This is a list of my top few albums of 2004 (and some from 2003). They are not in any particular order.

Sonic Youth - Sonic Nurse This is Sonic Youth's 17th album! As experimental as ever and still improving on their sound. There isn't a bad track on here. Tracks that I digged; New Hampshire, Paper Cup Exit, I Love You Golden Blue.




Elliott Smith - From A Basement on the Hill Elliott Smith was a fucking genious. This album, released roughly a year after his apparant suicide is a collection of songs that he had completed prior to his death and had sent to his girlfriend and producer. Definitely one of my favorite artists, check out his other albums too including Figure 8.


Arcade Fire - Funeral A recent addition to my music library, I can't get enough of this album. It's powerful, emotive indie rock at its best. You can't go wrong with this album. Most notable tracks are Neighbourhood #2 (Laika), Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out), Crown of Love and Rebellion (Lies). Possibly the best album of 2004?


The Metric - Old World Underground (2003) This album was released back in late 2003 but I only found it recently. It is quite simply an amazing album. There's a variety of tracks ranging from tracks like Succexy which are quite upbeat to slower tracks like Calculation Theme and Love is a Place. They seem a lot more lyrically-creative than your average indie band too.


Shins - Chutes too Narrow Gotta love the Shins. A step up from their last album Oh, Inverted World which definitely says a lot. The Shins create a very unique sound and I can't think of one dud song on the album. Notable tracks: Kissing the Lipless, Young Pilgrims, Pink Bullets and Gone for Good.



The Stills - Logic Will Break Your Heart I heard the track Still in Love Song on a skate video which lead me to get this album. On first listen I wasn't all that taken by it, but over time each and every track will grow on you in it's own way. Favorite tracks being Still in Love Song, Changes are no Good, Yesterday Never Tomorrow and Love & Death.


Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism I had this album for a while before fully appreciating it. On first listen I think I turned it off after hearing the first track The New Year. The vocals in that track sound slightly too pop-punk for my liking. However on further listens I got completely hooked. Definitely amongst my favorite albums at the moment. The whole album is rather mellow and tranquil although there are a few more up-beat anthem style tracks on here. Favorite tracks are Transatlaticism, We Looked Like Giants and A Lack of Colour.


John Frusciante - Shadows Collie with People An incredible album from RHCP's guitarist John Frusciante. The album is almost a spiritual experience with the amount of experimental psychodelic like sounds. His lyrics are equally powerful. Favorite tracks: Omission, A Song to Sing when I'm Lonely and Wednesdays Song.



Vast - Nude Heard Be With Me on the Love Park story and had to get the album. I must admit I haven't been all that taken by all the tracks. Not that there are any particularly dud songs on the album but the more memorable tracks for me were Turqoise, Be With Me and Desert Garden (which is a simple yet absolutely amazing track).


Postal Service - Give Up Give Up is the debut album by the Postal Service. They mix together two completely different styles in the form of Ben Gibbard (from Death Cab for Cutie) and Jimmy Tamborello (some electro boffin). The unlikely blend of lo-fi indie and electro sounds create something quite amazing. It took me a few listens to fully appreciate. Stand out tracks for me were, The District Sleeps Alone Tonight, Nothing Better and We Will Become Silhouettes. If you're down with Deathcab check this album out.


Modest Mouse - Good News for People that Like Bad News Fuck me this is a good album. Almost everyones probably heard Float On by now, which is one of those songs that you'll probably listen to continually for about a month and drive yourself sick of it. Amazing track... but there are so many more gems on this album, such as Black Cadillacs, Blame it on the Tetons, The Good Times Are Killing Me. Get this.