and Out/Foo Fighters (In Your Honor v2, 06/05)
Obviously, we both have a special place in our hearts for the Foo Fighters--we used "Everlong" as the recessional song in our wedding. Their new 2-disc album is phenomenal. mAc likes the more rockin' songs on the first album. I prefer the beautiful acoustic songs on the second. And I make the mix, so you get the latter. This song could score a Cameron Crowe movie all by itself. It's just beautiful.
Love Will Tear Us Apart/Nouvelle Vague (Nouvelle Vague, 05/05)
Nouvelle Vague does bossa nova covers (with breathy female vocals) of new wave and punk rock hits from the 70's and 80's. Some are more successful than others. My favorites include Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough," The Clash's "Guns of Brixton," and this one.
This Modern Love/Bloc Party (Silent Alarm, 03/05)
Jimmy's the one who gave us the album; Amanda's the one who pointed out that this song would have been PERFECT for Veronica and Logan's first kiss on one of the best new shows EVER, Veronica Mars. Do yourself a favor and listen to this song on headphones so you can hear the vocals bounce from ear to ear.
Reach for the Sky/Social Distortion (Sex, Love and Rock & Roll, 09/04)
Classic, awesome Social D. The perfect way to end a mix, especially one for a year filled with lofty endeavors. Roll credits on 2005. We're all done.

Honorable Mentions: Rilo Kiley/Portions for Foxes, Madonna/Hung Up, Mates of State/Ha, Hard Fi/Cash Machine.