Top albums (CDs?) of 2004

Cause I know you're dying to hear what I think...

5) Galactic - Ruckus. The latest release from this New Orleans band doesnt sound like it was recorded in the Big Easy. It's a bit too urban for that. Almost too urban. This ones got breakbeats, crossfades, and other minutae straight outta any cool club in NYC. But the songs are strong and the hints of hip-hop & electronica make it a record thats hard to define but easy to enjoy. Equally suited for dancin shoes or headphones.

4) Widespread Panic - Uber Cobra.
One of the three live albums WSP released last year (they took 2004 off for a little well deserved R&R). Uber Cobra is WSP's first acoustic live release and it showcases the bands musical dexterity very nicely. You can really judge a band when you take away their juice... and Uber Cobra proves that WSP has serious skills. Papa Johhny Road and Cant Get High are Panic standouts and the covers are sublime (Neil Young's Walk On and The Talking Head's City Of Dreams).

3) Dave Matthews - Some Devil.
Oh, he's cute. Oh, he's got a neat voice. Oh, the fucker can write a song. I loved DM's first album... then got really sick of him really fast. Much of it has to do with the fact I think much of the music he does with his band starts to sound alike after a while. Well, on this one he's left the band behind -- or at least it's not a Dave Matthews Band record... he's got some other friends along for the ride. And the album has a bit of everything. I was simply amazed by the quality of the songwriting.

2) MOFRO - Lochloosa.
The long awaited sophmore release from JJ Grey and Daryl Hance, who, along with a seemingly rotating support band, make up the "front porch soul" band known as Mofro. This is cracker soul. From the skeeter stingin swamps of north Florida come some of the most soulful music you'll hear all year. J.J. Grey is a surfin redneck with the soul of Otis Redding reincarnate. This record is heartfelt, it's simple, it's soulful as fuck. And it'll make ya shake yo ass. NOTE: Mofro is also some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet - so buy this album.

1) U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
Like Bruce Springsteen's The Rising album was much needed after the events of 9/11, I think the world needs this album now. It sounds like old-school U2, but its no retread. It's as vital and timely as any album they've ever released. Uplifting, introspective, brilliantly mature, yet still authentic. Not only the best album of 2004, but also one of the best albums of the decade. Yeah, that's right.