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ivan@stellysee.de
| From | wigout6@juno.com |
| Subject | My Top 20 of 2003 |
| Date | Sat, 17 Jan 2004 04:03:44 GMT |
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I haven't purchased many albums the past couple of years, but in 2003 I picked up few more than usual. And the hit/miss ratio was pretty high. A million thanks to Mike Bennett for his work compiling our lists! Okay, here goes...
1. Splitsville - Incorporated
Pop music doesn’t get any better than this. If you don’t believe me, start with the epic White Dwarf, jump to the touching Sasha, and finish with the amazing I Wish I Never Met You. These songs show a truly incredible band, featuring the best voice around (Matt Huseman), exciting arrangements, and brilliant production.
2. Rooney - s/t
Commercial? You bet! But this album is full of fantastic & memorable melodies, and is one of my faves of recent years. After listening to this for the first time on a flight to Vegas, I’m Shakin’ came over the speakers at the Mandalay Bay wave-pool, and I sang along as if I’d heard it a thousand times. A few months later, I think I probably have.
3. IKE - Parallel Universe
The John Faye Power Trip LP was a *wonderful* album, and this is a worthy follow-up. Solid tunes from a terrific band, and a few of these should be released as singles.
4. Josh Rouse - 1972
I love cohesive albums with fine songwriting, and this is a perfect example. Thanks to whoever tipped us off that this album was being streamed over his website (a great way to check it out).
5. Pernice Brothers - Yours, Mine & Ours
More thanks to the people on this list for tipping me off to this band. I may have to check out other efforts by them, if this is typical. These songs seem timeless to me. Just a great vibe.
6. Fountains of Wayne - Welcome Interstate Managers
It’s pretty much been said already. These guys are excellent at their craft, but it could be a few tunes shorter.
7. The Frauds - s/t
I saw them at an IPO-Baltimore show, and was impressed with their energy. This album has a touch of garage, but they don’t forget about the melodies. I’m not sure what to compare them to, but I think they have a lot of potential. I bought their CD, which is pretty damn cool. www.thefrauds.com
8. Outkast - The Love Below / Speakerboxxx
A fun album, with good humor, nice production, and catchy tunes. I’m not very familiar with some of the acts I’ve heard them compared to, but The Love Below reminds me of De La Soul’s fabulous “3 Feet High and Rising.” Engaging stuff.
9. The Smile - Brighton Pier
A sentimental favorite, and my most recent purchase. As David Bash described it, “power pop with a soft side.” Gorgeous, groovy melodies and one of the coolest voices in pop. Check out their MP3’s at www.thesmile.net
10. Nada Surf - Let Go
Like the Pernice Brothers album, this has a great vibe throughout. Reminds me of Luna. Hard to believe a Fuzztone is in this band.
11. Sparks - Lil’ Beethoven
This one is pretty different, and reminds me of The Residents.
12. The JTG Implosion - All The People Some of the Time
Lots of good songs, and a really cool guitar on the back cover! ; - )
13. Puffy AmiYumi - Nice
14. The Bangles - Doll Revolution
15. Myracle Brah - Treblemaker
16. Yardbirds - Birdland
17. Mandy Moore - Coverage
18. The Fleshtones - Do You Swing?
19. Phantom Tollbooth - Beard of Lightning
20. The High Dials - A New Devotion
Albums I Want To Buy Based on Other Lists
- The Trolleyvox
- The Jayhawks
- The Thorns
- New Pornographers
- The Effection
- Jupiter Affect
- Oranger
- Persian Rugs
A Fine EP by a Promising Act You'll Hear About Soon
Army of Me - “Fake Ugly”
Some of The Coolest Songs of 2003
1. “White Dwarf” - Splitsville
2. “Blonde on Blonde” - Nada Surf
3. “James” - Josh Rouse
4. “The Church of Seduction & The Republic of Business” - The Frauds
5. “Another Happening Today” - The Smile
6. “Baby In Two” - Pernice Brothers
7. “Roses” - Outkast
8. “Dandelion” - IKE
9. “This Is Where We Belong” - Myracle Brah
10. “Hackensack” - Fountains of Wayne
Best Show of The Year
Love Nut reunion & Splitsville at IPO-Baltimore
Be seeing you,
Bill
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