The Go! Team
Thunder Lightning Strike
Ingenious, uplifting, ramshackle retro soundclash
*****
Homelife
Guru Man Hubcap Lady
Eclectic and joyous multi-instrumentalism
*****
Converge
You Fail Me
Excellent rapid-fire US hardcore, on Epitaph
*****
Hayden
Elk-Lake Serenade
Downtempo folk, with guitar/piano accompaniment
*****
The Bronx
The Bronx
Great for jumping around like a mentalist
*****
Tub Ring
Zoo Hypothesis
Incredible edgy, playful hard rock, along the same lines as Faith No More.
*****
More recommendations on my del.icio.us 2004 music page.