Ok, this column was a tough call and I’ll tell you why: music in early to mid-2000’s was awesome. Compiling this list was exhausting and even a little emotional due to the fact that there were a lot of phenomenal albums released during the year 2004 alone that still reside in my iPod library. I even know that 10 minutes after submitting this in for publication, I’ll be kicking myself saying, “AUGH! I totally should be have put X’s album Y, instead of number whatever!” As I said, it was quite taxing. The albums that I have concluded [in no particular order] in this list had made an impact in their own ways, and should be deserving of a tour to make note of their mark in the music industry, no matter how big or little success they achieved. In fact, I hope by the time this is released, at least some of these are already announced. Do you agree with this list, or think I left anyone out? Tweet me your thoughts @H_Glock.
Alexisonfire – Watch Out!
Watch Out! is a record that I still play on my iPod and can feel the energy ripping its way through my muscles. The band disbanded in 2012 and held a 10-year anniversary tour in celebration of the band being together for so long as their farewell. While Watch Out! wasn’t Alexisonfire’s most successful record commercially, its release paved the way for the band in its later years with its emotional hooks and group singing both in background and in chorus.
He Is Legend – I Am Hollywood
He Is Legend hit the road with Maylene and the Sons of Disaster in August for their 10-year celebration, but it wasn’t completely an ode to I Am Hollywood, the band’s first studio full length. This record was before its time, and wasn’t fully appreciated until now. Last year I experienced He Is Legend live at Revolution in Amityville, NY and the explosion that came from the crowd when they performed “The Seduction” was ridiculously insane. I Am Hollywood explored melodic tunes to southern rock sounds to ‘metal core’ that still makes an impression in today’s rock scene.
Underoath – They Are Only Chasing Safety
The third studio album by Underoath [another band put to rest recently], They Are Only Chasing Safety, makes the list due for various reasons. The combined vocals of Spencer Chamberlain and Aaron Gillespie hang over the thunder of drums, guitar riffs, and electronica were gripping for its time. It’s one of those rare albums that keeps its consistency, instead of being sporadic. Not to mention, each member plays his role so well, that one could dissect each part and listen to each instrument individually rather than a whole, and still feel satisfied with what is pulsing in their ears.
The Killers – Hot Fuss
This album helped the indie-pop scene explode when it debuted. This record helped spark the gushing of electronica and pop tempos into the guitar-filled rock scene, and also established a middle ground between the two genres. Their hits “Somebody Told Me,” “Mr. Brightside,” and “All These Things That I’ve Done,” to this day, remain songs that get you singing no matter where you are, or what you are doing.
Head Automatica – Decadence
For those of you too young to remember, Head Automatica was the child of Glassjaw’s Daryl Palumbo, and in 2004, we were highly anticipating the first release: Decadence. Those who know GJ and not Head Automatica should know that the two were nothing alike. Head Automatica brought in weird, dance-punk music to a crowd used to basic rock. Palumbo carried an almost unrecognizable pop tone to his crooning, and yet still managed to bring a heavy kick when guitars were needed. Different? You bet. This record should be put on display to be remembered for its diversity.
Modest Mouse – Good News For People Who Love Bad News
This album was lyrical genius and there is no denying that. It wasn’t afraid to get weird at the right or most awkward moments, while shifting to a more radiant tone. In a commercial music scene that dominated by “pretty and polished” vocals, vocalist Isaac Brock wasn’t afraid to be different, in either a good or a bad way. With his unique take on singing, this was Modest Mouse’s most commercially successful record, yet it still maintains depth like their previous works, therefore giving fans what they want.
Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand was the most hyped band to emerge from the United Kingdom in 2004. Their appearance in the states was quite the refreshing appeal, as it did not come with a rehashed and reused sound both lyrically and instrumentally. This quartet made their debut with their self-titled record and marked an era for British Rock. They made guitar music infectious once again with hits like “Take Me Out,” which still gets feet tapping and fingers drumming to every piece of instrument banging its way through the track.
From First To Last – Dear Diary, My Teenage Angst Has A Body Count
For those of you who don’t know that Sonny Moore, a.k.a Skrillex, used to be in a screamo, angst rock band From First To Last, the band released their first full length record Dear Diary, My Teenage Angst Has A Body Count in 2004 and turned heads. Songs like the title and “Ride the Wings of Pestilence” fueled the masses with its angsty and violent lyrics, and would get everyone jumping in the mosh pit.
Incubus – A Crow Left Of The Murder
Incubus acknowledged their 10-year mark of A Crow Left Of the Murder… but nothing really came of it. Coming off of the commercial success of “Make Yourself” and “Morning View,” Incubus released A Crow Left of the Murder, their first record with new bassist Benn Kenney, formerly of The Roots. This record did not share the same commercial success that the previous two records did, but “Megalomaniac” was an infectious and moving single, with the rest of the record having wonderful hooks and great ambience. Songs like “Agoraphobia,” “Talk Shows On Mute,” and “Here In My Room” had captivating space and tone. This record may have been the bands’ most underappreciated effort.
The Sleeping – Believe What We Tell You
As a Long Island native, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t include a full Long Island band. While I had a hard time deciding between The Sleeping and Taking Back Sunday, I rested upon The Sleeping. The Sleeping came together from the remains of hometown favorites Skycamefalling. When Joe Zizzo, Cameron Keym, and Sal Mignano came across Doug Robinson (now vocalist for Night Verses), The Sleeping was born. Believe What We Tell You was a brilliantly thought-out debut album that combined driving aggression with space and ambience. Doug’s vocals layered perfectly with the band’s instrumentals that set up the next 9 years of them touring and releasing another three albums.
Honorable Mentions:
1) Funeral For Friend – Casually Dressed in Deep Conversations
2) Fear Before March of the Flames – Art Damage
3) Morrissey – You Are The Quarry
4) Taking Back Sunday – Where You Want To Be
5) Rise Against – Siren Song of the Counter Culture
6) Dead Poetic – New Medicines
7) My Chemical Romance – Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge
Featured image ©Franz Ferdinand Official Facebook Page
’10 Album Anniversary Tours That Need To Happen’ appeared in the 2014 October/November Issue.
