Some 2005 CDs I've recently picked up:

Ivy - In The Clear 
Very dreamy, wispy, atmospheric, groovy, hip... Very Ivy.  On the minus
side, some of the songs get a bit samey at times.  On the plus side, the
better songs are catchy, maybe their best yet.  And, I just love Domique
Durand's voice - reminds me of Astrid Gilberto (sp?).  And, the CD takes me
to a place - not enough CDs do that, unfortunately.  Grade - B/B+

Brendon Benson - Alternative To Love
I was somewhat disappointed with this one. I like the first cut a lot, and a
few others -- but after repeated listens, still nothing grabs a hold of me.
Not up to par with this first two CDs, IMO.  Grade C

Features- Exhibit A
(Okay, this one was released in 2004, but I just discovered it.)  I picked
up this CD in the bargain bin to use for a trade with Rick Bilous.  I goofed
on the title, though - this isn't the CD he was looking for.  I'm glad I
made the mistake though, as this CD rocks!  The first four songs out of the
chute are great... I almost never get any further, I keep playing the first
four over and over.  The rest of the CD also delivers.  The sound is sorta
rhythmic, garage-y, great riffing guitar and bass, punchy electrifying
drums, fabulous Vox/Farfisa organ style throughout, and an eclectic
vocalist.  12 short and to the point (yeah!), catchy songs with rocking
grooves and good lyrics!  Grade B++

(question - is the Features EP any good?  Have they done anything else?)

Eisley - Room Noises
Great, great CD, my fave of 05 so far!  3 sisters, 1 brother, 1 friend,
mostly teenaged.  (ala the original Beach Boys?)  They write and perform
songs that are well beyond their years - magical, warm, adventurous, the
real deal. The songs are packed with great melodies and gorgeous, gorgeous
harmonies, and I can't get enough of them.  Sometimes Eisley remind me of
early Kate Bush without the Gabriel influence, or the Sixpence None The
Richer song "Kiss Me", which I love.  But when I checked out the entire
Sixpence album, I was disappointed - whereas the Eisley disc does not
disappoint. 12 quality songs, and each day a different one is my favorite.
This is a body of work, i.e. The sound is cohesive and mature, and the songs
feel linked in some way to each other - this is not just a collection of
tunes. Simply wonderful.  Grade A.

Chris Stamey Experience - s/t
I got this as a freebie.  Now, THIS disc DOES feel like a collection of
unconnected tunes - but it has it's charms.  Some good covers to start out,
and various originals from there on. Yo Lo Tengo are the backing band, or so
I've heard... ?  I like Stamey's work at times, but nothing to write home
about.  I guess I'm more of a Holsapple fan.   Grade B-

Kaiser Chiefs
Rocking CD, fun, reminiscent in parts of the Features CD, although not as
consistently good.  The standouts are I Predict A Riot, The Na Na Na Na
song, and Caroline Yes.  Grade B