Top Five Songs of 2004

(That's right -- 2004.)

This time of year is so hectic. There's so many fun things to do, so many unfun things you have to do first. It's a time to reflect back on the year, and it's a time to realize what a slacker I've been. Damn, I really thought that doing the top 30 songs of 2004 would've been a good idea. I really hadn't thought through how much work it would be to find cool things to say about thirty freakin' songs. Real life butt in, and the time just evaporated.

So, to catch up, finally, in time to post my Best of 2005, here's the top five songs from last year, 2004.

5. Come To Jesus by Mindy Smith
What the heck? A Christian song? That doesn't suck? Rocks even? Heck yeah, believe it. Hard to believe, but believe it. I even heard it on the rock station, several dang times, in Knoxville, but that figures as Miss Smith lived in Knoxville for several years. However, I don't remember ever seeing anything about her playing there. Hmm... Anyway, this song is reminscent of the old-time Gospel songs, and so suffers from none of the lame "Christian Rock"-ness of current "Religious" music. This song has more heart, more passion, and more pain -- then anything they'd ever put out. In short, it's more Americana. Beautiful song, skillfully produced, and wonderfully performed.

4. New Slang by The Shins
Okay, okay, so this song wasn't really released in 2004. Evidently it was actually released in 2002, but I'd never heard it before the Garden State soundtrack, and I bet you didn't either. So I count this fully as a 2004 song, as that's when it truly "arrived." It's a gentle, sing-songy, campfire-type of song, dark and sparse, very beautiful. It's one of those rare songs that caught my ears from the first listen, and just wouldn't let go.

3. Float On by Modest Mouse
Man, I heard this song everywhere in 2004. It was on the radio, on stations I never thought would play it, and it was all over the freakin' Internet. It's a great indie rock crossover hit, with jangly guitars and a Talking Heads/Pixies lead vocal.

2. Black Jack Davey by The White Stripes
Lots of guitars, minimal drums, and an old-school folk song that's been covered by everyone and their brother -- including Bob Dylan and Bill Monroe. God bless the White Stripes.

1. Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show
Like there was any doubt! This song rocked my 2004 so hard, it's after-shocks could be felt up until the present day -- almost the end of 2005. If you've ever wanted to hear what Americana music sounds like, go and listen to this song. Period.

So there you have it, all caught up to do the 2005 list! Stay tuned!