Favorite Music of 2004
January 1, 2005
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?
Comments (3)
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?
Jan 4, 2005 ; 10:38 AM
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 Johnófrightening thought. And yes, runódon't walkóout and go buy the Finn Brothers. You won't be disappointed.
By the way, I noticed HEM on your list; have you heard their new one, Eveningland? Very nice stuff.
Jan 5, 2005 ; 5:00 PM
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 BrothersóEveryone is Here: If you love well written pop music with great harmonies, it doesn't get any better than this.
2. Ron SexsmithóRetriever: Will this incredible (yet understated) Canadian singer/songwriter ever get his due?
3. Jeff BuckleyóGrace Legacy Edition: One of my favorite singers and performers. This re-release includes some great studio outtakes that really capture his essence.
4. Morex OptimoóBeast of Reflection: Quirky Brooklyn outfit defies categorization (http://www.morexoptimo.com).
5. Innocence MissionóBefriended: In an age of too much noise, I love this trio's quiet beauty.
6. Brian WilsonóSmile: The genius finally releases his "masterpiece". I'm not sure I'd give it that high a mark, but it is wonderful, interesting stuff. Strange Americana themes still resonate 30 years after it was written.
7. U2óHow to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb: A classic U2 album...I think that's a good thing.
8. Patty GriffinóUseless Desires: I love everything here; the voice, the songs, the instrumentation. How anyone can still make 3-chord gospel/folk songs so compelling is a (beautiful) mystery.
9. Rufus WainwrightóWant One: Strange "orchestral" pop that I can't seem to stop playing. My generation's Elton John...but WAY better.
10. Daniel LanoisóShine: Erstwhile U2 producer's 3rd and best album builds great soundscapes on a folk/country/gospel/jazz terrain.
Jan 3, 2005 ; 10:38 AM