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Thanks to a highly polarizing election season, 2004 became the year when musicians entered the political fray. Through major tours ("Vote for Change") and new songs, artists lined up to rally against George W. Bush. But that wasn't the only story of the year. Rappers and rockers turned to electro and new wave; country stars drew on hip-hop. Today on Soundcheck, New York Times pop music critic Jon Pareles offers his highlights of the year. 2004 was also a year when music went to the movies, with bio-pics about Ray Charles, Cole Porter, and Bobby Darin. Newsday film critic Gene Seymour offers a look back at music and film.
Additional Resources:
» Jon Pareles on 2004 in pop music
» Soundcheck presents "Critics Week"