|
So 2003 has
come to a close and 2004 is underway... it's about time we take
a look back and see what albums rocked our socks off this last
year in our annual Editor's Choice Top Ten Albums listing. So
peruse our list, but before you shake your fists because your
favorite album didn't make our top ten, be sure to also check
out our top ten albums that didn't
make our top ten list.
Music-Critic.com's
Top Ten Albums of 2003.
 |
Number
10en
The
Darkness
Permission to Land
Amidst
all the hubbub about the return of rock music with The White
Stripes' critically lauded Elephant, there was
an even bigger return to rock with The Darkness's brand
of 70s and 80s metal revival on Permission to Land. If you
really want to RAWK, dig this.
full review
|
 |
Number
9ine
Nada
Surf
Let Go
Although most people remember Nada Surf for their mid-90s
geek-rock song, Popular, they were easily forgotten by their
sub-par sophomore effort. However, with Let Go, Nada Surf
showed they were quite underestimated, as they put forth some
of the most heartfelt pop rock ever to come pouring out of
your speakers.
|
 |
Number
8ight:
Damien
Rice
O
There are singer songwriters, and then there's Damien Rice
- who's debut album is something any singer songwriter should
be aspiring too. Draw-dropping tunes, emotionally wrenching
lyrics, and a delivery to die for. If you wanted something
simply beautiful this year, O was the way to go.
full review
|
 |
Number
7even:
Over
the Rhine
Ohio
Despite it's detractors, alt.country can, at times, be one
of the truest forms of musical self-exploration, as Over the
Rhine's double-disc triumph, Ohio proves within it's
first 30 seconds. An absolutely stunning trip throughout,
with a defining moment when we meet Jesus while drinking bloody
marys in the South.
|
 |
Number
6ix:
Grandaddy
Sumday
Grandaddy have always tended to explore the good and bad of
our societal integration with technology vs. our natural roots,
but Sumday finds the band finally building a full collection
of tremendous songs... whether you take a look at their message
or not.
|
 |
Number
5ive:
Blur
Think Tank
The departure of guitarist Graham Coxon from Blur seemed like
it could be the death knell for the group. Thankfully, Think
Tank proved that Blur had so much more up their sleeve than
anyone ever really gave them credit for. This is the album
Radiohead should have made this year, but didn't.
|
 |
Number
4our:
Fountains
of Wayne
Welcome Interstate Managers
The commercial success of Stacy's Mom was surprising, to say
the least. Even more surprising was the fact that for this
album, Fountains of Wayne received a Grammy nomination for
best new artist - despite the fact this is their third release,
and their first NOT on a major label. Still, it is their best
to date. A superb collection of funny, yet truthful pop songs.
full review
|
 |
Number
3hree:
Junior
Senior
D-d-don't Stop the Beat
The evil squirrel in Shynola's video for Junior Senior's
"Move Your Feet" was, by far, the video villain
of the year... and Junior Senior's debut collection of wonderful
dancey delights was, by far, the party disc of the year.
It's fun, and that's about it. But it's REALLY fun.
full review
|
 |
Number
2wo:
The
Postal Service
Give Up
Chances are, if you're into music even just a bit, someone
this year asked you "have you heard The Postal Service
yet?" The collaboration between Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel
and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie found a home throughout
the record collection of fans of electronic, post-punk, new
wave, emo rock, and more with its unique approach to electronic
music.
full review
|
 |
Number
1ne:
Super
Furry Animals
Phantom Power
Whether you agree with Gruff Rhys's political views or not,
Super Furry Animals proved, once again, that political and
social commentary, along with a dose of oddity, can make for
a brilliant album. Combinations of Beach Boys pop song writing
and elements of country, rock, and electronic music made Phantom
Power our Editor's pick for album of the year.
full review
|
Check
out our top ten runners-up of 2003.
Check
out our top ten songs of 2003.
Check
out our top ten albums of 2002.
Check
out our top ten albums of 2001.
Check
out our top ten albums of 2000.
We
want you to voice your opinion!
If
you would like to let your voice be heard, write up your own editorial
column and mail it to editor@music-critic.com
We will look
it over and hopefully get it posted for you. All submissions become
property of Music-Critic.com
|
