FeaturesGlide's 20 From 2003: Our Picks For The Years Best AlbumsBy The Glide StaffDecember 15, 2003 |
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What's a music magazine without a list of the top albums of the
year. Well, to party with the big boys you need to judge albums
from top to bottom amongst the finest, and 2003 proved to be a
fine year indeed.
Unyielding in crossover material, Glide Magazine managed
to somehow stay afloat and bring the meeting of the waters between
genres. From jam, to "the" bands, alt-country, 80's retro, singer-songwriters,
funk, southern rock, and soul, in 2003 the word eclectic was certainly
overused. And all the while it seems the entire world is recognizing
Radiohead as the "new Beatles or Pink Floyd."
So here it is, the Glide 20 - our picks for the 20 best albums
of the year. Read, disagree, reaffirm, conjure, buy, give another
spin with your favorite headphones...we've got a whole year of
bar stool debates ahead of us.
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Ryan Adams - Rock N Roll
Mr. Unpredictable drops the whiskey soaked country whimpers
for a bit of past and present rock and roll, strapping on
the jean jacket and letting it all hang out. The Replacements
and early U2 shine on and on in this 80's happy affair. Hang
this album next to "Pyromania" or "War." |
Aesop Rock - Bazooka Truth
Hip-hop with an indie edge, offering an alternative mainstream
rap. This gravel throated New Yorker mixes hooking stories
with a bevy of distinguished beats, incorporating boogie-synth
alongside dirty snares. Built rough and tough, with old school
charm. |
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Allman Brothers Band - Hittin'
the Note
10 years since their last studio album and 33 years
since their debut, the Allmans are reinvented thanks to
Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes adventurously polished twin
axe attack. Gregg Allman sounds better than ever, quickly
molding "Desdemona" into a new-born classic.
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The Black Keys - Thickfreakness
The album title is just that - an effort that howls amongst
the fuzzy, booty shaking blues of yesteryear. Classic rock
never sounded so fresh. Hail to the power duo.
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Drive By Truckers - Decoration
Day
Revealing the true underbelly of the south, the Truckers
mean straight ahead, no-bullshit business. Plus, there's
a bit of swagger with the sword that would make their mentors,
Lynyrd Skynyrd, jealous.
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Kathleen Edwards - Failer
With despicable drunks, sorrowful breakups and adulterous
affairs, Edwards' debut album is an ironic celebration of
hardship. Singing, "I am so sick of consequence and the
look on your face," she soulfully delivers a world of low-lit
bars, morning drinking and old pick-up trucks.
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Electric Six - Fire
Play this album and your prone to ask, "what the &#%* is
this?" Angus Young guitar riffs meet dance fever in an insatiably
unique effort. You're not sure whether to laugh, dance or
bang your head… Fire, Fire!
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Al Green - I Can't Stop
The Reverend's voice is as smooth as ever: biting, nibbling,
and grabbing you for the sucker punch. The 70's soul flavorings
by such a superb back-up band make you want to get your
groove (or your condom) on.
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The Mars Volta - De-loused
In the Comatorium
Taking progressive rock/concept album to the next level,
this innovative and mysterious release is a sci-fi thriller.
Each song blends masterfully and ambitiously to the next,
making this effort a fantastic voyage.
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My Morning Jacket - It
Still Moves
Country stoners pull perhaps the album of the year out of
the dusty hat. A hypnotic and hazy voyage through psychedelic
jams and esoteric compositions, that allow you to discover
new elements with each spin.
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New Pornographers - Electric
Vision
Hooks galore in this supergroup's clever, alterna-happy
rock, combined with a smart witted edge. Roots rocker Neko
Case provides the necessary vocal punches, making this album
eclectically electric.
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Radiohead - Hail to the
Thief
No comment. Would these guys ever come out with anything
that sucks? Just add this jewel to their trophy case of recordings.
Thanks guys, lets keep the albums coming regularly.
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Damien Rice - O
Winner of the prestigious Shortlist award makes you forget
the comparison of soft, touchy-feely singer-songwriters
to Nick Drake. Rice sets a surreal, aching mood with cellos,
acoustic guitars and dramatic vocals, making O an invitation
to cry.
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Robert Randolph and the Family
Band - Unclassified
Pedal steel phenom Robert Randolph personifies the good
around the world. His first studio album combines sensible
songwriting, ripping instrumentals and rise to the rafter
gospel - and it's damn good. Hallelujah!
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Sea Ray - Stars At Noon
Wish you listened to Radiohead before your kid sister? Here's
your chance to get in on a band making a definitive mark
in the clubs of NYC. Cinematic compositions layered with
a haunting cello and of course, plenty of intimate vocals,
make up Brooklyn's Sea Ray. The harrowing, "Swear To Your
Face" moves through you like a revealing confession.
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Sleepy Jackson - Lovers
Mixing ingredients from every musical helping, this Australian
band unloads a stellar debut. An exciting effort that is
not only legit, but handsomely addictive.
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White Stripes - Elephant
Jack White continues to push the limits of songwriting and
the unlimited courageousness of a two headed machine. Reflecting
on the past, with a flash in the dark, this Elephant roars!
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Widespread Panic - Ball
Losing their lead guitarist only proved that sadness can
provoke undeniable songwriting. Developing their sound outside
the jam, Ball rolls with surprises and structure, while
John Bell further proves he's the man.
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Yo La Tengo - Summer
Sun
Hoboken, NJ trio take a step out of the indie-underground
with this embellished affair. Keyboards provide mystery,
mood and a warm cloud of jazzy liberated instrumentation.
Time to collect all of their earlier albums to compare and
contrast.
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Warren Zevon - The Wind
One of the most touching exits in rock and roll history,
as each song is a going away party. Cameos galore and intrepid
songwriting send this unmatched cynic to rest with a smirk
and a wink.
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Honorable Mentions
50 Cent - Get Rich Or Die Tryin
Basement Jaxx - Kish Kash
Bela Fleck &the Flecktones - Little Worlds
Ben Harper - Diamonds On The Inside
Blur - Think Tank
Dandy Warhols - Welcome to the Monkey House
Dar Williams - The Beauty of the Rain
Dave Matthews - Some Devil
Galactic - Ruckus
Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music
Jazz Mandolin Project - Jungle Tango
Johnny Cash - Unearthed
Natalie Merchant - House Carpenters Daughter
Pearl Jam - Lost Dogs
The Slip - Alivelectric
The Shins - Chutes too Narrow
Ween - Quebec
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