worthy<-MUSIC

Most worthyMUSIC 2004

Ok, so there you have it. My Top 30 of 2004. For your enjoyment, I've compiled a playlist with 2 songs from each album that both appears on my list and is available in Rhapsody. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite have the climax I would have liked as the top 3 are not available on Rhapsody. Oh well. Still a great listen anyway. Just click on the graphic below. In early 2005, I am really looking forward to the new Trail of Dead CD out in a few weeks. In late Feb/early March comes the new Doves CD, which I am sooooo excited about. I already have the first single and it is very good, very Last Broadcast, but I'm guessing the full album will have some surprises... We'll see. Enjoy!

1 - The Arcade Fire - Funeral

To any of my regular readers (I think I might be up to 4 of you now), this one is not a surprise. I've been ranting about this album for a while now. A true classic that will, for me, be a defining element of 2004.  Its one of those albums where you stop thinking about how "cool" it is compared to other things out there and you don't really even think about what other things it may sound like. To me, its one of those albums that sort of has its own spot in the genre world. Kind of the way "In the Aeroplane Over The Sea" did for me a few years back as well...

To understand just how astounding this album his, ponder this... the band didn't even form until the summer of 2003. They released an EP in 2003, and then in 2004 they signed to Merge Records (who had an amazing year...), recorded this album, and then released it on September 14th. And now they sit atop a large majority of the Best of 2004 lists out there, especially the indie-focused ones. How amazing is all of that? Plus, add in that the lead singers, Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, got married along the way and the band had 3 close relatives die within the year... well, you can see that this album was built on a whole boatload of emotion, which is exactly how it comes across. And for those of you who have been following along, this is band #3 for which I have tickets in my hands to see. They are playing at the Cat's Cradle on the 28th of this month. I luckily was reading the Independent a couple of weeks ago and saw that they were listed in the Cradle's schedule and I jumped at buying the tickets. Amazing since just the week or so before I checked the Arcade Fire's website and the closest they were coming was Asheville. The show is now sold out so I was really lucky...

For the few of you who have not heard this album, I have to warn you that you might have to give it a few listens. It is not immediately easy to process and get into. Took me a few listens before I got that "aha!" and was hooked. I keep taking this one out of my CD player and then it finds its way back within a day or two...

2 - Monarch - The Grandeur That Was Rome

Our alarm clock is set to 88.1 WKNC here in Raleigh, NC so every morning I wake up to fairly decent college radio programming (thankfully they don't have the metal hour or bluegrass hour scheduled on weekday mornings... not that there's anything wrong with metal or bluegrass, just not my choice for pulling me out of a deep sleep). I can't remember the DJ's name, but for a while there they had a really good guy who had a show from 6-8AM and his music tastes aligned farily closely with mine. Well anyway, I remember hearing the song "Wasteful" from this album as I woke up one morning and immediately being drawn to it. Well as is custom on a lot of college radios, they announce songs in big groups so I somehow missed what the song was. But, my research skills are pretty good in this area and 99.9% of the time I can use Google or other internet tools and find the songs. This was not the case with this one... Couldn't find a single thing. So, I resorted to posting on WKNC's forums and it turns out that this DJ doesn't only play good music, but also soes a good job with the rest of his responsibilities and responded immediately. Turns out Monarch is a widely unknown and very young band out of Pittsburgh, PA. I bought the album immediately and was blown away by the whole thing once I got it. It has been a regular listen of mine ever since. And everyone I have played it for loves it too. Perhaps part of my love for the album is because of its obscurity and the fact that I cannot believe this music is not being heard by exponentially more people than it currently is. But mostly, I love this album because it completely moves me. It is very passionate, very spiritual (yes, the band seems to have a Christian leaning, but the songs are universal to me), and, simply, beautiful. There is definitely some British influence here, but remove the tongue from the cheek and add in earnest emotion. And the lead singer's voice is gorgeous. Pure, soaring tenor. I know very little about this band as they seem to enjoy their obscurity or something. Their website is up and down and not very updated when it IS up. I know they played SXSW last year and then got in a car wreck on the way back (minor injuries, I think) but that's about it. Would be tragic as hell if they fade away. Actually, I did just hear one of the songs on XM Radio the other day (got it for my wife for Christmas knowing she would love it, but I expected to be personally underwhelmed... which I have not been at all... but I will write about that later once I finish this poll) so hopefully they are still alive and well. Whatever the case, this one will go down in my collection as a true favorite and I am sure I will listen to it for a long time to come. Enjoy!

3 - All Things Bright And Beautiful - Love & Affection

Ok, all you Rhapsody users looking for things to listen to on our beloved Rhapsody, you can tune out for the rest of the countdown. The top three are unfortunately not available in Rhapsody... sigh... All Things Bright And Beautiful is the name of the solo project of Lee Bozeman. Who is Lee Bozeman? Well, he's in the band Luxury. Who is Luxury? Well, they are... still under the radar. This album hit me like a ton of bricks. I really wasn't expecting too much since it is so far below the radar, but it is truly special. The first song I heard was on a Paste Music sampler that Justin Rosolino was on. I remember liking the song, but not being blown away. Well, I came upon ATBB again soon after and decided to go ahead and buy the new album.... so so so so happy I did. The first full length song on the album, "Speaking in Tongues" is enough alone to garner this #3 spot, but the rest of the album amazes over and over and over again. I cannot understand why this disc is not getting more attention. I've noticed a little groundswell backing this band, but still not what it deserves at all. Fully recommended and loved.

4 - Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous

I didn't expect this one, for sure. To be honest, I didn't know much about Rilo Kiley before this one came out. And my first impression was "Nice storytelling, tongue-in-cheek" songs but that's about it. But then it started to grow on me and suck me in. I know this sounds strange, but to me they are kinda like the cynical, indie version of Tift Merritt. I say this because somewhere in my brain is a little link between the two albums. Probably partially affected by the proximity of their release dates and the slight country twang at times on this Rilo Kiley album, I think the reason for the link is that Rilo Kiley also varies their sounds and influences from track to track. A wonderful, spunky, emotional, honest album. I love it.

5 - Keane - Hopes and Fears

Ok, for those of you who have been following along, this is band #2 for which I have tickets to see in the next two months. My friend and I will be headed down to Charleston, SC for the Keane show on the 30th and I am very excited. And while we're talking about Coldplay comparisons (because I know that's what you're already thinking about), my friend and I are making a trip for this show because we opted not to make a similar trip years ago when we could still see Coldplay in a small venue. We've been kicking ourselves ever since so we're not letting this one slip by. I love this band, I love their sound, No I don't think they are Coldplay redux. The near epitome of British melody, I find this entire album inspiring and moving. And the lead singer's voice is so crystal clear. I heard them perform on Nic Harcourt's radio show and he really does sound like that. Very much looking forward to the live show. I'll report back after.

6 - Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand

Near impossible for this one to not be in just about everyone's top 10 for 2004 (love double negatives, don't you?), Franz Ferdinand seemed to come out of nowhere. And what a perfect first single was "Take Me Out?" I mean, I remember hearing it for the first time thinking in the first 10 seconds, "Geez, how boringly British can you get?" Of course no more than a minute later, the Ferdinands abrupty slapped me across the face for having such a thought and started to beat me with a swagger that I am sure is illegal in most of the US. Strong, ethralling, entertaining, and surprising throughout the album.

7 - Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days

The most fragile, intimate release of the year. Its interesting too... as the production on his albums gets better, his music gets even more bare and raw to me... its delicateness is more exposed than ever. To me, a very listenable, repeatable album that still hasn't lost its power with me after almost a year listening to it. Beautiful.

8 - Magnet - On Your Side

This is a beautiful album. Truly beautiful. Even Johansen is Magnet and he is amazing. Think ethereal, electronic brit pop as the base and then add in an amazing mix of instrumentation which not only adds immensely interesting complexities, but also an organic quality which helps to root the entire thing. The first song is bittersweet and gorgeous, and when I read he plays all the instruments himself, including the horns... I was speechless. My insides hurt everytime I listen to this.

9 - Justin Rosolino - Wonderlust

Ok, this one is hard for me to place. I consider Justin such a good friend of mine that I have a hard time taking a step back and taking an objective viewpoint towards his music. Every time I listen to it I find myself thinking about Justin the person and his live performances and the joy of performing with him back in college and so on and so on. Part of me just wants to push it up to #1 because I want everyone to hear it. But, I struggled a bit and fit it in where I best could. A very melodic, very creative, very musically dorkish, very entertaining disc. Not mainstream, not indie, not folk, not pop, but a little of each. An amazing singer and even more amazing guitarist, I definitely recommend this one to other musicians. And if you're not a believer after listening to the listed tracks, just wait until you get to "29," the instrumental solo guitar hidden track. Awe inspiring.

10 - Tift Merritt - Tambourine

Ok, I am embarrassed to admit it... but I am going to be strong and just come out with it. Here goes.

Iamatiftmerrittfanandiliveinraleighandihaveneverseenherlive.

Horrible, isn't it? Makes me nauseous. Luckily the problem will be remedied February 19th when my wife and I catch her show at the Cat's Cradle. Thank goodness. I always make a New Year's resolution to see more live shows but you know how resolutions go. This year, though, I am hitting the ground running with tickets to 3 awesome shows already in my grubby hands. The other two besides Tift are coming up in the countdown so pay attention! This album has a mainstream production and confidence about it which is usually a problem for me, but her songs are so good and her delivery is so incredible that I easily get over my "indie" disease. Genre defying, generation defying, this one should hit the history books. Maybe the Grammy nomination will help.

11 - Hope of the States - The Lost Riots

While the tragic quality of this album is heightened by the suicide of the band's guitarist during the recording sessions, this is an epic album on its own. I have to admit that I am not impressed with the mixing or mastering of the disc. It was produced by Ken Thomas who is extremely accomplished, but I found that the mix just came off much like the British Sea Power debut... too tinny, too brash. Luckily, a good set of speakers and decent equalization can overcome that and to me make this album very enjoyable and very moving.

12 - Earlimart - Treble and Tremble

I'm not sure if I am committing some sort of sacrilege by putting Earlimart on my list and not the posthumous release by the great Elliott Smith. You see, the latter is a major influence on the former... sometimes eerily so. But Earlimart adds that kick to the music that I sometimes found myself wishing that Mr. Smith would do and was hoping at some point in his career he would. I guess I am showing my true pop colors with this one, but it is good stuff. And the single "Heaven Adores You" is breathtaking.

13 - Joy Electric - Hello, Mannequin

Albums like this make me ponder the question, "What makes a truly great album?" Well, while that question could be discussed forever I am sure, luckily this is my poll and is only my opinion. So there. Kidding aside, this album makes such a high position on my chart because it is so incredibly enjoyable for me to listen to. I must have listened to it hundred times so far. Sure, its all music made with a Roland keyboard... but show me someone who can do it as creatively and successfullly as this guy and I'll you another performer I'd probably like... I like music that makes me happy sometimes.

14 - TV on the Radio - Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes

I was a late-comer to this one as it still isn't available in Rhapsody. I finally got around to buying it in early December and I have to admit I was a little taken aback at first. I had heard a couple of the songs from the album, but the whole thing at once was a bit hard to swallow at first. But, as is often the case with me, those are some of the albums I come to love the most. I don't think this one has hit the "love" phase yet, but it is a great album. Innovative and without boundaries. For the open-minded.

15 - Ray Lamontagne - Trouble

Definitely one of those albums that feels like it is from another time, another place... Sounds like a masterpiece from long ago that has resurfaced. Back from the days of the soulful folk singer... passion running deep in the veins. Amazing this guy was working in a shoe factory when he just apparently had an epiphany that he should be a musician. Wish I'd have an epiphany...

16 - Peter Cincotti - On The Moon

Another stellar beautiful release from Jazz/Pop performer Peter Cincotti who has now reached the age of 22. Born and raised in Manhattan, this guy exudes such amazing talent. We saw him live twice this year. Once here in Raleigh the NC Symphony backing him which was great. And then we saw him perform in one of the small theaters in the Kennedy Center in DC. Our tickets were on row D in a theater the size of a movie theater... and as we made our way to our seats, we realized rows A, B, and C do not exist. So we were front row center for a breathtaking show. Felt like we could reach out and hi-five the guy. He blew the audience away...

17 - Muse - Absolution

I've loved this band since their first album "Showbiz" which was released back in 1999. I don't think there's another band out that that fills their music with such raw passion and intensity. Their first album didn't really make a splash in the US and thus their next couple albums were not released stateside at all, which is such a shame as they were magnificent. I actually bought Absolution in 2003 as an import when it was released in the UK (I recommend CD Wow... not a great selection, but free shipping to anywhere in the world), but since it was released in the States in 2004 (woohoo), I included it here.

18 - Aloha - Here Comes Everyone

Interesting instrumentation and variation is what really makes this one a true gem. Well, that and some good songwriting, of course. This is another one of those that I am surprised by every time I put on. Somehow both subtle and in-your-face at the same time... whatever that means...

19 - The Veils - The Runaway Found

Unbelievable to me that the lead singer and songwriter for this band is only 21. His voice and the band's sound is much more weathered and mature. Perhaps its because he is the son of the former XTC and Shriekback keyboardist Barry Andrews, but apparently more because of a move to Australia when he was younger... there he was consumed by the local folk scene, which definitely affected the timbre of his music. A nice mixture of BritPop melodic sensibilities and folk earthiness. I love it.

20 - The Album Leaf - In A Safe Place

Think Sigur Ros, but add in a touch of rock/pop with an occasional driving beat. Perfect chill-out, country road driving music (unless you're sleepy, which would be a dangerous combination). The lead singer of Sigur Ros even makes an unintelligible cameo (of course) on "Over The Pond." I've listened to this one over and over...

21 - Tegan and Sara - So Jealous

I've never liked the Indigo Girls. Even back in the early-mid 80s when my sister came home from UGA with a basement tape (remember when we used to call them that?) of this local band called the Indigo Girls whom she loved... So when I heard someone refer to Tegan and Sara as an indie Indigo Girls I was turned off. But, since I have Rhapsody, I gave them a listen anyway and my mind was changed pretty quickly. Seems the fact there are two girls who sing harmonies and are lesbian is about all they have in common with the IGs... thank goodness. There songs are sharp, witty, and their wrapping harmonies with catchy guitar riffs are pretty hot. Album stays solid throughout. Plus, my wife really likes them which is always a nice bonus.

21 1/2 - Joseph Arthur - Our Shadows Will Remain

Ok, late arrival here. Just picked this one up yesterday and felt I couldn't leave it off this list. I've been waiting (and waiting) for it to show up on Rhapsody, but no luck. So, I saw it on sale for $9.99 (woohoo) and picked it up. I have to tell you, though, that I can't quite put my finger on this one yet... and I'm not sure I ever will be. Sometimes it's Peter Gabriel-ish with its electronic but earthy beats and rhythms (yet sung by Arthur's rich baritone rather than Gabriels sometimes harsh tenor), yet other times its acoustic and subtle, and other times it just rocks out. Definitely an interesting listen. His confidence is pretty amazing considering its only his second release.

22 - Namelessnumberheadman - Your Voice Repeating

Nice find here. Kansas City band flying below the radar... for now. While I don't expect mainstream success, I do think they've got a good chance of making some waves in the indie world. Their mix of electronica, folk, pop, psycheldelica, and even hits of country is definitely interesting as hell. Plus, there is a real beauty to their music that eventually finds its way to your insides.

23 - Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News

Man, I am so wanting to start hating this disc. How dare Modest Mouse get this popular. What's the world coming to? With the state of public opinion these days, I have a natural gravitation away from albums the general public gets its grubby hands all over. While I do want to see those who make good music get the most press and airplay, I just can't help but get a feeling that a disc is somehow flawed if that many of the crazy people in this world like it. But, as you can see with this disc being in my top 30, my natural tendencies have not taken over yet. Every time I listen to it I am reminded of how brilliant it is. Reckless, imperfect, but beautiful.

24 - Autolux - Future Perfect

Love this CD... especially really loud in my car... bass turned up. Somehow this group is calling on a different era than most other bands these days but is still fresh and strong and very effective. Very reminiscent of the early 90s rock. Dirty, serious, lots of minor keys. The drums are fantastic. Recorded by T. Bone Burnett, which is an interesting mix.

25 - M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

Lush. So very lush. That's the word that comes to mind immediately when starting this album. It's as if it quickly envelopes you with its ball of sound and keeps you warm. Not sure why, but I've been enjoying a few electronic discs this year which is something I haven't really done since the 80's. M83 do it just the way I like it. So much sound, so much intensity, such beautiful melodies. Heartwrenching without saying a word.

26 - The Walkmen - Bows and Arrows

Intense and noisy, the Walkmen thankfully pick up where Jonathan Fire Eater left off and erase that huge disappointment from everyone's mind. With a driven swagger, they produce a sound I've actually heard compared to U2's early sound. At first listen, I didn't agree... but now I totally hear it. Great stuff. Let's just hope they don't go "big" like Bono and the boys did.

27 - The Secret Machines - Now Here is Nowhere

Some good psychedelic pop here. Fuzzy drums and distorted bass give much drive as you dive into the opening 9 minute track. Nice contrasts on the album too, like the spacey Leaves Are Gone which then perfectly falls into the driving Nowhere Again.  Damn good for a debut.

28 - Snow Patrol - Final Straw

While this brit pop offering is extremely accessible, it has enough passion to help it rise above the masses in that genre. Glad to see they are getting some airplay here in the States... or at least I've heard... I don't listen to the

radio...

29 - Owen - I Do Perceive

I've really been enjoying the simple beauty of this album. It's really interesting to hear him bring out the wonderful melodies that were present with American Football, but just more hidden. A definite recommendation.

30 - Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters

This one is a fun one. Who knew that a bizarre dance remake of Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb would garner a Grammy nomination? Go figure. You just try and keep that booty still while you listen to this one...