Editors' Choice for September 2004

Weaves Eastern modalities, gospel fervor, and avant garde explorations into improvisational compositions that pulse with exquisite beauty.

— Anthony Tognazzini

Earnest and emotional debut from the Canadian indie rock crew that catapulted them to stardom.

— Neil Z. Yeung

Green Day roared back to life with this fiery rock opera fueled by outrage at the George W. Bush administration.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Gorgeously crafted blend of cold wave synth-pop and post-drum & bass rhythmic science.

— Dave Shim

Uncommonly successful orchestral rock hybrid, proposing new possibilities for classical composition.

— Paul Simpson

Eclectic and explicitly political double album that stands as one of rock & roll's all-time greatest statements.

— Paul Simpson

Exhilarating collage of Northern soul horns, sampladelic beats, hard-charging '70s funk, old-school hip-hop, and sincere indie pop hits hard and never lets up.

— Tim Sendra