Thunder, Lightning, Strike by The Go! Team

Maybe it is my imagination, but it seems like this album has been making a comeback lately. Although it didn't make my top ten of 2004, it was definitely in the running, and it has weathered my rotation better than several albums on that list. The Go! Team sounds like the theme song to the best television show that you never saw. I meant that to be more flattering than it sounds. They are almost completely instrumental except for some high energy chearleading sounding samples on a few of the tracks. Flute, harmonica, horns, piano, and guitar are all layered on top of some big beats. Not electronic beats, but a real drummer. There has to be some heavy studio work to this album, but it sounds like a real performance. I think that "realness" is what really allows this album to pull it off. Definitely a fun album you should check out if you haven't already.

It's not your imagination. This album was just released in the US. They had to alter some songs from the UK version because they couldn't (or didn't want to pay to) clear some of the samples. This US version also has two bonus tracks.

I haven't heard the US version, but from what I've read it hasn't been hampered by the alterations. I must give a shout out to Berkbigler for turning me on to these guys.