Wider Angle: Top 15 Albums of 2004

We've enjoyed 359 days of new music so far this year, so here is my roundup of the best of the best albums that should be checked out if you haven't already done so.

To say this list is subjective and personal would be an understatement, but I vouch for the superb quality of every release featured.

So, without further ado, and in no particular order...

Air - Talkie Walkie [Source]
Another masterpiece from the opera-loving French boys. They finished the album in LA with Radiohead's producer and it shows, but in all the right ways. Very mellow, very comfortable, and impeccably crafted.

Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous [Brute]
I started really liking Rilo Kiley after their previous release, The Execution of All Things, for their relentlessly catchy blend of indie rock and folk, plus the superb vocals of Jenny Lewis. More Adventurous is incredibly happy, surprisingly sad, and deeply penetrating. It's been a daily listen for me since it came out.

Ulrich Schnauss - A Strangely Isolated Place [Domino]
Not much can be said in words for Mr. Schnauss's capabilities in the cine-chillout genre. His mastery of creating aural scenes and stories is mezmerising. A Strangely Isolated Place had been released in Europe a few years back, but is finally available in the U.S.

Sander Kleinenberg - This Is Everybody Too [Renaissance]
Reviving Renaissance's good name for mix compilations (Renaissance Anthems 2002? Gross.), Mr. Kleinenberg deftly maneuvers the ones, the twos, the threes, the fours, the clicks, the ctrl-clicks, and mixes up a perfectly blended trip through breaks, house, progressive, and some rock thrown in for fun.

David Cross - It's Not Funny [Sub Pop]
It's very, very funny.

Way Out West - Don't Look Now [Distinctive]
WOW's third venture into album country is remarkably light compared to their last two LP's. Not too many giant breakdowns or thick, heavy kicks; just really great songs. And their production has improved as well, mixing a lot of natural drums, electronic sounds, and beautiful vocals from Omi.

Funk D'Void - Volume Freak [Soma]
Volume Freak is some of the most melodic techno I've ever heard. Mr. D'Void uses lush pads and really thick basslines on top of thumping techno beats to create an atmosphere all his own. Curl up next to the fireplace, mix a martini or three, and pop in this most appropriate soundtrack.

High Contrast - High Society [Hospital]
What's not to like? One of the leaders of the rolling drumnbass scene, High Contrast created an album filled with soul, funk, and heart. Lots of killer vocals, catchy basslines, and really fast, crisp, tight drums highlight the perpetually uplifting songs on the disc. Another daily listen.

Hybrid - Y4K [Distinctive]
Their first mix compilation ever. As you can imagine, it's fantastic, and features some new remixes they did just for the CD. If you're not familiar with their work, check out hybridized. Free downloads to get acquainted.

Mousse T - Right About Now [Free2Air]
I haven't been a genuine fan of rock or pop music for a long time, but Mr. T brings his dance experience to quality songwriting and makes a great pop record. Probably the best pop record of the year, if it weren't for...

Phoenix - Alphabetical [Source]
The best pop record of the year.

Snow Patrol - Final Straw [A&M]
If I'm not careful, I'm going to really start getting into rock again. Snow Patrol had been building their skills through Songs for Polar Bears and When It's All Over We till Have To Clear Up, but Final Straw is their masterpiece. Each song better than the last, and catchy as all get out.

The Faint - Wet From Birth [Saville Row]
This release was a long time coming. After Danse Macabre (and the subsequent uneven and badly promoted remix disc) I was longing, yearning, and praying for a new Faint album. Wet From Birth is better than I had ever hoped it would be. It defies genres and is really impossibly good.

Telefon Tel Aviv - Map of What Is Effortless [Hefty]
If only the description of this album could be stuttered. TTA cut, chop, slice, and dismantle everything in their path with tiny xacto blades and emerge with an enormously complex and magically lush tribute to love and technology. "My Week Beats Your Year" is probably one of the best songs of all time.

The Crimea - Tragedy Rocks [The Crimea]
John Peel had championed The Crimea like it was his primary responsibility on his show, and now they're one of my favorite bands. This is their first really widespread release. It's sincere and emotive. And it rocks.