AMG 2004 Wrap Up
By Michelle Gilzenrat & Angeline Vuong

Michelle's Top Albums of 2004:

The revolution was bubbling as far back as 2001. Bands cherished in the underground were miraculously coming up into the mainstream—sounds of The Strokes and The White Stripes , among others. For me 2004 saw the apex of this change. Radio formats went berserk, and in the end I found the FM dial far more tolerable than it has been in the last 5-10 years. There were so many high quality releases with an alarming number winning favor with the masses. Boy bands? What boy bands?

After days of inner turmoil and debate, I managed to assemble this rough list of albums of which my iPod assures me I listened to the most in 2004:

1. Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous
2. Interpol - Antics
3. Muse - Absolution
4. Snow Patrol - Final Straw
5. The Killers - Hot Fuss
6. Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand
7. Loretta Lynn - Van Lear Rose
8. K-Os - Joyful Rebellion
9. Keane - Hopes and Fears
10. The Arcade Fire - Funeral *
* I dub this artist “Band to Watch” in 2005.

2004 also saw a stunning amount of Britpop DVDs. It's as if someone in DVD land said, Hey, Michelle is pretty awesome. Let's release a DVD of all of her favorite bands." And so they did. Travis, Oasis, Blur, and Radiohead, among others, all had DVDs out this year.

The champion by far was "Definitely Maybe," the documentary celebrating the making of Oasis ' first album. Imagine the best episode of Behind the Music you have seen, but funnier. Even if you think the Gallaghers are the most obnoxious, untalented 'arses' in the music industry, buy this DVD. The cast of characters and colorful interviews are enough to entertain any music fan. Liam is even lucid and coherent enough not to warrant the use of subtitles-a crowning achievement for any Oasis interview.

On the other hand, as surely Noel would be pleased to know, the Blur rockumentary "Starshaped" was less than satisfying. I recommend this DVD only if you particularly enjoy seeing rock stars vomit. Repeatedly.

Angeline's Top Albums of 2004:

1. Muse - Absolution (Warner Brothers March 2004)
The second stateside release from UK rockers Muse spawned two successful rock singles, "Time Is Running Out" and "Hysteria." Absolution is schizophrenic at times, ranging from timid songs that use intricate piano-laced melodies to full on distortion-riddled anthems of despair. It’s the grandiosity of this CD that makes it lovely, and Muse's apparent classical music influences add a distinct element that one doesn't hear enough in modern rock.
Favorite Tracks: "Hysteria," "Stockholm Syndrome"

2. Snow Patrol - Final Straw (A&M March 2004)
It's taken a while for people to catch on to Final Straw & Snow Patrol's single "Run," but this record is slowly becoming both a critically acclaimed and commercially successful album. The opening track of the CD, “How To Be Dead,” sets the tone of the album as it starts off simply and builds up to a majestic chorus, all while lead singer Gary Lightbody recalls a fight with a lover because of one too many drugs. The band’s appropriate winter-like melodies and Lightbody’s morose yet hopeful voice produces an album filled with somber songs slowly making their way to the edge of optimism.
Favorite Tracks: “How To Be Dead,” “Spitting Games”

3. Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand (Domino/Epic April 2004)
The debut from this Scottish four piece has set Franz Ferdinand on the top of this whole crazy fad for spinning good music on radio stations. I first heard "Take Me Out" in April on 99X’s Sunday School, and there was something so angular about it yet very radio friendly and appealing that I knew I had to check this band out. And that I did. Franz Ferdinand are undoubtedly cooler than everyone. And they probably know this. Their debut disc displays the band's effrontery and love of danceable rock that has won the hearts of many hipsters across the world and earned them 3 Grammy nominations in 2004. If this CD doesn't have you doing some seriously weird dance moves, then something is wrong with you.
Favorite Tracks: "Michael," "The Dark of the Matinee"

4. The Killers - Hot Fuss (Island/Def Jam June 2004)
Favorite Tracks: “Mr. Brightside,” “Midnight Show”

5. Wicker Park Soundtrack (Lakeshore August 2004)
Favorite Tracks: The Postal Service – “Against All Odds,” Johnette Napolitano & Danny Lohner – “The Scientist” (Coldplay cover)

6. Interpol - Antics (Matador September 2004)
Favorite Tracks: “Evil,” “Public Pervert”

7. Butch Walker - Letters (Sony/Epic August 2004)
Favorite Tracks: “#1 Summer Jam,” “So At Last”

8. The Hives - Tyrannosaurus Hives (Interscope July 2004)
Favorite Tracks: “Abra Cadaver,” “Two Timing Touch and Broken Bones”

9. Keane – Hopes and Fears (Interscope June 2004)
Favorite Tracks: “This is the Last Time,” “Everybody’s Changing”

10. Phantom Planet - Phantom Planet (Sony/Epic January 2004)
Favorite Tracks: “The Happy Ending,” “Making a Killing”

Michelle's Top Concerts of 2004:

Rather than try to qualify “best” or even “favorite,” these are the concerts I found most “memorable.”

5. Hope of the States - Lee’s Palace. Toronto, ON.
While I appreciate that this is not the Toronto Music Guide, I did spend the latter half of 2004 in the Great White North, and I could not ignore this breathtaking performance. I honestly expected the show to be mildly boring at best, but it was absolutely beautiful. Imagine an English language Sigur Ros backed by an equally impressive light and picture show.

4. Morrissey - Hummingbird Center, Toronto (you may have seen him at the Tabernacle) This man is simply a living legend. Such flare, such charisma…and his voice has never sounded better. Out of sympathy, I made several feeble attempts to jump on stage and hug the keyboardist. Nobody ever hugs the backing band. They need love, too.

3. Curiosa Festival - Hifi Buys Amphitheatre
What a sweaty show. Eyeliner was smudged across everyone’s face as we ran from stage to goth/emo/dance stage. Honorable mention goes to Interpol for their always impeccable performance…additional props for avoiding heat stroke in those tailored suits.

2. The Darkness - Best Buy instore
There was something remarkably fitting about the commercial backdrop of this performance. Here were the stadium-soaring vocals of Justin Hawkins, reverberating off the shelves of Britney Spears albums and boxes of digital cameras. It was more reminiscent of Spinal Tap than Queen, but to see those spandex pants up close was quite a spectacle. After the “costume malfunction” that occurred the following night at the Tabernacle, I was grateful he chose his more, um, concealing outfit for the in-store. Someone could have lost an eye.

And finally, Michelle’s most memorable performance of 2004 is…

1. Muse - The Cotton Club
A fan since Showbiz , I waited four years for Muse to return to our shores. I was absolutely giddy with anticipation. All I could do was gape in awe as they delivered one of the most mind-blowing performances I had ever witnessed. And then, in one fierce leg kick of Britrock passion, frontman Matt Bellamy was taken down by his own weapon—his custom Manson guitar slicing his lip in half. The sold out crowd rumbled with confused speculation for several minutes before Matt returned to the stage dripping with some sort of antiseptic goop. He apologized as best as his bleeding lip allowed before being rush to the hospital. Sure, they may have returned to play something resembling a full set at Curiosa and again at Mistle Toe Jam, but the immense build up and let down of that night’s show makes it the most powerful and most memorable of 2004.

*Also memorable for me is that Jimmy Gnecco of Ours , Muse , and the Darkness were all in town within a three-day span. I must admit I harbored a secret fantasy that they would join forces one night, their sparkling falsettos combining for a full chorus rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Assuming Justin can keep his hand in tact and Matt his face, perhaps this is a possible collaboration for 2005?

Angeline's Top Concerts of 2004:

1. The Hives – The Masquerade
Hives frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist may have learned his moves from Mick Jagger , but there’s no denying that this band’s show in November 2004 renewed my faith in rock ‘n roll. When The Hives stormed the stage with their opening track off of their current record, the crowd stared in amazement and was swept away by their energy. Not bad for a couple of Swedes who don’t even write their songs. Nevertheless, I shamelessly love The Hives , and I thoroughly loved this show.

2. Muse – 99X Mistle Toe Jam (Arena at Gwinnett Center)
This time around, Atlanta got to experience Muse in their best environment – in front of thousands of people, complete with intricate lighting (rather than the dull lights in the day time at their Curiosa Festival performance), and sans lead singer/guitarist Matt Bellamy busting his lip and being rushed to the hospital. The majority of the crowd was there that night for Velvet Revolver, but Muse was by far the highlight of 99X’s holiday concert. Who knew that a three piece could make that much noise?

3. Interpol – Andrews Upstairs
Seeing these famed New York hipsters in an intimate Buckhead music venue was a great experience. It was also quite amusing to look up and see Slippery When Wet (a Bon Jovi tribute band), local rockers Trances Arc , and Interpol billed on the same marquee. The four piece delivered a short yet enjoyable set, and it also gave the band’s fans who didn’t have tickets to their sold out show the next night at the Roxy a taste of what to expect. My favorite part though? The two frat guys decked out in visors, khaki shorts, and muscle tees doing some sort of chicken dance to Interpol ’s single, “Slow Hands.”

4. 99X Upstart Fest 2 with Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Scissor Sisters, The Whigs, The Futureheads, Delays – Masquerade Music Park
I never thought I would see the day when Atlanta radio’s big rock concerts consisted of mainly left of center bands. This sold out concert with a festival-like atmosphere showed hope that radio stations might begin to understand that radio listeners are, for the most part, able to enjoy more bands than Creed and Linkin Park. Kudos to 99X for letting Athens-based trio The Whigs play third on the bill, rather than the typical first slot for most local bands. Apologies to everyone who had to hear my, "I saw The Killers way back when..." story that day.

5. Butch Walker (August) – Variety Playhouse
Before producing & churning out mega-hits for Avril Lavigne , Bowling For Soup, SR-71, and others, Butch Walker was an Atlanta rock star. After a one year absence in his hometown and a hell of a lot more recognition, Walker came back to his neighborhood and thoroughly rocked Little 5 Points. He did not disappoint the sold out crowd, providing fans with a two hour set, backed by American Hi-Fi (of “Flavor of the Weak” fame). Hi-Fi lead singer Stacy Jones won the gold medal for the night, as he balanced duties as singer/guitarist for his band’s opening set, along with drummer (which was his role in Veruca Salt & Letters to Cleo) and guitarist for Butch’s set.