!earshot year-end picks 2005

Michael Elves

Michael Elves, Program Director, 101.5 UMFM (a.k.a. CJUM), University
of Manitoba, Winnipeg; host of Free Range Radio Friday: Thank God It’s
Free Range, 6:30 ­ 8 pm cst.

Top 3 Records
Acid House Kings ­ Sing Along With… - (Twenty-Seven):
This album is pure pop perfection. There are more handclaps and finger-snaps than even The Magic Numbers could manage.

Great Lake Swimmers ­ Bodies and Minds ­ (Weewerk/Misra)
Tony Dekker’s hushed voice and the gorgeous acoustics of this album, coupled with songs of heart breaking beauty; are incomparable.

Novillero ­ Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives ­ (Mint)
This album proves what those of us who’ve seen them live in the past few years already knew ­ this is an amazingly tight rock band with energy and hooks to spare.

Most underrated record of the year
Acid House Kings ­ Sing Along With… - (Twenty-Seven)
Yes, I know it’s my number one choice, but I’ve been surprised it hasn’t been on more lists.Perhaps it’s the band name, or the crazy photo of these Swedes on the cover that’s keeping listeners away, but more people need to listen to this album.

Most overrated record of the year
System of a Down ­ Hypnotize/Mesmerize ­ (Sony): I swear, if it wasn’t for the political rants against the U.S. administration, and the fact that they spread this material out between two albums the hype machine would have overlooked this one. There are better, more interesting things
happening in metal/loud rock and their name is Propagandhi.

Best local release
Novillero ­ Aim Right For The Holes In Their Lives ­ (Mint)
Winnipeggers have had the good fortune to see this band grow into one of the most awesome live acts and the material on their latest release reflects the time and energy they put into developing their songcraft.

Best personal campus/community radio moment
3-way tie: Getting this job, broadcasting our Christmas karaoke party on
air, and kicking off my new show with The Maynards, Paper Moon and
long-time friend DJ Co-op.

Record I’m most anticipating for 2006
Paper Moon ­ Broken Hearts Break Faster Every Day – (Endearing Records)
I’ve heard the advance of this album and Paper Moon will be the next band from Winnipeg to get the attention they deserve on the national stage.