What I listened to in 2005 (approximately)
As ever, in no order, at least that I can discern:
Buy from Not Lame Recording Co. Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin’ Team – Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin’ Team
Drunkin’ Rockpile. Songs about drinking, driving, drinking and driving and (did I mention) drinking. Delivered with delightful abandon.
Buy new or used through Amazon
Kronos Quarter and Asha Bhosle – You’ve Stolen My Heart – Songs from RD Burman’s Bollywood
The name says it all. A collaboration between the eclectic quartet and the pioneering composer and singer of Indian movie music. Tough to describe but a joy to listen to.
Buy new or used through AmazonBettye LaVette – I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise
Another of those lost singers of the 60’s and beyond, although I admit to never having heard of her before. Truly soulful takes on some not so soulful songs. By the way, I then went out and bought a comp of her 60’s stuff – not so hot.
Buy new or used through AmazonLowe Profile – A Tribute to Nick Lowe
A most worthy tribute album, deserving of its two disc length. Nary a real clunker.
Buy new or used through Amazon Petra Haden – Sings the Who Sell Out
Made the poop list from first listen. Inspired fun.
Buy new or used through Amazon Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane – at Carnegie Hall
Accessible, lively – even for a person (like me) who would rarely listen to either
Buy new or used through Amazon Sinead O’Connor – Throw Down Your Arms
The skeptic in me feared to listen to this. But: Great song selection, great singing and incomparable backing by Sly and Robbie et al
Buy through CD Baby 
Buy new or used through Amazon Pogueish duo:
Zydepunks … and the streets will flow with whiskey
Gogol Bordello – Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike
New Orleans and Rumania. No connection other that a rather anarchic fun side
Buy new or used through Amazon Paul Kelly and the Stormwater Boys – Foggy Highway
Australian country from an ace songwriter of years past.
Go to the YBB’s annoying flash site 
Buy from CD BabyFrom that hotbed of brass bands, Madison Wisconsin:
Youngblood Brass Band – Live. Places
Mama Digdown’s Brass Band – The Digdown Decade
Buy new or used through Amazon John Zorn and Rashanim – Masada Rock
Jewish surf music
Some Notable reissues:
Jesse Winchester – Live at the Bijou Café, Philadelphia May 26, 1977 (probably because I think I was at the show.
V.A. – Good for What Ails You Music of the Medicine Shows 1926-1937
James Burton and Ralph Mooney – Corn Pickin’ and Slick Slidin’
Sam Cooke – Night Beat – must be among the sweetest singing ever recorded
Several Johnny Adams discs (posthumously heard): Reconsider Me – I Won’t Cry – The Immortal Soul of