Bimmy PM'd me the other day and brought up something I'd never thought of before; the Top 50 CD's of 2004 feature I did for Nocturnal Storms (and is linked to in my sig) can no longer be viewed since Cal made Nocturnal Storms a private board and closed the place down. So, since I don't really have the list anywhere else and some people might be bored enough to read the whole thing, I've decided to copy and paste it into my blog.

For some bizarre reason, though, when I posted the top ten, it cut off the top four. I tried editing it, but it still continued not posting the top four. I tried making a new entry for the top five, and it turned up blank. I don't know if there's some code in there it just can't understand, or what, so I'll just have to post the names of the top four:

4. The Washdown, "Yes To Everything"
3. Aloha, "Here Comes Everyone"
2. The Mae Shi, "Terrorbird"
1. Rogue Wave, "Out of the Shadows"

Beyond that, when I was looking at the list I thought just how different the list would be if I made it now. I mean, I'm still pretty happy with the list, but like any year, the best records of the year I found after the year was over. The list should DEFINETELY include entries from the likes of Jason Andersen, Turf Talk, Champion, The Cribs, and others. My number one pick would probably now be either Shy Child's "One With the Sun" (which was on the original list, and should have been number one ... it's easily still my most listened to purchase of that year) or Champion's "Promises Kept" (a record than ANYONE who is even REMOTELY interested in hardcore must own).

Also, I just want to note that my upcoming (only 4 months away!) Best CD's of 2005 list will probably be posted in this blog, since there aren't really any great all-genre encompassing music forums left to post it in anymore, and we might also see a Top 25 Rap albums of 2005 and maybe even a Top 10 Emo Ablums of 2005. Oh, and even though I haven't posted anything new in like 2 months, the MP3 Blog part of this blog isn't dead! Expect updates soon.

50. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, "Shake the Sheets" (Lookout! Records)
Sounds Like: Good old rock and roll

There are few albums released these days that could be filed as rock and roll and nothing more, given the deluge of sub-genres we've encountered, but I don't think there's any other way to describe this album. Another solid rock offering from Ted Leo and his band.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, "Me and Mia" (go to the site and download it)

49. Scout Niblett, "Uptown Top Ranking" (Secretly Canadian Records)
Sounds Like: Mirah, Elliot Smith, Joanna Newsome

I'll admit, the inclusion of this 3-song EP to the list was not entirely fair. Becuase it was this EP that turned me on to her previous debut full-length, which is currently becoming a personal favorite. This is an EP steeped in singer-songwriter fare; mostly guitar and vocals only. But the vocals are one of Scout's biggest strengths, as she posses one of those rare, unique voices that can only be hers.

Scout Niblett, "Uptown Top Ranking"

48. Nedelle and Thom, "Summerland" (Kill Rock Stars Records)
Sounds Like: The Mates of State on downers?

This is some summery pop right'chere. Like many of their married-and-in-a-band peers, this duo specializes in happy pop. But unlike, say, Mates of State, the music here is rather calm and serene, choosing to roll and bounce around listlessly. Despite it's title and rediculously good nature, though, I've found this album is best suited for a snowy winter day.

Nedelle and Thom, "In Time It Snows"

47. Graves, "Yes Yes Okay Okay" (Hush Records)
Sounds Like: Slightly folksy, organic pop

This album sounds real atmospheric and organic, like a K Recs record. Perhaps that's because members of Little Wings perform on this record. This record is pretty down-tempo and minor, almost to the point of being sad. But not quite. It's hooky, it's earthy, and comes in handy as a backdrop to some serious meditation and self-searching.

Graves, "The Will Now"

46. Tilly and the Wall, "Wild Like Children" (Team Love Records)
Sounds Like: Mates of State, Rainer Maria, and a smidgen of Riverdance :-\

Yes, in the grand tradition of the aforementioned groups, Tilly and the Wall provides us with sang/shouted vocals and harmonies that you simply can NOT not sing along with. But here's the kicker: they also tap-dance. Lame gimmick? Yeah, probably. But you probably won't notice it, anyways; and, besides, it DOES seem to give the rhythms a more dancey feel. It has a great, youthful charm to it, and what's more, they've made the entire thing available to us as a free download.

Listen to the entire album!

45. The Lashes, "The Stupid Stupid" (Lookout! Records)
Sounds Like: The Exploding Hearts, The Undertones

If you listened to either of the bands mentioned above, you've already heard this song. But this band is so endearing you'll probably give in and listen to the song one more time. If you don't know those bands, well, this EP offers rollicking guitars and keyboards, with gorgeous power pop harmonies. A promising sign of what's to come.

The Lashes, "Death By Mixtape" (go to the site and download)

44. Ulrich Schnauss, "A Strangely Isolated Place" (Domino Records)
Sounds Like: Electronic ambient pop; many say M83

Whoooo boy, what a purdy record. Ulrich can almost be seen as somewhat of a grandoise composer here, with layers of swirling sound flying around, and occassional bombast now and then. I don't know about using the term ambient to describe this, as I know little about ambient, yet this doesn't seem quite ambient. Still, lots of reviews deemed this ambient. Ditto for referencing M83. Still, this is a gorgeous electronic record where everyone seems to lvoe the guitars, not realizing there are no guitars.

Sounds: None availabe =(

43. The Owls, "Our Hopes and Dreams" (Magic Marker Records)
Sounds Like: A slightly more upbeat Azure Ray

I went through this entire year thinking this band had a Kinsella connection until told otherwise. I mean, sure, the lyrics have a midwestern emo flair to them, but the Mirah-esque etheral female vocals intertwining combine with a sweeping sound that could only be Kinsella in Joan of Arc. But regardless of connections, this is a pretty record that's just great for wintry night drives =).

The Owls, "Air"

42. S, "Puking and Crying" (Suicide Squeeze Records)
Sounds Like: The Postal Service meets Rainer Maria?

This is the new project from Jen Ghetto (who is formerly of the apparently much-missed Carissa Weird, which I'm just now discovering). I'm really not sure where to begin describing the music, but I guess I could say that it has some of the Postal Service's electronic stylings, but with more live instrumentation. The vocals are emotional and desperate, sounding somewhere between Rainer Maria passion and Bjork drama. This one seemed to slip under the radar, but I doubt the next one will.

S, "Falling"

41. Call Me Lightning, "The Trouble We're In" (Revelation Records"
Sounds Like: The soundtrack to losing your sanity

This record is nuts. It doesn't rely on shocking imagery like The Blood Brotehrs nor does it over-use a push-pull sound -- it's just the sound of a band falling apart at the seams and trying to make the song follow suit (and they succeed on occasions). It ain't a perfect record, but it's an intriguing noteable for completsits.

Call Me Lightning, "Pizza Party" (have to go to the site, and it's only a Real Player track)

40. Automato, "Automato" (Coup De Grace)
Sounds Like: The Roots jamming out with the Beastie Boys on the mic

Everything about this album feels impromptu. It feels like the band is just jamming out to some freestyle lyrics. I guess that's what gives this album it's energy and immediacy -- it's just a pick-up-and-go good time.

Automato, "Walk Into the Light"

39. Architecture In Helsinki, "Fingers Crossed" (Bar-None Records)
Sounds Like: Apples In Stereo meets Rainer Maria

^^^ Yep, that pretty much sums it up. It's an odd combination, but it might work for you. These are some gorgeous summery soundscapes, ridden by some breathy boy/girl vocals (so I guess it's more precious than impassioned like Rainer Maria, but I stand by my comparison). For the longest time I just couldn't stand the fact that none of the other songs here were as good as "The Owls Go". Then I just realized they're *different*. Then I enjoyed the album. Still, by some means, listen to "The Owls Go". Although it's on the opposite end of the spectrum from Lil' Jon, I can only describe it as crunk.

Sounds: None available =(

38. TV On the Radio, "Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes" (Touch and Go Records)
Sounds Like: Peter Gabriel, The Beta Band ... but only to a certain extent.

Yeah, Pitchfork's year-end summation of the album pretty much nailed it -- the greatest thing about this group is how different they sound from anything else out there. I mean, there are certain hipster elements the band contains, and there are certian links you can make to artists that preceeded them ... but there's no denying this group has a very fresh sound. Nice rhythms, great shelf-life, and, as everyone must mention, barber-shop-esque harmonies! Yay!

TVOTR, "Starin' at the Sun"
TVOTR, "Dreams"

37. Despistado, "The Emergency Response" (Jade Tree)
Sounds Like: Cap'n Jazz meets Wire or Q and Not U

This debut EP ran the risk of sounding incredibly cliche, but rather than sounding like a calculated move, the band plays their music with enough conviction to sound like this is what they've wanted to play all their lives. Whether or not they'll weather the deluge of similar (but not half as good) bands is anybody's guess, but at least they'll be one of the few worth remembering.

Despisidato, "A Stirstick's Prediction"

36. Of Montreal, "Satanic Panic in the Attic" (Polyvinyl)
Sounds Like: Absurdly joyous indie pop in the Elephant 6 vein

When you think of the E6 collective, you might think of Apples in Stereo, or you might think of Neutral Milk Hotel. But you don't think of Of Montreal. "Satanic Panic in the Attic" (love that title) is perhaps the best case that you should. With lovely harmonies, fantastic rhythms, and nice atmosphere, the only question is whether the record might be TOO happy for your liking.

Hey Ping =)

Of Montreal, "Disconnect the Dots"

35. Rob Sonic, "Telicatessen" (Definitive Jux)
Sounds Like: Prefuse 73, Timbaland, Diplo

On his solo debut, Rob instantly joins the aforementioned producers in the elite group of producers who can make futuristic rap that doesn't suck (sorry, Dan the Automator, you don't count). Unlike many of his epic, apocalyptic Def Jux cohorts, though, Rob's music is more often than not just good fun. It feels ahead of it's time, and it isn't weighted down in philosophy. Promising work, indeed.

Rob Sonic, "Former Future"
Rob Sonic, "Strange Hammer"
Rob Sonic, "Shoplift"

*All Def Jux Player samples

34. The Hives, "Tyrannasaurus Hives" (Interscope Records)
Sounds Like: Iggy Pop w/ hints of Devo

Who would've thunk that The Hives, who've made several great bare bones albums, would go and make their most highly-produced (by a considerable amount) album and have it turn out so good? This is no doubt because of the band's persistent playfulness and energy always shine through. In fact, the playfulness has lent a bit of a Devo flavor to the album, such as the "Jocko Homo"-ish single "Walk, Idiot, Walk". Yeah, while the first half of the album is rock-solid, the second half is kinda hit-or-miss, but you're probably just listening for your Hives quick fix, so who says you'll make it to track 7, anyways?

Sounds: None, sorry =(

33. Time Machine, "Slow Your Roll" (Glow In the Dark Records)
Sounds Like: A new Quannum act

Like so many of the year's "best" (I use the term loosely, since just about none of the year's rap could be considered classic outside of Hangar 1 rap albums, this is nothing an indie rap enthusiast hasn't heard before. Yet, as we plot wisely how to lay down our hard earned cash, there's something to say about an album that's consistent the whole way through. Plus, the aesthetic of the album is great. Though alot of the tracks have a more modern, etheral sound to them, they also sound totally vintage. A fine addition to any collection.

You can listen to the Time Machine Player here

32. Matt Pond PA, "Emblems" (Altitude Records)
Sounds Like: A more hushed, delicate Saturday Looks Good To Me?

A shimmering, delicate pop record here. I often think of music in terms of season, and this is (and was) definetely a spring record. Too happy for fall or winter, but not quite exuberantly happy enough for summer; there may be some limit to the album's appeal, but at some time, in some occassion, the album will hit you.

Sounds: Nothing from his new record, but you can find some old stuff at www.polyvinyl.com

31. Modest Mouse, "Good News for People Who Love Bad News (Epic)
Sounds Like: Well ... erm ... yunno ... Modest Mouse

Alot of people are raving about how this album was 2004's surprise hit; how shocking it was for a band like this to succeed in the mainstream. But it really shouldn't come as much a surprise - almost every Modest Mouse song is, at heart, a relatively simple song, and then they twist it a bit. This record is a bit less twisted, but in the trade-off, there's a bit of added happiness. And you can't hate a record for being happy, can you, you sad bastard? This proved to be a pretty successful combo, with much of the Modest Mouse style intact. Kudos.

Sounds: None here, but you might've heard this song called "Float On this past summer.

30. Signer, "The New Face of Smiling" (Carpark Records)
Sounds Like: An alive (yet not quite lively) Sigur Ros

Yep. The only record of it's kind I enjoy. Rather than its sleep-inducing peers, this album that is equal parts hushed and shimmering reveals gorgeous chord progressions and hooks in good time. The sleeper album of the year - pun not intended.

Videos:

Signer, "Hurricane or Sunshine?"

Signer, "I Was Dressed as the Ant, You Dressed Up as a Beehive"

29. Animal Collective, "Sung Tongs" (Fat Cat Records)
Sounds Like: (to be trite) Forest collage pop

Animal Collective finally gain critical praise and mass attention for their most accessible album to date. Not that accessibility is bad here - there's a small trade-off of weirdness for more hooks. If the forest (albeit, a slightly nuts forest) was a pop band, this is the music they'd make. For some, it may be a mere novelty, but for others, it's something almost ... spiritual?!

Animal Collective, "Slippi"

28. Sondre Lerche, "Two Way Monologues" (Astralwerks Records)
Sounds Like: Brendan Benson, Grade-A Power Pop

Any other year, I might've crowned this "Album of the Year", or at least charted it in the top 3. But unfortunately for Mr. Lerche, '04 has been a remarkable year for indie pop, with so many variations, the old standby of power pop just seems a little stale in comparison. But trends are merely temporary, while great music is forever -- and as Big Star proves, power pop has staying power. So, who knows; a decade from now, this gem might just end up the only one standing.

Sounds: Real Player Tracks:

Sondre Lerche, "Two Way Monologues"

Sondre Lerche, "On the Tower"

27. Typical Cats, "Civil Service" (Galapagos 4 Records)
Sounds Like: A Tribe Called Quest's "Peoples Instinctive Travels" meets Beastie Boys "Check Your Head"

With the Beastie Boys' new disc, Time Machine, and Typical Cats, the early 90's were alive in kicking in '04 rap. Typical Cats were perhaps the only group to make practically NO effort to sound up to date, though. I would not at all be surprised to find out that this album is really just a re-issue of a long-lost album from 1992. The flows are there in full Beastie Boys form, but the real star here may be the recording aesthetic ... alot of the album sounds like it must have been made with live instrumentation, which gives this album a real hard punch. This is one you'll want in your collection.

Sounds: A whole mess of MP3 format song samples (each about a minute or so)

Easy Cause It Is
Typical Flows
Justice Coming
Butterfly Knives
The Do

26. Pinback, "Summer In Abandon" (Touch and Go Records)
Sounds Like: Modest Mouse, Three Mile Pilot

While Modest Mouse may have been heralded as indie rock saviors for their unwillingness to fit nicely into any label or tag, it's a fact (which many of their fans either don't realize or don't want to) that the root of all their music is emo. Pinback edges off the weird a little bit and cranks up the emo a notch for this superb first Touch and Go release. Modest Mouse fans should enjoy.

Pinback, "Fortress"

25. Communique, "Poison Arrows" (Lookout! Records)

Communique, "Perfect Weapon" (go to the site and download)

24. Deerhoof, "Milking" and free live album "Bididi Badidi Boo" (Kill Rock Stars Records)
Sounds Like: Delightfully demented pop

I'll lump these two together since they both share some of the same songs. Deerhoof is headed by my future wife, Satomi Matsuzaki. The music they make is, unquestionably, pop - you know, The Beach Boys and such - but they aren't afraid to turn convention on its head. How about a metal breakdown? Or a foghorn stab? Why? Why not! And it turns out to be just as catchy as all of the standards. "Milking" is somewhat of a return to demented form after "Apple 'O", while "Bididi" is a free live disc that spans their three studio albums. Not the best track selection, but it's FREE.

Deerhoof, "Milking"

23. Owen, "The EP" (Polyvinyl Records)
Sounds Like: Something new from the Kinsellas

The Kinsella saga continues to add more twists and turns - from the fantastically spastic and influential Cap'n Jazz, to the almost-completely-polar-opposite (but still generally great) noise expirentalists Joan of Arc, to the somewhere-in-between American Football, we now find Owen, which is much like American Football but with (maybe?) shades of folk and indie rockers that preceeded them. Mike is paying tribute to those who came before him (sometimes even in words, like where he name checks Morrisey and New Order in "In the Morning, Before Work"), yet keeping up the style he ushered in nearly a decade ago.

Owen, "In the Morning, Before Work"

The prolific Kyle Field strikes once more. While long-time fans will surely feel at home here, there does seem to be a slight change in tone on this record - while they could all be played at the same beach, his prior stuff seemed to be written for the late night campfire, while this is for the noon-day surf. What that bad metaphor means is, this record seems a bit sunnier, a little more free-flowing. And like nearly anything released on K Records in the past couple years, the atmosphere is great.

Little Wings, "Hanta Yo Three"

Little Wings, "What Wonder"

21. Channels, "Open" (DeSoto Records)
Sounds Like: Jawbox, Burning Airlines

This EP is the newest project from Jawbox/Burning Airlines frontman J. Robbins. It's not radically different than any of his past work, but, as always, he changes it up JUST enough to make you fall in love all over again. The record, while still hitting hard, does have some melodic moments - can I say Pinback?

Channels, "Chivaree"

20. Mates of State, "All Day" (Polyvinyl Records)
Sounds Like: You pretty much have to hear it for yourself ... but ... I guess, a spazzy pop version of Rainer Maria with organs?

Yeah, it's only a four song EP, but it's Mates of State, so that's reason enough for it to land so high on the countdown. But wait -- this is some of their best material yet! The Mates have always had a bit of a problem with expanding their sound beyond that one incredible formula they have, but this EP shows promise that if they can keep this up for their next full-length, we're getting something mind-blowing.

Mates os State, "Goods"

19. Branches, "Branches" (Contraphonic Records)
Sounds Like: The new Wilco

Stunning debut. If you've followed Wilco for a while, or got into their catalogue retroactively after discovering them on one of their last two critically acclaimed albums, you can see their sound gradually progress (well, that might not be the right word ... some would say that means their sound has gotten better, which is up to debate). Now here comes this group called Branches, who make this awesome debut album, that sounds just like early/mid-era Wilco, with perhaps a couple shades of The Shins on a couple songs. It simply blows my mind that this album escaped hype this year, but you can rest assured these guys are going places fast.

Branches, "Cold and Rainy Day"

18. The Rogers Sisters, "Three Fingers" (Troubleman Unlimited)
Sounds Like: Devo, Wire, and The B-52's meet Erase Erratta

Time hasn't been so kind to this album. In the span of less than twelve months, we've seen so many albums that are more or less similar to this that it is dizzying. And all the Rogers Sisters really have to show for it is the knowledge they beat them to the punch. BUT, in all fairness, they have created an album that's considerably better than most you might confuse them with. Maybe when the dust settles, the spotlight they deserve will finally shine upon them.

The Rogers Sisters, "Freight Elevator"

17. By Divine Right, "Sweet Confusion"
Sounds Like: Sloan, Sloan, SLOAN!!!

So, yeah, if you've heard and enjoyed those power pop staples over the years, from Big Star to Teenage Fanclub to Sloan, and you still aren't tired of the sound yet, you need this record. Sloan fans in particular need to check this out - I should have the sneaking suspicion this is Sloan recording under a different name, but unlike Sloan's major downfall, these guys are really consistent. Everybody grab a mic and sing along.

Sounds: TONS of MP3's

16. High Water Marks, "Songs About the Ocean" (Eenie Meenie Records)
Sounds Like: Summery, moderately psychadellic pop

I have to admit, I kinda wrote this one off at first. I mean, these days there seems to be a textbook for making indie pop bands with a bit of a psychadellic flair, and this one didn't seem to be much different. But eventually it just grew on me ... the sound quality on here is just absolutely fantastic -- some of the best audio aesthetic this whole year, in my book. This music truly does take you away ... and usually leaves you with a smile on your face. And by god, some of these tunes are catchy ... after a couple listens you pretty much HAVE to sing these choruses all day at work. Features members of Apples In Stereo and Preston School of University.

High Water Marks, "Queen of Verlaine"

15. !!!, "Louden Up Now!" (Touch and Go Records)
Sounds Like: Radio 4 (but better), The Rapture (but looser)

Though '04 was the year that terms like "dance-punk" and "electroclash" finally became cliche beyond the point of return, !!! (chk chk chk for vocal purposes), a band that has been there practically every step of the way, dropped a bomb that gives us hope that they'll still be there after the smoke clears. Perhaps the biggest reason they stand out is because, unlike many of their more calculated peers, !!! delivers what feels like a much more spontaneous sound, triggering a similarily spontaneous reaction from the listener. That said, most of these songs are pretty beefy, offering up a lot of replayability.

!!!, "Hello? Is This Thing On?"

14. Prince Po, "The Slickness" (Lex Records)
Sounds Like: Ultramagnetic MC's for the new century

This is one friggin' HARD album, dude. Making his solo debut (finally), Prince Po of the influential Organized Konfusion comes harder than any emcee in recent memory (like, at least a decade?), all without persistent gun, drug, or hood talk. Po is just too slick for that. Backing up Po are beats that are equal parts grit and grits. This album has heart, but it can't be mistaken for anything short of HARD. Fantastic.

Prince Po Player

13. Rhythm of Black Lines, "Human Hand, Animal Band" (Gold Standard Labs)
Sounds Like: Fugazi meets Tortoise, with hints of Pink Floyd or The Mars Volta

Much like At the Drive-In, this quartet started as a math rock outfit and evolved into a prog-rock act (though they didn't have to break up and start a new band to do it). As a forewarning, I must say that this isn't probably something you'll want to listen to all the time (well, at least, if you're me, you won't, but this isn't usually my forte), but when it clicks, it's magic. One of the year's best buried gems; I think these guys are destined to become critical darlings in the near future.

Rhythm of Black Lines, "My Suzerian"

12. Systems Officer, "Systems Officer" (Ace-Fu Records)
Sounds Like: Modest Mouse, Pinback

Yes, this is a five-song EP clocking in at #12. Normally, that'd be an insanely high ranking for a five-song EP, but I just can't stress how good this is. If it's the mind-frame you go into it with, you're not going to see anything besides some new Pinback songs (this is Zach of Pinback's new side-project), but upon further examination it's something that's veering a bit more expirimental as Pinback becomes a little more safe as they gain a larger audience. Now, just because it's weirder doesn't make it better or even good -- it's the fact that these five unsuspecting little tunes will, eventually, own the "repeat" button on your stereo that makes it worthy. Buy it.

Systems Officer, "Hael"(MP3 Clip)

Systems Officer, "Forever This Cyanide"(MP3 Clip)

11. The Beastie Boys, "To the 5 Boroughs" (Capitol Records)
Sounds Like: Passing the mic into the new century

I really wanted to hate this album. I really did. The Beastie Boys haven't made a *great* record since their stellar "Check Your Head", and after "Hello Nasty", I could only hope they'd call it quits. Shockingly, though, the Boys have delivered a record that feels old-school without sounding stuck in the past, and delivering that mic-passing lyrical interaction only this trio can deliver. Sure, it could use a bit less of a political edge, and it's not quite "Paul's Boutique" or "Check Your Head", but it's better than "Ill Communication", and is EASILY the best mainstream revivalist rap album seen in ages.

Sounds: None Available =(

10. Mirah, "C'mon, Miracle" (K Recs)
Sounds Like: Gorgeous, earthy indie-pop, Microphones style

Little surprise here, Mirah delivers yet again. Though a little more serious than her last outing, it still very much retains that free-spirited feel, and maintains the bird's-eye-view of the world around her. Not the best starting point for a Mirah newcomer, but a more substantial effort than most this year.

Mirah, "Sweepstakes Prize"

Mirah, "Jerusalem"

09. Saturday Looks Good to Me, "Every Night" (Polyvinyl Records)
Sounds Like: Vintage 60's pop with Phil Spector inspiration

Hmm ...what else can I say about SLGTM? The "Sounds Like" description pretty much sums them up. There have been alot of recordings this year that have had excellent atmosphere and aesthetic, but few if any live and die by it the way SLGTM's music does. This music is carefully crafted to take you back to optimistic 60's summers. Hell, it does it good enough that even people like me who weren't around for optimistic 60's summers feel like I'm there. It's no novelty, either -- these are quality pop songs by any measurement.

Saturday Looks Good to Me, "The Girl's Distracted"

08. Happy, "Sincerely" (Double Plus Good Records)
Sounds Like:Rodan, June of 44, many say Slint

I have to wonder how long this one will last me. It's undeniably very calculated and mathy - there is some unbelievable tension and release at work here - but it still somehow feels very human and imperfect. The whole thing is littered with what could be called errors. And somehow, that makes it all the more likeable. I also have to mention the vocals - some of the best I've heard since Cedric Bixler's early work. Overall, the whole thing sounds very human, very chaotic (in the sense that not everything seems to be going on when in necessarily should), yet it also seems to be mapped out to draw as much emotional impact from the listener as possible. A compelling mix, and it works.

Happy, "Another D Down"

Happy, "Palm the Good Book"

Happy, "Hailing Mr. Pound"

07. Shy Child, "One With the Sun" (Say Hey Records)
Sounds Like: A more electronic The Rapture

The thing that set (and still does) The Rapture's excellent 2003 release "Echoes" apart from its countless counterparts was its fantastic production - or, mixing - work; a striking balance between cold, electronic noise, and raw, organic fury. Shy Child is much in the same vein, but with a stronger electronic (synth) slant. But while The Rapture's guitars sliced and thundered, Shy Child's offering is boggling synth lines that are, well, simply irresistable. Don't compare this to the Cure, because Robert Smith's gang never sounded like this. And don't call it dance-punk, because this is the new dance. Splendid.

Shy Child, "Break Your Neck"

Shy Child, "Break Your Neck"

06. Lickgoldensky, "Lickgoldensky" (Level-Plane Records)
Sounds Like: Br00tal frickin' spaz-core, son

Don't even get me started on this record, man. It's soooooooooooooooooooo good. This is one hell of a good time; it's about 3/4 hardcore and spaz, mixed in with about 1/4 Les Savy Fav-style melodicism (and I don't even like Les Savy Fav). I'd have to imagine this band's live show must be nuts. Man, I'm just gonna stop before I get carried away.

Lickgoldensky, "-------"

05. Hangar 18, "The Multi-Platinum Debut Album" (Definitive Jux Records)
Sounds Like: Hip-Hop (as opposed to rap)

I remember, there was a time when rap was just one of the five tenants of hip-hop culture, as opposed to the current scene, where hip-hop is just another term to describe rap (look no further than the Grammys for evidence). While Hangar 18's debut album may not include all the elements of hip-hop, it has a distinct feeling that TAKES you back to that era. I've said it a number of times, but this album makes me want to find a subway tunnel and start break-dancing in it. And yes, I would look like an idiot. And that flow. Even many of the "best" emcees these days are just barely doing more than talking over a beat. So few of them realize and utilize the innate rhythmic and percussive characteristics of the words they're using. Hangar nails it. But while they're going back a bit further than most of the many other similarily old-school-minded rap acts, they also avoid the pitfalls of sounding caught in the past or outdated. Lyrics - these guys have some truly funny and interesting stuff to say. And those beats are bannanas .... swirling synths and detailed rhythms all around. This ain't your average Def Jux album, and it's better for it.