April 09, 2005
Best Songs of 2004
2005 is already three months old, but I'm going to post this anyway. Here are the 20 "best" songs of 2004, according to me. More accurately, these are my 20 favorite. But enough about semantics, let's get to the list.
Here they are, ordered for your listening pleasure. A wild, eclectic mix that encompasses pop, hip hip, folk, soul, indie, rock and dance music. There's something here for everyone (though the songs work particularly well together).
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Modest Mouse - Float On (from Good New for People Who Love Bad News) // An instant classic. From the moment I first heard this, I knew it would be huge. Some say Isaac Brock & co. sold out...I say the world finally woke up.
Elbow - Snooks (Cast of Thousands) // I know, I know. This album came out in 2003 in Europe. It was worth the wait we had to endure here in the USA. This is the standout track from a great album; a driving beat and creepy, loud, clashing guitars break up the quiet beauty of the keyboard and vocals. It's like nothing I've heard since OK Computer.
Travis Morrison - Song for the Orca (Travistan) // Songs with a sense of humor are hit-or-miss. But this song from the former frontman of the venerable Dismemberment Plan has some weight behind its cutesy lyrics, resulting in a song of hope for justice and happiness.
Jem - Finally Woken (Finally Woken) // "Discovered" by KCRW's Nic Harcourt, Jem evokes Dido and Beth Orton, yet stands as a unique talent. Hip hop beats join acoustic guitar for this catchy dance-pop gem (no pun intended, I swear).
The Bens - Bruised (The Bens EP) // This forlorn love song from Bens Folds, Lee and Kweller is (much like the entire EP) a hidden treasure. Featuring Folds on keys and lead vocals, the harmonies ("Ba ba ba ba ba!") from the other two Bens are pure pop bliss.
Ray LaMontagne - Hold You In My Arms (Trouble) // One of the best debut albums in recent years, and it was hard to pick just one track from this new Van Morrison. This won out for its subtle textures (including strings and cowbell) and plaintive vocals.
Iron & Wine - Sinning Hands (iTunes exclusive) // I think you can get this on vinyl, but if you want a digital copy you'll have to go to iTunes. Do it now. I'm not sure how this didn't make it onto the already fantastic Our Endless Numbered Days, because this is a near-perfect bit of southern pop-folk porch music from Sam Beam.
Devendra Banhart - At the Hop (Niño Rojo) // For a different kind of folk, neo-hippie Devendra Banhart certainly does the trick. Listen to this song just once and you'll be hooked. At two and a half minutes, it's almost too short, but I think that's part of its charm.
Grant Lee Phillips - Calamity Jane (Virginia Creeper) // As the mix transitions to traditional Americana, we come upon Grant Lee Phillips. I was never that big into the whole Grant Lee Buffalo thing, and I don't have any of Phillips' previous solo work. But this album and song are a wonderful addition to my alt-country/folk/americana library.
Loretta Lynn - Portland, OR (Van Lear Rose) // Jack White joins the legendary Loretta Lynn for some old fashioned southern blues. While I don't fawn over the album like most critics did last year, I do think this song is worth any and all praise it receives.
Citizen Cope - My Way Home (The Clarence Greenwood Recordings) // New York troubadour Citizen Cope (aka Clarence Greenwood) had a minor hit a few years back with "Contact," but this album takes his music to new heights. Perfect for a late-day summer outing, this track coasts on an infinitely catchy instrumental.
Ben Harper & The Blind Boys of Alabama - Well Well Well (There Will Be a Light) // The most raw recording Ben Harper has done in years features the inimitable Blind Boys of Alabama. Together they create gospel music with a bluish hue.
The Presidents of the United States of America - Munky River (Love Everybody) // The blues come in all shades. A little southern grit from an unexpected source, this was my favorite from the surprisingly strong (second) comeback album from the once unstoppable PUSA.
Sondre Lerche - Two Way Monologue (Two Way Monologue) // When Bacharach and Costello got together, they had a child and his name was Sondre. Seriously though, this is the most memorable song the young Norwegian has written to date. If you can see him perform it live, it's even better.
The Shins - When I Goosestep (Wicker Park soundtrack) // While everyone else was listening to the Garden State soundtrack last year, I was cruising to the slightly less mix-tapeyness of this album. Can these guys do no wrong? Everything that comes from this Albuquerque/Portland quartet is sheer Brian Wilson-like genius.
The Postal Service - Against All Odds (Wicker Park soundtrack) // Who woulda thunk it...a lame Josh Hartnett flick produces a soundtrack filled with exclusive tracks from all your favorite indie pop stars. Who woulda thunk it too...The Postal Service covers Phil Collins and it's neither cheesy nor cheeky but really good!
Beastie Boys - Ch-ch-check It Out (To the Five Boroughs) // The classic Beastie Boys single on an otherwise forgettable album. This one's up there with Sabotage, So Whatcha Want and Intergalactic.
Kanye West - All Falls Down (The College Dropout) // I'll admit, I got sucked into this song by watching Stacy Dash and her podonka-donk booty in that sweet video. But the song's just as good as that jiggle, and Kanye is now on the short list of hip pop stars I can actually stomach.
Beck, Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams - Frontin' on Debra (iTunes exclusive DJ Reset Mashup) // An unexpected commercial release for a mashup? It must be good. The best song from Beck's Midnite Vultures removes the tongue from its cheek with the help of Pharrell and Jigga.
Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mama (Scissor Sisters) // Possibly the best song of the year, and certainly the one I thought would be a much bigger hit. Maybe it was the overalls and bandanas, or maybe people aren't ready for another Elton John. Whatever it is, they're missing out on a dance-pop sensation that will have you showing your mama what it's all about (if you know what I mean).
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Posted by Queuetipp at April 9, 2005 03:50 PM
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