Magnolia Electric Co. – Trials & Errors

One of my favorite releases of the year; I go back to this album all the time. I know it’s a live album, and you can debate whether it should be included on a list like this, but it’s my list, and I’m including it.

I actually purchased this on vinyl at the end of last year as the band was selling them in advance of the release date on their tour. They played the Catacombs on the UW campus, and it was so miserably hot down there, yet nobody dared walk out early.

Yes, I know Jason Molina sounds like Neil Young, but this live album is a face shredder. Even if you weren’t a big fan of Songs:Ohia, I think you will really enjoy this album. You really have to see/hear this band live to get an appreciation for the music they do. Their studio albums, while good, don’t hold a candle their live shows and recordings. This album is now out of print, but you can purchase is on iTunes.

What the critics say:

Tiny Mix Tapes – 3.5/5
Stylus Magazine – B+
Metacritic.com – 77/100
Pitchfork – [5.7]

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Madison readers, buy it locally from B-Side Records. If you’re a Milwaukee reader, may I suggest Atomic Records. Please support either store if you live in Madison or Milwaukee.

You can see the rest of my 2005 favorites (so far) by clicking here.