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Velcro Mary

 

 

BRENNA KRAUSE'S BEST OF 2004

Best New Releases:
1 Gerling - Bad Blood!!! [Fenway]
Gerlings 2004 release was by far my favorite of the year.  These Aussies mix sexiness with stomping beats, and the result blows my mind!  Having gotten the chance to see them live, I would say they are the most fun band this year, as well as awesome live.  I am eagerly anticipating their next album but in the meantime, I plan to check out their extensive back catalog.  Gerling rock my world!
Buy This Album
2 The Killers - Hot Fuss [Island]
The Killers debut album was and is a glamorous sounding record, fit to be the soundtrack to any of my days.  Their songs are moody, electric and catchy as all get-out! Somebody Told Me is one of the best pop songs of recent memory and Believe Me Natalie has bore a hole in my skull. And they are from Vegas, which is totally trashy and dirty all the better for a debut album.
Buy This Album
3 Martina Topley-Bird - Anything [Palm Pictures]
Former Tricky chanteuse, Martina steps out and into her own on this fantastic debut solo effort.  It is hot, romantic and sultry.  The tracks vary in style, making it a super record to listen to from beginning to end, over and over and over again.  I especially love Need One and its total urgency.
Buy This Album
4

The Von Bondies - Pawn Shoppe Heart [Sire]
I dont think I need to explain why this record was so awesome. Are you the only one who hasnt heard Cmon Cmon, the catchiest song of the year? This sophomore effort truly showcases the band I saw live a couple of years ago when they were supporting their first record.  That record was disappointing after I saw them live, but Pawn Shoppe Heart captures these guys and gals at their best. 
Buy This Album

5

Le Tigre - This Island [Strummer/Universal]
This album is fun-filled, action-packed, shake your ass-tastic! Le Tigre has found a subtle way to get their political agenda across to a somewhat unsuspecting audience.  They draped funky beats and sweet, sweet electro-pop over them and served them up on a major label platter.  Not only are these ladies smart, they kick rock n roll ass.  And their lyrics are mad clever.
Buy This Album

6

!!! - Louden Up Now [Touch & Go]
!!!, or Chk Chk Chk bust onto the 80s new wave is cool again bandwagon like gangbusters! However, they proved to be way more visionary than many of their peers, proving that these 80s revivalists are more than just one club hit in your local discotheque.  Their dance tracks are filled with fun and politics and Gang of Four-esque vibes.  Very good stuff.
Buy This Album

7 Interpol - Antics [Matador]
Some people thought this album didnt cut it compared to Turn On the Bright Lights, but I say shame on them.  This is a great record.  Its still sad, just with a slightly more upbeat tone.  They even have a song, Evil which reminds me of Buddy Holly, and I adore that.  Maybe I can get Carlos to DJ my wedding.
Buy This Album
8 The Black Keys - Rubber Factory [Fat Possum]
Not my all-time favorite record by this duo from Ohio but still a really great funked-up effort.  These guys just blow me away every time I see them live.  They are so freaking good at being in this band that I just want to cry.  Their songs suck you in every time you hear them, and youre left wanting them to play until 5 am if at all possible.  Definitely a staple of 2004 and forever.
Buy This Album
9 PJ Harvey - Uh Huh Her [Island]
PJ is just fabulous, and thats it.  This record is perhaps not her best in my opinion, but she is consistently talented, and now she is back to some of the sadness we all missed so much.  I would buy anything this woman recorded, because she is an icon and one of my favorites.
Buy This Album
10 TV on the Radio - Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes [Touch & Go]
This record is good, but it really makes the list because of the heartbreaker that is Staring At the Sun.  I am hard-pressed to think of any song this year that has so much emotion jam-packed into only four precious minutes.  I like to play it on a constant loop, essentially putting myself into a dreamlike coma.  The album title totally kicks ass as well.
Buy This Album

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