I'm sure you have all been waiting for my top 5 albums of 2004 with bated breath. No major surprises here. I chose my music with a very subjective look at the year in music, took into account the artist(s)'s performances and how I could personally-related to the album. And no, this isn't an all-Canadian list, this is my favourite albums from 2004 period. In reverse order...
5 Sarah Slean — Day One
Had I not seen Sarah at the Danforth Music Hall in November, the number five spot would probably be taken by another Sarah with the last name Harmer. But unlike Harmer who seemed bored (and boring) on stage, Slean was a beautiful animated creature. Somehow, post-concert, Day One made more sense as a concept album. I remember being taken aback by her performance of “California” sans piano, barefoot and dancing. I think that was a turning point. That’s when I made a conscious effort to re-listen to Day One. I’m glad I did because although good albums should stand alone, once in a while, I need to see a performer to hear them the way they (and their album) were meant to be heard.
4 K-OS —Joyful Rebellion
Of all these albums, this one is the most difficult for me to write about. I have not seen this man perform and I only purchased Joyful Rebellion recently. But I do know when hot beats are hot and “Crabbuckit” and “B-Boy Stance” are two of the best singles of the year. But really, the entire record is strong front-to-back. I am glad the topics of violence and vulgar sex are generally untouched, which is why when I’m in the mood for hip-hop, I’d choose k-os over Kanye.
3 Tegan and Sara — So Jealous
Some days I think So Jealous is the strongest album by Tegan and Sara. Other days, I think If It Was You is superior. I can’t decide and thank goodness this kind of thing is never a life threatening decision. What If It Was You had going for it, was that it was very much a breakup album, perfect for someone (me) who was nursing a broken heart when it was released. While I always find T&S’s music personal, So Jealous has yet to hit me with that level of relevance. The songwriting and musical arrangements are noticeably better and there are standout songs such as “I Know I Know I Know,” a song I immediately felt a bond with. I get cravings for the title track now. It’s the organ, the lyrics, the shameless urgency in Sara’s voice. But I wasn’t always attracted to the song, it’s a relationship built over time and I think my real appreciation for the emotional value of the record will also follow suit. I know, I know, I know there’s something very real and raw about this album, but I just can’t put my finger on it…yet.
NB: Their performace at the Mod Club was so awesome, awesome, awesome.
2 Feist — Let It Die
“The saddest part of a broken heart isn’t the ending so much as the start / Losing our mind for the sake of our heart” — best line in 2004. There are two songs on this album that carried Let It Die up to #2 on this list: “Let It Die,” which is where the above lyrics come from, and “Inside and Out,” a Bee Gees cover that will bring back disco (again). I don’t care that much about France or how she will take the U.S. by storm in 2005. The woman has a superb voice which was flawless live and that, my friends, needs no explanation.
1 The Stars — Set Yourself On Fire
If I had to pick a desert island CD from the Stars’s discography (and I probably would) and I could chose only one, I would go with SYOF over its predecessor, Heart. It seems most people disagree with me as my friends argue Heart is superior. They may be right, but I chose SYOF because I enjoy it more. While Heart is without a doubt beautiful, it is also dark. Songs like “The Woods,” “What the Snowman Learned About Love” and the title track paint vivid pictures of winter and love lost. I guess, in a way, Heart is so good, it’s painful because I can’t listen to certain songs without going back in time and experiencing my own dark moments. It’s gorgeous, but it’s not always a joy to listen to.
SYOF has all the same wonderful ingredients as Heart. For example, the lead track, “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” has all the elements of what makes the Stars so brilliant: cello, subtle horns, strong guitars, glockenspiel, etc. all working together to build up verses while Torq Campbell and Amy Millan sing out their boy-girl vocal chemistry. SYOF has its own battles of love, but without the depressing imagery. It’s more of a political piece. This is no less personal for me, but it is less emotionally demanding than Heart — and that is what makes it better for me, and a joy to listen to.
Other nominees: Kayne West, Ron Sexsmith, Franz Ferdinand, Sarah Harmer, Ryan Adams, Josh Rouse, Bullfrog, King Cobb Steelie, Damien Rice...
