I am going to try and whittle this list down to 10. Amazingly, there was a lot to like in 2004, sound-wise. And while I didn't have the privilege of hearing everything out there, I can opine about what was best of what I did hear. Now, I will proclaim my favorite LP of the year at the end, but the remaining nine are in no particular order.
- Van Lear Rose - Loretta Lynn This collaboration between country-music legend Loretta Lynn and Jack White of the White Stripes was an unexpected thrill. White produced (and performed on) the album, and Lynn — for the first time in her long career — wrote all the songs. The result: Moody, rocking, passionate songs that cut to the emotional core. One may not have imagined these two artists teaming up, but thank the goddess they did.
- Good News For People Who Love Bad News - Modest Mouse The breakthrough LP for the indie-rockers may rile some of their old fans, and rightfully so. The joy of the Mouse has been the band's unwillingness to conform to the musical mainstream. But this LP, which sounds strangely down-to-earth, manages to be more accessible than anything the Mouse produced before, yet just as exuberant. Worked for me.
- From A Basement On The Hill - Elliott Smith The troubled artist left this coil in 2004, and the album he left behind is wonderful and heartbreaking all at once. Not surprisingly, the music is simply beautiful, filled with emotion-packed vocals, lush backing harmonies, and rich sonic textures. Smith will be missed, and From A Basement on the Hill gives mourning fans, old and new, a fond farewell.
- The Delivery Man - Elvis Costello On this LP, the real king continues his foray through musical genres — this time, with backing band the Imposers, he visits the world of Southern American roots and gospel music. The songs touch upon a number of themes, including the nature of humankind and anti-war politics. The result is a soulful, clever album that Costello aficionados and appreciators of American roots-rock will enjoy.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
a fascinating, eclectic and very well presendted list Nat, thanks! I am particularly interested in following up on the Andy Bey, which I have not heard
2 - ClubhouseCancer
You got some great ones, Nat.
I loved the Loretta Lynn " it's on my Top Ten too.
Andy Bey is a vocal freak for sure, and this is my favorite of his things since he came back a few years ago. Live, he can be really self-indulgent. His voice is soooo rich and velvety, I often wish he'd go easier on the histrionics, and here I think he has. The whole thing's kinda slow and easy-going, and it suits him.
I thought the Westerberg was disappointing, and didn't have any great songs. I have now been disappointed in everything this man has done since "Pleased to Meet Me," and I swear that if he puts out just five more mediocre albums, I'm giving up on him.
RIP Elliott, and I really want to hear the rest of these songs (Smith maniacs say the best stuff got left off!)
3 - a person
i thought u wer supposed to be givin an addie?
4 - Natalie Davis
A what?
Postscript: Finally got past the hype and listened to the Franz Ferdinand LP. (Hey, I get to it when it's possible.) Now I know: In retrospect, I should have done a top 11 of 2004. Wotta band!
5 - Eric Olsen
I was late to that one too Nat, nad agree they have a lot of energy, tunes and attitude
6 - Natalie Davis
Yea to all of that, particularly energy.