The Current, a beloved radio station, burst onto the airwaves on January 24, 2005, instantly making a statement with its very first song: “Say Shh” by Atmosphere. This unexpected choice perfectly set the tone for a station determined to defy expectations and offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream radio. From that moment, The Current began its journey, guided by the passionate early hosts Mark Wheat, Mary Lucia, Bill Deville, and Jill Riley. These pioneers diligently crafted the station’s musical identity, often using their personal CD collections, responding to listener requests, and learning as they went.
In those initial months of 2005, there wasn’t an official “Top 89” countdown like the station would later become known for. That tradition began the following year, evolving over time to include audience votes for favorite albums and songs. So, as we reflect on 2005, The Current’s formative year, we don’t have a definitive ranking. Instead, we’ve compiled an “unofficial” list of standout tracks from that period. This selection blends the year’s most-played songs on the station, enduring listener favorites from the years since, and those exceptional tunes among the 1000+ new songs that graced The Current’s airwaves in 2005.
Consider this list a glimpse into the sonic landscape of The Current’s beginnings. Just as 2005 was a starting point for the station, this collection represents the seeds from which the unique musical identity of The Current has blossomed over time.
Here are some notable songs from 2005 that helped shape the sound of The Current in its first year:
- A Band of Bees – “Chicken Payback”
- Aimee Mann – “Going Through The Motions”
- Atmosphere – “Panic Attack”
- Beulah – “A Man Like Me”
- Bloc Party – “Banquet”
- Cloud Cult – “Transistor Radio”
- Coldplay – “Speed Of Sound”
- Feist – “Mushaboom”
- Imogen Heap – “Hide And Seek”
- Jamiroquai – “Starchild”
- Ladytron – “Destroy Everything You Touch”
- Louis XIV – “Finding Out True Love Is Blind”
- Magic Numbers, The – “Forever Lost”
- Mando Diao – “God Knows”
- Maximo Park – “Apply Some Pressure”
- Mocean Worker – “Right Now”
- Nada Surf – “Always Love”
- National, The – “Lit Up”
- Nostalgia 77 – “Seven Nation Army”
- Robbers on High Street – “Hudson Tubes”
- Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings – “How Do I Leg A Good Man Down”
- Sigur Ros – “Hoppipolla”
- Spinto Band, The – “Oh Mandy”
- Stars – “Set Yourself On Fire”
- Teenage Fanclub – “It’s All In My Mind”
- Tom Vek – “C-C (You Set The Fire In Me)”
- Wedding Present, The – “Interstate 5”
- We Are Scientists – “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt”
This collection offers a taste of the diverse and exciting music that defined 2005 for listeners of The Current. It’s a reminder of the station’s early days and the eclectic mix of artists that contributed to its unique sound. What were your favorite songs of 2005? Reflect on the music that soundtracked your year and share your memories in the comments below.
