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The Music of 2004
Jan. 2nd, 2005 06:46 pmHere are some of my favorites from this past year. If you liked/didnt like them, let me know. Then add some of your own.
Mark Knopfler - Shangri-La
Another fine solo album from the Dire Straits leader. Shangri-La is very laid back, as was Ragpicker's Dream, but with a warmer, less acoustic sound. The songs aren't epic, but continue in the landscape vein (a la early 19th century lieder), with topics such as Ray Kroc (made McDonald's big), Elvis, and boxer Sonny Liston.
Michael McDermott - Ashes
Veteran singer-songwriter rocks hard. Goes back and forth between aggressive rock and harmonica-heavy songwritery stuff, and really shines on the piano driven "All I've Got." Across the board, it's well produced with a great sound and solid songwriting.
Adrienne Young & Little Sadie - Plow to the End of the Row
Great bluegrass/country debut. The contemporary stuff doesn't always shine, but it does a good bit of the time. The last few songs, all straight-ahead old-style bluegrass, are a great sound. Given a few years to polish her arranging and songwriting skills and she'll be a real winner.
Old 97s - Drag it Up
Veteran alt-country rockers shine a little less brightly than on their last two albums, but it's still really good stuff. There's a litle too much country and not enough of the rock of "Satellite Rides" or the pop of "Fight Songs." The Old 97s are at their best when they just turn it loose, and they don't do that enough. The up-tempo songs are all strong, while the slower ones are hit or miss. It's great to hear Ken (lead guitar) taking lead vocals on "Coahuila."
Modest Mouse - Good News for People who Like Bad News
The indie thing generally doesn't do it for me, but here it does. Modest Mouse is edgy and clever all the way through. The sound is thin and aggressive with the lead singer's voice cutting through. I'm generally a harmony person (the other four albums on my list have a much fuller, richer sound with a healthy dose of vocal harmony), but the combination here works.
Mark Knopfler - Shangri-La
Another fine solo album from the Dire Straits leader. Shangri-La is very laid back, as was Ragpicker's Dream, but with a warmer, less acoustic sound. The songs aren't epic, but continue in the landscape vein (a la early 19th century lieder), with topics such as Ray Kroc (made McDonald's big), Elvis, and boxer Sonny Liston.
Michael McDermott - Ashes
Veteran singer-songwriter rocks hard. Goes back and forth between aggressive rock and harmonica-heavy songwritery stuff, and really shines on the piano driven "All I've Got." Across the board, it's well produced with a great sound and solid songwriting.
Adrienne Young & Little Sadie - Plow to the End of the Row
Great bluegrass/country debut. The contemporary stuff doesn't always shine, but it does a good bit of the time. The last few songs, all straight-ahead old-style bluegrass, are a great sound. Given a few years to polish her arranging and songwriting skills and she'll be a real winner.
Old 97s - Drag it Up
Veteran alt-country rockers shine a little less brightly than on their last two albums, but it's still really good stuff. There's a litle too much country and not enough of the rock of "Satellite Rides" or the pop of "Fight Songs." The Old 97s are at their best when they just turn it loose, and they don't do that enough. The up-tempo songs are all strong, while the slower ones are hit or miss. It's great to hear Ken (lead guitar) taking lead vocals on "Coahuila."
Modest Mouse - Good News for People who Like Bad News
The indie thing generally doesn't do it for me, but here it does. Modest Mouse is edgy and clever all the way through. The sound is thin and aggressive with the lead singer's voice cutting through. I'm generally a harmony person (the other four albums on my list have a much fuller, richer sound with a healthy dose of vocal harmony), but the combination here works.
