There is still so much I have not heard, but based on what I have here is my 
list for 2004

1] Swan Dive-”William and Marly’s” with put a doubt the best songwriting and 
singing heard all year. The addition of strings made it all the more 
astonishing.
2]Rufus Wainwright-”Want Two” Last year’s #1-this year’s #2.No stopping this 
amazing talent.
3]A girl called Eddy- “dusty”, smokey, torchy and stunning female vocals.
4]David Grahame- “Eric” So indie you have to read about it first,then find 
it.Once you do you are glad you did.He puts out his own product. Minimal 
packaging- maximum pop.Find of the year.
5]Chris Stamey- “Travels in the South” Return of the DB’s master showing us 
all how it’s done- that is how to make a perfect pop album.
6]Kevin Thista’s Red Terror- “Wake up Captain” 17 track song cycle- an orch 
pop masterpiece!
7]Sukilove- “You kill me”  Last year’s major discovery with a new exciting 
album. His “Lennon” album [last one was more McCartney] as his primal scream 
is heard on the title cut. A real  grower.
8]Divine Comedy- “Absent Friends” It was on a plane to Buenos Aires that I 
really connected with how terrific this album is [something about planes and 
music]. It screams Scott Walker plus I think the theme from “Bonanza” is on 
it.
9]Mendoza Line- “Fortune”-This group refuses to look back-just keeps moving 
on and getting better all the time. One of America’s best bands. Really!
10]Apostle of Hustle- “Folkloric Feel” Splinter  from Broken Social Scene. 
An “all over the musical map” type listen- but a rewarding one. Each listen 
is a new experience.
11] Todd Rundgren- “Liars” His best in ages backed by an awesome tour. We 
still scream for more pop.
12] Ron Sexsmith- “Retriever” His best yet- and that is saying a lot.
13] Fiery Furnaces- “Blueberry Boat”  Sprawling epic that is almost too much 
at times.Does it mean anything? Of course- Rock and roll is here to stay!
14]Nellie McKay-”Get away from me” From her early appearance on Letterman, I 
knew she was a star. She is a triple threat- and so young. Plenty of sass.
15] Sonic Youth- “Sonic Nurse” Mr. O’Rourke has them sounding better than 
ever. Through the controlled noise are melodies that ring true.
16] timewellspent- 2 guys with plenty of pop mood. Can’t wait for more.
17] King Radio- “Are you the sick passenger” Pristine  pop ala the Pernice 
Brothers.This simply soars.
18]Eugene Edwards -” My favorite Revolution”  Smart power pop in the Elvis 
C. vein. Watch this guy grow.
19] Tan Sleeve-”Bad from both sides” Pure pop for “now “ people.
20] Hepburns-”Last thing I saw before I said Goodbye” Surprising return of 
this British pop band. Caught me way off guard.
21] Jens Lekman- “When I said I wanted to be your Dog” New “Boy Wonder’ from 
Sweden. Impressive start. One to watch.
22] Sondre Lerche- “Two way Monologue” His second and it picks up right 
where the first left off. Another Boy Wonder.

         Recording of Special Merit
Brian Wilson- “Smile”-worth the wait for this masterpiece. Everyone needs to 
hear this.I could not see placing this in a top list .It stands alone.

       Song of the year
  Heavy Blinkers- “Try telling that to my baby”  I get chills each time they 
sing “She’s tearing apart my world”.

    Music I still need to hear- Wilco, A. C. Newman, Rilo Kiley, Velvet 
Crush, Third Dimension and many many more.

          Happy New Year
          Gene