Tunes Du Jour Presents 2004

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While 2004 may not be remembered as a revolutionary year in music history, it certainly left its mark with a diverse range of sounds that reflected the changing trends of the early 2000s. From catchy pop anthems to rock revival and emerging indie scenes, the year offered a solid foundation for the musical directions that would unfold in the years to come.

In the realm of pop and R&B, established stars and newcomers alike dominated the charts. Britney Spears continued her reign with the provocative “Toxic,” while Usher’s infectious club anthem “Yeah!” featuring Ludacris and Lil’ Jon became a dance-floor staple. Gwen Stefani made a successful foray into solo artistry with “What You Waiting For?”, blending pop with a hint of electronic edge. These tracks, along with hits from Destiny’s Child and Ciara, exemplified the slick production and catchy hooks that defined mainstream music of the era.

Hip-hop saw significant releases from both veterans and newcomers, showcasing the genre’s versatility. Snoop Dogg teamed up with Pharrell Williams for the minimalist masterpiece “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” while Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” stood out for its bold lyrics and gospel influences, hinting at his future influence on the genre. In the UK, The Streets and Dizzee Rascal pushed the boundaries of British hip-hop with “Dry Your Eyes” and “Fix Up, Look Sharp” respectively, bringing grime to a wider audience.

Rock music in 2004 was marked by a resurgence of garage rock and post-punk influences. Green Day found renewed relevance with their politically charged “American Idiot,” perfectly capturing the frustrations of the early 2000s. Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out” and The Killers’ “Somebody Told Me” brought angular guitar riffs and danceable rhythms to the forefront, becoming surprise radio hits. The Libertines’ “Can’t Stand Me Now” and The Darkness’ “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” added to the garage rock revival energy. Meanwhile, indie rock had its moment with Arcade Fire’s debut album “Funeral,” offering sprawling, emotional soundscapes with tracks like “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels).”

Beyond the mainstream, 2004 offered glimpses of what was to come in the music world. Tracks like “Slow Hands” by Interpol and “The Rat” by The Walkmen showcased the growing popularity of darker, moodier sounds that would define the latter part of the decade. Modest Mouse gained mainstream attention with “Float On,” while Yeah Yeah Yeahs pushed the boundaries of alternative rock.

In retrospect, 2004 wasn’t a year that rewrote the rulebook of music, but it was a period that gave us a diverse range of memorable tracks. From pop to hip-hop, rock to indie, the year’s music scene was a reflection of a time when genres were both distinct and increasingly willing to blur their boundaries. It provided a soundtrack rich in diversity and creativity, setting the stage for the musical evolution that would follow in subsequent years.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 6-21-24

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On the latest UK Top 100 singles chart, The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” from their 2004 debut album Hot Fuss, moves up from number 66 to number 63 in its 415th week on that chart. I think it’s on its way to hit song status.

The Killers’ Brandon Flowers was born on this date in 1981. A handful of that band’s songs are included on today’s playlist.

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Tunes Du Jour Presents Joy Division and New Order

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Joy Division and New Order are two of the most influential bands in the history of rock music. They emerged from the punk scene of the late 1970s and evolved into different styles and genres, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs and albums.

Joy Division was formed in 1976 by four young men from Manchester, England: Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar), Peter Hook (bass), and Stephen Morris (drums). They were inspired by the energy and attitude of the Sex Pistols, but they soon developed their own distinctive sound and vision. Their music was dark, atmospheric, and haunting, reflecting the bleakness and alienation of their industrial surroundings. Their lyrics were poetic, complex, and literary, dealing with themes such as love, death, isolation, and mental illness. Curtis, who suffered from epilepsy and depression, delivered his vocals with a deep, expressive, and sometimes erratic voice.

Joy Division released two albums in their short career: Unknown Pleasures (1979) and Closer (1980). Both are considered masterpieces of post-punk, a genre that emerged after the initial wave of punk and experimented with new sounds and influences. Joy Division’s songs, such as “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” “Atmosphere,” “Transmission,” and “She’s Lost Control,” are among the most iconic and influential of the era. They also created a distinctive visual identity, with minimalist and abstract album covers designed by Peter Saville.

Joy Division’s career was tragically cut short by the suicide of Curtis on May 18, 1980, the eve of their first American tour. His death shocked and saddened the music world, and also mythologized the band as a symbol of intensity and authenticity. Joy Division’s music has inspired countless artists across genres and generations, from U2 and Radiohead to Nine Inch Nails and The Killers.

After the death of Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division decided to continue making music under a new name: New Order. They were joined by Gillian Gilbert, a keyboardist and guitarist who added a new dimension to their sound. New Order’s music was a radical departure from Joy Division’s. They embraced synthesizers, drum machines, and dance music influences, creating a fusion of rock and electronic music that was groundbreaking and influential. Their music was also more upbeat, colorful, and optimistic, reflecting their personal and artistic growth.

New Order released several albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, each one exploring new musical directions and possibilities. Their most famous and successful song is “Blue Monday,” a 1983 single that is the best-selling 12-inch record of all time. The song is a synth-pop masterpiece, with a catchy melody and a pulsating rhythm. Other notable songs by New Order include “True Faith,” “Regret,” “World In Motion,” and “Bizarre Love Triangle.” New Order’s music has influenced many artists in the fields of synth-pop, techno, house, and alternative rock, such as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, The Chemical Brothers, and LCD Soundsystem.

Besides their musical achievements, Joy Division and New Order have also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. One of their most notable contributions was their participation in the Artists Against Apartheid project, a campaign that aimed to raise awareness and funds for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In 1986, New Order recorded a song called “State of the Nation,” which denounced the racist regime and expressed solidarity with the oppressed people. The song was released as part of an album called Conspiracy of Hope, which also featured songs by U2, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and others. The album was a benefit for Amnesty International, a human rights organization that works to end injustice and abuse around the world.

Joy Division and New Order also supported the Hacienda, a legendary nightclub in Manchester that was owned by their record label, Factory Records. The Hacienda was a cultural hub that hosted many famous bands and DJs, such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Madonna, and Happy Mondays. It was also a place where people of different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations could mingle and enjoy music and dancing. The Hacienda was a pioneer of the rave culture, which promoted peace, love, and unity through electronic music. However, the club also faced financial and legal troubles, and eventually closed in 1997. Joy Division and New Order donated much of their royalties and profits to keep the club running, and also performed there several times.

Joy Division and New Order are two bands that have made a lasting impact on music and culture. If you want to listen to some of their best songs, check out this playlist.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 6-13-23

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My favorite Weezer song is “Buddy Holly,” from their 1994 album titled Weezer, not to be confused with their 2001 album titled Weezer, their 2008 album titled Weezer, their 2016 album titled Weezer, or either of their 2019 albums titled Weezer. My second favorite Weezer song is “Hash Pipe,” from their 2001 album titled Weezer, not to be confused with their 1994  album titled Weezer, their 2008 album titled Weezer, their 2016 album titled Weezer, or either of their 2019 albums titled Weezer. In third place I’d probably put “Island in the Sun,” also from their 2001 album titled Weezer, not to be confused with their 1994  album titled Weezer, their 2008 album titled Weezer, their 2016 album titled Weezer, or either of their 2019 albums titled Weezer. Next for me would be “Beverly Hills,” from an album not titled Weezer, which I find confusing.

Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo was born on this date in 1950 and has never been the governor of New York. To celebrate a handful of Weezer songs are on today’s playlist. Oddly, I didn’t include any of the favorites I mentioned, which is the most confusing part of this post.

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