We decided to do something a little different this year for our 'Best of' roundup. Instead of a master list compiled of submissions from our contributors and writers, we wanted to give our writers a chance to pick their own Top 5 list of the best of the year in music. Over the next three weeks we will be unveiling our writers' picks for the best of 2004.

Every day we will be posting a new Top 5 list from one of our writers, selected at random. At the conclusion we will reveal the master list. We also want to let you take part and will be accepting nominations for a readers' choice list.

Adrian Alfonso's Top 5 of 2004.

1. Atreyu - The Curse: No other album in 2004 has made me bang my head this hard and pump my fist in the air like a madman. These guys are everything the darkness (the band) want to be but never will. This album marks the return of ballsy ass rock with solos. (samples / buy cd)

2. Velvet Revolver - Contraband: HELLS YEAH nothing but kick ass hard rock. No skits, no stopping, just straight kick ass rock. (samples / buy cd | review)

3. Muse - Absolution: As far as alternative rock goes, this band can kick more ass than most metal groups out today and still write romantic songs at the same time. (samples / buy cd | review)

4. Kanye West- College Dropout: Hands down the best COMMERCIAL rap album out all year. Every song is different and he doesn't sing about poppin anything. (samples / buy cd)

5. Perfect Circle - Emotive: Honestly this could've been better but Maynard still gets his message across. (samples / buy cd)

Check back tomorrow when another member of the antiMusic staff checks in with their top 5 list.

Wait! Be sure to submit your nominations for the Readers' Choice list.