Some of the best of 2004
Every magazine puts out a "Best of 2004" list this time of year.
In past weeks, I've mentioned some of the worst, as well as some honorable mentions.
Today and tomorrow, I'll look at some of the best of the year.
Green Day - American Idiot
Without looking at this album like everyone else - a rock opera - it's simply a great album. I wouldn't even compare it to The Who's "Tommy."
Here's a band that is known for its punk anthems and general mayhem, and they came out and released an album with political overtones and solid music writing.
The more I listen to the album, the more I like it - not for any political messages, but because it's well-written and easy to listen to.
Probably the best Green Day album so far.
Eric Clapton - Me and Mr. Johnson
Eric Clapton is definitely past the point in his career where he can do anything he wants and it will still sound great.
This collection of covers not only showcases Clapton's usual talents as a singer and guitarist, but also his heart for blues.
It would have been easy to make a blues-cover album of well-known songs, but Clapton instead chose the lesser known Robert Johnson (lesser known in the public eye) and covered 14 of his songs.
Clapton's done the blues before - on his own and with B.B. King - and it only gets better as time goes on.
Chevelle - This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)
I went back and forth with this entry - being unsure if I should include it here, or name it an honorable mention.
I think it was their live show that put it over the edge though.
I caught this trio of brothers at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem, N.C., not too long ago, and was impressed by not only their stage presence, but also their energy and ability to draw in the crowd.
The show was a late announced, little advertised event that nearly sold out. The majority of those in attendance knew just about every word to every song.
While the music itself isn't entirely groundbreaking, it's solid rock that stands on its own. Chevelle aren't imitators of others, they're carving their own path and producing original music that's well written and aggressive.
They even poke fun at "American Idol" with their track, "Get Some."
It's also better than their first album - which is always hard to do when you've had success.
Tomorrow - Four more from '04.
In past weeks, I've mentioned some of the worst, as well as some honorable mentions.
Today and tomorrow, I'll look at some of the best of the year.
Green Day - American Idiot
Without looking at this album like everyone else - a rock opera - it's simply a great album. I wouldn't even compare it to The Who's "Tommy."
Here's a band that is known for its punk anthems and general mayhem, and they came out and released an album with political overtones and solid music writing.
The more I listen to the album, the more I like it - not for any political messages, but because it's well-written and easy to listen to.
Probably the best Green Day album so far.
Eric Clapton - Me and Mr. Johnson
Eric Clapton is definitely past the point in his career where he can do anything he wants and it will still sound great.
This collection of covers not only showcases Clapton's usual talents as a singer and guitarist, but also his heart for blues.
It would have been easy to make a blues-cover album of well-known songs, but Clapton instead chose the lesser known Robert Johnson (lesser known in the public eye) and covered 14 of his songs.
Clapton's done the blues before - on his own and with B.B. King - and it only gets better as time goes on.
Chevelle - This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)
I went back and forth with this entry - being unsure if I should include it here, or name it an honorable mention.
I think it was their live show that put it over the edge though.
I caught this trio of brothers at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem, N.C., not too long ago, and was impressed by not only their stage presence, but also their energy and ability to draw in the crowd.
The show was a late announced, little advertised event that nearly sold out. The majority of those in attendance knew just about every word to every song.
While the music itself isn't entirely groundbreaking, it's solid rock that stands on its own. Chevelle aren't imitators of others, they're carving their own path and producing original music that's well written and aggressive.
They even poke fun at "American Idol" with their track, "Get Some."
It's also better than their first album - which is always hard to do when you've had success.
Tomorrow - Four more from '04.
posted by "Dakota" at
12/30/2004 09:24:00 AM
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