Albums of 2004

  This is prefaced by saying this: These are only from the albums that I purchased or copied from friends that were released in 2004. If you disagree, good.

1	The Killers - "Hot Fuss"
	To be quite honest there wasn't another album on this list that I had a strong desire to just play through on repeat over and over again. Despite mixed and unexciting initial reviews, including pegging the group as "Duran Duran Karaoke," I couldn't get enough of this CD for a long while. Maybe, however, it's because I didn't live through the 80s. Highlights: Mr. Brightside, All these things I've done
2	Keane - "Hopes And Fears"
	Sold at best buy for an attractive $6.99, I bought this on a complete whim. Although piano driven with soft, melodic vocals, "Hopes and Fears" doesn't lack energy. There was no breakout single, but be sure to check out This is the last time and Everybody's Changing.
3	Marc Broussard - "Carencro"
	Signed to Island Records (division of Universal Music Group) after the relative success of "Momentary Setback," he takes selections from "Setback" and adds some more of his poppy tunes with a slight soul flare to the mix. While I wouldn't say it was overproduced, "Carencro" was definitely a different direction than "Setback". Highlights: Rocksteady, Where You Are.
4	Jem - "Finally Woken"
	Electronic-infused pop that will remain in your head for days! She's an amazing welsh songwriter with a unique voice. Very chill, too… I've met her. Highlights: Wish I, Just a Ride.
5	Franz Ferdinand - "Franz Ferdinand"
	The best thing to come out of Scotland since William Wallace (IMHO). From this list, this CD might be the best to dance to. Oh, and these guys definitely spent some time in jail after holding these 'art' raves in a Glasgow warehouse. Amazing debut. Highlights: Take Me Out, Come on Home.
6	The Thrills - "Let's bottle bohemia"
	It would be very hard to beat last year's "So Much For the City." While definitely a more mature sound, it didn't top the first, and that's okay. Highlights: Faded Beauty Queens, What Ever Happened To Cory Haim?.
7	Interpol - "Antics"
	A lot has already said about their sophomore release, and I will take the same stance as I did with the Thrills. It's a great album, but no "Turn on the Bright Lights." And that's okay. Highlights: Evil, Not Even Jail.
8	Modest Mouse - "Good News for People Who Love Bad News"
	This CD has gotten sufficient publicity thanks to the success of "Float On". And this album did top the acclaimed "The Moon & Antarctica", avoiding the sophomore slump. Highlights: Float On, The View.
9	Ben Kweller - "On My Way"
	He's the only artist I know of that I can enjoy even though the guitar is slightly out of tune. Highlights: On My Way, I Need You Back.
10	The Arcade Fire - "Funeral"
	A late addition to my library, "Funeral" probably isn't ready for a true critique. The songs are varied nicely in style, but share a common simplicity that made it easy for me to like right away. Highlights: Neighborhood #3 (Power Out), Haiti.
11	Iron & Wine - "Our Endless Numbered Days"
	Highlights: Sunset Soon Forgotten, Sodom, South Georgia
12	Wilco - "A Ghost is Born"
	Highlights: Handshake Drugs, Muzzle of Bees.
13	The Walkmen - "Bows + Arrows"
	Highlights: Little House of Savages.
14	Ryan Cabrera - "Take it all away"
	Highlights: On the Way Down.
15	Rachael Yamagata - "Happenstance"
	Highlights: Letter Read, 1963.
16	Zero 7 - "When It Falls"
	Highlights: Look Up.
17	Vanessa Carlton - "Harmonium"
	Highlights: Private Radio, White Houses
18	Norah Jones - "Feels Like Home"
	Highlights: Toes, In the Morning.
19	Tamara Bedricky - "Through These Eyes"
	Highlights: Beautiful, A Million Miles.
20	Ari Hest - "Someone To Tell"
	"Aren't you a promoter for this guy," you ask? Yes. It's a great album. You still need to buy it. Highlights: Consistency, Not for Long.
21	The Vines - "Winning Days"
	Highlight: Ride.
22	Tom Butwin - "Living Room"
	Highlights: 3 Up from the End, Run.
23	The Moveable Furniture - "Content (or so we think)"
	At least we beat Ashlee Simpson. Highlights: Today, Lost Cause Morning.
24	Ashlee Simpson - "Autobiography"

Special Consideration:

- Keep on the lookout: Swedish band "The Perishers" will release "Let There Be Morning" in the US sometime in March. Songs from that upcoming album appear on the "Sway EP" at the iTunes music store, which can be bought now. - Also watch for Johnathan Rice. His EP "Extended Player 24:26" is soon to be succeeded by a full-length release. - Last but not least, Imogen Heap, the female half of "Frou Frou" will be releasing an untitled solo album early next year. You can purchase Goodnight and Go from her website now: http://www.imogenheap.co.uk. - Without saying, the best compilation of the year goes to the Garden State soundtrack. - 2003 was a great year for music, too, and there were many albums released in 2003 that I didn't purchase or hear until 2004. Unfortunately I'm just not that hip.