Here's a look back at some of my favorites releases from 2004...

 

Click on the artist's name to visit his/her web site.

For your convenience, you can click on any CD cover to purchase that album.

 

(To ride again click here.)

Ben Weaver Stories Under Nails (Fugawee Birds Records)

Haunting, stark, and oddly lovely, Ben's album stays in your head and heart long after it has left your ears. 

Josh Lederman y Los Diablos The Town's Old Fair

(Coffeestain Music)

Poetic, fun and touching.  A wonderful release that shouldn't be missed.

Lori McKenna Bittertown (Signature Records)

Sparse and bittersweet, Lori's latest is a lyrical stand out.

Patty Griffin Impossible Dream (ATO Records)

Another incredible album from Patty.  Can't be listened to without tissues -- at least for this DJ.

Richard Buckner Dents and Shells (Merge)

A fine work from one of my favorite artists ever and one of the most innovative songwriters of our time.

Clarence Bucaro Sense of Light (Rounder)

Clarence's messages of love, hope and conviction make the listener think as well as feel.  His voice remains one of the most distinctive and enjoyable around -- a pleasure.

Jesse Malin The Heat (Artemis)

Jesse makes the list two years in a row with his gritty, honest, emotional songs.

Nels Andrews Sunday Shoes (Little Kiss)

Really strong lyrics and a great sound that pulls the listener in.

Rod Picott Girl From Arkansas (Welding Rod)

Poignant portraits of everyday people, every song is terrific on Rod's latest CD.

Cowboy Junkies One Soul Now (Zoe)

Old favorites put out a sonically and lyrically rewarding release.

Dave Alvin Ashgrove (Yep Roc)

Dave faces mortality and the very ambiguous meaning of what it is to live a good life in this outstanding collection of top-notch tunes.

The Weight Ten Mile Grace (Sabot)

A solid collection of songs that holds up listen after listen after listen.

Jolie Holland Escondida (Anti)

Unique and charming.  A great listen.

Anders Parker Tell it to the Dust (Baryon)

Anders' long awaited solo album is full of terrific songs with a pop sensibility that only adds to their appeal.

Paul Reddick Villanelle (Northern Blues)

One of the most original and listenable releases of the year.

I know I must be missing some -- 2004 was a very good year! 

I'll add on as I remember.

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