Columnist Spencer Patterson: First half of 2004 ushers in strong contenders

Spencer Patterson

Friday, July 30, 2004 | 8:43 a.m.

Even for those who aren't enthralled with Usher -- and there must be at least a dozen of us somewhere on the planet -- 2004 has been a promising year in music thus far.

Sure, the top of the charts has been dominated by the usual fare: commercial rappers Lloyd Banks and Jadakiss, popsters Avril Lavigne and Jessica Simpson and the aforementioned Usher juggernaut.

But scan a little farther down the Billboard 200, and you'll find a few surprises.

Independent and alternative rock acts -- from Modest Mouse to Franz Ferdinand to the Cure -- are making an impression on consumers

Cerebral hip-hop acts, such as the Roots, the Beastie Boys and Kanye West, are also holding steady in the upper regions of the chart.

Even country music has seen a minor shift, with "Musik Mafia" members Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich selling as well as anything on the genre's typically popular poppy side.

Of course, as we move into the second half of 2004, a lot of the year's best releases won't be found atop the Billboard charts.

Here are a few of my favorites thus far:

Air -- "Talkie Walkie": Ethereal electronic-pop soundscapes from the French duo, who also graced last year's tasty "Lost in Translation" soundtrack.

Dios -- "Dios": These Southern Californians grew up worshipping fellow Hawthorne natives the Beach Boys. On their debut, they've updated that group's sunny sounds with a deft indie touch.

Tanya Donelly -- "Whiskey Tango Ghosts": The Throwing Muses/Breeders/ Belly alumnus sounds at home in this spare, acoustic setting.

Eyedea & Abilities -- "E&A": You won't hear this Minneapolis duo in dance clubs, but inventive rhymes and formidable turntable skills have them at the head of 2004's hip-hop class.

PJ Harvey -- "Uh Huh Her": After a four-year album hiatus, Polly Jean is back with a disc that manages to be simultaneously ominous and triumphant.

Liars -- "They Were Wrong, So We Drowned": When Rolling Stone magazine gave it one star, I was immediately intrigued. Upon hearing it, my suspicions were confirmed. Filled with jarring, off-kilter rhythms and bizarre tales of witchcraft, this is the best disc I've run across in 2004.

Loretta Lynn -- "Van Lear Rose": Believe the hype. Supported by guitarist/fan/producer Jack White, Lynn and her down-home Kentucky twang have never sounded better.

Mission of Burma -- "OnOffOn": The legendary Boston post-punk trio returns -- 22 years after their last full-length studio effort -- and manages to out-angst bands half their age.

A.C. Newman -- "The Slow Wonder": The New Pornographers frontman's solo debut borrows from the Beatles and the Kinks on a fine example of modern pop done right.

Papa M -- "Hole of Burning Alms": This CD rounds up 12 hard-to-find cuts -- most of them glorious, slow-building instrumentals -- by the Slint/Palace/Tortoise /Stereolab/Zwan contributor.

Ratatat -- "Ratatat": Once known as Cherry, this New York duo crafts thumping instrumentals that straddle the divide between electronica and rock.

Sons and Daughters -- "Love the Cup": The Scottish quartet blend folk-rock, an obvious love of Johnny Cash and a punk aesthetic on their debut album.

Various Artists -- "The Q People: A Tribute to NRBQ": Yo La Tengo, Steve Earle, Los Lobos, J. Mascis and Mike Mills, among others, pay homage to one of America's quirkiest and most original acts.

Quick hits

A look at a few of the shows scheduled to hit Southern Nevada in the next week:

The Huntridge Theatre hosts its last show tonight before closing its doors for long-discussed renovations.

On the bill: death metal acts Dimmu Borgir, Bleeding Through and God Forbid. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22.

According to a Huntridge spokesperson, the historic venue is expected to be dark until early 2005. Among the planned changes: increased capacity, sound and light improvements, a new stage, more bar space and a restaurant.

LL Cool J lands at the Whiskey Beach at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets to the 21-and-over show are $42.50.

The veteran New York rapper is set to drop his first new album in nearly two years, "The Definition," on Aug. 31.

Former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty plays The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $53-$128.

The 59-year-old Fogerty has announced plans to release "Deja Vu (All Over Again)," his first solo studio project since 1997, in September.

On sale

Juan Gabriel plays the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Nov. 14. Tickets are $52.50-$105 and go on sale at 1 p.m. today at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, at TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 474-4000 and at www.ticketmaster.com.

Billy Idol performs at the Mandalay Bay Beach on Sept. 17. Tickets go on sale at noon on Saturday through the Mandalay Bay box office and TicketMaster.

Ministry stops at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on Sept. 7. Tickets are $22-$30 and go on sale at 10 a.m. next Friday at the House of Blues box office and through TicketMaster.