THE WORLD'S TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2004

I have compiled the ultimate Top Ten Albums of 2004 list, by scanning all the other lists of top albums of the year and assigning each album points based on where they appear on the list (10 points for a 1st place, 9 for second and so on) I will certainly end up with the one true list of the best music of the year.

The lists:

http://us.gq.com/culture/general/articles/041123plco_01
http://www.largeheartedboy.com/blog/archives/002879.html#002879
http://matos-04.blogspot.com/
http://best-music-of-the-year.blogspot.com/
http://katesilver.blogspot.com/2004/10/2004-favorite-records.html
http://www.scaruffi.com/ratings/2004.html
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/10499521/fimoculouscom-20/103-3189627-5800662
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/10709691/fimoculouscom-20/103-3189627-5800662
http://travelersdiagram.com/archive/2004_11_28_archive.html
http://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid1=3171
Plus a few others



THE RESULTS, in extra long format

1. Arcade Fire - Funeral - 39 points

I didn't even hear the name Arcade Fire until about a month ago and wasn't really aware of them at all until I started compiling this list, turns out that 12 months ago no one outside of their native Montreal had heard of them either. In the past two months though they have become the kings of New York, with 5 star reviews all over the place, guess I'll have to pick it up, at least for national pride's sake, they blew everyone else out of the water. update: been listening lots, it's good, maybe really good.

2. Fiery Furnaces - Blueberry Boat - 26 points

I know nothing about FF except that they are brothers and that those who like them, like them a lot.

2. Loretta Lynn - Van Lear Rose - 26 points

This has been on my list of albums to listen to since it came out, I'll be picking it up or downloading it asap, I can pretty much guarantee I'll love it.

2. The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free - 26 points

It's emo-Tricky! Tricky with all the accent and none of the menace, now with extra emotion. Only been listening to this one for a bit but a few songs stand out as pretty good, a few as pretty annoying.

3. Kayne West - College Dropout - 24 points

Ummm… s'up homey? Not sure if I'm "down" enough to "groove" to this "rapping" all the "kids" are "talking" about these days, I think I'll "pass".

3. AC Newman - The Slow Wonder - 24 points

Local boy made good! I like, not love, all the bands on the New Pornographers family tree, haven't heard this cd but saw AC Newman open for Wilco, the sound was pretty muddy and he was pretty nervous but a few parts sounded promising.

4. Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand - 23 points

This fire is outta control. It's as great as everyone says it is.

5. Norah Jones - Feels Like Home - 20 points

This is what I get for adding the Customer's Picks from Amazon onto my list of lists.

6. Ray Charles - Genius Loves Company - 17 points

See above.

7. Modest Mouse - Good News For People Who Love Bad News - 16 points

I've had this downloaded ever since it came out but have only listened to it once, could be great but I'll have to wait for more listens. update: 'Float On' is amazing, rest of the album is pretty good too.

8. Mclusky - Difference Between Me & You Is That I'm Not on Fire - 15 points

Welsh art-punk noisemakers… worth a listen based on album titles alone.

9. Brian Wilson - Smile - 14 points

Were these all pity votes? I doubt I'll hear this album, could have some cool stuff on it though.

9. Interpol - Antics - 14 points

Yup, they're good too

9. Diana Krall - The Girl In The Other Room - 14 points

You know lady, some people liked him A LOT MORE before you came along.

9. Madvillain - Madwillainy - 14 points

No idea whatsoever,

10. Morrissey - You Are The Quarry - 13 points

Score one for the old dude, great album, I was never much of a Smiths fan but I do like the guy and this album is pretty good.

10. Wilco - A Ghost Is Born - 13 points

I'm new to the Wilco club but this one likely has some of my favorites on it

10. Devendra Banhart - two albums - 13 points

No idea, I've read a bit about her but haven't heard anything yet.

10. Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters - 13 points

You go girl! Took me a while to give in and like this but once I did I really liked it.