This whole list is me biting off of PlanetDan. But I'm sure I won't be the only one making "best of..." blog lists. Hopefully my lack of originality in choosing to make the list is made up by my choices of artists for the list.

These are my favorite CDs of 2004 - In no particular order. (Click on artist to see their website, click on album name to see on Amazon)

Elliot Smith - From a Basement on the Hill
This CD exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with Elliot Smith's music when I discovered Either/Or. Our relationship started to decline at XO and was practically over at Figure 8. This seems to reach back to the sweetness of Either/Or and conjures up the same feelings for me.

Favorite Track: "Fond Farewell to a Friend"

The Killers - Hot Fuss
This album is like a popped collar and hair that's messy on purpose - so hip that you can't help but try it. I loved this album. It makes me want to shake my ass.

Favorite Track(s): "Sombody Told Me" and "Mr. Brightside"

Modest Mouse - Good News for People Who Love Bad News
I've always liked Modest Mouse. But I find their CDs constantly have a few tracks that I love and a few that I must skip immediately or I may freak out. I don't usually like their CDs song for song - and this one is no exception. But it has some real gems which are gemmy enough to make it a favorite.

Favorite Track(s): "Ocean Breathes Salty" "Float On" "Blame it on the Tetons"

Snow Patrol - Final Straw
For some reason this album really got to me this year. I've always liked the Reindeer Section, which shares members with Snow Patrol, namely a singer - Gary Lightbody. I don't know how to describe it, but it gets to me everytime I hear it.

Favorite Track(s): "Gleaming Auction" "Spitting Games"

("I find it easier to sit and stare/Than push my limbs out towards you right there/My heart is bursting in your perfect eyes/As blue as oceans and as pure as skies" - Spitting Games)

Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
This is decidedly sad music. I think that's how anyone would describe it, but I enjoy it. I enjoy it the same way I enjoyed listening to the Smiths when I was in high school. Sometimes it feels good to feel sad. Upon close listening, the lyrics are interesting and not altoghether meloncholy. You can hear this guy's beard. I swear.

Favorite Track(s): "Cinder and Smoke" "Naked As We Came"

Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous
A lot of people did not like this album. I did. Is it chick rock? Yes. Does that matter? I dunno, I liked the lyrics and I listened to it every time I made dinner for a month. So there you go. It stuck with me and I think Jenny Lewis is cool. I wish I could be an indie rock darling like her.

Favorite Track(s): "Portions for Foxes" "Absence of God" "More Adventurous"

Jem - Finally Woken
Some tracks could be mixed up with Dido. But come on, you like some Dido songs...admit it. Its kind of hip and kind of pop...it would be in the "alternative" section of the Columbia House catalog and who can resist 8 CDs for only a penny? I like it and she doesn't sound like she looks, which I find amusing. Its good driving music.

Favorite Track(s): "They" "Flying High" "Just a Ride"

Honorable Mentions

Here are some CDs that I like, but haven't let marinate enough for me to really get their full flavor...

Keane - Hopes and Fears
I think I love this album, but I just haven't had enough time to spend with it. We're just on our first few dates. It's sing-songey and lovey-dovey and I like it.

Favorite Track(s): "Bend and Break"

Citizen Cope - The Clarence Greenwood Recordings
The way this guy sings about stuff - I'd call him the modern Al Green, but more rockin - to me anyway. Guaranteed to make you want to take your pants off.

Favorite Track(s): "Sideways"

Jon Brion - I Heart Huckabees
I still haven't seen the movie, but it got so much hype that I looked into the soundtrack. I prefer the songs with singing to the all instrumentals. Reminds me of Elliot Smith and BDB. It makes me smile a goofy grin when I hear it. More than ususual, that is.

Favorite Track(s): Knock Yourself Out

Badly Drawn Boy - One Plus One is One
Speak of the devil...I think I will love this CD, its just one more thing I haven't gotten to know well enough. A few days listening to it on the commute and I'll love it. I betcha.

Favorite Track(s): "Easy Love"

David Kilgour - Frozen Orange
I don't know how I heard about this. I can't remember. The few songs I've listened to repeatedly remind me of those vignettes they'd do during Mr. Rogers or Sesame Street where they'd just put all these images together with some happy music.

Favorite Track(s): "Frozen Orange" "Blue Sky"