Music
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Harmonium
by Vanessa Carlton
November 9, 2004
The singer's second effort finds her teamed with Third Eye Blind leader (and current beau) Stephan Jenkins.
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Peachtree Road
by Elton John
November 9, 2004
The veteran singer's first completely self-produced album is his first studio recording since 2001's 'Songs From The West Coast.'
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White People
by Handsome Boy Modeling School
November 9, 2004
The second disc for Prince Paul and Dan The Automator finds the producer pair joined by Cat Power, RZA, Jack Johnson, Julee Cruise and Pharrell Williams.
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Tiger My Friend
by Psapp
November 2, 2004
This is the debut album for the London-based electronica duo, who blend their minimalist, experimental tendencies with more organic elements, including vocals (think of a more playful version of Mum).
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Do You Want New Wave Or Do You Want The Soft Pink Truth?
by The Soft Pink Truth
November 2, 2004
A side project for Matmos' Drew Daniel, The Soft Pink Truth here offers (in their own, unique way) a variety of punk covers, including songs by the Angry Samoans, Minor Threat and Die Kreuzen.
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eMOTIVe
by A Perfect Circle
November 2, 2004
Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan tackles a variety of covers on this latest from his side project, A Perfect Circle, including versions of songs by Depeche Mode ("People Are People"), Devo ("Freedom Of Choice") and Marvin Gaye ("What's Going On"). Also included are two originals.
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99 Cents
by Chicks On Speed
November 2, 2004
The all-girl German group's third disc includes collaborations with Peaches and Miss Kittin, plus a remake of the Tom Tom Club's "Wordy Rappinghood."
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Joji
by The Anomoanon
November 2, 2004
This second 2004 disc from singer-songwriter Ned Oldham (brother of Palace Music's Will Oldham) offers country-tinged folk that recalls bands such as the Grateful Dead, Neil Young and the Meat Puppets.
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Return To V
by Roni Size
November 2, 2004
There's at least one guest vocalist on each of the 18 tracks on this latest solo outing from electronic producer Roni Size.
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Lifeblood
by Manic Street Preachers
November 1, 2004
The Welsh band's seventh studio disc was produced by Tony Visconti and Greg Haver.
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Von
by Sigur RĂ³s
October 26, 2004
The Icelandic band's 1997 debut album received its first international release in 2004.
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The Futureheads
by The Futureheads
October 26, 2004
This debut LP from the English band certainly recalls English bands from the early 80s, most notably XTC.
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Up All Night
by Razorlight
October 26, 2004
One of 2004's Next Big Things in the UK music press, Razorlight make their full-length debut with this 13-track disc. Compared to the likes of Oasis and The Libertines, the band is led by self-proclaimed songwriting genius Johnny Borrell.
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Dear Heather
by Leonard Cohen
October 26, 2004
The legendary Canadian singer-songwriter and poet, now 70 years old, returns with his 11th studio album.
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Still Not Getting Any
by Simple Plan
October 26, 2004
Bob Rock (Metallica) produced this sophomore album for the Montreal-based pop-punk band.
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Key
by Son, Ambulance
October 26, 2004
Omaha, Nebraska multi-instrumentalist Joe Knapp returns with his second Son, Ambulance full-length, now backed by a full band.
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Dark Matter: Moving At The Speed Of Light
by Afrika Bambaataa
October 26, 2004
The legendary DJ and musician's first studio album in four years includes an appearance from Gary Numan.
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus
by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
October 26, 2004
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 13th album actually spans two separate discs, each produced by Nick Launay. And speaking of the Bad Seeds, longtime member Blixa Bargeld has been replaced by James Johnston (Gallon Drunk).
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You're A Woman, I'm A Machine
by Death from Above 1979
October 26, 2004
'You're A Woman' is the first album for the Canadian duo of vocalist/drummer Sebastien Grainger and bassist Jesse F. Keeler. It's a drum 'n' bass album in the literal sense of the term, as those are the only two instruments (aside from a very infrequent synthesizer) on the record.
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Never Never Land
by UNKLE
October 26, 2004
U.N.K.L.E. is the pet project of Mo'Wax label head James Lavelle, whose successful 1998 album 'Psyence Fiction' included notable contributions from DJ Shadow, Thom Yorke and Badly Drawn Boy. Guests this time out include Josh Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age), Robert "3D" del Naja (Massive Attack), Brian Eno, Ian Brown (Stone Roses), Mani (Stone Roses/Primal Scream) Joel Cadbury (South) and Jarvis Cocker (Pulp).
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Rendezvous
by Luna
October 26, 2004
Bryce Goggin (Phish, Pavement) produced this final album for Dean Wareham & co., who have since announced their intent to disband. It includes a new version of the song "Astronaut" from the 2003 EP 'Close Cover Before Striking.'
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Gold Medal
by The Donnas
October 26, 2004
The Donnas' second major-label effort was produced by Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Injected).
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The Royal Society
by The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster
October 25, 2004
Chris Goss (Kyuss) produced this second album for the UK rockers.
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Welcome To The North
by The Music
October 19, 2004
Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam) produced this sophomore outing for the English quartet.
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From A Basement On The Hill
by Elliott Smith
October 19, 2004
The late singer-songwriter was nearly done with this highly anticipated album at the time of his death in 2003.
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Shock City Maverick
by Beans
October 19, 2004
The second solo LP from Beans features production work from Global Communication's Mark Pritchard.
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Who Killed The Zutons
by The Zutons
October 19, 2004
The Liverpool band's debut disc was, like similar-sounding recent discs by The Coral, produced by Ian Broudie. It was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize.
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Shake The Sheets
by Ted Leo & The Pharmacists
October 19, 2004
The latest stripped-down, somewhat political rock effort from Ted Leo was produced by Chris Shaw (Dashboard Confessional, Bob Dylan).
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Futures
by Jimmy Eat World
October 19, 2004
The Arizona emo band returns with a follow-up to their successful 2001 self-titled effort. Gil Norton produced.
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This Island
by Le Tigre
October 19, 2004
The trio make the jump to a major label with 'This Island,' which features a cover of the Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited."
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Mississauga Goddam
by The Hidden Cameras
October 12, 2004
This is the sophomore LP (third, if you count their debut demo collection) for the Toronto band led by Joel Gibb.
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New Roman Times
by Camper Van Beethoven
October 12, 2004
A concept album set in an alternate version of the U.S. where the states are actually countries, 'New Roman Times' marks the first studio album in 15 years for the newly-reunited California band.
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Summer In Abaddon
by Pinback
October 12, 2004
This is the third album for the indie rock outfit led by Armistead Burwell Smith IV (formerly of 3 Mile Pilot) and Rob Crow.
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Where The Humans Eat
by Willy Mason
October 12, 2004
The Martha's Vineyard native recorded this debut LP of intelligent, folky rock when he was 19.
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Frank Black Francis
by Frank Black
October 12, 2004
This unusual set from the Pixies frontman includes a disc of demo solo recordings dating from 1987, and a second disc of new studio recordings of an assortment of Pixies songs by Black with collaborators such as Pere Ubu and Two Pale Boys.
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Chuck
by Sum 41
October 12, 2004
The Canadian punk-pop outfit returns with a fourth LP, produced by Greig Nori. The disc is named after a UN worker (Chuck Pelletier) who helped the band escape violence in the Congo while they were there shooting a film.
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Love Songs For Patriots
by American Music Club
October 12, 2004
'Love Songs' is the first new studio album in ten years for a reunited Mark Eitzel & co.
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Astronaut
by Duran Duran
October 12, 2004
'Astronaut' marks first album by Duran Duran's original lineup since 1983's 'Seven And The Ragged Tiger.' Dallas Austin and Don Gilmore are among the producers.
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No Cities Left
by The Dears
October 12, 2004
They might sound Britpop (and at the very least, a bit like The Smiths), but this collective led by Murray Lightburn hails from Montreal, Canada. This is their second album and first U.S. release.
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When The World Was Our Friend
by Gold Chains And Sue Cie
October 12, 2004
The Bay Area hip-hop producer (known to his parents as Topher Lafata) teams with vocalist Sue Cie for his second release.
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Left Of The Dial: Dispatches From The '80s Underground
by Various Artists
October 12, 2004
This 82-song, 4-disc box set compiles various indie and alternative tracks from the 1980s across multiple genres, and includes music from both the decade's "biggest" names (The Smiths, R.E.M., Depeche Mode, Violent Femmes, etc.) as well as lesser-known artists such as The Raincoats, Green On Red, and The Lyres.
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New Danger
by Mos Def
October 12, 2004
'New Danger' is the second solo hip-hop album (and Geffen debut) for the rapper and actor.
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Dents And Shells
by Richard Buckner
October 12, 2004
The sixth album for the indie-folk singer-songwriter was recorded in Texas and Arizona with a cast of up to eight backing musicians.
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Crimes
by The Blood Brothers
October 12, 2004
The fourth album for the abrasive, Seattle-based punk-rockers was produced by John Goodmanson (Blonde Redhead).
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Our Shadows Will Remain
by Joseph Arthur
October 12, 2004
The singer-songwriter recorded this fourth LP in New Orleans.
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Dangerous Dreams
by Moving Units
October 12, 2004
This debut album for the Los Angeles-based '80s revivalists will give your favorite indie rock critics another excuse to practice typing "Gang of Four."
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Tales Told
by Ian Broudie
October 11, 2004
This is the solo debut for the former leader of the Lightning Seeds and producer of such bands as Echo & The Bunnymen. Members of The Coral and The Zutons guest.
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Lost Riots
by Hope Of The States
October 5, 2004
Grand in scope, 'Lost Riots' is the debut disc for the UK band who are often described as falling somewhere between Coldplay and Godspeed You Black Emperor (wherever that might be). The band's guitarist, Jimmi Lawrence, took his own life shortly after the album was recorded.
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Kpt.Michi.Gan
by Kpt.Michi.Gan
October 5, 2004
Michael Beckett's third release combines experimental noise with somewhat more conventional guitar-based songs (complete with vocals).
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Ray Ray
by Raphael Saadiq
October 5, 2004
The second solo disc for the acclaimed R&B producer features an appearance from his former bandmates in Tony Toni Tone.
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Walking Cloud And Deep Red Sky, Flag Fluttered And The Sun Shined
by Mono
October 5, 2004
This third album from the Japanese instrumental post-rock outfit was recorded by Steve Albini.
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The Grind Date
by De La Soul
October 5, 2004
The group's first release on its own AOI label features guests such as Ghostface, MF Doom, Sean Paul, Common and that noted MC Spike Lee. Production assistance comes from Madlib and 9th Wonder.
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Hidden Vagenda
by Kimya Dawson
October 5, 2004
This is the fourth solo album for the Moldy Peaches singer.
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Spooked
by Robyn Hitchcock
October 5, 2004
Gillian Welch guests on Hitchcock's latest solo offering, produced by David Rawlings.
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Power
by Q And Not U
October 5, 2004
This is the third Dischord release for the Washington, D.C. rockers, who are frequently mentioned next to hyphenated labels such as "post-punk" and "dance-punk."
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The Chronicles Of Life And Death
by Good Charlotte
October 5, 2004
The twentysomething pop-punkers attempt to move past their past TRL success with a more mature follow-up to 2002's 'Young And The Hopeless.'
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Pressure Chief
by Cake
October 5, 2004
The Northern California band's fifth album in ten years includes a cover of Bread's "Guitar Man."
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Palookaville
by Fatboy Slim
October 5, 2004
Damon Albarn and Bootsy Collins guest on Norman Cook's fourth Fatboy Slim album, which includes a cover of "The Joker" by the Steve Miller Band.
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Size Matters
by Helmet
October 5, 2004
The metal band returns after a seven-year recording hiatus with this new disc, produced by band leader Page Hamilton (the only original member here) with Jay Baumgardner and Charlie Clouser.
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Around The Sun
by R.E.M.
October 5, 2004
'Sun' is the 13th studio disc for R.E.M., who are joined here by frequent collaborators Ken Stringfellow and Scott McCaughey. Q-Tip also guest raps on "The Outsiders."
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Real Gone
by Tom Waits
October 5, 2004
Fans of his acclaimed 2002 pair of discs will have to settle for just one album this time out, co-produced by Waits with Kathleen Brennan. Marc Ribot and Les Claypool guest.
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Has Been
by William Shatner
October 5, 2004
Yes, it 'has been' a long time since the last William Shatner album (and with good reason), but the veteran recording artist returns for this collaboration with Ben Folds. Other guests include Joe Jackson, Aimee Mann and Adrian Belew, but sadly, no Leonard Nimoy.
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Treble & Tremble
by Earlimart
September 28, 2004
This fourth LP for the Los Angeles indie rockers were produced by Jim Fairchild (Grandaddy) and the band's own Aaron Espinoza. The album is dedicated to (and frequently about) the late Elliott Smith, who was Espinoza's neighbor.
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Universal Audio
by The Delgados
September 28, 2004
The fifth and final album from The Delgados (released on the band's own Chemikal Underground label) was co-produced with Tony Doogan. It ditches the strings of its orchestral predecessor, 'Hate,' to take a much poppier approach.
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Travistan
by Travis Morrison
September 28, 2004
The leader of the now-defunct Washington, D.C. outfit The Dismemberment Plan makes his solo debut with this disc, produced by Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla. John Vanderslice guests.
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Antics
by Interpol
September 28, 2004
The New York-based foursome of Paul Banks, Carlos D., Sam Fogarino and Daniel Kessler took indie rockers worldwide by storm (and made Matador a lot of money) with 2002's 'Turn On The Bright Lights,' which introduced their neck-stabbing guitar-rock mix of Joy Division, The Cure, The Smiths, and all of your other favorite 80s bands. That captivating sound returns on this sophomore release, which features many of the new tracks ("Narc," "Length Of Love," etc.) which first debuted live during their relentless touring over the past two years.
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Nancy Sinatra
by Nancy Sinatra
September 28, 2004
A better album title would have been 'Nancy Sinatra & Friends,' as the 64-year-old singer collaborates with fans such as Morrissey, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley, Sonic Youth's Jim O'Rourke and Thurston Moore, Jon Spencer, Pete Yorn and U2.
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Shangri-la
by Mark Knopfler
September 28, 2004
The former Dire Straits leader returns with a disc full of brand-new originals, his first release since recovering from a serious motorcycle accident.
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SMiLE
by Brian Wilson
September 28, 2004
Well, better 37 years late than never. Originally intended to be the Beach Boys' 1967 follow-up to their legendary 'Pet Sounds,' 'Smile' was finally recorded as originally intended in April 2004 by Wilson and his current band, including co-songwriter Van Dyke Parks.
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The Beautiful Struggle
by Talib Kweli
September 28, 2004
The literary rapper's second LP features production by the usual suspects (Kanye West, The Neptunes, Just Blaze). Mary J Blige guests.
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Burned Mind
by Wolf Eyes
September 28, 2004
Their first Sub Pop release finds the noisy Detroit band as a threesome, with founder Nate Young joined (as he has been since 2000) by Aaron Dilloway and John Olson.
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In Love And Death
by The Used
September 28, 2004
This is the third album for the Utah emo-rockers.
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Mind Body & Soul
by Joss Stone
September 28, 2004
?uestlove, Angie Stone and Nile Rogers guest on the 18-year-old soul singer's sophomore effort.
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A Tiger Dancing
by Heiruspecs
September 28, 2004
This Minnesota hip-hop outfit finds MCs Felix and Muad'Dib backed by a live three-piece band instead of the industry-standard assortment of DJs and producers.
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Couture, Couture, Couture
by Frausdots
September 28, 2004
This is the debut disc for the duo of Beachwood Sparks/Tyde member Brent Rademaker and vocalist Michelle Loiselle, featuring contributions from Mia Doi Todd and members of The Warlocks, Rooney and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
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Damage
by Blues Explosion
September 28, 2004
No, Jon Spencer hasn't left the blues trio, but they have officially shortened their name for their seventh release (their first for Sanctuary after a long stay at Matador). With all the money they saved by cutting out those extra two words, they were able to afford an all-star team of producers, including David Holmes, Alan Moulder, DJ Shadow, Dan The Automator and Steve Jordan.
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Young Prayer
by Panda Bear
September 28, 2004
This short solo disc for half of the current Animal Collective lineup was recorded in 2002 after the death of his father.
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City
by Client
September 21, 2004
Martin Gore and members of The Libertines guest on the electro-pop duo's second effort.
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American Idiot
by Green Day
September 21, 2004
Structured as a rock opera complete with 9-minute-plus songs and a somewhat complicated storyline, 'American Idiot' is the Berkeley punk band's first album in over four years.
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Joyful Rebellion
by k-os
September 21, 2004
This is the second full-length for the adventurous Canadian rapper, who mixes jazz, reggae and rock with hip-hop. He produced the album himself, and even plays guitar and piano on several tracks.
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London Calling [25th Anniversary Legacy Edition]
by The Clash
September 21, 2004
The landmark double album from Mick Jones, Joe Strummer & co. returns in a greatly expanded format, with a second disc ("The Vanilla Tapes") containing previously unreleased demos which are either primitive versions of songs from the album, or in a few cases, songs that don't show up on any Clash recording. Also included is a DVD with three videos and a Don Letts-directed documentary.
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I Dreamed We Fell Apart
by Memphis
September 21, 2004
'I Dreamed' is the debut for the duo of Stars vocalist Torquil Campbell and electronic musician Chris Dumont (his music is electronic, that is; Dumont is not). Included is a cover of Pet Shop Boys' "Love Comes Quickly."
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Niño Rojo
by Devendra Banhart
September 21, 2004
Nino Rojo, the eccentric singer-songwriter's second release of 2004, was recorded during the same sessions that produced 'Rejoicing In The Hands.'
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Last Exit
by Junior Boys
September 21, 2004
This is the first full-length release from the hard-to-pin down Canadian synth-pop trio led by Jeremy Greenspan.
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Night On Fire
by VHS or Beta
September 21, 2004
The Louisville, KY retro-electronica outfit, who drew numerous Daft Punk comparisons with their 2002 EP 'Le Funk,' have transitioned into a dance-punk sound with this full-length debut.
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This Week
by Jean Grae
September 21, 2004
The underground New York MC returns with her sophomore LP, with some production assistance from 9th Wonder.
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The Delivery Man
by Elvis Costello
September 21, 2004
Elvis has returned to the land of rock--or at least, country-flavored rock, as he's joined on several tracks by Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris. It's his second disc to feature (and first to credit) his new backing band, The Impostors, who look an awful lot like his former backing band, The Attractions, save for the addition of bassist Davey Faragher.
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Oxeneers Or The Lion Sleeps When Its Antelope Go
by These Arms Are Snakes
September 21, 2004
The Seattle band (who apparently suffer from either an unusual genetic problem or severe hallucinations) make their full-length debut with this disc.
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Sweat
by Nelly
September 14, 2004
Released on the same day as 'Suit,' 'Sweat' is the more club-oriented of the pair, with production handled by The Alchemist, The Neptunes, and more. Christina Aguilera, Mobb Deep and Missy Elliott guest.
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In The World Of Him
by Sally Timms
September 14, 2004
On this solo outing, the Mekons singer tackles a range of material written by male artists, including songs by Ryan Adams, Mark Eitzel and bandmate Jon Langford.
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Funeral
by Arcade Fire
September 14, 2004
The Montreal band founded by husband and wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne make their full-length debut with this highly anticipated disc.
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Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned
by The Prodigy
September 14, 2004
Once one of the top dance/electronica acts in the world, The Prodigy topped the UK charts in 1997 with 'The Fat of the Land' and then... nothing. Until now. After their 2002 comeback single "Baby's Got A Temper" flopped, Prodigy leader Liam Howlett scrapped the album in progress, jettisoned vocalists Keith Flint and Maxim Reality, and took a second stab at recording, enlisting Liam Gallagher, Twista and Juliette Lewis to sing, rap, and howl over what eventually became 'Always Outnumbered.'
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Wet From Birth
by The Faint
September 14, 2004
Mike Mogis produced this fourth album for the dance-inducing Nebraska indie rockers. Azure Ray's Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor add vocals on several tracks.
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Is All Over... The Map
by Giant Sand
September 14, 2004
Howe Gelb is joined by producer John Parish and singers Vic Chesnutt and Patsy Jean on his latest Giant Sand offering.
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Outta Sight / Outta Mind
by The Datsuns
September 14, 2004
The New Zealand rockers return with a second album, produced by Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones.
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Everybody Loves A Happy Ending
by Tears for Fears
September 14, 2004
A reunited Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal return with their first Tears For Fears album together in 15 years.
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Trust Not Those In Whom Without Some Touch Of Madness
by Thalia Zedek
September 14, 2004
A 20-year veteran of the indie music scene, the former Come frontwoman returns with her second solo LP.
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Suit
by Nelly
September 14, 2004
Think of 'Suit' as 'The Love Below' to 'Sweat's 'Speakerboxxx.' Where 'Sweat' is the more party-oriented of the two discs simultaneously released by Nelly, 'Suit' showcases the rapper's gentler side, and includes collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Tim McGraw (!), Mase and Pharrell Williams.
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The Handler
by Har Mar Superstar
September 14, 2004
Har Mar's third disc features contributions from Northern State and members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and was produced by John Fields (Andrew WK).
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Showtime
by Dizzee Rascal
September 14, 2004
The UK rapper follows his Mercury Music Prize-winning debut 'Boy In The Corner' with this sophomore release.
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