With all that happened in the past year, this one’s a no-brainer. It’s almost uncanny how many of the songs on this CD have given hope to so many. A 2000 release that deserves a second go-round. No question. "When I Look At the World" must've been written in a truly psychic moment.
The third disc from Sister Bliss, Maxi Jazz, and Dido’s brother Rollo is truly their best to date. A great potpourri of electronic genius.
This is aural cut-and-paste that would make Coldcut blush! Brilliant stuff from these guys from Down Under. Take a listen to "Frontier Psychiatrist" and you’ll be hooked, too!
The siblings Timmins are back with a new label and new attitude. Longtime followers of modern-day torch and twang, Michael and Margo dabble in electronica with amazing results. Maybe not as groundbreaking as when Dylan went electric, but certainly with similar repercussions.
The Scots are coming! The Scots are coming! Great songwriting and melodies that were unveiled in the states on The Man Who continue here in every way possible. Also, one of the best live shows that I caught in 2001.
The re-birth of Mr. Adams following his career in Whiskeytown continues. While not quite yet on par with the best stuff from his former band, Adams makes great strides from his solo debut from last year.
Dar’s always been an outstanding live performer and it’s great to finally have a record of this. With full band, no less!
Rocky hip hop, rap metal…the descriptions continue. But this South Florida band’s evolution has come quite a long way since their beginnings nearly six years ago. Remember the name. It may just be the biggest import from the region since Brian, er, Marilyn Manson.
A phenomenal disc that I re-discovered this year. The title track could be one of the most brilliant songs ever written. "What is Love" is also one of the best uses of harmony this side of the Beach Boys! Truly a hall-of-fame release.
An aural delight that tests the equalization limits of any sound system. Amazingly made many forget A Perfect Circle, as good as that was, never even happened!
John Digweed’s Bedrock imprint has become a name synonymous with top-notch trance. This, the second in the series, following Digs himself, brings an uninterrupted mix that’s sure to please. Viva Senor Van Mallaghem!
A brief but meaty chunk of pop perfection!
One of the top singer-songwriters continues to mesmerize. You’ve come a long way from The Story, baby!
Okay, so I’m still miffed that these guys were only on the West Coast leg of Area: One. Nonetheless, a welcome return for the electronic pioneers from Manchester. Still proving that the mix of rock and electronica began here!
This disc represents a rebirth. There is much of the brilliance that began on their last disc, Strangers Almanac, but at the same time, there are brilliant, poppy songs that hint at what was to come from Ryan Adams’ solo career. A posthumous disc that is nonetheless vital to the alt-country timeline, not to mention Ryan’s.
The pride of Athens, Georgia, keep quietly putting out great material. Not radio friendly, but these days, that can be an asset greater than no other.
Shunned by many longtime fans, this was still an album that Tori needed to make. Putting her own twist to other’s songs is something that Amos has been doing for quite some time ("Smells Like Teen Spirit," anyone?). Like new things in an old place, it’s definitely worth a go!
In a year, that was a bit lacking in the hip hop department, here’s one that somewhat lived up to the hype. Crude, yet a sign of the times.
A wispy collection of songs from the voice of Iceland. Matmos keeps the electonics well in the background, which keeps the sound more organic than most of her past releases. The upbeat tunes are still missed, though.
Continued great mainstream rock from the boys from Louisiana. The cameos by DJ Swamp also add a new wrinkle to their sound.
LIVE v
More solid songs from Ed and company. Even Tricky in a rock environment doesn’t totally fall flat on its face.
TRICKY Blowback
A return to form for the trip hop pioneer. Side players could still be used to better effect, but still a step in the right direction.
SARAH McLACHLAN Remixed
Largely a rehash of career-spanning retoolings, but still a great collection as a whole. The trance stuff is great, naturally.
JA RULE Pain is Love
Yeah, it’s mostly mindless, but sometimes that’s just what you need. It’s got what it takes to rock the party!