Top 20 of 2004

Top 20 of 2004: KirbyPuckett's PicksKirbyPuckett's Picks (2004)
staff picks

Reviewer Rating: 5

Contributed by: KirbyPuckett
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Published on December 31st 2004.gh-artwork { background: url('/images/icons/albumborder.gif'); padding: 5px; float: left; margin-right: 0px; border: none} .gh-name { font-variant: small-caps; border-bottom: 1px solid #C5C5C5; width: 65%; padding: 1em 0 0em 7em; } .gh-label { font-variant: small-caps; padding-left: 7em.

I really do not want 2004 to end. The second that ball drops and everyone throws confetti in air, kisses some random stranger, or bangs a few pots and pans I hit that age gap were all the exuberant categories end. The 'real' world is only a few feet away, in the coming year I will have a college degree under my belt, yipes! The current calendar year has been a phenomenal one for myself personally and for music. Punknews.org officially invited me to their staff as a reviewer and thanks to Pittpunk.com I have developed amazing friendships everywhere in my fair city. Musically there have been a plethora of releases from big names and even more surprising records coming from every angle possible. Of course there have been several unfortunate events involving a recent surge of unfortunate deaths and several other bands being robbed or breaking down. Luckily outside of trite quarrels we belong to a supportive scene that has witnessed a large growth during the year and can see past the terrible events and look forward to more lucrative opportunities.

Moving right along.I've shifted the numbers so much on the following list that at this point I'm contemplating just leaving them unranked, but that's not really any fun. Not to mention it'll give a handful of you something to bicker about in the comments.

Top 20 Of 2004

#20. Ben Kweller - On My Way

ATO/RCA (Sony BMG)

On your way to the top you are Mr. Kweller! Quite a bit of pressure on this young man for his sophomore release and he passed with flying colors.

#19. Matt Pond PA - Emblems

Altitude

I'm bewildered that this isn't all over the radio and on every kid's playlist.

#18. Elliot Smith - From A Basement On The Hill

Anti- Records (Epitaph)

It's so unfortunate that such a talented musician has left us so early.

#17. Handsome Boy Modeling School - White People

Atlantic Records (WMG)

Prince Paul and Dan the Automator return for another stellar album filled with even more surprising cameos. A hip-hop record featuring the likes of Mike Patton, Del, The Mars Volta, Franz Ferdinand, De La Sol, Linkin Park, Pharrell Williams, John Oates (yes, THAT John Oates), Tim Meadows, Father Guido Sarducci, and many more. I might be the only person in the world to enjoy this more than .So How's Your Girl?

#16. Audio Karate - Lady Melody

Kung Fu Records

Biggest improvement of the year by far, their jump from the typical pop-punk Space Camp to this full fledged rocker is unbelievable!

#15. Green Day - American Idiot

Reprise Records (WMG)

Taking punk rock to the level of a "rock opera" and not missing a beat. This is not your normal Green Day, but it's just as good!

#14. Volcano, I'm Still Excited!! - Volcano, I'm Still Excited!!

Polyvinyl Records

There's a reason this band has to exclamation points in their name. Coupled with this poppy, dancey, and ultimately fun record is one extraordinary live performance!

#13. Arcade Fire - Funeral

Merge Records

There's so much hype surrounding this band at the moment, but this album truly deserves every bit it's receiving. Some find the vocalist's voice to be a weak point, but I do not hear that at all, just perfect indie rock.

#12. Voice In The Wire - Signals in Transmission

Eyeball Records

The talk all around Pittsburgh is of the Steelers and Ben Roethilisberger, but these guys deserve just as much attention.

#11. Big D & the Kids Table - How It Goes

Springman Records

2004 lacked a lot of fun records, thankfully ska is still lingering around and the spirit is as full as ever in the hearts of Big D.

#10. Hot Water Music - The New What Next

Epitaph Records

Maybe a little too polished for a Hot Water Music record, but it just goes to prove how incredible this band is.

#9. Blood Brothers - Crimes

V2 Music (Sony BMG)

Less hardcore just as it's becoming the 'in' thing and more sasscore (copyright Scott Hiesel) and the Bros. walk away with their most diverse and solid release ever.

#8. Modest Mouse - Good News for People Who Love Bad News

Epic (Sony BMG)

Over hyped, commercialized, and it gets better with every listen!

#7. Planes Mistaken For Stars - Up In Them Guts

No Idea Records

Metalcore or whatever is the new emo for 2004. PMFS look more metal than Dio and this rocks more than any other release this year.

#6. Dillinger Escape Plan - Miss Machine

Relapse Records

Perhaps one of the most anticipated records of the year delivers in full and then some.

#5. Jimmy Eat World - Futures

Interscope Records (UMG)

Throw out the acclaimed Mark Trombino and record one of the most well-rounded records of your career. hmmph.

#4. Ted Leo / Pharmacists - Shake the Sheets

Lookout! Records

This may not be considered the best album from Ted Leo and his band of RX, however it is defiantly their strongest showing to date. The band's unique blend of genres seems to have been mastered while Ted Leo's play on words is simple, but impeccable.

#3. Descendents - Cool To Be You

Fat Wreck Chords

Melodic punk rock at its finest. Welcome back!

#2. A Wilhelm Scream - Mute Print

Nitro Records

With a new name this band came soaring out of the gates and produced an amazing effort in terms melodic punk rock. Almost knocking Bad Religion off their rocker, with eleven tracks that mix the best of now with early nineties skate punk.

#1. Bad Religion - The Empire Strikes First

Epitaph Records

Can anything slow this juggernaut down? Graffin and Gurewitz are hands down the greatest punk rock songwriters. Ever.

2004 Mixtape

Picking 20 albums out of a few hundred is hard enough, but trying to pick 20 songs out of a thousand or so is damn near impossible! Hopefully these 30 of my favorite tunes of the year help summarize just how much quality music we've been blessed with.

Mix Tape

Rise Against - State Of The Union
A Wilhelm Scream - The Rip
Voice In The Wire - Ash Black
None More Black - Oh, There's Legwork
Hot Water Music - All Heads Down
The Falcon - Huffing The Proverbial Line Off The Proverbial Dong Or The Blood & The Frog
Bad Religion - Let Them Eat War
Audio Karate - Gypsyqueen
Gamits - Dotted Lines
Day - Holiday
Descendents - Nothing With You
Strung Out - Her Name in Blood
Lawrence Arms - Necrotism: Decanting The Insalubrious (Cyborg Midnight) Part 7
Planes Mistaken For Stars - Pigs
Dillinger Escape Plan - Highway Robbery

Zutons - You Will You Won't
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Me and Mia
Modest Mouse - Bury Me With It
Blood Brothers - Love Rhymes With Hideous Car Wreck
Head Automatica - Please Please Please (Young Hollywood)
Paris, Texas - Hip Replacement
Volcano, I'm Still Excited!! - In Green
Matt Pond PA - Summer (Butcher Two)
Jimmy Eat World - The World You Love
Limbeck - Perfect Teeth
Ben Kweller - Hospital Bed
Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
Motion City Soundtrack - When You're Around
Say Anything - Admit It!!!
Handsome Boy Modeling School - A Day In The Life (Featuring RZA & The Mars Volta & AG)

Best Reissue:

Weezer - Weezer (Blue Album) [Deluxe Edition]

Geffen (UMG)

I was leery of this at first, figuring it would ruin a perfectly good thing. I was well off as somehow a perfect record got even better with the beefed up songs, mound of extras, and beautiful liner notes. Weezer also deserves props for the DVD they released this year. If the "Mykle & Carli" scene doesn't get to you, then you have no heart.

Top 3 DVDs:

#3. Anti-Flag - Death of A Nation

A-F Records

Blah blah blah blah blah blah. The amount of material on this DVD should be a standard of 2005.

#2. Weezer Video Capture Device: Treasures From The Vault 1991-2002

Geffen (UMG)

Coupling the reissue of the Blue Album Weezer released a complete DVD of music videos, live footage, studio footage, and several other little tidbits of media that provide over three hours of entertainment! If the "Mykle & Carli" scene doesn't get to you, then you have no heart.

#1. Against Me! - We're Never Going Home

Fat Wreck Chords

This isn't quite the traditional DVD we're used to of either a show or a mixture of live material and videos. It's a tour documentary almost that follows the Gainesville band around the U.S. as labels fight for their rights. Suspenseful, hilarious, and even comes with a drinking game!

Top 3 EPs

#3. Mates Of State - All Day

Polyvinyl

Although its just a short EP there's a lot of growth between the king and queen of cute here. This release makes me really happy and puts an urge in my feet to dance!

#2. The Falcon - God Don't Make No Trash Or Up Your Ass With Broken Glass

Red Scare

There's more Chicago all-stars in this band than the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Bears combined! Fast and gritty punk done right.

#1. None More Black - Load & Loathing

Sabot Recordings

File Under Black without the terrible production. Yes it depresses me that this still isn't Kid Dynamite, but I think I'm ready to accept the fact and get over it. I think this band has finally figured out who they are and I'll be eagerly awaiting their next full length.

Best Split

Motion City Soundtrack / Limbeck - Split 7"

Blue Collar Distro

I really wanted to give this to the Alkaline Trio and One Man Army but I can't get over how incredible Limbeck's cover of "Perfect Teeth" is, I may prefer it over the original! On the other side of this rare 7", Motion City Soundtrack represents what music is to me, fun, fun, fun and something to dance to as well.

Disappointments

Rise Against - Siren Song of the Counter Culture

Geffen (UMG)

The album starts off hard, loud, and powerful, but after that it's all downhill.

The Mr. T Experience - Yesterday Rules

Lookout! Records

This is not a bad record at all, but I wanted less country-rock and more top notch pop-punk.

The Vandals - Hollywood Potato Chip

Kung Fu Records

Throw in the towel, please.

The Faint - Wet From Birth

Saddle Creek Records

Again, not that this is a terrible album; I just expected so much more from the band after a three year hiatus.

Top Compilation

Various Artists - Rock Against Bush Vol. 1

Fat Wreck Chords

Although the events of November 2nd did not go as many of us had planned and tried so hard to prevent this collection of political fused songs poses as a milestone to modern punk -- A throw back to the old days when rebellion against the government filled every 'punk' album. Plus that None More Black song slays!

Best Records Of 2003 I Didn't Hear Until 2004

The Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic

Dirtnap Records

This is one of my top 5 favorite records of the year; unfortunately it came out during the last one. We lost three amazing songwriters when this band left us in an awful car accident.

Anticipations For 2004

This will be a tough year to top, but the future looks bright with albums ready to come from Alkaline Trio, Against Me!, Strike Anywhere, Agnostic Front, Comeback Kid, Gatsby's American Dream, Choke, Big Wig, Paint It Black, Gratitude, Inspection 12, Millencolin, Propagandhi, Reel Big Fish, Rocket Summer, Aquabats, Motion City Soundtrack, Brand New, and plenty more.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (January 7, 2005)

The Vandals made a nice comeback with Internet Dating Superstuds but Hollywood Potato Chip is just plain annoying.

I'll admit I really like the first four songs on it but from like songs 5-10 there's some of the most boring bla bla filler tracks I've ever heard.

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

green day is fuckin gay, how does anyone like this trendy piece of shit band thats all over mtv everyfuckignday

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

You and your list are fucking trash. Die in a fire, please.

Anonymous (January 4, 2005)

Wow. This list should be titled "Top 30 or so records Ken is least likely to enjoy"

8dollarclarinetsolo (January 3, 2005)

the only person to rep the falcon and none more. good job

GYBE (January 3, 2005)

Hooray for mentioning your anticipation for the new CBK record.

-GYBE

TheNightProwler (January 2, 2005)

I don't see why Hollywood Potato Chip is being shit on? I think it’s a great album that it just got shit on by whiny uptight people who just don't appreciate The Vandals.

punkcorekid (January 2, 2005)

I don't get what everybody sees in A Wilhelm Scream.

i-type-poorly (January 2, 2005)

wow, i'm bummed out that the only MTX mention here was on someone's dissipointment list. It's never been their intention to do pop punk because they think it's cool, but because at the time it wasn't; it was to make the punk rockers uncomfortable with a clearly geekier/lamer sound. Now that pop-punk is in with the mall crowd, it's time to go one step further (and beleive me, it works, my mall punk sister gets so ticked off by this cd, and alcatraz)

oh well, i'm more of a fan of the songwriting anyway...

kirbypuckett (January 1, 2005)

You call the Arcade Fire a perfect indie rock and put it at #13.

Please, it's much better than a band like Bad Religion that used to be great, but now sound like an anti-flag ripoff.

I'm slowly liking indie rock more and more, but punk is still #1 in my book.

Apparent by the top three.

Anonymous (January 1, 2005)

You call the Arcade Fire a perfect indie rock and put it at #13.

Please, it's much better than a band like Bad Religion that used to be great, but now sound like an anti-flag ripoff.

Anonymous (January 1, 2005)

A Wilhelm Scream is a great band and worthy of the 2 spot on the list. It was a breath of fresh air in the melodic hardcore scene. I love Bad Religion and the Descendents but their new material just doesnt have the edge they had back in their glory days. Almost any band on No Idea is good enough for me, much less PMFS. The Rise Against album receives mixed reviews. State of the Union is a great song to start off, but the rest of the album is a liitle slower than previous works. However, I don't think that it's bad in anyway, it's just a different album than RPM or The Unraveling. A little softer and more melodic, but I still think it's a great album

kirbypuckett (January 1, 2005)

A Wilhelm Scream in Cleveland TOMORROW!

- Kirby

earth23 (January 1, 2005)

Finally, somone gave props to A Wilhelm Scream. That album is just too damn good.

Anonymous (January 1, 2005)

Punk has never been so indie. =P

Anonymous (December 31, 2004)

i was about to say that you guys all need to listen to more arcade fire. i guess everyone but you needs to listen to more arcade fire

joeg (December 31, 2004)

rise against was a disappointment too. started strong, finished weak.

Anonymous (December 31, 2004)

I sure hope you clowns don't intend on posting that in every list. I'm going to limit my selections to Scott's. Or Adam's. Or whoever is at the very top (not of it's Brian though).

-Chinatown

bizzlebrizzle (December 31, 2004)

10.)Wrangler Brutes - Zulu
9.)Sex Positions - Self-Titled
8.)The Gamits - Antidote
7.)Pulley - Matters
6.)Rise Against - Siren Song Of The Counterculture
5.)Still Crossed - Love and Betrayl
4.)Minus The Bear - They Make Beer Commericals Like This
3.)Only Crime - To The Nines
2.)Dillinger Escape Plan - Miss Machine
1.)Strung Out - Exile In Oblivion

My most anticipated for next year:

Paint It Black
Cursed
Kill Your Idols
7 Seconds
The Loved Ones
Propagandhi
Avail
Bigwig
New Mexican Disaster Squad
Bane

burntorangepeel (December 31, 2004)

My top ten:

10. Eminem - Encore (not necessarily punk, but oh well, it's still a good listen)
9. Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards - Viking
8. Tiger Army - III: Ghost Tigers Rise
7. Flogging Molly - Within a Mile of Home
6. Presidents of the United States of America - Love Everybody
5. Bad Religion - The Empire Strikes First
4. The Vandals - Hollywood Potato Chip (Best Album Title though)
3. Green Day - American Idiot
2. The Living End - Modern ARTillery

and...

1. Descendents - Cool to Be You (This year, I easily listened to this album more than anything else I own. Fantastic.)

Most anticipated albums of 2005: Beck, Sage Francis, Andrew W.K., AFI, and Transplants.