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Note: Some of the lists are in no special order. Some of the
albums
were released prior to 2004. But were new to the
Artists
*-
denotes it being released prior to 2004
Continued....
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Herb Grimaud Jr.
(The
Sound Gallery, Violet Burning,
Cush,
Raspberry Jam)
. Nordvargr/Drakh- "Infinitas In Aeternum"
Another in the dark ambient genre. Very mellow soft, &
at times creepy.
. Lustmord- "Carbon/Core"
This is what I think it would sound like floating in a
cave in outer space. Lustmord is the master of dark
ambient material. Strong & peaceful. I highly recommend
this C.D
. Bjork- "Medulla" This is such a
brave effort. Most of the sounds are from a vocal
source. It's really creative & vulnerable. I think in
time we'll see how great this C.D. really is. "Desired
Constellation" is my favorite. It has some electronic
sounds in it. She sings the line "How can I make it
right". Simple & hits me @ the core!
. Lisa Gerrard- "Immortal Memory"
By far her best solo record. The string arrangement is
beautiful & her vocals just raise above everything. This
record breaks my heart. You can hear so much feeling in
these tracks. A perfect record.
. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds- "Abattoir Blues" / "The Lyre Of Orpheus"
I look forward to hearing how these songs will be done
in a live settings. My guess is some of the tracks will
be a complete assault on the ears! The softer material &
his lyrics are so personal. Nick Cave gets away with
using words & phrases most people would sound dumb
repeating. He is a genius word smith!
. Tweaker- "2 a.m. Wakeup Call
This is new material from Chris Vrenna. It's good
electronic music w/ different guest vocals. I really
like the Robert Smith & David Sylvian tracks.
. The Donnas- "Gold Metal"
They keep getting better & better. This C.D. really
shows their abilities as songwriters. They've lost alot
of the gags & really focused on the songs & it shows.
. The Lassie Foundation- "Face Your Fun"
Great hooks & great lyrics. The first time I heard this
C.D. I had a smile the whole way through. These guys
never get boring. The sound is so tight. I love the nods
to their influences!
.
Siouxsie & The Banshees- : "Down Side Up: B Sides &
Rarities". This
is a 4 disc set. It's great to get this stuff on C.D.
now. I haven't
heard some of this material since I was in Jr. High
School. It just
really shows the history of the band! A must have!
. Instincts
/ Bustum- "The Mystery Visions". The music is intense
orchestral/neoclassical ambient material. The atmosphere
is solemn and
somber, not very dark, but more melancholic and
emotional. The
packaging is incredible.
Lee Bozeman
(All
Things Bright and Beautiful,
Luxury)
label: Northern records
1.
The Arcade Fire- "Funeral"
typical.
2. Muse- "Absolution" *
from 2003, but new to me. can't help myself.
3. Joanna Newsom- "The Milk-Eyed Mender"
best female vocals I've heard in some time.
4. Panda
Bear- "Young Prayer" can't
understand a word, terrific.
5. Blonde Redhead- "Misery is a Butterfly"
very compelling.
6. Bjork- "Medulla"
takes work, but entirely satisfying.
7. Sufjan Stevens- "Seven Swans"
enjoyment.
8. Devandra Banheart- "Rejoicing in the Hands"
9. Iron and Wine- "Our Endless Numbered Days"
10. Now It's Overhead- "Fall Back Open"
Others: They Sang As They Slew "Get Well"
can't be objective about this, but it is very strong.
Joy Electric
"Hello Mannequin" ibid.
Michael Pritzl
(Violet Burning,
Gravity Show, Cush)
label: Northern Records
for me the year held
some really great recordings. some i found inspiring and some
simply entertaining.
.
Muse- "Absolution"
Everything I thought Radiohead would become in rock music,
Muse has become. Great Musicians, doing some serious rocking and
some Kick A songs. even better live. A band that can actually
play.
.
Green Day- "American Idiot"
Finally Green Day arrives at their potential with a recording that
pays tribute to classic punk rock, and also steps outside of
traditional punk/pop music. Really a strong recording even if I
disagree with their political views.
.
The Cure- "The Cure"
What can I say, it's the cure.
.
Delirious- "World Service"
It seems like the boys from D have finally arrived,
sadly many people will miss this recording because it has all the
soul and grit one hopes for in music. my favorite song: Every
Little Thing is gonna be Alright...
.
The Lassie Foundation- "Face Your Fun"
this is a great recording full of melodies that won't quit. the
sound quality is not very good, but being a fan of songs, and
hooks, this one's got 'em.
.
William Shatner- "Has Been"
Nothing more entertaining than William Shatner performing The
Pulp's brit pop hit, 'Common People' with New Wave legend, Joe
Jackson's band backing him. I am sure this made Jarvis Cocker
smile.
.
Snow Patrol- "Final Straw" * ok,
so technically this is a 2003 release, but it really didn't get
stateside till 2004. This is a band that has some great potential.
A strong Debut.
.
U2- "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb"
U2 has always struck me with their passion. Though many see this
recording as their most 'spiritual', it is actually their most
'personal'. Many of the songs that people think are 'spiritual'
are actually written to or about Bono's father who recently passed
away. A touching recording when held in the light of losing a
loved one.
.
The Killers- "Hot Fuss"
Probably shouldn't make the list, as i really only like 5 of the
tracks. and 5 out of 10 on any test i ever took in school was a
failing grade. But the 5 i like are simply brilliant.
.
The Dandy Warhols- "Welcome to the Monkey House"
Another recording released on the cusp of 2003/2004 and so it
makes this list. The Dandy's have become everything brit pop
should have become. Downright infectious
.
The Libertines- "S/T" Fans
of the clash will understand why this is on my list.
overall, not a bad year for
music. other mentionables: Joseph Arthur (whose 'Even
Though' is simply amazing), Gwen Stefani- Love, Angel,
Music, Baby.
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Kevin: Can you
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