2004 Compendium

MUSIC 1. Xiu Xiu – Fabulous Muscles The more I listen to Xiu Xiu, the more interesting the music gets. Even though this release is quieter and less abrasive, it still has that over-the-top feel to it that makes it distinguishable as a Xiu Xiu release. Who would have thought that in 2004 we can still acheive catharsis in music? 2. Mae Shi – Terrorbird I might be a little biased since I was thanked in Tim’s list, but this album puts a lot to shame. Glitchy, hip-hoppy, punk, dancy all at once, it is the soundtrack for this millenium. 3. Noxagt – The Iron Point I first heard them when they opened for Lightning Bolt last year. They amazed me much more than LB did. Their instrumentals put most metal to shame. 4. Animal Collective – Sung Tongs I don’t know about this noveau folk movement going on, but AC is the shit. I guess I’m just a sucker for weird noises in songs or something. 5. DJ Dangermouse – The Grey Album So great it’s illegal! LIVE SHOWS 1. Xiu Xiu 2. Manifold’s Last Show @ the Smell *sniffles* 3. Mae Shi for the umpteenth time. They’re always fun. 4. Skinny Puppy EVENTS 1. Moving to Los Feliz. 2. Quitting my job. 3. George Bush’s re-election. 4. The tsunami. 5. Seeing North and South Korea being presented as “The Koreas” in the Olympics opening ceremony. SPORTS 1. Boston Red Sox winning the World Series. Now finally they can shut the fuck up. 2. San Diego Chargers making a complete turnaround. I’m thinking they have a good shot to win the Super Bowl. 3. Patriots winning the Super Bowl. It’s a shame that no one will remember the game because of Janet Jackson’s boob. 4. Roger Federer’s conquest of men’s tennis. He looks unstoppable. 5. NHL lockout. Who cares?