So what new for 2005 albums have you been listening to, and which ones do you like the best? I imagine there's a pretty diverse amount of musical tastes here, so a lot of ground should get covered.
The Decemberists - Picaresque - Probably my favorite of the year so far. Really not a bad track on it. Favorite tracks: "We Both Go Down Together", "The Engine Driver", "The Mariner's Revenge Song"
Weezer - Make Believe - Very flawed, but I can't help but love it anyway. It's no Pinkerton or The Blue Album, but I'm pretty sure I've already listened to it more than The Green Album and Maladroit combined. Favorite tracks: "Perfect Situation", "This Is Such A Pity", "The Other Way"
Ben Folds - Songs For Silverman - From what I've seen it hasn't received a great reception critically, but I really enjoy it. A lighter side of Folds, lacking the edge of Rockin' The Suburbs, but still very good in my opinion. Favorite Tracks: "You To Thank", "Jesuslands", "Give Judy My Notice"
Surfjan Stevens - Illinois - A pretty stunning album from what I've heard so far, but I haven't really had a chance to get into it yet. It's hard finding an hour and fifteen minutes to sit and listen to this epic. Favorite Tracks: "Come On! Feel the Illinoise!", "John Wayne Gacy, Jr.", "Casimir Pulaski Day"
Mary Timony - Ex Hex - I was pretty disappointed when I saw Mary open for Ted Leo a few months ago, and she only played tracks she was working on for this album, and nothing from Mountains or The Golden Dove. Now that I'm hearing them in album form, I like them more, but I still like the "castle pop" Timony better. I'm probably in a minority there, though. Haven't listened to this album much at all, really, so it may grow on me. Favorite Tracks: "Friend to J.C.", "Return to Pirates"
The Eels - Blinking Lights and Other Revelations - Another one that I haven't had a chance to really get into yet. I've never really listened to the Eels much before, but I'm enjoying this album so far. Don't have any favorite tracks yet, but I do like the single "Hey Man (Now You're Really Living)" a lot.