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Compiled by: Jack Foley
NOW that most music journos have named their favourite 50, 25
or 10 albums of the year, we thought we'd bring you an alternative
spin on things.
While there are plenty of obvious choices for top long-players
of 2004 - Keane, Franz Ferdinand, etc - we're also bringing you
the hidden gems you may have missed out on buying.
Hence, while the likes of U2 undoubtedly get a mention, what
of James Blunt, The Handsome Boy Modeling School or Thirteen Senses?
Not heard of them? Then read on...
The obvious ones....
 U2
- How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
What we said: How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
is a carefully constructed, awe-inspiring and quite brilliant
collection of songs that simply serves to enhance their reputation
as rock icons.
Best tracks: Vertigo, Sometimes You Can't Make
It On Your Own, Crumbs From Your Table, A Man And A Woman
Review l Buy
it l Hear it
 Keane
- Hopes & Fears:
What we said: What makes Keane's debut effort all the
more outstanding, however, is the lack of guitars - for this Sussex-based
three-piece prides itself on the lack of such an instrument...
In short, this is a masterpiece.
Best tracks: Your Eyes Open, Bedshaped
Review l Buy
it l Live l Interview
 Franz
Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand
What we said: It is intelligent, and it does
possess an arty vibe at times, but it’s also capable of
delivering that quick fix of harmonious melody that the record-buying
public occasionally seems to crave, when they decide to get hip
for a while.
Best tracks: Take Me Out, Auf Achse
Review l Buy
it
 The
Libertines - The Libertines
What we said: It also serves to ensure that the band
remains at the forefront of the post-punk revival, putting the
chasing pack of Franz Ferdinand, Razorlight and, to a lesser degree,
The Strokes, in their place.
Best tracks: What Became of the Likely Lads?,
Last Post on the Bugle
Review l Buy
it
 REM
- Around The Sun
What we said: While it might not rate as one of the band's
all-time great efforts, it does remain a fascinating, rich and
ultimately very rewarding affair that confirms Stipe as one of
the great songwriters of modern times.
Best tracks: Leaving New York, I Wanted To Be
Wrong
Review l Buy
it
 The
Beastie Boys - To The Five Boroughs
What we said: To The Five Boroughs may possess an air
of familiarity about it, and the novelty value of the Boys may
have diminished, but it remains an excellent album - and one which
emphasis the gulf between the all-time hip-hop elite, and those
who continue to strive for success by opting for cheap shock tactics.
Best tracks: Ch-Check It Out, Triple Trouble,
An Open Letter to NYC
Review l Buy
it
 Air
- Talkie Walkie
What we said: Talkie Walkie is an extremely impressive
affair, which has the ability to charm, soothe and inspire in
equal measure. Highly recommended.
Editor's note: If you dig this, make sure you seek out the Mark
Ronson remix of Alpha Beta Gaga. Buy
it
Best tracks: Alone in Kyoto, Alpha Beta Gag,
Cherry Blossom Girl
Review l Buy
it
 Ash
- Meltdown
What we said: Final track, Vampire Love, brings the album
to a suitable rousing conclusion, making this a breathless rock
extravanganza, that should ensure Ash enjoy a deservedly successful
return to the limelight.
Best tracks: Renegade Calvacade, Won't Be Saved,
Starcross'd
Review l Buy
it
 The
Killers - Hot Fuss
What we said: If you're looking to gamble on one of the
breakthrough bands of the moment, then Las Vegas indie rockers,
The Killers, would be a pretty safe bet for value-for-money.
Best tracks: All These Things That I've Done,
Mr Brightside
Review l Buy
it
 Kasabian
- Kasabian
What we said: It would seem, on the basis of this first
album, that the band's arrogance is justified, for this is one
belter of an introduction, that would seem to pave the way for
a very bright future.
Best tracks: LSF, Club Foot, Ovary Stripe
Review l Buy
it
 Gomez
- Split The Difference
What we said: The album manages to cross several genres,
effortlessly fusing that trademark blues ability with a far more
rock ‘n’ roll outlook, which may even appeal to the
indie dancefloor crowd.
Best tracks: We Don't Know Where We're Going,
Nothing Is Wrong, Chicken Out
Review l Buy
it
 The
Charlatans - Up At The Lake
What we said: The weeping guitars of High Up Your Tree,
for example, which also comes laced with tingling pianos, is an
absolute gem of a track, while the acoustic-psychedelia of Try
Again Today is like a ray of musical sunshine, no doubt influenced
by Burgess' current love affair with California.
Best tracks: High Up Your Tree, Try Again Today, Loving You Is
Easy
Review l Buy
it
 The
Cure - The Cure
What we said: It's a major return to form, extolling
all the virtues of the celebrated back catalogue, while also sounding
as fresh and exciting as they did when first bursting onto the
scene.
Best tracks: I Don't Know What's Going On, Alt.end,
Labyrinth, Going Nowhere
Review l Buy
it
 Embrace
- Out of Nothing
What we said: With Out of Nothing, however, the McNamara
brothers appear to have moved up a gear, incorporating a more
uplifting, less ponderous, feel to their music - and emerging
from the shackles that had seemed to constrain them for so long.
Best tracks: Ashes, Looking As You Are, Wish
'Em All Away
Review l Buy
it
 Green
Day - American Idiot
What we said: American Idiot is the sound of a disenchanted
band that has become frustrated and alienated by Bush’s
post-War On Terror administration. It is one of anguish, pain
and confusion, that screams out to be listened to several times
over, in order to fully take in all that it has to say.
Best tracks: American Idiot, Boulevard of Broken
Dreams, Wake Me Up When September Ends
Review l Buy
it
 Gwen
Stefani - Love Angel Music Baby
What we said: The album is rhythmic, rebellious, fierce,
funky, confessional and emotional. As Gwen states: "I was
looking to make a specific record that would be everyone’s
guilty pleasure. There was no room for anything but singles on
the album."
Best tracks: What You Waiting For, Luxurious,
Cool
Review l Buy
it
 Steriogram
- Schmack!
What we said: Schmack! is like a short sharp slap in
the face, or should I say, on the behind! From the word go, Schmack!
hits the listener with fast talking, in-your-face, addictive lyrics.
Steriogram's humour is very tongue-in-cheek.
Best tracks: Walkie Talkie Man, Fat And Proud,
Schmack!
Review l Buy
it
 DJ
Shadow - In Tune & On Time
What we said: In short, it is a DJ-ing masterclass; a
celebration of all things Shadow, which is a must-have for anyone
who attended the Brixton show, not to mention anyone with an appreciation
for anything the artist has done.
Best tracks: What Does Your Soul Look Like, Organ
Donor
Review l Buy
it
 Ed
Harcourt - Strangers
What we said: It isn't often I stumble across an artist
as amiable and accessible as Ed Harcourt. His lyrics are charming,
personable and downright captivating. His is the sort of musician
that you just want to pick up and cuddle, or at the very least,
snuggle up and listen to the beautiful sound that is his latest
offering, Strangers.
Best tracks: The Storm Is Coming, Born In The
Seventies, Let Love Not Weigh Me Down
Review l Buy
it
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The surprise choices (or not-so mainstream efforts)
 Handsome
Boy Modeling School - White People
What we said: Imaginative and innovative, funny and funky,
not to mention downright cool, White People is the album
that should be at the top of everyone's Christmas list, especially
if you digged Outkast
last year. It's definitely time to enrol in this particular school.
Best tracks: Breakdown, I've Been Thinking
Review
l Buy
it
 Bent
- Aerials
What we said: This is, indeed, the emotional journey
that Bent had envisaged, as you cannot fail to be moved by some
of the symphonies they have created.
Best tracks:
Review l Buy
it
 Thirteen
Senses - Invitation
What we said: Let the comparisons [with Keane,
Radiohead and Coldplay] guide you; for the music will certainly
do the rest once you hear it. Invitation is a magical experience
from start to finish.
Best tracks: Last Forever, Into The Fire, Thru
The Glass
Review l Buy
it l Interview
 Automato
- Automato
What we said: Delivering the same sort of retro-sliced,
feel-good rap which made the likes of DM
& Jemini and Outkast
so cool, the NY outfit provide compelling evidence as to why their
arrival has been so keenly anticipated.
Best tracks: Walk Into The Light, Capes Billowing,
How To Read A Person Like a Book
Review l Buy
it
 James
Blunt - Back To Bedlam
What we said: It's little surprise to find that Back
to Bedlam was recorded in Los Angeles with the help of super-producer,
Tom Rothrock (who has worked with Beck, Elliott Smith, Badly Drawn
Boy), for this contains much of the songwriting pedigree of all
three of those artists.
Best tracks: High, Cry, You're Beautiful
Review l Buy
it
 Lenny
Kravitz - Baptism
What we said: There isn't really a bad track on the album,
which makes it damn near essential purchase for the rock 'n' roll
contingent. It could (and probably should) become Kravitz's most
successful long-player to date.
Best tracks: Storm, I Don't Want To Be A Star,
California
Review l Buy
it
 Jason
Downs - The Spin
What we said: But the wait has been worth it, for The
Spin is every bit as good as its much-touted original, featuring
Downs at his most laid-back and thought-provoking; not to mention
party-friendly.
Best tracks: Sing My Song, Shut Up (Hook Up),
Everything Is Love
Review l Buy
it
 The
Album Leaf - In A Safe Place
What we said: I cannot remember the last time an album
so profoundly moved me, such is the magical beauty of the music
contained within. Please, please, please, allow yourself to be
captivated by it.
Best tracks: The Outer Banks, Over The Pond, On Your Way
Review l Buy
it
 The
Bees - Free The Bees
What we said: It harks back to a time when love was free,
flower power was king, flares were the order of the day, and people
felt a little bit more chilled out about themselves. All The Bees
need is the army of screaming women fans and they will be set.
For this really is an album worth shouting about!
Best tracks: Chicken Payback, One Glass of Water
Review l Buy
it
 Blockhead
- Music By Cavelight:
What we said: This is, quite simply, spellbinding stuff
- musical magic spun on the decks of a new DJ master. Make sure
you cast your musical lights on Blockhead.
Best tracks: Insomniac Olympics, Sunday Seance,
Triptych, Part 1
Review l Buy
it
 Blues
Explosion - Damage
What we said: It is a tribute to Spencer's talent, and
willingness to mix things up a bit, that when he hollers, 'can
you dig my band!' during the title track, you'll want to scream
back 'yes'!
Best tracks: Fed Up And Low Down, Spoiled, Hot
Gossip
Review l Buy
it
 Detroit
Cobras - Baby
What we said: Northern soul collides with Fifties-influenced
rock 'n' roll for a genuinely feel-good third album from The Detroit
Cobras, a fertile quintet who excel in delivering tracks of nostalgia-laced
exuberance.
Best tracks: Cha Cha Twist, Hot Dog (Watch Me
Eat), Weak Spot
Review l Buy
it
 Dogs
Die In Hot Cars - Please Describe Yourself
What we said: From the punchy melodies of opening track,
Godhopping, through to live favourite, Paul Newman’s
Eyes, the long-player consistently entertains, forcing you
to take notice with the arrival of each new track.
Best tracks: Paul Newman's Eyes, Apples and Oranges,
Modern Woman
Review l
Buy
it
 Delays
- Faded Seaside Glamour
What we said: The Delays seem to have found the knack
of catching listeners with simple, but oh-so-effective hooks,
best emphasised by that mesmerising whistle at the start of Long
Time Coming - the track which really helped them to break through.
Best tracks: Wanderlust, Hey Girl, Nearer Than
Heaven
Review l Buy
it
 The
Koreans - The Koreans
What we said: With all this in mind, The Koreans have
delivered a debut long-player that effortlessly realises the early
hype surrounding them, and which really ought to be basking in
the same sort of limelight that has currently been reserved for
the likes of Kasabian and Chikinki.
Best tracks: Slow Motion, Still Strung Out, Keep
Me In Your Mind
Review l Buy
it
 Modest
Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News
What we said: What is important, is the quality of the
music - and when it's good, Good News For People Who Love Bad
News delivers some of the tracks of the year so far.
Best tracks: Float On, Ocean Breathes Salty,
The View
Review l Buy
it
 Paul
Nice presents a Journey To The Centre of the Beats
What we said: The result is a compilation album to rate
alongside the DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist collaboration, Brain Freeze,
in terms of out-and-out enjoyment, while also putting the bland
Summer compilations from the likes of Kiss FM firmly in their
place.
Best tracks: Rapper's Delight, White Lines, Be
Thankful For What You Got
Review l Buy
it
 Polly
Paulusma - Scissors In My Pocket
What we said: It would be a shame if Polly Paulusma became
overlooked, having arrived so soon after the new releases from
Norah Jones and Katie Melua, for this rates just as highly - if
not more so. This is, at the end of the day, a folsky day-dream
of a record, that announces the arrival of yet another major female
songwriting talent.
Best tracks: I Was Made To Love You, Dark Side, Carry
Me Home
Review l
Buy
it
 The
Shins - Chutes Too Narrow
What we said: I wasn't totally convinced by the first
single, So Says I, but the album, Chutes Too Narrow,
is an altogether different affair - a retro-style indie throwback
which recalls memories of The Byrds, Neil Young and George Harrison,
which also containing contemporary nods to the likes of Badly
Drawn Boy and Hot Hot Heat.
Best tracks: Kissing The Lipless, Pink Bullets,
Fighting in a Sack, Turn A Square
Review l Buy
it
 South
- With The Tides
What we said: Whether playing it mellow and acoustic,
or letting the guitars take over, the songs retain a delicate
beauty borne out of terrific songwriting ability.
Best tracks: Mend These Trends, Colours in Waves,
Loosen Your Hold, Nine Lives
Review l Buy
it
 The
Wire Daisies - Just Another Day
What we said: Morris' sultry, entrancing vocal style
contains an epic quality about it, which can sound as uplifting
as it can melancholy - and there are several moments, early on,
when she'll probably leave you heartbroken.
Best tracks: Butterfly, No More, The Great Outdoors,
Billy Boy
Review l Buy
it l Live review
 Wagon
Christ - Sorry I Make You Lush
What we said: Sorry I Make You Lush is the sort of album
that may require a couple of listens to truly pay dividends, but
it's well worth sticking with, because the rewards get bigger
each time you do so.
Best tracks: Nighty Night, Shadows, The Funnies
Review l Buy
it
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