| Best New Releases: |
| 1 |
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Patty Griffin -
Impossible Dream [ATO]
Just often enough to keep one searching and satisfied, a
stellar album comes along. Patty Griffin, whose every album is a delight,
surpassed all standards with this sweet, heartbreaking record. The lyrics
alone make it worth the purchase, without mentioning the musical prowess and
vocal skill. If you can only afford one album, this is without question your
best choice. The best album for nursing wounds and finding love in a dark
world.
Buy This Album |
| The remaining list
is in no order: |
| |
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Bjork - Medulla [Elektra]
Medulla is the next step for an artist who will always make
you wonder where shes taking you this time. This bold, reserved, delicate,
and brash creation is beautiful noise. The best album for inspiration during
artistic projects.
Buy This Album |
| |
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Joseph Arthur - Our Shadows Will Remain [Vector]
Our Shadows Will Remain.
This consolation forms the core of the best gothic beauty rock of the year.
Mr. Arthurs grainy falsetto and use of a host of instruments, tools and
collaborators resulted in my most thrilling discovery of the year. The best
album for healing your pulverized heart.
Buy This Album |
| |
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Interpol - Antics [Matador]
I ceased to care what anyone else thought of Interpol quite
some time ago. Antics is a fantastic follow-up to their debut, and
Interpol has created their own identity, despite continued press to the
contrary. And Carlos D wins Hottest Bassist of 2004. The best album for
coloring your hair or buying a suit.
Buy This Album |
| |
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Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters [Universal]
Slow to catch on in the states, and long overdue,
welcome to the fresh and fabulous world inspired by lesbian sex acts, the
B-52s, and Elton John. Far from being derivative, the Scissor Sisters are
putting sex back in music, a welcome change in our shoegazer obsession. The
best music to prepare for a night out.
Buy This Album |
| |
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Mindy Smith -
One Moment More [Vanguard]
Discovered on last years Dolly Parton tribute, Ms. Smith has
crafted a beautiful debut release; a strong set showing her
folk-country-rock range, Ms. Smith is as talented in concert as her studio
release would lead one to believe. The best Sunday morning music.
Buy This Album |
| |
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Wilco - A Ghost Is Born [Nonesuch]
Wilco makes experimental rock a pleasure. I will freely admit
to being a Wilco convert, and this album continues Jeff Tweedys creation of
truly new music. A Ghost Is Born shines with unmitigated talent. The
best album for driving and drinking at separate times, of course.
Buy This Album |
|
NO
COVER ART AVAILABLE |
Matson Jones - Matson
Jones [self-released]
Matson Jones is the best band in my area of the world. An
ingenious combination of cellos, bass, and drums, with dual lead female
vocals. Matson Jones can be found by searching their name online; trust me -
they are well worth the effort. Best music for chain-smoking in the dark.
Buy This Album |
|
 |
Snow Patrol - Final Straw [A&M]
Snow Patrol is the most talented band on the verge of a
hostile takeover. Gary Lightbody has made the best transition possible from
the Reindeer Section, lending his silky, slightly accented voice and lyric
skill to a group that deserves all acclaim they garner even if it destroys
them in the minds of independent listeners. Sometimes the public does fall
for true talent Snow Patrol is a great example. The best music for swiftly
accomplishing your Saturday tasks.
Buy This Album |
| |
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U2 - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb [Interscope]
This album will only continue to grow on me. Every listen is
better than the last, and U2 deserves our adulation for their creative
growth while maintaining truth to their form. They have always mixed pop
music with anthem rock and rock ballads in such a way that one can always
recognize their sound. Bono and The Edge are as great as ever. The best
music for exploring a
new city.
Buy This Album |
|
Honorable Mentions: |
|
 |
Ryan Adams -
Love Is Hell [Lost Highway]
Buy This Album |
| |
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PJ Harvey - Uh Huh Her [Island]
Buy This Album |
| |
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Various Artists - Garden State Soundtrack [Epic]
Buy This Album |
| |
 |
Elliot Smith - From a Basement on the Hill
[Anti]
Buy This Album |
| |
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Alison Krauss & Union Station - Love Runs
Both Ways [Rounder]
Buy This Album |
| |
 |
Hem - Eveningland [Rounder]
Buy This Album |
| |
 |
The Cure - The Cure [Geffen]
Buy This Album |
|
 |
Morrissey - You Are the Quarry [Attack]
Buy This Album |
|
 |
Luna - Rendezvous [JetSet]
Buy This Album |
| |
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Nancy Sinatra - Nancy Sinatra [Sanctuary]
Buy This Album |
|
Best Live Performances: |
| 1 |
The Cure
in Denver, CO - 8/17/04 |
| 2 |
Fleetwood Mac in Denver, CO - 8/17/04 |
| 3 |
Wilco
in Denver, CO - 11/6/04 |
| 4 |
Interpol in Denver, CO - 8/17/04 |
| 5 |
Mindy
Smith in Boulder, CO - 10/28/04 |
|
Best Live Albums/Recorded Performances: |
| 1 |
Tori
Amos - Welcome To Sunny
Florida
[Epic] |
| 2 |
Sarah
McLachlan - Afterglow Live [Arista] |
| 3 |
Fleetwood Mac - Live In
Boston
[Reprise] |
|
Best Special Edition CDs: |
| 1 |
Marilyn Manson - Lest We Forget: The Best Of [Interscope] |
| 2 |
Tori
Amos - Tales of A Librarian [Epic] |
| 3 |
Sarah
McLachlan - Afterglow Live [Arista] |
