I love the end of the year. Especially on the internet, when bloggers and magazines alike put out their Best of Year lists; ranging from music, movies, TV shows, and more. I like to take this opportunity to discover artists I somehow missed all year, and relish the new-found talents. So here’s my Best Of 2004 Albums Gleaned From Other Best Of Album 2004 Lists; albums I’ve just recently discovered and clapped my hand giddily as I enjoyed them thoroughly.

Here they are in no particular order:

  • The Black Keys – Rubber Factor: Sweet, sweet blues by two mid-20’s white guys. I mean, just … wow! If there’s one album to start off 2005, by all means, grab this one.
  • The Arcade Fires – Funeral: Indie rock? Sure, I used to think it was just emo on crack, but now I know better. Their sound reminds me of David Bowie before he became a mega-star; all raw talent without the fuzzy materials hanging around. Just superb.
  • The Go! Team – Thunder Lightning Strike: I didn’t think a band could top Andrew W.K.’s frenetic energy, but The Go! Team surely tries. Their brand of music is infectious and fun.
  • Drive-By Truckers – The Dirty South: Lynyrd Skynyrd-inspired modern southern rock with a slight punk edge. Oh man, it’s great. It’s so good to see southern rock kicking with my generation.
  • The Zutons – Who Killed … The Zutons?: Imagine a new-wave band frozen in the 80’s, and showing up in 2004. That’s the Zutons, where they bring in their unique flavor of 80’s new wave, combined it with funk, and does it all with a rockabilly attitude.