As is often the case, I'm often playing catchup with great stuff released in previous years. Here a couple of the records which could have easily shown up in my top albums of 2004, had I heard them last year. Any additions?
The Features - "Exhibit A" A real grower since seeing them earlier in the year. Am looking forward to the bands return live engagement and their energetic drummer.
Two records from John Hoskinson and Eugene Edwards, already mentioned in the Sugarplastic thread that bare repeating. The two work together live and on records, but approach songwriting in slightly different ways.
One commentator referred to John's music as "Coffee Shop Pop" which is an apt description. Like Elliott Smith, his songs are gentle with bittersweet lyrics. It's the kind of record which makes the commute a little more bearable, or works just for relaxing. There are a couple uptempo numbers to get the toes tapping as well. Fans of Crowded House, Jellyfish and things Beatlesque won't be disappointed.
John Hoskinson Eugene's song takes inspiration from uptempo melodic 80's records from the likes of Elvis Costello, Squeeze, and Rockpile. While the influences are all worn on his sleeve, he blends them together better than most.
Eugene Edwards
