Chandler in a box

I came to the realisation the other day (sharpest tool in someone else's shed I might be, but not in my own apparantly) that over half the decade's gone already. So between you and me and the rest of FF, what five albums over the last five years (well, almost six years since I was slow getting on the wagon) have really blown you away? What will remain a cherished part of your collection and what might have changed your views on music altogether? Let's see if there are many albums that come up more than once (there are a few I'm betting on, but not from my picks probably).

Anything published after 1/1/2000 qualifies. Please try to keep your picks limited to five at most and try to say a little something about each of the albums you choose if you can.

Here's mine



The New Pornographers - Mass Romantic (2000)

The Pornographers blew me away with this album when I first heard it recently and I had to put it in the list. It's one of the most spirited indie releases I've heard, with great harmonies and hooks. The title track Mass Romantic sets the standard with great harmonies on the chorus and playful lyrics. I talk this album up to practically everyone these days. It is an absolute keeper. Look out for their new release, Twin Cinema coming soon!


The Shins - Oh, Inverted World (2001)

This was a birthday present a few years back from a friend who was trying to educate and improve my musical taste and I still thank her on occasion for introducing me to this gorgeous album. Thanks again Jodie, you rock. I wasn't as big a fan of the suppsedly superior follow up; I prefer the slower pace of this album. It was nice to see two songs from this album getting some mainstream attention in the Garden State film too.


The White Stripes - White Blood Cells (2001)

This is still my favourite release from the Stripes, it's a little softer than Elephant and easier to enjoy than Get Behind Me Satan. I'm still a little confused by how crazy so many people were for Fell in Love With a Girl, but there are so many highlights on this album from the brilliant opening of Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground to the punch of The Union Forever (my two favourites on the album) and the cute reminiscence of We're going to be Friends. This is an awesome album.


Electric Six - Fire (2003)

I wasn't sure this should go in, but I can't ignore the phunk of this bizarre rock-disco beast. Everything about this album oozes with the Six's twisted sense of humour and energy, and there is a lot of strength in the group outside their hits Danger, High Voltage and Gay Bar (or there WAS more at the point of Fire's release, before almost the whole group quit). There are hardly any weak tracks here (Vengeance and Fashion is one among 13 I don't like) and as a rock experience there are few albums that come close to its frantic and funky madness.


Stereophonics - Language. Sex. Violence. Other? (2005)

I've enjoyed the Stereophonics for a while, and this is the first album since Word Gets Around that really shows what the boys are capable of. They've definitely got an edgier album on their hands, and past the Dakota single there's a lot of great substence on the album with the likes ofDevil, Doorman, Rewind and Pedalpusher. Unfortunately there are some weaker songs (Superman is painful), but as a whole the album is very strong.

ROCKSTAR

I must admit I'm qualified to post in this thread because I'm stuck.... I really haven't heard anything that blew me away since this 1999...

One of the best albums I've heard is Mad Love by Draco. It's very sexy, very nostalgic like everything he does, touches or says. Very atmospheric.

Wow... I'm drawing a blank so that can't be a good sign. I'm sure I'll remember some later.