My Favorite Songs of 2004: A First Attempt

In two days I'll be leaving the cold Northeast behind me and heading out to the dry heat, RV parks and strip malls of my beautiful home state of Arizona. One of the promises I made to a few friends back home was to bring them a CD of my favorite songs from 2004.

I've procrastinated about doing this for quite a long time. I'm just not good at summarizing a year into 16 or 17 tracks. After a few false starts, here's my first full attempt. Consider this a "best songs of 2004, vol. 1" if you want:

James Leroy - "Wasting Our Time". I found out about James Leroy from the ever-excellent site 75 or Less. The album is not available in stores as of yet. In fact the band actually encourages you to download it on Soulseek.

The Futureheads - "Meantime". An overdose of energy and XTC.

Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out". Maybe the best song I've heard all year. The build up at the beginning alone is enough to justify placement in my list.

The Walkmen - "The Rat". It was a toss-up between this track and "Thinking of a Dream." These two songs are so much better than the rest of the album.

Interpol - "Evil". I'm liking Antics less and less the more I hear it. However, "Evil" continues to get repeat listens and deserves a permanent spot in Interpol's live shows.

PJ Harvey - "The Letter". I could pick about three or four PJ songs for the list. I loved "The Letter" the most simply for the clever and suggestive lyrics. Hearing PJ moan about the "curve of her 'g'" just gets me every time.

The Cure - "Before Three". Robert Smith's soaring vocals elevate this song from "Cure-by-the-numbers" to a delirious trip through Fat Bob's "happiest day." Good for windy days.

The Delays - "Wanderlust". Another contender for song of the year for me. Imagine Stevie Nicks fronting a latter-day Cocteau Twins. Only not sucking.

Arcade Fire - "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)". As perhaps the story of the year for "indie" music, Arcade Fire are suddenly everywhere and everyone wants them. I liked Funeral, but it feels uneven to me. It has a great start, bores me in the middle and then is redeemed in the end. This one is from the beginning.

Junior Boys - "Teach Me How To Fight". This is my second favorite song of the year.

Phoenix - "Everything is Everything". I wish this band would get the respect they deserve.

Annie - "Chewing Gum". Pop, pop, pop. So sweet at the beginning, but don't chew it for too long.

The Streets - "Fit But You Know It". Not my favorite song from the excellent A Grand Don't Come For Free. That would be "Dry Your Eyes." However, for the recipients of this mix who are unfamiliar with The Streets, this will be a good place to start.

LCD Soundsystem - "Yeah (Crass Version)" I hope my friends will be patient with this one and let it slowly blow their minds. Mine starts to go right around the 7:00 minute mark.

Wilco - "Muzzle of Bees". Random painted highways and a muzzle of bees. A gentle summer tune that ends with a buzzing frazzle of guitar road noise.

Kings of Convenience - "The Build Up". A melancholy end to the trip. I'm haunted every time I play this one.