Jez's Choices for Best Album and Song of 2004

I figure that there won't be any major music releases in these final weeks of 2004, so I've already made my lists for the best albums and songs of the year. I know that you all know I'm a hip hop head first and foremost. But I'll be damned if I don't say that this was a disappointing year for hip hop. That's why my choices for the best album and song of the year aren't even from hip hop artists! There were still a few bright spots (as evidenced by the presence of some hip hop in the nominee lists) but this year belonged to a couple of hard-rockin' dudes from Akron, Ohio, and four Scots, none of whom are actually archdukes to the best of my knowledge. Without further ado, here are my picks for best album and song of the year, each with an accompanying list of nine other nominees in ranked order:


Best Album of 2004
Rubber Factory by The Black Keys

The Black Keys' brand of gritty blues-rock has always been strongly visceral and raw; their previous critically-acclaimed album was a powerful expansion of their energetic, gut-level debut. Now they've taken a different approach, refining themselves in this latest release by adding in several more shades of aural subtlety in production. But they've managed to do it all without losing the essence of their original sound. The result is an album that would just about sound comfortable alongside the old vanguard of blues standards and yet retains the behavioral instincts of indie rock plus the impeccable stylings of classic rock and roll. These dynamic influences on this modern band's musical upbringing have invigorated their blues sound with a diversity that feels absolutely natural and sounds absolutely perfect.

Nominees for Best Album
Madvillainy by Madvillain
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by U2
Smile by Brian Wilson
The College Dropout by Kanye West
Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Tambourine by Tift Merritt
Boy in da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
Good News for People Who Love Bad News by Modest Mouse
There Will Be a Light by Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama

(I should note that The Grey Album by DJ Danger Mouse would certainly be a nominee if it were an actual commercial release.)


Best Song of 2004
"Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand

This was a wildly infectious record that not only caught ears with its upbeat pop resonance but intrigued listeners with its mysterious lyrics which somehow permitted the song to be interpreted as either a heartfelt, beseeching love song or an acerbically morbid murder ballad. Beguiling stuff indeed. How fun. Especially when you catch yourself dancing to this irrepressible tune. Plus it's got a perfectly executed middle eight! Boy, do I love a good middle eight...

Nominees for Best Song
"Maps" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"What Am I to You?" by Norah Jones
"What You Waiting For?" by Gwen Stefani
"Through the Wire" by Kanye West
"Slow Hands" by Interpol
"99 Problems" by Jay-Z
"Sex, Love & Money" by Mos Def
"First of the Gang to Die" by Morrissey
"If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys