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[Lambtron]

So, seeing as how last year I had a hell of a time remembering all my favorite records, I figure we should split it up and do something for the beginning and end of the year. It'll also give people a decent chance to catch up. I could be a crackhead, and this could die, but I'm going to do it anyway. Participate if you want, we'll archive the post so we have it to reference at the end of the year.

Let's warm things up here...

Top five favorite songs of the first half of two-thousand and four:

1. The Decemberists - "The Tain" (I know I'm cheating, I don't care)
2. the pAper chAse - "Ready, Willing, Cain and Able"
3. Devendra Banhart - "This Beard is for Siobhan"
4. Sonic Youth - "The Unmade Bed"
5. Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out"

Yeah, I'd go ahead and list reasons, but they're all fucking awesome, and that's what matters. Check 'em out if you haven't.

See, at this point, if you've seen a handful of shows, go ahead and list your top 5 favorite concerts you've seen this year so far. I've only seen 3, so I'll just say that The Wrens/Bottom of the Hudson show is one of the most amazing I've ever been able to partake in. The Wrens played me a fucking birthday song, does anything else more need to be said? (It was "Indie 500," by the way, with a few bars of "Happy Birthday" on the keyboard before the hot keyboard intro)

Now, because I can't make gigantic lists and order things well, I'm going to list

Top ten records that are awesome but not quite as good as the top five of the first half of two-thousand and four (in alphabetical order by band name):

·Les Savy Fav - Inches
·Mclusky - The Difference Between Me and You is That I'm Not on Fire
·The Robot Ate Me - On Vacation
·Sonic Youth - Sonic Nurse
·Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans
·The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free
·TV on the Radio - Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
·John Vanderslice - Cellar Door
·Vetiver - Vetiver
·Your Enemies Friends - You Are Being Videotaped

I don't want to write up detailed stuff about them, but they're all really good. If you want to know something about one, ask, and ye shall find out what you need to know.

And without further adieu...

My top five records of the first half of two-thousand and four:

5. Xiu Xiu - Fabulous Muscles: Xiu Xiu keeps churning out tha hitz. I love you Jamie Stewart. This is my favorite of their records to date, it's so great. I'd heard 4 of the songs from the Jim Yoshii Pile-Up split quite a few times before it came out, but that didn't cheapen it one bit. It's extremely poppy for Xiu Xiu, I mean, shit "Clowne Towne" seemed so not-Xiu Xiu, musically, the first time I listened to it, I was shocked. I don't want to wait until next fall for their next record. Hopefully we get some sort of stop gap. Another Fag Patrol-esque release would be more than welcomed by me at least. Sounds like Jamie's pre-XX material from Ten in the Swear Jar may be reissued this year. That'd be hot.

4. Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing in the Hands: I was fucking blown away when I first heard this, not knowing what to expect at all. What I got was a near perfect folk record, with one of the most amazing voices I've ever heard. I'm in love with Mr. Banhart. I think if I could have his children, I would. I can't wait for his second 2004 release this fall.

3. The Icarus Line - Penance Soiree: The bassist from Ink & Dagger plays in this band, I don't think I need to say anything else. It took me a few listens to be able to crack through the wall of feedback and noise, but once I did? Heaven. They have so fucking much swagger and attitude it just oozes out of my headphones. It rocks, it rolls, it rules, I can't get enough of it. Blistering rock'n'roll.

2. the pAper chAse - God Bless Your Black Heart: At first listen, I was unimpressed. Every listen since I've liked this album more and more, and had I listened to it a few more times, I could definitely see it overtaking the top spot (I spent today listening to some of their older releases). It's a crazy record, and it just pummels you with sound. Guitar, strings, drums, piano, screamed vocals, and bizarre fucked up samples, it's all here. It's dark, wild, and truly awesome. The lack of love I've seen around for this record is shocking, as everyone I've played it for (even people who don't like any of the other pAper chAse material) loves it. You should definitely check it out if you're up for some spastic post-punk. Even if you aren't. Fuck. Check out a sample track here.

1. Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand: It seems like just about everybody has heard this, so I don't need to say much about it. It's wonderful. I listened to it an obscene amount of times from the middle of February until a couple of weeks after its release date. It's so fun, and it rocks so hard. Say what you will about them, garage rock, or dance punk, but this is a fucking fantastic record. I'm eagerly anticipating the follow-up.

That's it so far. Hot stuff.

Here's what I'm anticipating most for the rest of the year
1. Hot Snakes - TBA (10/05/04)
2. Optiganally Yours - OY in Hi-Fi (TBA)
3. The Wrens - Abbott 1135 extended reissue (10/00/04)
4. The Kills - TBA (09/21/04)
5. British Sea Power - TBA (09/14/04)

Alright guys. Now it's your turn. Let's see them lists!

 

[swoon]

does the paperchase sound different from their olderstuff?

their live show has gone down the shitter since they hooked up with that awful scene.

 

[Deleted member 1159]

Dude, only 7 f-bombs in that post. Are you or are you not cool? Pick it up slacker!

 

[Mike Works]

Favorite songs of 2004:

1) The Killers - Somebody Told Me

2) Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out

3) The Strokes - Reptilia

4) Linkin Park - Lying From You

5) Skipknot - Duality

Honorable Mentions:

Seether - Broken
Slipknot - Vermillion Pt 2
Muse - Time is Running Out
Velvet Revolver - Set Me Free
Audioslave - What You Are

 

[tt_deeb]

No Particular Order:

Just an awesome 'concept' album that tells a story and sets a mood. Good background music when trying to write.

Every track is catchy and has style. They seem to be instant classics and Morrissey proves he's still awesome.

Those are my top two favs so far.


Other honorable mentions/bands I need to still check out are:

Modest Mouse- Good News for People Who Like Bad News
Franz Ferdinand - Self-titled (which from what I've heard so far is pretty dissapointing)
The Cure- The Cure (not as bad as everyone has said)
Muse- Absolution
The Streets- A Grand Don't Come For Free
Secret Chiefs 3
Wilco - Ghost is Born

Can't Wait For:

New Nine Inch Nails
Bjork- Medulla
Peeping Tom

(bunch more I can't remember)

Dissapointed in:

Velvet Revolver
Beastie Boys

 

[Dead]

im too lazy so heres a top albums in no order except 1:

1 - Clinic - Winchester Cathedral (no cover yet and i dont know when it hits retail)

forgot this one, indeed very good

Im probably forgetting stuff, oh well


Most Dissapointing:

Magnetic Fields - i
cant remember other dissapointing stuff

Looking Forward to:

Mansun - Kleptomaniac 3 Disc set
cant really remember what else comes out this year

 

[Mason]

Franz Ferdinand is horrible, jeez.


Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News is easily the best album so far this year. There quite a few music critics who would agree with me on this one.

 

[Jason]

Here we go.

Top 6 Songs

1. Feist - Let it Die
"Now I know what I don't want, I learned that with you" That line gets me everytime.

2. Mirah - The Light

3. Valley of the Giants - Westworld
Why did the rest of the album have to suck?

4. A.C. Newman - Drink to Me, Babe, Then

5. Franz Ferdinand - Jacqueline

6. mum - Nightly Cares
See number 3.


Top 5 shows

1. Feist - Jun 12
2. The Wrens - Feb 7
3. Franz Ferdinand - Feb 23
4. Neko Case - Apr 4
5. Feist - May 19


Top 3 Albums so far
Haven't really been paying attention to any new stuff.

1. Feist - Let it Die
Best voice ever (step aside Emily).

2. Mirah - C'mon Miracle
Sounds more melodic and sincere compared to her older stuff...this just clicked with me.

3. A.C. Newman - The Slow Wonder
Diggin' it more than The New Pornos.

4. Hayden - Elk Lake Serenade

5. Jill Barber - Oh Heart
I'm a sucker for female vocals.


Looking forward to albums from...
Sarah Slean
Tom Waits
Lady Lustre (Amy Millan of Stars)
Stars
Bjork

 

[AlphaSnake]

Album of the year:

 

[btrboyev]

off topic

to think 2004 is half way over already is depressing

 

[White Man]

1.

I love Jamie more than you do.

Straight from Jamie's mouth -- the next album will be more experimental. Also, whenever his book comes out, go buy it. He read some chapters from it the other week and it was pretty damned hilarious. Also, rumors of the next album coming out late next year are "wrong."

2.

I just got this about 3 days ago. Um, I haven't stopped listening to it, yet. I know it's an EP, but it's just so damned good and it makes the next Decemberists record my MOST WANTED ALBUM OF THE YEAR.

3.

I think enough's been said about this record already. The first side is as good a record as SY has ever put out. I can't believe they could still jam like this. They need to do another noise exploration record, though. They've spun the nu-Television schtick for the past 2 records, and while it's certainly wonderful, SY has never been about sounding the same for too long. Good work, crew (even you, Kim)!

4.

Mom's leftovers never tasted this good. Almost as good as Michigan.

5.

Only listed last because it's a compilation. This is my second most listened to album of the year (see number 1 for the most listened to). This record totally got me into Les Savy Fav, and for that, I thank it. It's also the best thing they've put out. God damn it's sweet.

 

[Semjaza Azazel]

Top albums so far for me...



Error - Error EP

Fucking awesome as far as I'm concerned. Hardcore vocals in an aggressive industrial setting. Vocals by Greg of The Dillinger Escape Pland music by Leopold and Atticus Ross (part of 12 Rounds and involved with the new NIN record). Check out Jack the Ripper at least.

Scarling - Sweet Heart Dealer

I'm sure some people here know Jack Off Jill... this is Jessicka's new band. It's more in the vein of My Bloody Valentine than JOJ though. Some excellent instrumental work and absolutely beautiful vocals from Jessicka. I love JOJ, but I honestly think Scarling has FAR more potential. My only complaint is that the album is way too short considering how long it took to come out. Check out Alexander the Burn Victim or Crispin Glover (which is the next single - awesome song with some great percussion and ambiance).

Bad Religion - The Empire Strikes Back

Wasn't big on this at first. To keep it short, it felt like more of the same. However, a few tracks in I thought it started to really kick ass... and now I love pretty much all of it. I've really warmed up to it. Los Angeles Is Burning and Let Them Eat War are good tracks to check out. Great stuff.

Sonic Youth - Sonic Nurse

Just an amazing release that seems to get better the more I listen to it. Only Sonic Youth can take a "gargle" sound, put it in a rock song and make it work wonderfully. Awesome. I particularly like Dripping Dream.

Modest Mouse - Good News...

Love this disc. Not much more to say. I found the single a bit different than their norm, although still obviously Modest Mouse-ish... the rest of the disc won me over.

I'd also put up Wilco, The Horrorpops and The Secret Machines.

I must be the only one that likes Michael, This Fire, Darts of Pleasure and Come On Home more than Take Me Out... lol

There's still a lot of stuff I've been meaning to check out.

 

[Semjaza Azazel]

This thread could have been interesting... someone has to have more to add lol

 

[MrAngryFace]

New music? Im still gagging on the goodness of Shin's Chutes Too Narrow.

 

[human5892]

Bad Religion - The Empire Strikes Back

Wasn't big on this at first. To keep it short, it felt like more of the same. However, a few tracks in I thought it started to really kick ass... and now I love pretty much all of it. I've really warmed up to it. Los Angeles Is Burning and Let Them Eat War are good tracks to check out. Great stuff.

A great album from my favorite band. I would disagree about Let Them Eat War (it's actually the only track on the album that I routinely skip), but otherwise, IAWTP.

 

[SolidSnakex]

1. Tilly and the Wall - Wild Like Children (no cover)

2.)

3.)

Black Horse Riding Star = Awesome

4.)

5.)

 

[mjq jazz bar]

I like Uh Huh Her by PJ Harvey.

I sort of enjoy Delirium Cordia. Sort of because it's not something I can listen to often.

I can't remember what else has come out.

 

[BuddyC]

while there's some great music in the thread, the best album of the year is the possibility that the new Flaming Lips will be out by the end of the year.

 

[Outdoor Miner]

I am at work and can only do songs at the moment. God damn it i was so much cooler just 3 years ago. Shame what age is doing to me.

Top 5 Songs of the Year
1. "Fall" Devendra Banhart
2. "The Rat" Walkmen
3. "First Wave Intact" Secret Machines
4. "Shame" Pj Harvey
5. "Cinder and Smoke" Iron and Wine

I can tell you what the album of the year is going to be... Ted Leo's as-yet-untitled masterpiece LP due out in October.

 

[Guzim]

 

[Archaix]

With one mention there is not nearly enough mention of AC Newman and with two, far too much mention of Sufjan Stevens Seven Swans!

Although, I would give Seven Swans special mention for having such damned good and such fucking horrible songs on the same album.

edit: My lists shall come later. Worry ye not! But most of my picks have already been pickened.

 

[Kefkaff]

hmm... I don't think any good music was released thus far

 

[Agent Dormer]

hmm... I don't think any good music was released thus far

Why post if you're wrong?

 

[Semjaza Azazel]

3.)

Black Horse Riding Star = Awesome[/img]

Heh. I had figured you would list this as well. I wish more people would give it a chance.

Edit - Quoted wrong thing...

 

[MrAngryFace]

What kind of music is it, and how hard is it to find.

 

[Archaix]

What kind of music is it, and how hard is it to find.

MAF should listen to AC Newman(And the New Pornographers also, but his solo album is new and then you'd be able to participate in this thread! Yay!). So should everybody else. And if you disagree, I cut you.

 

[Dead]

AC newman album is pretty good, I dont think id put in a top ten, but its pretty good

 

[Semjaza Azazel]

What kind of music is it, and how hard is it to find.

Do you mean the album I quoted?

Sweet Heart Dealer by Scarling.

It's rock, more or less. Probably most similiar to My Bloody Valentine or Sonic Youth. Crunchy, noisy guitars, upbeat percussion, etc. Female vocals.

I ordered mine off of Amazon.com. I don't even know if any actual shops sell it because the disc doesn't even have a UPC code.

 

[Archaix]

Alright, it's time for my lists!

Best album in which half of the songs sound like a bible school session gone wrong: Sufjan Stevens Seven Swans

Best album that will be mentioned most in this thread, but still deserves it: Modest Mouse Good News for People Who Love Bad News (Also awarded "Best Emo-sounding album title on an album that doesn't suck" before airing)

Best solo album that sounds a hell of a lot like his band's offerings so it kicks ass too: A.C. Newman The Slow Wonder

Best Music News of the Year: Pixies reunion tour doesn't suck. (Honorable Mention: Lolapalooza doesn't suck)

Worst Music News of the Year: Pixies reunion tour isn't coming anywhere near me. (Honorable Mention: Lolapalooza cancelled)

Best artist that is still probably great, but I still just don't get: Xiu Xiu.

Best "Comeback" album by a singer that was always in our sad, sad hearts: Morrissey, You are the Quarry. He's sad.

Best "Comeback" album by a band that was always in our sad, sad hearts: The Cure-The Cure. They're sad.


Best Albums not put into a list trying, and failing, to cause laughter:

First of all, I have to mention that I'm not certain whether I have a short attention span when it comes to music or if it is that these past few months have just put much better music out there than the first few months of the year did. Probably a combination of the former and that I had no money for most of the first few months of the year and didn't have the ability to take a chance on albums I wasn't sure about.


5 The Walkmen-Bows and Arrows
4 Wilco-A Ghost is Born
3 Morrissey, You Are the Quarry
2 Modest Mouse-Good News for People who Love Bad News
1 A.C. Newman-The Slow Wonder

 

[smirkrevenge]

i'm too lazy to find pictures for the albums, so here goes (in no particular order)

william basinski - the disintegration loops I-IV - just do a google on basinski, and you'll find some pretty good description of what this is. its essentially looped found sounds, but you get to hear their birth and death on a slowly dying tape. hard to describe, but an essential album for any music collector.

pluramon - dreams top rock - the closest anyone has gotten to MBV's Loveless. that is a bold statement, so i also realize this will either end up as my most hated album of the year or will make my top 10 (due to my overplaying it).

the arcade fire - EP - another canadian group that is up and coming. trust me, when their debut album on merge records hits this september, you guys will be busting up over them. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.

the secret machines - now this is nowhere - loud and bombastic, just the way i like my arena rock.

the album leaf - in a safe place - nice, relaxing, instrumental music. on subpop no less! subpop...probably one of the best independent record labels in the US.

sondre lerche - two way monologue - sondre isn't emo, he's pop. part elvis costello, part lennon, this young dude writes perfectly crafted pop love songs.

kanye west - college dropout - i think this album has been discussed ad infinitum on the boards, but i just like how he's managed to give hip-hop a new feel. mixing soul with great beats, writing insightful lyrics, and managing to provide his talent to give old artists fresh ideas is just a small part of what i hope is a long and illustrious career for kanye.

ratatat - self-titled - it's goofy, hook-filled, and fun. definitely not the most intelligent electronic album this year, but probably the one where all the cool nerds at school listen to. MIDI rocks!

overall, a good first half...but i am looking forward to what the second half of 2004 has to bring.

 

[Alucard]

Lambtron, with all of that music you think you could review a mix!

 

[Paradox]

My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
36 Crazyfists - A Snow Capped Romance
Muse - Absolution
Orgy - Punk Statik Paranoia
Oceansize- Effloresce
The Cure - The Cure
PJ Harvey - Uh huh her
The Gathering - Sleepy Buildings
Incubus - A Crow Left to the Murder
Ash - Meltdown
Scarling - Sweet Heart Dealer

 

[kitchenmotors]

Lali Puna, Faking The Books
Casshern OST, Our Last Day
Mum, Make Summer Good
Felix Da Housecat, Devin Dazzle and the Neon Fever

 

[fart]

i can't rank things, or keep track of time

my top five of the last five minutes has been

menomena - i am the fun blame monster
vetiver - s/t
the elected - me first
TJO - music for a meteor shower
the pleased - don't make things

 

[teepo]

you guys are so indie.

 

[fart]

it's what happens when you fall in love with everyone you see

 

[Jason]

it's what happens when you fall in love with everyone you see

Ain't that the truth.

 

[dream]

Keane's Hopes and Fears is Coldplay done right.

 

[Lambtron]

does the paperchase sound different from their olderstuff?

their live show has gone down the shitter since they hooked up with that awful scene.

It sounds like the pAper chAse, but it seems more dark/slower and less frenetic. But lyrically it's fucking awesome, and the vox are a little less "crazy" than HtKK.

Lambtron, with all of that music you think you could review a mix!

Soon! I promise! Sorry!