In 2005 we lived in a world (mostly or completely) free of Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, iPads and mainstream hipster culture – and that’s only ten years ago! It’s an understatement to say that lot has changed in pop culture and music business. In 2005 most music was bought in CD format. MP3’s had been around since the end of the 90’s, and iTunes and iPod since 2001, but the digital music markets were still marginal. In turn, this meant that indie music wasn’t as apparent as it’s today. Also, retro aesthetics hadn’t yet come to the fore. All in all, 2005 offered us a comfortable-sized dose of great modern pop music. My favourites from this year include delicate and beautiful pop songs by The Magic Numbers, Saint Etienne and almost-forgotten band called Hal.

Top album of 2005:

The Magic Numbers – The Magic Numbers

My top-5 songs of 2005:

Doves – Some Cities

Eels – Ugly Love

Hal – Play The Hits

The Magic Numbers – Forever Lost

Saint Etienne – Milk Bottle Symphony