!earshot Top 200 of 2021

The Best, The Worst and the Rest

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Alanna Stuart
is kind of affiliated with � Hop the Fence' on CHUO 89.1 FM in Ottawa . We're U of O's campus station.
�This is where I discovered Indie Rock, Break Beats, Experimental and other great types of music. I'm still new to �the underground', so I'm not all �up' on everything. That's cool though, because I'm discovering music all over again and that's where a lot of people wish they could be.�

Best of 2004

Blonde Redhead - Misery Is A Butterfl y - 4AD

If the title is referring to the beauty of a butterfly then they're bang on. This album, as sad as it was, was so pretty. It reminded me of Sufjan Stevens, in that their vocals are seemingly on the brink of breaking. I really enjoy �reading-a-book-on-a-rainy-afternoon' type albums.

Diplo - Florida Big Dada - Ninjatune

So few artists take influences to create a new sound. It's often imitation, a good impersonation, but nothing that original. Wes Penz goes against that. He successfully took mixes of ambient sounds, dirty drum samples, dancehall, and Brazilian rap to make Florida . �Be bold; put them all together,� it says. And so he did�great music! (If you like this, check out Piracy Funds Terrorism w/ the UK 's M.I.A.)

The Constantines - Shine A Light - Three Gut Records

I just love how dirty their sound is. I could really hear growth in their sound on this album. They're also one of the few bands that can deliver on stage what they share on c.d. And hello�they're from Guelph . (Strictly speaking, this is from 2003, but it is a great record so we'll let it slide � Ed.)

Peter Elkas - Party of One EP (and LP) - Maple Music Recordings

It's one of those albums I think would make a label would kick themselves for passing up. They're simply really well written songs. The drums and bass create a really, warm, soulful sound behind the guitars. �Turn Out the Lights� is a sexy, sexy song that can be translated into so man different genres. �Party Of One� is a great title track with vocals and guitar that give a dizzying effect. I think I've listened to it a million times. It makes me think of a 'chipper' Ron Sexsmith .

Outkast Speakerboxx The Love Below - La Face Records

Obvious? Yes! �.Good? Yes! That can't really be argued. I love individuality. I admire it. I think Andre 3000 's Love Below was seen as a more obvious departure from original Outkast releases, but Big Boi definitely stepped up to the plate and delivered some quality music. This was the soundtrack of 2004. Urban music has been getting a bad rap because of bad Rap, but Chris Rock no longer needs to search out a reason to defend Hip Hop. Outkast is a perfect example of how a little effort, and big balls can go a long way.

Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters - Universal)

So fun, so �gay.' I'm reading �Loves Saves the Day', which chronicles the history of American dance culture from the 60's to 70's. I can picture the Scissor Sisters in the middle of the dance floor and not missing a beat. I couldn't tell whether they were male or female and didn't care because you get caught up in how much fun the music is. Sometimes you got to just dance. This album does that for me.

Most Under-Rated Record of the Year

Peter Elkas - Party Of One EP- Independent

Sometimes quality music gets over looked. Unfortunately, this happened to the Peter Elkas EP. Of course this may be biased because I'm pretty big Local Rabbits fan, but really, have u heard it? It seemed as though it took forever for the EP to turn LP. I saw on the site that videos had been shot, but they have yet to be seen. I think, though, based on what I've heard at the shows, 2005 will be different.

Most Over-Rated Record of the Year

I have my ideas, but who is anyone to say really.

Best Local Release - Ottawa .

I don't really have a favourite per se. I haven't been up on local releases in a while. I do, however, love Kepler 's: Missionless Days released by Troubleman Unlimited. It's from 2002, but I've loved it through to this year�It counts, right? They're sound is quite mellow, almost ambient rock, if there is such a thing. You can hear them at: www.keplertheband.com .

Mos tAnticipated Record for 2005

M.I.A . - Arular XL- Recordings

I come from a West Indian ( Caribbean ) background so, anything that resembles dancehall reggae�I love! When someone takes dancehall reggae and does it justice, I'm theirs forever. I've heard about 4 singles, and the mix tape done with Diplo and I can't stop listening to it. It's so grimy, so slack, and so true to the underground. I am the type of person who loses interest when the novelty wears off so, I'm hoping it doesn't get too much hype before the North American release. I'm waiting though and anticipating. What else is she bringin'? What does she sound like live? We'll have to wait and see�

Best Personal Campus/Community Radio Moment Or Experience of the Year

Everyday is a party at Campus-Community radio!

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