The Bronx - S/T This is Punk & Roll pure and simple. There seems to be a lot of hype around the whole LA scene right now, but these guys are worthy. Live these guys are top notch, and the record was made in just three takes...very live and very raw. Worthy of taking the baton from the Murder City Devils. Selected Track: Cobra Lucha - 3.2mb

				Coheed And Cambria - In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth : 3 This is certainly one of the most refreshing albums I've heard in a long time. Coheed and Cambria are actually the names of the characters in this continuing concept album. I like to think of these guys as the Into Another (amazing 90's hardcore/prog rock band I LOVE) of the future. Breaking the hardcore/indie/metal template and making no apologizes C&C won me over after one listen. The title track could be my favorite song of the year...the first time I heard it I just sat in stunned silence replaying it over and over. Selected Track: A Favor House Atlantic - 4.5mb

				Darkest Hour - Hidden Hands of a Sadist Nation Certainly the metal album of the year, maybe the decade. These DC mainstays have evolved from album to album and have finally found their sound (although it's difficult to say it's THEIR sound). Produced by the legendary Fredrick Nordstrom ( At The Gates, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir) and featuring Tomas Lindberg (At The Gates) and Andres Bjorier (The Haunted) it's a Swedish who's who. I still listen to this at least once a week. Selected Track: Marching To The Killing Rhythm - 5mb

				Death Cab For Cutie - Transatlanticism A quality release more in the vein of the Forbidden Love EP, meaning a bit thicker and denser than previous albums. I have to include this just for the fact that I listened to this record on the way to my wedding. It had the desired calming effect. Selected Track: New Year

				Embrace Today - Soldiers Fast, hard, and sharp metal infused hardcore. Simple, angry, screamed straight-edge based lyrics. I'm sure this turns a ton of people off, but I'm a fan. xEmbrace Todayx slam through 15 songs, most clocking in under a minute thirty. 'Run For Your Life' indeed. Selected Track: Without You - 5mb

				The Fire Theft - S/T Jeremy Enigk does it again. Yeah, some people say it's not as strong as Sunny Day Real Estate, but I disagree. I've always loved his solo record, and this album sounds like a strong mix of his solo work and SDRE. Enigk puts so much emotion in every vocal he continues to be my one of my favorite singer/songwriters. Watching him perform 'Heaven' live was breathtaking. Selected Track: Heaven - 4.9mb

				Ben Folds - Sunny 16 EP After going back and forth between the two EPs Ben released this year (the other being Speed Graphic) I think I've settled on this one as the better of the two. But maybe not. In any event, they are both quite good and worthy of picking up if you're a fan of his sound. Solid, fun song writing and crisp vocals. Did I mention the Cure cover? Selected Track: All You Can Eat - 4.6mb

				From Monument to Masses - The Impossible Leap In One Hundred Simple Steps I'm never sure how to explain FMTM. Do I start with the fantastic textures and emotion created by the amazing skill these guys have with their instruments? Or do the revolutionary themes make the greatest impact? In a landscape of common 'punk with a message' records, these seven songs create a fresh new sound of protest. Sharpshooter' moves me every time I hear it. Listen and learn. Selected Track: Sharpshooter

				The Mars Volta - De-Loused In The Comatoriums Cedric and Omar expand their vision to create a true concept album. The talent on this disc is incredible. I never thought they could top their work with At The Drive In (especially after that horrible first Mars Volta EP). This has been in my headphones for months on end. I do feel I have to mention their disappointing live show. Awful, but that's just me and my dislike of free form 'jams'. Just get the record. Selected Track: Take The Veil - 14mb

				The Murder City Devils- R.I.P This live album of the Devil's final show at Seattle's Showbox is the result of a contractual agreement with SubPop (this is a great article addressing the somewhat touchy subject). Although many complain about the quality of the performance, I can't help but love every drunken song. Yes, you heard me, I'm looking past the drunkeness. I just listen to this and weep quietly to myself, knowing it's all over. Selected Track: Rum To Whiskey - 3.9mb

Top 10 Albums of 2002
Top 10 Albums of 2001

December 2003 archive

See you in a few weeks. Thanks for the support in 2003.