Someone Is Listening! -- Man, we were really starting to feel neglected there for a bit -- that was until a few loyal readers and fellow music geeks responded to our query: What were your favorite records of 2004? And you guys had some good things to say. Not even one of you tried to tell us that Ashlee Simpson's album was your pick of the year. Phew!
Loyal reader Chris DeForest informed us that Pink Martini's newest, Hang On Little Tomato, was his "fab" pick of the year. "Check it out," he says. "And catch them next time they come to Spokane -- they've been a couple of times to the Opera House and had the SpoSymphony as a 'back-up band.' Fab."
Joe Saad not only sent us favorite album, but he gave us his entire top 10 -- including some honorable mentions. The Arcade Fire's Funeral topped the list as his pick of the year. Interpol's Antics followed, along with The Dears' No Cities Left, Muse's Absolution and Modest Mouse's latest taking up the top five spots. Saad also gave nods to Aveo's Battery, the Von Bondies' Pawn Shoppe Heart, Dogs Die in Hot Cars' Please Describe Yourself and the Blood Brothers' Crimes.
Randy Longmire noted the omission of the Beastie Boys' latest, To the Five Boroughs, from our lists, saying that the trio's newest just "has to be" his pick of the year. Others? He pointed to Bad Religion's The Empire Strikes First as his runner up.
And local fan John O'Neill said that Mylestone is his favorite band from '04 after watching the local boys take the BobFest trophy home at this year's competition and open for AlterBridge at their Spokane show.
So there it is, readers -- you've been heard. Keep an ear to Sound Advice in the future to hear what other local music geeks are rocking on their headphones. And, of course, keep sending us your suggestions for what you want to read about here.
Until then, rock on in 2005.
Publication date: 1/06/04
