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Five Inconspicuous Albums of 2004
December
1, 2004
by Craig Curtice
While there have been some universally
acclaimed albums released over the past twelve months
(offerings by Modest Mouse, Brian Wilson, U2, Prince,
and Loretta Lynn are a obvious few), 2004 has been the
least interesting year in music in my lifetime. I purchased
more albums from decades past and CD re-issues than new
albums by new artists. The music industry is in a computer
downloading freefall, but blame should also go to American
Idol and it’s karaoke wasteland of cell phone-toting
teens that accept marginal singing as musical entertainment.
I spent a lot of time this year rediscovering records
that have accumulated in my musical library – everything
from old Judas Priest albums (Hell Bent For Leather,
Point of Entry) to weird French, Italian, and
German soundtracks (Shake Sauvage, Beat at
Cinecitta vol.1, Give Peas A Chance). I
also went through different phases listening to Cheap
Trick, Neil Young, The Who, Deltron 3030, rare 70’s
Van Halen bootlegs, and binged once again on Fleetwood
Mac’s masterpiece Rumours. I even went
through a brief Dianne Reeves and Barry Manilow phase,
though I’ll never admit to it in public.
So anyway without further adieu, here’s my picks
for five of 2004’s most inconspicuous releases you
won’t find on other critics' lists.
Shawn Smith
Shield of Thorns (2004)
The best album released
this year wasn’t sold in record stores, but it didn’t
go unnoticed by the producers of the Sopranos who
used “Leaving California” and “Wrapped
In My Memory” to perfection during the pivotal episode
“Long Term Parking.” Shawn Smith is simply the
most overlooked musical talent of the millennium who has
perfected a new blend of rock and adult contemporary AM
gold.
Links: Shawn
Smith website
Pink Panther's Penthouse Party
Various Artists (2004)
An attractive compilation of dance tracks, this funky little
collection should get feather boas flying at your next cocktail
party. Highlights include Titan’s “Corazon,”
Ursula 1000’s “Smokebomb,” and hip remixes
of Henry Mancini’s famed “Pink Panther”
theme. Selections by Fatboy Slim, Kinky, Dimitri From Paris,
St Germain, and Nicola Conte add to the fun, and with cool
retro artwork by Shag (aka Josh Angle) this album is a winner.
Links:
Pink
Panther website
Eddie Hazel
Games, Dames & Guitar Thangs (2004)
Twenty-five
years after it’s original vinyl release, this obscure
album is finally available on CD and a testament to Eddie
Hazel’s guitar talent before a world of party decadence
eventually caught up to him. Though it sounds like a 70’s
Funkadelic album, Hazel’s playing is akin to the nerve
of Buddy Guy, the flair of Rick James, and the depth of
Jimi Hendrix. “From The Bottom Of My Soul” is
a masterpiece bookend to “Maggot Brain.”
Links:
AllMusic Guide - Eddie Hazel
Donny Hathaway
These Songs For You, Live! (2004)
Another
stellar Rhino Records CD re-issue that seamlessly combines
live selections from three early 70’s Hathaway concerts.
Hear the stunning results of a tight R&B band, Hathaway’s
soulful voice, and enchanted audiences that just can’t
help singing along. These Songs are vibrant remembrance
from a gifted, but tortured musician.
Links:
Rhino Records website
Fu Manchu
Start The Machine (2004)
An
excellent hard rock band no ever seems to know about released
yet another damn cool album that no one seems to know about.
When oh when will these guys get some big time media exposure?
Groovin’ road rock with a twist of So-Cal punk. Though
Scott Hill may cringe at this, Start The Machine
is the album to take to the gym for that half-hour
power lift, or to listen to when getting right in a bitchin’
Camaro. Whichever, it rocks.
Links:
Fu
Manchu website
(Craig Curtice is a volunteer
staff writer for 2 Walls Webzine that’s convinced
the music industry is ultimately doomed. Doomed!)
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