First, an explanatory note:
I refrain from calling these "The Best of 2005" because the following list is but one man's biased opinion. I have culled these from the many good recordings that crossed my CD player this year. I'm sure I forgot to include a few notable recordings. All told, I estimate The Midnight Special received at least 600 new recordings, and I listened to about 400 new recordings, of which about 250 made it into the WFMT library, and about 110 received airplay. I do not include reissues and most compilations among these favorites. As the cut-off date is November 1, some of the newest recordings will not be considered until next year.

This year failed to overwhelm me with great new releases, so there are just 11 recordings on the list. There was no lack of good music, but only these grabbed me. While I thought about these choices long and hard for several weeks, if not most of the year, had I made the list a day earlier or a day later it might have been slightly different.

If a good friend visited from out-of-town with only an hour or two to spare, and asked me to play my favorites from 2005, I would play the following, in this case, with the exception of the first one, Danny Schmidt, in no particular order. Actually, I have purchased quantities of several of them to give to friends for the holidays.

By way of explanation, I have annotated the CDs on the list.

Danny Schmidt Parables and Primes (Live Once LO 9449-2)

Perhaps the most poetic and powerful singer-songwriter of the past 20 years. His ability with words and melodies continues to amaze me. His song Stained Glass is the most outstanding song I've heard since Phil Ochs' Crucifixion. Still in his twenties, Schmidt shows great promise.

The Duhks The Duhks (Sugar Hill SUG-CD-3997)

This kinky quintet from Winnipeg does folk music their way. Their refreshing approach molds traditional, original and contemporary songs by others into their own unique sound. They mix vocals with instrumentals displaying an impressive diversity of talent in the process.

Kat Eggleston The Only Word (Redwing RWMCD5414)

She's been working on this CD for over three years and it's about time she released it. Some of her best and most beautiful writing delivered by a voice that's never sounded better. Often-unusual songs in a variety of styles. The title song alone is worth buying the entire CD.

Dan McKinnon Fields of Dreams and Glory (GRZ1405)

Listening to this CD has the same effect as eating French chocolate truffles while relaxing in a hot tub sipping champagne under a cloudless sky. Hearing McKinnon for the first time was the same revelation as hearing James Keelaghan or Stan Rogers for the first time - a magnificent voice and seductive songs. By the end of the first track McKinnon draws you in and you can't stop listening.

Pete Morton Flying an Unknown Flag (Harbourtown HARCD 048)

Pete Morton has graced my favorites list before, yet he continues to mature without losing his spark and originality. Both his songs and his performance have a delightful twist that separates him from the pack of singer-songwriters. This CD also contains a new and more nuanced recording of his best know song Another Train. (The previous CD that included this song is no longer available.)

Sons Of the Never Wrong Nuthatch Suite (Gadfly 291)

This eccentric trio keeps making ever more interesting and entertaining music. Sue Demel, Bruce Roper and Deb Lader have synergistic talents that have created their best work thus far. It's novel, it's captivating and it's an eclectic mix of music that resists description. The Sons and their music can be serious, comical, and exuberant.

Tim O'Brien Fiddler's Green (Sugar Hill SUG-CD-4006)

I've always respected Tim O'Brien, but I can't say I've been a fan until this CD. His thoughtful and interesting interpretations of traditional music (plus a couple of covers) make this a fascinating recording. His interpretations are at once true to the tradition while being informed by the contemporary style. He also manages to build strongly memorable melodies in his arrangements.

Sylvia Herold & Euphonia: Lovely Nancy (Tuxedo TUXCD927)

Who says traditional music can't be fun and entertaining? Sylvia Herold researched all her songs even though she learned many from her contemporaries. Her three-man band provides plenty of pizzazz for her lively and fluid vocals. I just get a kick out of this recording because I love the depth and veracity of traditional songs with a faithful yet contemporary sound.

Tim Grimm The Back Fields (Wind River WR4035CD)

Tim Grimm always has been a first-rate journeyman songwriter and performer. With this CD he ascends to the next level. It's full of strong songs dynamically performed with full commanding voice. Even better, notable musicians such as Chris Walz and Jason Wilbur accompany Grimm, and on one track, even the entire Special Consensus bluegrass band. Tim's wife Jan Lucas fought leukemia during the year this album was gestating and many of the songs are influenced by her struggle (and co-written by her). A few weeks ago Jan was diagnosed with a recurrence of leukemia. The medical bills are way beyond health insurance coverage. I urge you to buy this CD to help with the Grimm's medical expenses.

The Bills Let Em Run (Red House RHR CD 186)

Another remarkable and original quintet from Canada. They mix folk, bluegrass and jazz and even include a Hoagy Carmichael tune for good measure. This is another group you can't pigeonhole. Their musicianship will knock your socks off and their songs will intrigue you. They mix vocals with instrumentals powered by a great surge of energy.

Tracy Grammer Flower of Avalon (Signature Sounds SIG 1292)

Dave Carter died three years ago and left behind a sheaf of still to be recorded songs. His partner, Tracy Grammer, put her heart and soul into interpreting these and succeeds without question. Carter's semi-surreal, highly poetic songs are set like diamonds in the widely varied and swirling production. There's no way to truly describe Carter's songs except to acknowledge their originality and imagery. Grammer does them justice in her first, full-length solo CD.

I don't choose holiday recordings for my favorites, however, if you're looking for a charming holiday gift, Lee Murdock's Christmas Goes to Sea is a lovingly assembled, written and illustrated small hardcover book with lyrics, illustrations, color reproductions of paintings and other information about the songs and the musicians on the accompanying CD. It's a beautiful and impressive package. Lee's voice and guitar are as entertaining as ever and he has a great crew of accompanists.