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 Features: The Best of 2004 




Top40: The Best of 2004


The best of the best for 2004:
1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40

Top40-Charts presents the 40 best albums of 2004 (also you will vote them very soon for having our users opinion).


1. Green Day
American Idiot
(From USA)

Let me begin by saying that in my opinion "American Idiot" is the greatest Green Day album of all time, and that in my estimation the competition isn't all that close. A band that never really pushed boundaries, a band that had a cool singer with a good voice and made catchy little punk and sometimes pop songs that were fun to listen to. They received criticism and massive backlash from the fans and the media: so the mission for Green Day was for them to create a departure, without leaving the extremely volatile genre of punk rock. Mission accomplished!
o not believe anything you read debating about whether or not this album is rock. This album is without a doubt rock, it has the punk attitude, it is aggressive, and the songs are succint and the lyrics are intense.
Basically any argument against this being ROCK goes like this: "Green Day is really pushing boundaries and being extremely experimental and political with this album - therefore it is not punk."
So just a restate... apparently Rolling Stone / Jamshowbiz / the Toronto Sun... and some other articles we've read feel that if your album is innovative, that is not ROCK MUSIC. Green Day calls this album a punk opera, there is talk of making it into a feature film. And we give them full marks for attempting such a bold album. It is really a must have for 2004 If you enjoy good music.
We would definitely say that this is our favourite album of 2004, because it's fresh and new and exciting for everyone, and most importantly, it has a theme. It has a real message that Green Day weren't afraid to express, because they knew the music was good enough to shine through and that people would see the album's genius. We would definitely recommend this album to anyone interested for music (and not sex, nice legs or something similar) - because this is sure to be a big starting point for many newcomers. The guys have surpassed all expectations here - the best 2004 album for us, The Top40 Charts!

2. Keane
Hopes and Fears
(From UK)

Keane's debut album "Hopes & Fears" is a solid debut. The album and songwriting are along the same vain as Travis and Coldplay. All the songs are piano driven, but they lack the craftsmanship of Ben Folds.
We're pleasantly surprised. However, it must be said countless times, this is nothing ground-breaking, nothing original, and nothing lingering to my ears. It is enjoyable. They're a band without a guitarist? Sorry, no dice. Tom Chaplin's vocal range is striking. His highs and lows have crystalline energy and are often spine-tingling. Tim Rice's expertise in keyboard and piano is a nice touch and Richard Hughes' drumming is mediocre at best. These guys have a knack for writing melodies that stay with the listener for maybe 15 minutes after the last time it's heard. In retrospect, this is an advantage in terms of the subpar genre they are currenly in. Then again, a disadvantage in the grand scheme of things.
The first thing to know about Keane is: No guitarist. Don't let it scare you - the mix of rippling piano and gentle percussion are enough to make their melodies catchy without electric riffs. At the same time, they take some musical risks in "Untitled 1." Psychedelic piano-pop? Believe it or not, Keane does that.
Tom Chaplin's vocals are the strongest point of Keane's lineup; his solid, high soars along with the shimmery music. At times his vocals get a bit TOO high, like when he sings the title line of "She Has No Time," but most of the time he manages to sound like a heartbroken guy exorcising his breakup demons. The songs themselves aren't terribly complex or insightful, but they can be quite poignant: "And if you have a minute why don't we go/talk about it somewhere only we know?/This could be the end of everything/so why don't we go/somewhere only we know?"
Keane needs to distance itself more from the other Brit-mope-rock bands before it can blossom into greatness. But in "Hopes And Fears," they have succeeded in the basics: bringing forth some beautiful, sometimes heartrending music!

3. Prince
Musicology
(From USA)

Although he says it's not a comeback, Prince has been away. Not necessarily the Prince we love, but the Prince we knew left us somewhere in the mid-nineties. And we missed him. Well, the Prince we know and love is back...and with a vengence.
Musicology, arguably, is his best outing since Sign of the Times (Some Gold Experience fans might argue this point). No longer trying to keep pace, Prince remembers that he's best when he's setting it. On this disc, Prince seems to understand that with his talent, he doesn't have to be overtly commercial (Rave N2 TJF) or [adult content] (Almost anything in his Warners catalog) to put out a steller piece of work. While Cinnamon Girl is a throwback to his 80's heyday, the title track is a throwback to the origins of funk. He leaves out the esoteric spirituality that dogged Rainbow Children, but, thankfully, remembers his way around a slow jam - see On the Couch and Call My Name.
He believes in equality (Mr. Man) and monogomy (What do U Want Me 2 Do?)...and partying to funky music!
The next single should be If Eye Was The Man In Ur Life or Illusion, Coma, Pimp and Circumstance(please do a decent video!), but this disc has several singles begging to be released.
The last time a Prince disc was this satisfying for me was 1987. This has been a great year for Prince - Hall of Fame, Grammys, sold-out tour, critical accolades, and hit CD!
The bottom line is, if you are a Prince fan on any level you gotta add this to your collection.
There are a number of really catchy tunes and beautiful ballads, and although it may lack the consistency of some of Prince's legenday albums, it is still a great listen and will undoubtedly grow on you with repeated listenings.

4. Tom Waits
Real Gone
(From USA)

At first I thought this was too far out for me. I thought Tom Waits pushed too hard trying to find something fresh. That was a month ago. Now I think this might be his greatest album ever - literally.
At first this album grates on the ear. Do not get this for your first Tom Waits. But once getting it, do not judge it too quickly.
Tom Waits makes theater with sound. His frequently bizarre percussion and percussive voice - riding on top of great jazz rhythms is uniquely infectious. Easy music to love is "Dead And Lovely," "Green Grass" (which I've heard several times on my local university FM station), and "Day After Tomorrow." All of these songs are about death in a personal, introspective way.
Tom Wait's great sense of rhythm makes me want to dance - but he'd be just at home in a smoky subterranean bar. There are several numbers that seem inspired by steam locomotives, "Clang, Boom, Steam" and "Metropolitan Glide" are examples - with several voices some of them making drum-like sounds, bongos, other percussion instruments - but all in rhythm. There is the usual perfect classic blues in "Make It Rain." And as in all Tom Waits albums, a poetry reading.
Our advise: spend some time with this album!

5. Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
(From UK)

It's taken us awhile to fully process what it is that attracts us to the music of Franz Ferdinand. Having fallen fully under their melodic spell way back in late March, after listening at Canadian Radio Stations (first) andd trying their music out. We've since processed the now-bountiful US and UK buzz that has come out with regard to this talented and promising musical artist. Now we think we know why this album works so much.
First off, ignore the comparisons to The Strokes. Sure, both artists seem to be reaching for the angular New Wave of the late '70s, but that's where the similarities end. Franz Ferdinand are what The Strokes would sound like with a good lead singer, musicians who know how to play their instruments, and songwriters who know how to craft tight pop masterpieces. So essentially they're nothing like each other.
In fact, if you wanted fairer and more accurate artistic comparisons, you'd have to jettison everyone in FF's peer musical group, comb music history and point out two darlings of the post-punk era - Gang of Four and Mission of Burma. FF are a less politically motivated Gang of Four (though one might want to debate the politics behind the gay-love song "Michael"), and are musically Mission of Burma's offspring (though for the most part are more lyrically complex than those Bostonian legends).
If you've spent any amount of time watching MTV2, then you'll know about the beauty behind The Single, "Take Me Out". You will already know about how the abrupt change of musical pace in the song will redeem anyone's faith in the power of music to awe and inspire. Much can also be said about other gorgeous and lush works of art on this album, particularly "Tell Her Tonight" (a low-fi dance-rock delight), "(Dark of the) Matinee" (the most enjoyable singalong since "Bohemian Rhapsody"), "This Fire" (a rewarding slow burn), "Darts of Pleasure" (smooth as silk), and "Come On Home" (which you WILL repeat about forty times in a row, guaranteed).
This album leaves you wanting more from this artist. You will develop an addiction to the band, seeking out every single little b-side and live track you can possibly get your hands on. You will hear the news about the band going back into the studio by year's end and want to drag them back in just so you will have the prospect of another album awaiting you. And when other bands' fifteen minutes are over, you will wonder why on Earth they were ever compared to these far more wonderful (and stylish!) Glaswegians. We will testify that this band is the 21st century band: if they close their ears to the Bitish Press and they 'll work their music. We hope FF, they will not have the same future with so many other british bands which according to British Music Press were "fantastic" with their first album, but the second or third album ended their music life cycle...

6. Garden State
Soundtrack
(From USA, Various)

The incredible thing about the "Garden State" soundtrack is how well the tracks blend together. There is a marvelous consistency throughout. The film revolves around a character who has been medicated to curb his emotions since a tragic accident in his teenage years. The music reflects an emotional detachment that includes a pervading sadness and an eventual awakening.
In short, the music fits the film exquisitely.
Writer and director Zach Braff does a masterful job matching the charming, heartfelt tone of classic films like The Graduate and Rushmore in his motion picture debut, Garden State, so it only makes sense that the music he personally compiled for the soundtrack plays just as big a part here as it did in those films.
Simon & Garfunkel's languorous "The Only Living Boy in New York" is an obvious thread, but aside from Nick Drake's "One of These Things First," Braff is able to carry the mood without getting tripped up in the past.
Frou Frou's "Let Go" and Zero 7's "In the Waiting Line" supply soft techno touches, while Iron & Wine's "Such Great Heights" and former Men at Work singer Colin Hay's "I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" offer understated angst.
It's a pair of emotionally racked contributions from the Shins ("Caring is Creepy," "New Slang"), however, that really make this compilation a must-have.

7. The Killers
Hot Fuss
(From USA)

The Killers match postpunk guitars with an overlay of synthesizer that recalls '80s New Wave without burying their sound in nostalgia. On their debut, Hot Fuss, frontman Brandon Flowers plumbs his imagination for tales of murdered lovers ("Jenny Was a Friend of Mine," "Midnight Show"), voyeurism ("Mr. Brightside") and sexual confusion (the single "Somebody Told Me") Flowers and his mates are obviously canny students; the total effect is of a playacted obsession, but one made irresistible by their skillful, catchy songs.
If there's an occasional misstep (the painfully earnest line "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" from "All These Things That I've Done"), it seems of a piece with the Killers' influences. As it is, Hot Fuss is one of several recent releases that bring a diverting faux glamour to the mainstream rock scene.
Are we living again the 80s? Interpol does their own phenomenal take on Joy Division and The Smiths in the same way that the Yeah Yeahs Yeahs recalls Siouxsie and The Pretenders. And then there is The Rapture, who makes no attempt to disguise their adoration for The Cure and P.I.L. They all need to make room for another member for the club.
The Killers make their bold entrance to the ring, and perhaps into your living room via MTV spins of "Somebody Told Me," their fantastic first single for debut effort, Hot Fuss. It's really just updated 80s dance/rock that would make Billy Idol and The Cars proud, but would sound just as good right next to Franz Ferdinand.
The Killers have passed the initial test with their first nu wave effort, the trick now is to remain viable in an ever changing musical landscape. It certainly seems like they have the stuff to make it happen, if not-they'll be fun while they last.
Decent album, extremely good for the biggest ages/audience!
Neo-retro.
New wave.

8. Kanye West
College Dropout
(From USA)

Like Jay-Z, Kanye has an album full of powerful, creatively written lyrics that make you pay attention to every word. We hate words that are put together just because they rhyme (Chingy!) but Kanye is really saying a lot in almost every song.
The majority of the record allows me to forgive and enjoy songs like The New Workout Plan, Slow Jams, and Breath In Breath Out which are fun songs that talk about nothing at all. In fact, in Breath In Breath Out he mocks himself for talking about this crap.
Overall this album has a seemless combination of funny, serious, creative, simple, and deep lyrics and rediculously hot beats that don't feel west coast or east coast.
This isn't gangsta rap and isn't meant to be. Kanye has a specific message designed for a specific audience, and he drives it home almost perfectly. A positive, happy album that shines brilliantly amidst a waning industry, but we still wonder how he would sound if the rap genre was still on top of its game... The album includes great beats, great rhymes, funny skits (with an actual message behind them!), and alot of heart. Kanye and the rest of the rap world will have trouble topping an album of this quality.

9. Nellie McKay
Get Away From Me
(From USA/UK)

Born in England, McKay moved at age 2 with her mom to Harlem following her parents' split. After Nellie was mugged at age 10, they moved to Olympia, Wash., and later, eastern Pennsylvania.
We first heard Nellie MacKay on NPR, going solo with a piano. She sounds great this way... very stripped down New York - Ramones/pop Blondie meets Broadway classics. It's just amazing!
So, Ms. MacKay and record company, how about an "Unplugged" version of "Get Away From Me?" The acoustic songs (about 5 songs on NPR) are the best thing I've heard in a few years.
The second best thing is the actual cd, which is not stripped down. It's somewhat late-Beatles meets Broadway; smoother with bells and whistles added. Either 'simple'-live or studio produced, MacKay has the midas touch, and all her styles and cuts click. She is VERY refreshing! Listening to "Get Away From Me" is like spring cleaning for the ears and mind... and feet.
One more thing, only half-jokingly. Many music stars are outsiders, outcasts, freaks and geeks (I mean that in a good way:-) who are rebellious because they were not cool and didn't fit in. In contrast, MacKay had the looks, talent, and demeanor to be maistream popular - and be the new Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, choreographed charmer, and be launched to the cover of People (Oh Boy!).
But MacKay knows better, relies on her Talent, and kicks it creative for herself and, unpatronized, most people dig it, geeks included.
We'll be following her career for a long time!

10. Mylo
Destroy Rock and Roll
(From UK)

Mylo's debut album is an instant classic, a very diverse yet listenable 14-tracker that is sure to satisfy the die-hard dance fan and that hopefully will convert a few new fans as well. As long-time Daft Punk fans, it takes a lot for us to write this, but after listening to "Destroy Rock & Roll" we are now convinced: this is what Daft Punk's second album should have been!
The first 3 tracks welcome the listener into Mylo's world, which apparently isn't much more than a modest home studio and a Mac somewhere on Scotland's Isle of Skye.
"Drop The Pressure" is where things get cooking, subtlely poking fun at the much overused vocoder, culminating in a hook that you won't be able to get out of your head... well, hopefully ever!
"In My Arms" is sampling at it's most brilliant, meshing 2 80's classics in Kim Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes" and Boy Meets Girl's "Waiting For A Star To Fall." "Muscle Cars", "Paris 400" and "Rikki" give the album some depth, but the real hiddem gem in this treasure chest is "Otto's Journey", a spectacular Daft Punk-ish themed nugget that shows off Mylo's very unique production techniques.
The album has a solid flow from start to finish, and succeeds at really drawing the listener in and keeping their attention to the very end. It certainly is an impressive debut for Mylo, his recent efforts include a very textured remix of "I Believe In You" from Kylie Minogue and the Scissor Sisters.
We simply cannot find fault with this album. We hope this isn't the best (or last) that we hear of Mylo, and regardless of what we hear next from the Scottish wizard he can definitely file this beauty under "M" for "masterpiece"!

The best of the best for 2004 without music frontiers:

| 1-10 | | 11-20 | | 21-30 | | 31-40 |



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