Here is the definitive list -- albeit a bit fuzzy (it's been a tough few weeks of pre-Christmas partying) -- of the best albums of 2004. I wish there were more Japanese bands here, but in 2004 most of my favorite bands -- The Gimmies, The Saturns, Melt-Banana, Thee '50s High Teens, Watusi Zombie, etc. -- didn't release new stuff and instead concentrated on burning down live houses with their incendiary stage shows. But, anyway, here goes . . .
1) The Libertines, "The Libertines" (Rough Trade)
This is the best record ever! In the history of rock 'n' roll! I've been listening to it on my iPod at least once a day for the past six months. Most songs have got a punky-mod feel that, well, I guess you could say is reminiscent of The Jam or The Who, but I feel like an idiot making comparisons because this is beautiful, dissolute rock 'n' roll at it's very best and every song is a killer.