I don't know about anyone else, but I think 2003 has
been an extremely good year for music.  The past two
years, I've wanted to proffer my small contribution to
the end-of-the-year poll here on Audities, but just
didn't feel like I bought enough records, especially
not ones that really left me stoked up, to come up
with a "top ten."  It feels so good to be excited
about music again.  

For now...

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Take Them On, On Your
Own.  

I saw these guys play in Louisville about a month ago,
and it was so inspiring.  Quite possibly the loudest
club show I've ever been to.  They were tough as
nails; tons of panache, especially the bass player. 
The set got kind of monotonous in the middle, but
everything else was over the top.  There were a few
times in the show where their LD would turn on the
crowd flashers and just leave them on for about eight
bars during some breakout section.  Total sensory
overload!  I couldn't believe the show was only $10
too.  I have to confess that before seeing them live,
I thought the records were kind of boring.  It's
amazing to me how they make so much more sense after
hearing the songs live.  

I'm also really digging the new Travis album.  Did
anyone else freak out the first time they heard the
background harmonies in the chorus of "Beautiful
Occupation"?    

"The Black Keys - Thickfreakness" is kind of a cool
vibe.  Really soulful.  Reminds me a lot of Robin
Trower.  

I loved The Strokes' first album, but I'm a bit
disappointed in this new one.  The only thing that
really hooked me was the opening cut.  Maybe I just
need a few good memories to associate with it before
the album really grabs me.  

And last...a non-musical contribution...I'm glad that
Warner Bros finally put out some Looney Tunes on DVD. 
I feel like I just got half of my childhood back.  

Hello to Mr. Hoekstra.

-- William Thomas





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