Over the last few weeks of 05 we will be posting our writers' picks for the best of 2005.

Each day we posted a new Top 5 list from one of our writers. Now at the conclusion we are please to present the master list comprised of the top picks from all of our writer submissions.

Trent McMartin's Top 5 of 05.

5. The Mohawk Lodge - Rare Bird: Rare Bird is classic Canadiana taking equal parts Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot with the contemporary flavour of Ron Sexsmith and non-Canadian British supergroup Coldplay. A melancholic album that was also the very first release for Vancouver's White Whale Records, Rare Birds is not perfect, actually far from it, but its imperfections are its charm and its lack of production only enhance the overall feel of the album.
(samples / buy cd )

4. Brian Borcherdt - The Remains of Brian Borcherdt Vol. 2: Brian Borcherdt's The Remains of Brian Borcherdt Vol. 2 is an emotional and thoughtful hybrid of melancholic alt-country and abrasive alternative rock. Every song summons a different feeling whether it's the heartfelt ballads or the rockers. The album won't cause you to get up and dance like some kind of tenny bopper but it will satisfy those yearning for something introspective and thought provoking.
(samples / buy cd)

3. System of a Down - Mezmerize: Metal masters SOAD returned in 2005 with Mezmerize the first of two albums to be released this year. Mezmerize still contains the edge and outspoken social and political views of past releases but this time features more of guitarist Daron Malakian sharing mic duties which is great since his shriek perfectly compliments lead vocalist Serj Tankian's voice. And oh yeah, "BYOB" is the catchiest thing the band has ever come up with.
(samples / buy cd | review)

2. North Atlantic Explorers - Skylines: The North Atlantic Explorers have crafted an experimental album full of spacey sounds and earthy arrangements. Skylines is a mixture of the atmospheric abstraction of Sigur Ros and the down home simplicity of Neil Young, The Red House Painters and the Cowboy Junkies. Packed with emotion, Skylines is a first-rate debut from a group not only willing to challenge listeners but also themselves.
(samples / buy cd)

1. Thrice - Vheissu: Thrice's latest CD Vheissu is the most accessible album the band has ever released. This time around the California quartet experiments with different styles incorporating electronics alongside their trademark screamo sound. The result is a rewarding listen that at times can be a bit uneven but still has enough bite to satisfy the core rabid fan base. Strong cuts include "Red Sky," "Between the End and Where We Lie," and "Atlantic".
(samples / buy cd | review)