2004 is a rapidly fading memory which means, of course, that it's time for a year end music wrap-up. Over the last couple years, I've involved myself more and more in a club of fellow music obsessives, and have participated in a consensus list of the top 20 records released during the year. Our book of liner notes gets thicker every year, our compilation CD more eagerly ancticipated. We spread joy.
Here are albums #20-16 with downloading suggestions so you can hear for yourself.
20. Clinic - Winchester Cathedral
This is an album I personally lobbied for. Although not as good as '02's Walking With Thee, it is still amazingly feverish and psychotic. Check out the first two singles "The Magician" and "Circle of Fifths" or the album track "Anne."
19. Camera Obscura - Underachievers Please Try Harder
Contrary to what one of my fellow critics thinks, this album is not better than the Saturday Looks Good to Me masterpiece also released this year. However... between you and me... it's not half bad. Listen to "Suspended from Class" or " Keep It Clean."
18. Twilight Singers - She Loves You
It's a covers record. A good covers record, but still. I tried to disqualify it, but, obviously, to no avail. "What Makes You Think You're the One" is the track of choice.
17. Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing In The Hands
Another weird fucking offering from San Francisco's very own cosmic troubadour. Definitely worth a listen. Start with "Fall."
16. The Killers - Hot Fuss
By now you've all heard the big singles off this record: "Somebody Told Me" and "Mr. Brightside." The rest of this record is the audio equivalent of a Surreal Life marathon. You'll get through it without any effort and then feel slightly guilty for enjoying it.
Here are albums #20-16 with downloading suggestions so you can hear for yourself.
20. Clinic - Winchester Cathedral
This is an album I personally lobbied for. Although not as good as '02's Walking With Thee, it is still amazingly feverish and psychotic. Check out the first two singles "The Magician" and "Circle of Fifths" or the album track "Anne."
19. Camera Obscura - Underachievers Please Try Harder
Contrary to what one of my fellow critics thinks, this album is not better than the Saturday Looks Good to Me masterpiece also released this year. However... between you and me... it's not half bad. Listen to "Suspended from Class" or " Keep It Clean."
18. Twilight Singers - She Loves You
It's a covers record. A good covers record, but still. I tried to disqualify it, but, obviously, to no avail. "What Makes You Think You're the One" is the track of choice.
17. Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing In The Hands
Another weird fucking offering from San Francisco's very own cosmic troubadour. Definitely worth a listen. Start with "Fall."
16. The Killers - Hot Fuss
By now you've all heard the big singles off this record: "Somebody Told Me" and "Mr. Brightside." The rest of this record is the audio equivalent of a Surreal Life marathon. You'll get through it without any effort and then feel slightly guilty for enjoying it.
lilyk:
being a current vegas resident... i have to say that the killers should be handed out with the porn cards on the corners at the strip... like a requisite thing. good stuff. people in australia gush over it. nz, not so much. but in nz they like ass bruises much better, so its really a wash?
