A lot of CDs got dropped on my desk in 2004. Once I remember distinctly is Carencro, the major-label debut from singer/songwriter/guitarist Marc Broussard. I looked at the album cover, saw a not-unattractive dude that kinda resembled Josh Hartnett in Varsity Blues, and thought that he might be a John Mayer knockoff. While there were… Read More “Home” by Marc Broussard (2004)
One major way that hip-hop is different from all other types of music is that a single verse can turn a track from good to “holy shit”. Case in point: Ghostface Killah’s absolutely bonkers verse on De La Soul’s 2004 album cut “He Comes”. Trugoy and Pos are great rappers; by 2004 they’d come a… Read More “He Comes” by De La Soul feat. Ghostface Killah (2004)
Jill Scott might be a little self-absorbed, and that’s not (absolute) shade. She looks regal, her music sounds regal, and there’s a confidence that permeates through her that you don’t find in a lot of artists. I’ll take away points just because she (very sweetly) tried to son Chaka Khan for appearing as her opening… Read More “Golden” by Jill Scott (2004)
Green Day’s “American Idiot”, from a commercial perspective, was a surprising third wind from a band that appeared to be on its last commercial legs. Even though Green Day’s chops never went away, fans generally avoided 2000’s Warning album (I liked it, for what that’s worth), and the fact that their next two albums were… Read More “American Idiot” by Green Day (2004)
I’ve warmed to “Mr. Brightside” after 13 years of exposure via radio and having heard a friend (or groups of friends) sing it every time I’ve found myself in a karaoke establishment since its release. It’s still not as good as “All These Things That I’ve Done”. The Killers are a little too theater-school dramatic for my… Read More “All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers (2004)
Following Norah Jones’ success, labels jumped at the chance to find folks with jazz and pop chops. So while Jamie Cullum was marketed to American audiences as the next Norah Jones, comparing the two does a disservice to both. Comparing Jamie to anyone is difficult. The names Ben Folds, Jason Mraz and Amy Winehouse have… Read More “All At Sea” by Jamie Cullum (2004)
Five Star Jamz 