Jason's Favorites of 2004

Since I've posted often about other people's Best Of lists, I figured it was time to produce my own. After some consideration, I decided to list them alphabetically, rather than ranked. It was just too hard to determine an accurate placement when all of these recordings are equally remarkable.

Here you go:

Air - Talkie Walkie: This one came out of the gate early and strong, dominating my listening for most of January and February. Almost a full year later it still captures my attention, from the somber droning of "Venus" to the contemplative "Alone in Kyoto." Favorite songs: "Cherry Blossom Girl", "Mike Mills".

Bark Psychosis - Code Name: Dustsucker

William Basinski - The Disintegration Loops

Dungen - Ta Det Lugnt: As you can tell from my 'check it' comments, I really dig this psychedelic album. I love the way the songs warp through dimensions, twisting in unexpected loops and jaw-dropping spirals. We all sing along to it in the office here, sounding like a chorus of Swedish Chefs, but who cares? This is rock and roll for 2004. Favorite: "Festival".

Fennesz - Venice

The Earlies - These Were the Earlies

Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days: I can't help but remember driving through the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, listening to this album. It was the perfect soundtrack for a trip like that, but it still can work its spell on me here in the city. Favorites: "Naked As We Came", "Sunset Soon Forgotten".

Magnetic Fields - i: I have to honest here - this album probably wouldn't be on my list if it were not for the two Magnetic Fields concerts I attended this year. Top 20? Very likely, but it was the live interpretation of these songs that really made me love this album. Don't get me wrong, it's a great album - no one writes bitter love songs better than Stephin Merritt. If you've never heard the Fields and were intimidated by the sheer size of 69 Loves Songs, i is a good place to start. Favorites: "I Die", "I Wish I Had an Evil Twin".

PJ Harvey - Uh Huh Her: Like Magnetic Fields, this is another album that probably would not be here if not for the backing of a strong live appearance.

Wilco - A Ghost is Born: On first listen, I really didn't like this album. Measured against Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, it sounded monochrome and repetitive. Where were the hooks? I didn't give up on it though and slowly it opened up to reveal a stunningly intense and emotional set of songs. Where YHF was often obtuse, Ghost was stripped and direct. An amazing show at Irving Plaza in June cemented it on my list. Favorites: "Spiders(Kidsmoke)", "Handshake Drugs".

The "Can't Really Be Objective Award" goes to:

U2 - How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

I've been a fan of U2 longer than I haven't so anytime there's a new album, it automatically gets placed into a category of its own. Bomb came with high expectations - the band were calling it their finest work yet. Considering they've already put out two consensus classics, that's quite a compliment. That it does not live up to it is not to say the album disappoints. It's really just too soon to determine its status, really. Give it a few years, a tour or two and then I'll know where it stands for me. Favorites: "Original of the Species", "Love, Peace or Else", "Fast Cars".

Honorary Mentions: Junior Boys, Bjork, Interpol, the Fiery Furnaces, Franz Ferdinand, the Arcade Fire, Madvillian, The Streets, Apostle of Hustle, The Cure, Kings of Convenience, Hidden Cameras, Beta Band, Luna, Max Richter, Nick Cave, Rogue Wave, Xela.

Coming tomorrow: Rajeev's list of 2004's best music