17 - Muse - Absolution

I've loved this band since their first album "Showbiz" which was released back in 1999. I don't think there's another band out that that fills their music with such raw passion and intensity. Their first album didn't really make a splash in the US and thus their next couple albums were not released stateside at all, which is such a shame as they were magnificent. I actually bought Absolution in 2003 as an import when it was released in the UK (I recommend CD Wow... not a great selection, but free shipping to anywhere in the world), but since it was released in the States in 2004 (woohoo), I included it here.

18 - Aloha - Here Comes Everyone

Interesting instrumentation and variation is what really makes this one a true gem. Well, that and some good songwriting, of course. This is another one of those that I am surprised by every time I put on. Somehow both subtle and in-your-face at the same time... whatever that means...

19 - The Veils - The Runaway Found

Unbelievable to me that the lead singer and songwriter for this band is only 21. His voice and the band's sound is much more weathered and mature. Perhaps its because he is the son of the former XTC and Shriekback keyboardist Barry Andrews, but apparently more because of a move to Australia when he was younger... there he was consumed by the local folk scene, which definitely affected the timbre of his music. A nice mixture of BritPop melodic sensibilities and folk earthiness. I love it.

20 - The Album Leaf - In A Safe Place

Think Sigur Ros, but add in a touch of rock/pop with an occasional driving beat. Perfect chill-out, country road driving music (unless you're sleepy, which would be a dangerous combination). The lead singer of Sigur Ros even makes an unintelligible cameo (of course) on "Over The Pond." I've listened to this one over and over...

21 - Tegan and Sara - So Jealous

I've never liked the Indigo Girls. Even back in the early-mid 80s when my sister came home from UGA with a basement tape (remember when we used to call them that?) of this local band called the Indigo Girls whom she loved... So when I heard someone refer to Tegan and Sara as an indie Indigo Girls I was turned off. But, since I have Rhapsody, I gave them a listen anyway and my mind was changed pretty quickly. Seems the fact there are two girls who sing harmonies and are lesbian is about all they have in common with the IGs... thank goodness. There songs are sharp, witty, and their wrapping harmonies with catchy guitar riffs are pretty hot. Album stays solid throughout. Plus, my wife really likes them which is always a nice bonus.

21 1/2 - Joseph Arthur - Our Shadows Will Remain

Ok, late arrival here. Just picked this one up yesterday and felt I couldn't leave it off this list. I've been waiting (and waiting) for it to show up on Rhapsody, but no luck. So, I saw it on sale for $9.99 (woohoo) and picked it up. I have to tell you, though, that I can't quite put my finger on this one yet... and I'm not sure I ever will be. Sometimes it's Peter Gabriel-ish with its electronic but earthy beats and rhythms (yet sung by Arthur's rich baritone rather than Gabriels sometimes harsh tenor), yet other times its acoustic and subtle, and other times it just rocks out. Definitely an interesting listen. His confidence is pretty amazing considering its only his second release.

22 - Namelessnumberheadman - Your Voice Repeating

Nice find here. Kansas City band flying below the radar... for now. While I don't expect mainstream success, I do think they've got a good chance of making some waves in the indie world. Their mix of electronica, folk, pop, psycheldelica, and even hits of country is definitely interesting as hell. Plus, there is a real beauty to their music that eventually finds its way to your insides.

23 - Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News

Man, I am so wanting to start hating this disc. How dare Modest Mouse get this popular. What's the world coming to? With the state of public opinion these days, I have a natural gravitation away from albums the general public gets its grubby hands all over. While I do want to see those who make good music get the most press and airplay, I just can't help but get a feeling that a disc is somehow flawed if that many of the crazy people in this world like it. But, as you can see with this disc being in my top 30, my natural tendencies have not taken over yet. Every time I listen to it I am reminded of how brilliant it is. Reckless, imperfect, but beautiful.

24 - Autolux - Future Perfect

Love this CD... especially really loud in my car... bass turned up. Somehow this group is calling on a different era than most other bands these days but is still fresh and strong and very effective. Very reminiscent of the early 90s rock. Dirty, serious, lots of minor keys. The drums are fantastic. Recorded by T. Bone Burnett, which is an interesting mix.

25 - M83 - Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

Lush. So very lush. That's the word that comes to mind immediately when starting this album. It's as if it quickly envelopes you with its ball of sound and keeps you warm. Not sure why, but I've been enjoying a few electronic discs this year which is something I haven't really done since the 80's. M83 do it just the way I like it. So much sound, so much intensity, such beautiful melodies. Heartwrenching without saying a word.

26 - The Walkmen - Bows and Arrows

Intense and noisy, the Walkmen thankfully pick up where Jonathan Fire Eater left off and erase that huge disappointment from everyone's mind. With a driven swagger, they produce a sound I've actually heard compared to U2's early sound. At first listen, I didn't agree... but now I totally hear it. Great stuff. Let's just hope they don't go "big" like Bono and the boys did.

27 - The Secret Machines - Now Here is Nowhere

Some good psychedelic pop here. Fuzzy drums and distorted bass give much drive as you dive into the opening 9 minute track. Nice contrasts on the album too, like the spacey Leaves Are Gone which then perfectly falls into the driving Nowhere Again. Damn good for a debut.

28 - Snow Patrol - Final Straw

While this brit pop offering is extremely accessible, it has enough passion to help it rise above the masses in that genre. Glad to see they are getting some airplay here in the States... or at least I've heard... I don't listen to the radio...

29 - Owen - I Do Perceive

I've really been enjoying the simple beauty of this album. It's really interesting to hear him bring out the wonderful melodies that were present with American Football, but just more hidden. A definite recommendation.

30 - Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters

This one is a fun one. Who knew that a bizarre dance remake of Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb would garner a Grammy nomination? Go figure. You just try and keep that booty still while you listen to this one...

Introduction to My Madness

Ok, you knew it was coming... What else could I possibly have been doing for the past twelve days? (Well, that and some Christmas shopping. And a nice trip to DC to celebrate my 5th anniversay with my wonderful wife and take in a Peter Cincotti show at the Kennedy Center.) Over the next few days I am going to be posting my top 30 favorite albums of 2004. As I am just one person and no one has started sending me their discs for free (yet... yeah right), it is certainly not going to be an all inclusive list. Just the ones that I have taken to this year. The top of the list is pretty well sorted out, but once I got closer and closer to 30 it became increasingly difficult to put one above the other... so take those ratings with a grain of salt. I haven't completely decided how I am going to do this... one post per album? or several albums per post? I think I'll do one post per, with several posts per day. I am going to include links to either the album in Rhapsody or to a site where you can purchase the CD and listen to samples... which will usually be Amazon unless they don't carry that album. Please feel free to comment just so long as you keep in mind that this is simply my opinion. :) Enjoy!

My Heart Has Strings, Here's How You Pull Them

I got to thinking tonight about how I do sometimes enjoy the plethora of "fun" bands who are out there now... You know, the barrage of 80's retro bands who are rebelling against all the seriousness of Radiohead, et al. But, when it gets down to it, that's just not the music that sticks with me. I just love that feeling when a song pulls at my insides, and I've found it can be lyrically driven at times, other times musically driven, and sometimes a mixture of the two. So, I did a quick comb through My Library in Rhapsody and made a playlist of the songs that do this to me. I didn't really throw them into any specific order, just basically did first glance adds of those songs mostly from recent years that move me. Its a long playlist which I am sure I could never make it through in one sitting without needing a break, both mentally and emotionally. Unfortunately, there are bunches of other songs from recent years that move me immensely that just haven't made it into Rhapsody yet... but this list is a pretty good chunk. I recommend putting it on Shuffle and turning out the lights. Oh, but let it start playing the first song before you press the shuffle button. Its a good one to set the mood. Enjoy!

My Heart Has Strings, Here's How You Pull Them

Merritt Has Merits

I could have sworn that I'd blogged about this one previously, but in checking my archives, apparently not. I did include it in my Brain Dump a little bit ago, but guess I never got around to commenting on it. Anyway, I was truly surprised to see that Pitchfork actually got around to reviewing it and that they gave it a solid 7.3/10. Not that the album doesn't deserve it, just not the typical fare that does well in their reviews. I usually take their reviews with a grain of salt, realizing that they are sometimes uber-indie and will trash a perfectly enjoyable album just because it isn't obscure enough. But, they are generally my favorite review site and I check it every day... Perhaps they finally reviewed this one because of its recent surprise Grammy nomination in the Best Country Album category, along with such big names as Loretta Lynn (who I'm sure will win), Tim McGraw (you've got to be kidding me), Keith Urban (isn't he a rapper? shows how much I know about country... or rap for that matter), and newcomer with a hot single, Gretchen Wilson. To my friends, I had predicted that this album would be her big breakthrough album that would sell across generations and genres, like Michael Buble, Harry Connick, etc.... Not that her music is anything like theirs, just that it is classic, beautifully performed, and generally accessible. But, that breakthrough has not come yet with her album getting good press, but not truly breaking through. Fine by me just so long as she's making enough money to keep at it and live comfortably... ;-) Anyway, I wholeheartedly recommend this album, no matter what genres you usually gravitate towards. Its a great listen, with strong classic country influences, and a real beauty that is at times fragile and other times raucous. Sure I'm biased since she's a fellow Raleigh-ite, but I guess I'm not the only one. Perhaps she'll get all the attention she deserves now that she's received the nomination she deserves. Enjoy!

Tift Merritt - Tambourine

Jeremiah Was A Lamenter, He Was A Good Friend Of Mine

Ok, this one is a work in progress as searching for Classical pieces is a bear in any catalogue, especially one such as Rhapsody which doesn't seem to have very much info on each recording and certainly doesn't have an advanced search feature. I guess I don't mention this much, but I am a singer, currently singing with the NC Master Chorale. This playlist is a selection of some of my favorite choral pieces, or at least the ones I've been able to find on Rhapsody so far. I especially love Thomas Tallis' Lamentations of Jeremiah, an absolutely gorgeous Renaissance piece that shows how deep and moving simple polyphony can be. The "Aleph" section is particularly pleasing to sing... at least for Basses! I was also happy to find Verleih Uns Frieden which is by Felix Mendelssohn. One of the great melodies in choral music that just isn't performed enough. You'll also hear some fierce ones on there like the "Dies Irae" from both Mozart's Requiem and Verdi's Requiem, and the "O Fortuna" from Orff's Carmina Burana. All very fun to sing. One of the most beautiful choral pieces ever (in my opinion) is Sergei Rachmaninov's "Bogoroditsye Deyvo (Ave Maria)" from Vespers. Unfortunately, I can only find it in Rhapsody in Latin rather than the original Russian, so a little of the impact is lost. But still gorgeous... I truly hope you enjoy!

Choral Favorites

Prince? Ha! We've Got Antony!

I tell you... when you're looking for it, incredible music is just spewing all over the place. Finding it isn't always easy, but with a little perseverance you quickly come to find that some of the best stuff out there is the least known. I often ask myself that if all the radio stations were playing the good stuff rather than all the crap they stuff down the throats of Americans, would I still like it? I have no idea... There is definitely a part of me that thrives on finding the needle in the haystack and hoping it stays special to me and doesn't get wildly popular and tarnished by the media, etc. But, it would be nice to turn on the radio and be inspired from time to time... Oh well. Anyway, here is one that will probably not find its way to the radio anytime soon even though it is very listenable and beautiful. As a matter of fact, it has apparently taken me 7 whole years to find out about it. Go figure. It has been way way way below the radar until this summer when they signed on with Secretly Canadian records (Damien Jurado, Songs: Ohia, Jens Lenkman) who then rereleased this disc. (Their new disc is due out in February.) If you are a fairly closed-minded person, I urge you to click this link and listen to it before you read anything about the band or its leader. If you are open-minded (I like you!), go ahead and read about the androgynous lead singer and his painful, emotive lyrics. His voice is a unique instrument that is very affecting. Enjoy!

Antony and the Johnsons - Antony and the Johnsons