That's a pretty eclectic list of Top 10's. When I don't recognize even half of somebody's list I figure they're just making most of it up or these are all bands their friends belong to.

As for Canada being New England I know we have similar weather, topography and good seafood but I've never been much of a Red Sox fan and I know we have much more talented writers than people like Stephen King.

As for the wheelhouse reference all the discs I've mentioned have received heavy rotation (listened to at least once through) chez moi and while good in fits and spurts just don't come together as what I would consider a "great" record. And maybe I'm getting pernickety in my old age but 2004 just didn't see the emergence of too many great records.

Already looking forward to some new releases for 2005 including one that Stuart will be pleased to hear about. M. Ward's new disc "Transistor Radio" comes out in February and Lou Barlow has his first solo record out this month.

And by the way Royal City are local boys which begs the question: with all this great local music (perhaps the strongest scene in years) why the fuck were Glass Tiger the "headliners" at Nathan Phillips on New Year's Eve? Was Casino Rama booked?