#8 Album of 2005

Sigur Rós – Takk…
[Geffen Records; released 9/13/05]

As usual Sigur Rós releases one of the most beautiful albums of the year. This is the 4th full-length release from the Icelandic band and is easily their most accessible. This is the first album from Sigur Rós that is actually in their native language and not their made up language, although its not like you can really tell. Previous albums contained very long and in many cases some weird songs. Takk however has some actual “radio friendly” songs, but that doesn’t mean this is their best work. With the music being simplified Sigur Rós lose some of their majesty, but that’s not to say that this is a bad album, it’s just not their best. Nonetheless, the vocals are as beautiful as ever, and the emotion is certainly still there. Sigur Rós simplified is still mind blowing and I think this album is a perfect example of that.

Starting tomorrow with #7, the rest of the albums on the list set themselves apart even from the rest of the top 10. This year, my top 7 is what I consider to be the standout albums of the year...