One Chord To Another: Faves 2004

Again time to make those best of the year lists. Always fun and yet extremely difficult thing to do. This year I had apparently bought (well I got a few of them) more new full-length records (65 or thereabouts) than before so it was even more difficult. Thank God, I didn't have enough money to buy more. (hmm that sounded familiar). And don't take these too seriously, who can really put great records / songs into some specific order. For example in the album category, the top 8 were in their own league for me, but after that it was really difficult and on another day it might look slightly different. Anyway here we go:
TOP 30 ALBUMS:

	1. Viola: Tearcandy If I force myself to choose between Tearcandy and Tragician's Hat, then my album of the year has to be this debut album by Viola. I just instantly fell in love with it and now eight months later I still love the album. Perhaps the impact it made for me was highlighted by the fact that I was in a rather sorry shape at the time. And this album gave me the comfort and warmness I needed. When things like pressure of finishing school, health worries, loneliness etc tried to sink me, I was always able to put this on and the emotional charge and beautiness of this music brought all the colours back to scenery I saw in front of me. It may seem naiive to you, but I feel that strongly towards music. It can have such an enormous comforting and therapeutic influence. You are not supposed to just listen to albums, you are supposed to love them. And I love this album and all the feelings it evokes in me. It may be a weird favorite in a sense that their influences like Cure and Cranes have not been that important for me. But I love Tearcandy wholeheartedly. It truly is music that has a heart. Lovelights mp3 + music video for Violentia (Violentia is not on the album) Viola Website

	2. Sister Flo: Tragician's Hat It truly breaks my heart to drop it to a second place, because this such a perfect album. Beautiful songs, Samae's gentle voice, insightful arrangements. This is totally my kind of music. Half of the songs could go to my top ten songs of the year list. In my dreamworld everyone loves this. And how could anyone who has heard the album not love it. Even christmas shopping was easier this year, because I wanted to give this to people I love and care about. Sister Flo Website (discography section contains two songs from the album. If you haven't heard Sister Flo, you now must go and listen the song called 'White Noise'. I could almost promise to buy a beer to everyone who doesn't like it. But I won't, because some lying dishonest guy might try to take an advantage of that offer)

	3.Trembling Blue Stars: The Seven Autumn Flowers The most important album outside Finland was the fifth album by Trembling Blue Stars, Bob Wratten writes so moving melancholic dreamy pop music. And yes Trembling Blue Stars have even changed the way I see and feel the world. Well not entirely. In a way I've always been a sadminded romantic boy. But anyway this is just so beautiful. 'All Eternal Things' and 'Moonlight on Snow' are so intimate and fabulous. Timeless pop music. Trembling Blue Stars Website Helen Reddy mp3 + music video

	4. The Heavy Blinkers: The Night and I are Still So Young Way too overlooked band and album. I don't understand why I didn't give this the full five hearts at the time reviewed it. I already loved it then, but during the summer and fall it become certain that The Heavy Blinkers can heal everything what is wrong with my heart. Orchestrated pop music with amazingly beautiful vocals. This canadian group was one of the biggest finds for me in 2004. The Heavy Blinkers Website Title track mp3 in here

	5. Wojciech: Tähtiöitä (+ Ystävät, toverit) I seem to be the only one who loves this more than the first one. I understand that most of seem to love the debut more, but it's weird that same people who love that one don't praise this one too. I mean c'mon. The first two tracks are only good, but the rest is just heaven. Truly captivating atmosphere and magical songs. Wojciech can turn moments of time into beautiful dreams. (and Ystävät, Toverit would be only few places lower on this list but I took the liberty to just group it with Tähtiöitä on this little end of year list of mine). Wojciech Website

	6. Ville Leinonen: Suudelmitar Ville Leinonen was back at his best with this solo album. Just beautiful and romantic music ready to fill your heart with warmth and comfort. As I said in my review. Somehow this defines everything I believe in. It drifts your worries away and brings all the colours even to the loneliest moments. Ville Leinonen Website

	7. Elliot Smith: From A Basement On The Hill Elliot Smith's farewell was this wonderful album. To me this is the second best album of his entire career. Only Either/Or rises above this. I don't write more because otherwise I start crying and won't be able to finish this list. Elliot Smith Website

	8. Ken Stringfellow: Soft Commands This album wasn't as perfect as that memorable concert at Tavastia in december. But about 80% of this was perfect and Soft Commands contained some of the greatest pop songs I heard during the year. Ken is a really talented guy. A true pop genius and a fantastic performer. And I'm a huge fan. Now and always. Ken Stringfellow Website You Drew mp3 here

	9. Sufjan Stevens: Seven Swans So very beautiful music. Sufjan Stevens is a wonderful singer-songwriter. Alternative folk, americana and a bit of gospel. I might be a pop kid, but somehow albums like these often make a bigger impact than those three-minute catchy pop songs. Sufjan Stevens Website (inc Sister mp3)

	10. Mummypowder: Consternation! Uproar! Finest finnish guitar pop. The first half of this album is just heavenly and the rest isn't much worse. 'Don't Hold Your Breath' was a hit and 'Right This Minute' was amazingly beautiful. And Janne has a lovely voice. Mummypowder Website (inc short clips from the album)

	11. Language Of Flowers: Songs About You This sounds like it was made fifteen years ago. In a good way of course. A lot like Heavenly or Talulah Gosh in 2004. Classic indiepop, lovely vocals, catchy songs. I can't say that this brings back the good old days though, because at the time I probably listened to something like Cannibal Corpse..haha and had never heard about indiepop. Language Of Flowers Website Three full songs in here

	12. Guild League: Inner North Beautiful and warm down-to-earth pop music from australia. Tali White from The Lucksmiths is now in two great bands, because on this album also Guild League rises to hall of fame (or no fame, but great music that some indie freaks love all around the globe). Four full songs here

	13. The Rollstons: Taping Trees The shores of Tourujoki and the Lo-Fi status are now in the past, but the band keeps making great indie music. We'll see if the next one really hits the jackpot. This was already close. And perhaps the next one will be the happiest ever, if the latest Tottenham manager Martin Jol keeps doing his job as well as he has started.. The Rollstons Website

	14. Le Futur Pompiste: Your Stories and Your Thoughts Beautiful, sunny and colourful debut album. A way too overlooked in the finnish media, but it's been lovely to hear/read nice things about the album from various indieminded people around the globe. If you like Stereolab, Call & Response etc give them a chance to win your heart. Le Futur Pompiste Website (inc 10 mp3 songs from the earlier EPs)

	15. Iron & Wine: Our Endless Numbered Days A quiet treasure. Iron & Wine is one man called Sam Beam from Miami. Subtle beauty, hushed vocals and lovely down-to-earth folky songs. Quite remarkable. I must go and buy the debut too. Iron & Wine Website (inc Naked as We Come mp3)

	16. TV-Resistori: Intiaanidisko I don't know where to put TV-Resistori on this little list. I've changed its place many times. Mainly because sometimes it feels that this is one of the best things ever and should be in the top 5 and on the next day I could leave it outside top 20. I guess it just depends on my mood. Lovely album. Supercatchy and whole lot of fun..But whoever wrote the chorus of 'Tukehtuminen' have stolen some thoughts that go through my mind way too often. TV-Resistori Website Intiaanidisko mp3

	17. Cessna: Terminus It came out on in the beginning of january, so I almost forgot that this magnificent album needs to be included. Cessna just keeps making great indie pop music. Especially 'Wide Awake', 'Time Ticks Away' and 'Like I Love You' were wonderful songs. Cessna Website Two full songs here

	18. Puny: Small Scale This was a bit too overlooked. I don't know did people think it was only "nice", but it definitely was more than that. At least for me it was. Good indierock album as a whole and then there was that wonderful trio of 'Happy', 'You Saved My Life', 'Ghostworld' in the middle of the album. Puny Website (inc four full mp3 songs)

	19. Saturday Looks Good To Me: Every Night It's growing and growing. It's a great album. But the previous All Your Summer Songs is still helluva lot better. But I do adore this new one too. Fred Thomas is indiepopwizzard. Bacharach/Spector kind of 60's influenced pop music. Plenty of orchestrations, different vocalists etc. Satuday Looks Good To Me Website The Girl's Distracted mp3

	20. Office Building: Violent Heart Previous OB albums have been number #1, #1 and #3 on my albums of the year lists. This one is also a really good album, but not quite as magical. I do really like most of the songs, but somehow I never learned to love this album as much as I wanted to. But as you can see with this place in the top 20 that even a not perfect OB album was better than 45 other albums I bought. Office Building did also release one song that totally blew my mind away. It was Scar Song that was on the Never Leave The Ground single. Office Building Website Never Leave The Ground music video Violent Heart mini-site (listen the whole album)

	21. Jolly Jumpers: Hometown Hi-Fi Nothing to do with pop music, but for me Jolly Jumpers has been one of the finest bands in Finland for years. All the albums have been really good and this one is no exception. Finnish americana, desert rock or the soundtrack for the next David Lynch movie. Jolly Jumpers Website (inc two full mp3 songs)

	22. Architecture In Helsinki: Fingers Crossed Melbourne-based group that has a wonderful name (albeit Architecture in Jyväskylä would be even better, heh). This was originally released in australia year earlier. But I got this years US release, so I'll ignore that. Lovely, sweet and twee. Architecture in Helsinki Website Two music videos (especially Like a Call is a great one)

	23. The Phonies: Instant Elation I like everything these guys do. Rather powerful guitar pop album. And dark as well. 'Golden Boy' was a perfect song and the album was really good too. Stenman has such an unique voice, but I love it. The Phonies Website

	24. Tilly and The Wall: Wild Like Children This was released on Conor Oberst's (Bright Eyes) label Team Love and you can download the full album on the label's website. But it's so wonderful that I bought it. Beautiful boy-girl harmonies. Pretty folk-pop songs about love. Songs like 'Let It Rain', 'You and I Misbehaving' and 'Fell Down The Stairs' are simply perfect. Some 'only good' songs too, but still a great album. Tilly and The Wall Website All the songs here on the label's site

	25. Laurel Music: This Night and the Next This swedish group also did a small tour here in Finland. It's really beautiful country-tinged pop music with awesome female vocals. Especially those little sadminded ballads were totally like made for me. Laurel Music Website (inc. two full mp3 songs)

	26. Magnetic Fields: I A great album by Magnetic Fields. Well there's a few fillers, but it's mostly great. Kind of makes me ashamed that I still don't own 69 love songs. I could make a new year promise that I buy that before summer. Oh and the song 'I Looked All Over Town' was especially something really wonderful. Magnetic Fields Website

	27. Of Montreal: Satanic Panic In The Attic I had my doubts about Of Montreal. I thought it might be a bit too weird and difficult for a stupid simple fucked up boy/man/whatever. But I have no doubts after finally buying this. The songs are complicated at times, but not disturbingly so. And oh dear how songs like 'Your Magic is Working' crawl under your skin. Great 60's influenced psych-pop. Of Montreal Website (inc. two full mp3 songs)

	28. Lodger: Hi-Fi High Lights Down Low Some brazilian mailed me and said that some journalist over there had written that Lodger is a creation of Tobacco industry that tries to keep up the image that smoking is cool. Well that journalist apparently hadn't checked his/her facts before coming into that conclusion. Because the videos are awesome, ironic and funny, but the most important part of course is that Lodger is a great finnish band that makes really good indierock. Lodger Website (watch those awesome videos and listen to great songs)

	29. Arcade Fire: Funeral A very last minute entry. I got this less than a week before I finished this list. Arcade Fire seem to be the one of the most hyped bands at the moment. At least in the north america(for example Pitchfork's album of the year, #2 on popmatter's list..etc). And I admit that they are really good. But...it's a bit too massive for me. I prefer small things, just a guitar (preferably green one) and a beautiful voice is often enough for me. In small portions, Arcade Fire does seem perfect, but in an album length..I'm not 100% sure yet.. However, 'Crown of Love' is a wonderful song and 'Funeral' is quite impressive and passionate album. It might have risen a bit higher if I had gotten it sooner (same problem with Flannelmouth and Melpo Mene, really liked them but haven't really created that emotional bond with those songs yet..christ..I'm such a stupid naiive boy). But at the moment I don't think that this will ever be truly loved by me. Like those top eight for example. Arcade Fire Website Listen three songs

	30. Kings Of Convenience: Riot on an Empty Street The concert at Tavastia was wonderful. The first half of the album was wonderful too but it losed a bit of it's magic towards the end. Nevertheless, a really good album from this norwegian duo. Kings of Convenience Website
Oh well I guess that has to be it. It's already ridicilously long. And still great records like Melpo Mene, Jim White, Fairways, Postal Blue, Frenchmen, Delgados, Mystic Chords Of Memory etc are not included. And of course it breaks me that around ten really good finnish albums are not yet included. I could have done a really good top 25 from only finnish albums. Then there's plenty of probably great albums I do not have (at least yet) like Bearsuit, Stars, Professor Pez, Papercuts, Arco, Jens Lekman, Projects, Galactic Heroes, Matthew Sweet, Kevin Tihista, Devendra Banhart, Wovenhand... and also finally ordered the latest albums by Wilco and Thrills but I'm not gonna wait until I've heard those. The lack of power pop is rather worrying on that list btw. It seem to have been more of an indie pop year for me. Well I have to pick some of the finer power pop discs once the audities votings are done. That list is always helpful for that.


TOP 50 Songs
Well if that album list was difficult, than this song list even harder. So many songs that have made an impression. I did limit this to three per artist. Otherwise Sister Flo would have been too superior on this list. The first list had seven Sister Flo songs on it. And if you wonder where is Viola, there is a stupid reason for that. I always feel Tearcandy so strongly as an album that I just can't break it into songs. Anyway, I think you already know that Sister Flo, Viola (and The Heavy Blinkers and Trembling Blue Stars) were clearly the most important bands for me during 2004. So on to the song list: 1. ultrasport: Nothing Can Go Wrong (mp3 here ) 2. Office Building: Scar Song 3. Sister Flo: Guillotine 4. Trembling Blue Stars: All Eternal Things 5. The Heavy Blinkers: Silver Crown 6. Starflower: Leaving (mp3) 7. Marian Valinta: Kyyhky (mp3) 8. Sister Flo: Photo Is a Transformer 9. Jim White: Bluebird 10. Sister Flo: White Noise 11. Ken Stringfellow: Je Vou En Prie 12. Elliot Smith: King's Crossing 13. Trembling Blue Stars: Moonlight On Snow 14. Pipas: Jean C 15. The Heavy Blinkers: In The Morning 16. Javelins: My Best Friend 17. The Phonies: Golden Boy 18. Simon Joyner: Blue 19. Wojciech: Sateenkaaren tuoksuinen ilta 20. Mummypowder: Right This Minute 21. Of Montreal: Your Magic Is Working 22. The Like Young: Out To Get Me 23. Suburban Kids With Biblical Names: Rent a Wreck 24. Cessna: Like I Love You 25. Flannelmouth: (What a) Comeback 26. Saturday Looks Good To Me: We Can't Work It Out 27. Delgados: I Fought The Angels 28. Harry Hunks: Snooze Alarm 29. Ken Stringfellow: Known Diamond 30. Treeball: Not Happy Now 31. Risto: Nina, Olen palasina (mp3) 32. Office Building: Take Me Over 33. Guild League: Scientists 34. Human Television: Saw You Walking By 35. Maryland: Dance The Night Away 36. TV-Resistori: Tukehtuminen 37. Penniless: Lifeboat 38. Lodger: I Love Death 39. Puny: Happy 40. Ville Leinonen: Dans Ma Cabane 41. Jason Falkner: Neighbor 42. The Pipettes: Judy (Wotcha Gonna Do?) 43. Hundred Million Martians: Stompalong Cassidy (Yeah Yeah Yeah) 44. Arcade Fire: Crown Of Love 45. Tilly and The Wall: Let It Rain 46. Melpo Mene: Lady 47. Jim White: That Girl From Brownsville Texas 48. Magnetic Fields: I Looked All Over Town 49. Language Of Flowers: Tara Mascara 50. Ethel Suspense: Too Many Times (mp3) There's some unreleased songs. Like that ultrasport for example. It's only available on their website. But it's so great that it already needs to be there. I guess the noteworthy thing on this are the likes of Jim White, Simon Joyner and Risto who made some totally magnificent songs, eventhough I didn't love the entire albums. Especially Jim White deserves a mention because of putting incredibly annoying song between those two truly wonderful and beautiful songs on his album. I bet he did that just to piss me off. The album is still good though as a whole too, but those two really stand out. And of course I have to pick up Starflower and Marian valinta. It isn't a mistake that they are so high. I love those songs. I have listened them hundreds of times throughout the year. There might be literally speaking better written, produced, arranged songs on the list, but these are always personal things. So in same matter as To See Only Shadows is for me better and more important than Rubber Soul and Pet Sounds. Surely also I could say that Pet Sounds is the best album ever made, but then why do I listen it twice in a year and Office Building's album dozens of times. So the same goes here. I'm sure I did forget some and it would be easy to think of another 50 too. But at least those made an impact.


TOP 10 Little Discs (ep, cd5, mini-album etc)

	1. Sister Flo: Proper Kites Well the #1 on this category was so easy. All those other ones below are really great, but Sister Flo is better than great. This ep contains three tunes that are not on the record and all of them are as good as the ones that made it to the album. Some are even better. Sister Flo Website

	2. Pas/Cal: Oh Honey, We're Ridicilous You can expect Pas/Cal to take over the indiepop world when their album comes out. This ep was already ready wonderful. Beach Boys, Belle & Sebastian...oh well heck with the influences. It's Pas/Cal. And it's really amazing. Pas/Cal Website (incl. What Happened to the Sands mp3)

	3. Pipas: Bitter Club So lovely. So very lovely. Jean C is a perfect song and Pipas is always fabulous. I even made a google search, because I wanted to see what the Jean Cocteau on the Leicester Square looked like.. Pipas Website Listen awesome Jean C here

	4. Jason Falkner: Bliss Descending Finally we got something new from this 'powerpopgod'. All power pop guys knows Jason and how good he is so why to say more. Jason on tosi ihqu and this is as great as his previous albums. Jason Falkner Website

	5. Harry Hunks: Revolutions from Pink to Pale Harry Hunks is the best. Sorry..meant to say that Marsu is the best. But Harry Hunks is pretty good too. Well they are wonderful and this was the third really good ep from them. Harry Hunks Website (inc two full mp3 songs)

	6. Tink: Sad Anorak & Season Finale Can't decide which one is better. Both were really good. Warm and gentle pop music. I still listen these all the time. Well not all the time. But it's the perfect music to drift you into your dreams around 2 am. Tink Website (30 sec samples from all the songs)

	7. Pants Yell!: Songs For Siblings Bedroom pop from Boston. Really lovely stuff. Sweet pop music and cool witty lyrics as well. Pants Yell! could turn out be something really special in the near future. Oh well. Who am I kidding. They are already something special.. Pants Yell! Website (inc My Boyfriend Writes Plays mp3)

	8. Cartoon Tree: Songs From Northern Finland Ylivieska popsters were back after a couple of years with this demo. And the boys can still make great songs and sing those harmonies like angels. It was really a 'homemade' recording so the sounds weren't perfect, but I don't care much for that. The songs are what counts... and vocal harmonies. Cartoon Tree Website (plenty of songs and a cool music video in the discography section)

	9. Suburban Kids With Biblical Names: #1 New swedish band Suburban Kids With Biblical Names first drove me nuts, but then I realised that they are actually really good. The last minute of Rent a Wreck is still so amazing..well of course the whole song is. Suburban Kids With Biblical Names Website Three songs and a music video on Labrador's site

	10. Human Television: All songs written by This is fun, catchy as hell and can get one obsessed. Just like that 'Rent A Wreck' by SKWBN 'I Saw You Walking By' by Human Television gets you addicted or annoyed. But I love both of these songs now. Everyone seem to compare them to Wedding Present, they also name The Kinks, New Order and REM as their influences. Great stuff. Human Television Website Listen Saw You Walking By at Gigantic (the media section)

That's all folks. This already got out of hand pretty badly. But what could I have done. I love music. And I love you. Take care and have happy new year.