Faves of 2004

I didn't get to hear as many new albums this year as in years past. I spent a lot of time, though, reacquainting myself with older LPs I hadn't listened to in ages, and scouring some of my favorite mp3 blogs for unheard gems. So thanks to all the awesome mp3 bloggers out there. You make my 9-to-5 grind bearable and turn me on to all sorts of new and exciting music.

Two of the records that made my list this year -- "Get Away from Me," "Retriever" -- probably wouldn't have made the cut in a year when I had more disposable income. They're good records and all, just not spectacular.

In no particular order:


Of Montreal "Satanic Panic in the Attic"
Listen:
"Lysergic Bliss"
"Disconnect the Dots"
Kevin Barnes welcomes us into his world of delicious pop hooks, percolating bass and psychedelic strangeness.


Robbers on High Street "Fine Lines" EP
Listen:
"A Night At Star Castle"
At first, the superficial similarity to Spoon rubbed me the wrong way. Then the songwriting tugged me in. Great guitar riffs. Tense melodies. For close to two months, I listened to these six songs every time I got in my car. Can't wait for the first LP.


Iron & Wine "Our Endless Numbered Days"
Listen:
"Naked As We Came"
Gorgeous Sunday-morning music. Sam Beam's voice brushes against my ears like a fleece blanket.


Nellie McKay "Get Away from Me"
An initial obsession with this record gave way to mixed feelings. McKay is incredibly talented, and will probably mature into a great songwriter, but some of her youthful quirks get frustrating ... fast. Songs like "Clonie" were funny and endearing ... the first 10 times I heard them. I had to distance myself from Ms. McKay. Haven't listened to this one since, oh, July.


Pedro the Lion "Achilles Heel"
Listen:
"Discretion"
Sturdy songwriting and warm, homespun production give lots of depth to "Achilles Heel." I come back to this one again and again, and hear new things every time.


Neko Case "The Tigers Have Spoken"
Listen:
"Train from Kansas City"
"If You Knew"
Case is as good live as she is in the studio. Her cover of The Shangri-Las' "Train from Kansas City" never gets old.


The Arcade Fire "Funeral"
This one grew on me. My initial indifference begat a serious love affair. "Crown of Love," the song that won me over, still puts a lump in my throat.


Brian Wilson "Smile"
I love getting lost in this record. A masterpiece.


A.C. Newman "The Slow Wonder"
Listen:
"Miracle Drug"
"Drink to Me Babe, Then"
Carl Newman can do no wrong: Zumpano, The New Pornographers and now this. Dude deserves some kind of award.


Ron Sexsmith "Retriever"
I gobbled this one up at first. Sexsmith is one of my favorite songwriters after all. Somewhere along the way, though, I stuck this album on the shelf and left it there. Haven't listened to it since June.