Sound
Off!
Favorite CDs of 2004
by George Dionne
It’s the beginning of the year again, which means that
it’s time for everyone’s “Best Of 2004” list. So
I figured, what not Rock Is Life too? The problem with “Best Of” lists
is that it’s so subjective. Have you ever seen two lists where the
same CDs were on them? Also, how can you say what’s best when there’s
no way you could have listened to everything? Below you will find a bunch
of my favorite CDs from the year that was 2004. You’ll also find a
few that I thought were no so good. They are presented in no particular order.
If you agree, disagree, or buy one of these based on my recommendation, I’d
appreciate your feedback.
Waltham - Permission to Build (late 2003)  out
of 5
Wow! This CD blew me away. It's loaded with dynamic rhythms and melodies,
the songs are catchy and instantly memorable, and the vocals are smooth and
melodic. Song structure is perfect: intro riff, verse, chorus, solo, repeat.
They may be compared to Rick Springfield a lot, but Waltham clearly stands
on their own.
Heaven and Earth - A Taste of Heaven EP out of 5
Heaven and Earth recall the days of blues based rock and polish it off with
a melodic touch. After hearing the quality of the preview tracks, I can't
wait for the full album. It should be a strong AOR/melodic effort. I never
heard of Heaven and Earth before getting this EP, so getting a taste of their
debut album was a treat. Now I need to hunt down a copy of it; probably for
a pretty penny on eBay
H.I.M. - Razorblade Romance (late 2003) out of 5
H.I.M.’s combination of deep, seductive, melodic vocals and dark gothic
rhythms are a unique twist in the rock genre. Their guitar tone is simply
awesome. It’s the main reason I liked this CD so much. I can forgive
Ville for his brief falsettos. They seem to fit the sinister, tortured love
theme he’s creating. If you have a chance, you should definitely check
H.I.M. out.
Now That's What I Call Sludge Volume 1 - Various Artists
out of 5
All hail Metal Sludge! They’ve managed to pack a CD with twenty quality
rock songs, in a day and age where you’re lucky to get one or two.
No matter what type of rock/metal you’re into, Sludge has it all right
here. It’s a bit early to say “CD of the Year”, but screw
it! CD of the year! (as compared to other metal CD compilations released
by a rock related website).
Cradle of Filth - Nymphetamine out of 5
I can't emphasize enough my hatred of death metal and the like, but Cradle
of Filth really impressed me with this one. Musically that is; lyrically
is a whole different story. Nymphetamine is everything that you expect from
a death metal album. Heavy, heavy guitars and menacing, growling vocals.
Cradle of Filth are unique in their addition of strings, keyboards, and in
the case of this album, softening it up a bit (albeit briefly) with female
vocals. The band has always been great. It's a relief that Dani has finally
picked a vocal style that works!
Krokus - Rock the Block out of 5
Yeah, I've ragged on Krokus a lot over the years, but this album is unbelievable.
I never realized how much they sounded like AC/DC, and not a bad version
of AC/DC like Jet. Plenty of great rock riffs and anthems. The old boys still
got it.
Jeff Scott Soto - Lost in the Translation out of 5
Jeff Scott Soto is one of the best rock vocalists out there. It’s
too bad that the U.S. has failed to notice. On his latest album, Soto displays
his great talent for catchy, high-energy melodic rock anthems. Each track
is just as memorable as the one that preceded it. If you long for the days
were musicians actually sang, played their own instruments, wrote catchy
songs, and played in standard tuning; look no further then Jeff Scott Soto.
Nonpoint - Recoil out
of 5
There’s no doubt about it, Recoil is one of the best albums I’ve
heard this year. Nonpoint keeps the heaviness that they’re known for,
while polishing their vocals to give things a more melodic feel. I took this
one to the gym and it kicked my motivation and energy into overdrive.
TNT - My Religion out of 5
One of the best hard rock albums that you’re not listening to.
Over the Edge featuring Mickey Thomas - S/T out of 5
Former Starship frontman proves that lack of publicity isn't gonna stop
him now.
Edguy - Hellfire Club out of 5
Just look at the group photo on the back cover and you'll know you're in
for some kick-ass metal!
Glenn Hughes - Soulfully Live... out of 5
I'm always a bit stand-off-ish with 'live' albums, but Soulfully Live...is
the way it should be done. The intimate setting makes for a better quality
recording. Glenn is just on fire vocally, even improving upon some of his
previously recorded hits. And for a band that doesn't play together on a
regular basis, they sure sound like they've got their act together.
Puddle of Mudd - Life on Display (late 2003) out of 5
There's music on the radio that you like until it's played over and over
again. Then there's music you hate that's played over and over again, but
oddly enough you start to like it. For me, that's Puddle of Mudd's music.
Say what you want about them, but Puddle of Mudd writes some of the most
catchy, well-written, acoustic based songs. Every song on Life on Display
is easy to identify with and sing along to, with only a few spins. The vocals
are smooth, but still coarse enough for rock music. Sometimes the lyrics
are a little basic and corny, but who wants deep, meaningful thoughts in
their rock music.
Instruction - God Doesn't Care out of 5
What a great CD! Instruction come out of left field and hit a home run (sorry
about the baseball reference, but hey it's summer!). There style can be describes
as straight rock rhythms mixed with industrial style vocals. Prong and Sevendust
come to mind. Be mindful of the lyrics as well. Most of their songs contain
political and social views we should all give some thought to.
Rick Springfield - Shock Denial Anger Acceptance out of
5
Twenty years ago Rick Springfield wrote simple but memorable songs about
love, women, feelings, and relationships, and twenty years later little has
changed. Rick’s songs still have the same themes, but now they’re
not so simple. On his latest album (and the last couple), Rick Springfield
has shown that he has matured as musician by writing songs that are more
about content. He really forces you to think about what he’s saying,
and backs it up with addictive music to boot.
38 Special - Drivetrain out of 5
38 Special's albums from the eighties were like a brand new car right of
the assembly line; the best production money could buy, crafted to perfection,
and plenty of polish. Drivetrain on the other hand is like a restored classic
car; built from the ground up, no time restraints, and done the way you want
it. It may not have all the bells and whistles that are on the newer model,
but it's something you did yourself that you can be proud of. When you really
listen to the lyrics, you realize how keen the songs are. They’re simple,
yet smart.
From the Inside featuring Danny Vaughn - S/T out of 5
From the Inside is everything that a melodic rock album should be. Danny
Vaughn shows that heavy metal wasn't really for him. AOR is clearly where
he belongs.
Megadeth - The System Has Failed out of 5
Actually the PR had failed...to send me a copy, despite promises. Since
I made that statement I have purchased the new album. It’s clear that
the Megadeth of yore is dead and buried. The songs are more radio-friendly,
despite Mutaine’s protest against such. It’s not like Risk thank
God; it’s more like Cryptic Writings. That’s not a bad thing
either. If you can’t have anything like Rust in Peace anymore, something
like Cryptic Writings is the next best thing.
LEAST FAVORITE CDs OF 2004
Harder and Heavier – Various Artist ZERO out of 5
Was there a yard sale at the old Cleopatra/Deadline tribute CD factory?
I swear these have all been released before. You know, I love all these artists
when they’re performing their own material. These artists don’t
suck. The music on this CD however, does suck! I’m sure they were just
messing around in the studio, jamming to some of their favorite tunes, when
someone convinced them they could make some money off it. Even if you’ve
disagreed with my reviews in the past, trust me, don’t waste you’re
money. You’d be better off buying one of the artist’s own CDs.
Funeral For a Friend - Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation
out of 5
I guess I was surprised to find out it was my funeral. Casually Dressed...
is your typical, uninspiring, cookie-cutter, emo nonsense. You've heard it
a million times on the radio, and you still can't tell who's who.
Gene Simmons – Asshole ZERO out of 5
Perfect title! It's full of shit!
Dokken - Hell to Pay out of 5
If I pay it, can I have my classic Dokken back?
Amen - Death Before Musik ZERO out of 5
A political statement that no one wants to hear
Prodigy - Always Outnumbered... out of 5
Proves you don't have to actually write lyrics to put out an album
Kingdom Come – Perpetual out of 5
The Kingdom has fallen
**Sound Off! is Rock-Is-Life.com's verison of Letters to the
Editor.
Got something you want to say about rock music, the music industry, or this submission?
Got something you want to say about us or this submission?
Send your thoughts here.
We'll publish the best submissions every week.
Anti Spam |
