Unlike most 2004 music lists, this one isn’t limited to albums that were released during the year. Instead, it’s merely a list of the albums I listened to the most, the tunes that got me through my days, the songs that accompanied me on the bus ride home from work. I wouldn’t even call these the “best” albums of the year—just the ones that hit me the right way at the right time.
- Broken Social Scene – Feel Good Lost (2004): melodious, discordant, evocative
- Hem – Rabbit Songs (2002): western, orchestral, breezy
- Mindy Smith – One Moment More (2004): reflective, elegant, cagey
- Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans (2004): folky, quirky, unpredictable
- Tresspassers William – Different Stars (2002): slow, brooding, haunting
- Teitur – Poetry & Aeroplanes (2003): catchy, infectious, mellow
- Ric Hordinski – When I Consider How My Light Is Spent (2004): ambient, hypnotic, virtuosic
- The Polyphonic Spree – The Beginning Stages Of… (2004): exuberant, giddy, trippy
- Jem – Finally Woken (2004): fun, fun, fun
So that’s it—my very personal, highly subjective top nine list. Why only nine? Because I’m lazy. Tell me your favorites?
Thanks for the inspiration, Karl. Let’s just make this a top ten list, shall we? Here’s mine…in order of importance:
1. The Finn Brothers
Great list, Michael. I probably should have put the Innocence Mission and U2 CDs on my list, too, as they get a lot of play in my iPod. You’ve also given me so good leads; I think I’ll be checking out the Finn Brothers and Daniel Lanois. On a side note, is it just me, or does Rufus Wainwright sound like a cross between Ron Sexsmith and John Lennon?
Hmmm…hadn’t thought of Rufus that way before. I see what you mean. I’m just glad he doesn’t LOOK like a cross between Ron and John