Top 10 Albums Of 2001? (1 Viewer)

[Tim Hoover]

Well, I'm glad to see that someone finally mentioned Mark Lanegan. The Screaming Trees were very very good, but Lanegan solo is just brilliant. Another winner.

Gillian Welch's "Time (The Revelator)" just keeps growing on me like some kind of fungus - only I don't wanna reach for the spray bottle.

Mercury Rev "All Is Dream" is pretty damn excellent.

Well, that about does it for 2001, sadly enough. 2000 was much better.

BTW, Wilco has signed with Nonesuch Records, and they are eyeing April '02 as the release date for YHF.

 

[Rich Malloy]

i just think critics get so taken in by the dylan mystique that if he farted on album for 60 minutes it would make a "best of" list just because it's dylan.

I completely disagree. From the period starting with his conversion in the late-70's through the 80's and into the 90's (until TIME OUT OF MIND was released), Dylan got neither good press nor criticial respect.

Saved, Infidels, Slow Train Coming, Oh Mercy, etc. - all albums now undergoing reappraisal and widely considered to have been unfairly dismissed for the crime of being terribly, terribly unfashionable.

(And, just like his decision to plug-in, not at all the direction people wanted him to take. But then, Dylan's been defying expectations and moving against the grain for most of his career.)

So, it's true that we now are in a situation where the high muckety-mucks are welcoming Dylan back into the fold, and conveniently forgetting his excommunication by them. So when the ridiculous old farts and clueless young celebrities of the Academy decide to award Bob an Oscar, we all know they're merely following the leader - they don't get Dylan anymore today than they did during the 80's - but at least they're mindlessly herding in the right direction lately. But when fashions shift again, so too will their opinions.

To contradict the man himself, it seems that some do need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. But the Dylan mystique you cite was closer to parody for more than a decade, and his road back to mainstream respectibility and the kudos lavished on him by the powers-that-be-cluelesss was certainly not as simple a matter as you imply. In fact, I can think of no other great artist who was so completely dismissed for such a long period, and few who've managed to so completely and deservedly return to prominence. All it took was 365-days/year of constant touring for over a decade (now with one of the finest rock bands since "The Band"), and two consecutive, stylistically divergent albums of such brilliance that both are widely considered the best of their respective years. To some, they may garner no more praise than would the recorded farts of a 60-year old man who happened to be named "Dylan", but I truly wonder if those people ever truly listened to them.

I take that back: I know many who listen, but far fewer who hear.

 

[Mark Pfeiffer]

Not to let Dylan totally hijack this discussion, but let me add my small contribution.
I had never paid much attention to Dylan's stuff until Time Out of Mind. He's of another generation, and while I got into the Beatles, Stones, etc., I just never was all that interested in what he did. Time Out of Mind was released to great reviews, and I thought I'd give it a listen to see what the fuss was. I liked it a lot and began to understand why he is celebrated like he is. I think the new album is excellent, and the show I saw on his current tour was transcendental. I'm probably a casual Dylan fan at best, but what I've heard and seen over the last few years is changing that. I don't doubt that this is the case for others (although maybe not here ).

 

[Thomas_Berg]

no real order here. i like the new cds from:

Radiohead

Weezer

Blink 182

dave matthews - live in chicago (EVERYDAY is crap IMO)

Jay-Z

Staind

favorite of these: Blink 182 - take off your pants and jacket. best CD this year IMHO.

this year wasnt that great for music. i'm more into early to mid-90's stuff and some of the newer stuff. the grunge era produced some of the best music EVER recorded, and i'm mad that i wasnt mature enough back then to appreciate it. :/

 

[Mike boettner]

system of a down-toxicity

three mile pilot-songs from an old town we once knew

i think these are the only ones ive bought this year that were made in 2001

 

[Alan K]

A couple of these may be from the end of 2000, I'm not sure.

New Order-Get Ready

White Stripes-White Blood Cells

Radiohead-Amnesiac

Radiohead-I Might Be Wrong (ok, I really like Radiohead)

Badly Drawn Boy-The Hour of the Bewilderbeast

Primal Scream-XTRMNTR

Bjork-Vespertine (It's a great album, plus she did most of it on a Mac Powerbook)

I heard Jurassic 5 have a new one coming-if it's even close to as good as the first one, I'll put it on this list

I can't come up with ten, so here's two from 2000 that are all time faves-

PJ Harvey-Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea

At the Drive-In-Relationship of Command (amazing album, supposedly have another album coming soon)

 

[Bill Leber]

1. Tool - Lateralus

I quit listening to "heavy metal" years ago, but this band can play heavy music without the pretention of metal bands. Mind-blowing heavy psychadelia.

2. Bob Dylan - Love and Theft

Hillarious songs that make you smile, music that is timeless. This album sounds like it could've been made 50 years ago and people will still enjoy it 50 years from now.

3. Radiohead - Amnesiac

Kid A / Amnesiac, best 2 part album since Use Your Illusion (that's sarcasm...or is it?)

4. Ryan Adams - Gold

Great songs by a good singer/songwriter.

5. Pete Yorn - Musicforthemorningafter

Really catchy tunes. Alt-country meets pop drum machines and loops.

6. Black Crowes - Lions

Hanging out with Jimmy Page and playing Led Zep has rubbed off in a good way.

7. Oysterhead - The Grand Pecking Order

Les Claypool (Primus), Trey Anastasio (Phish), and Stewart Copeland's (The Police) supergroup may be less than the sum of its parts, but it's still damn good and a lot of fun. See them live!

8. Gorillaz - Gorillaz

Better than the last Blur album...

9. Ben Folds - Rockin' the Suburbs

It's not a whole lot different than Ben Folds Five, but that's not bad.

10. Dave Navarro - Trust No One

Better than you would think.

 

[Greg_Y]

Well I shouldn't have opened my big yap so soon because I've picked up a few MORE CDs that will easily make my top 10.
As far as a newly-released CD, Loudon Wainwright III has a new CD out entitled Last Man On Earth. It's modern folk, I suppose, although I hate playing the genre game. This is my first experience with LWIII. A wonderful album: sad, funny, very sad. Many of the songs deal with the recent death of his mother. A wonderful song writer. And so far I've told you nothing about the album that is of value to you, but if you like John Prine, Bob Dylan, and other down-to-earth folk-type musicians, give it a try.
And another one for my compilation list: Good Rockin' Tonight - The Legacy of Sun Records is an amazing compilation of older Sun Records recordings done by modern artists. If you're a fan of Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, etc., give this one a try. It's very good. The Tom Petty and Chrissie Hynde / Jeff Beck tracks are standouts although there's not one bad track on the whole CD. Here's the track listing:

1. That's All Right Mama - Paul McCartney
2. Mystery Train - Jeff Beck & Chrissie Hynde
3. My Bucket's Got a Hole in It - Jimmy Page & Robert Plant
4. Blue Suede Shoes - Johnny Hallyday
5. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Elton John
6. Blue Moon of Kentucky - Tom Petty
7. Sitting on Top of the World - Van Morrison & Carl Perkins
8. Don't Be Cruel - Brian Ferry
9. Red Cadillac and a Black Moustache - Bob Dylan
10. Walkin' in the Rain - Eric Clapton
11. Lonely Weekend - Matchbox 20
12. Who Will the Next Fool Be? - Sheryl Crow
13. It Wouldn't Be the Same Without You - Chris Isaak
14. I Walk the Line - Live
15. Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee - The Howling Diablos & Kid Rock
16. You Win Again - Mandy Barnett with the Jordanaires

 

[David Lawson]

While I have purchased and/or downloaded a fair amount of music this year, I might be hard pressed to find ten albums that fall into the "best of" category. The Strokes (due in no small part to all of the hype), Wilco (sorry, Brian!) and Stereophonics (despite excellent previous efforts) left me underwhelmed, Low and Bob Schneider did their best to put me to sleep, and The Connells put out more of the same...which isn't bad, but not good enough to make a "best of" list. In no particular order:
The Sheila Divine - Where Have My Countrymen Gone
Less screaming equals more maturity, I guess. This album isn't as memorable as their debut, New Parade, but it is more refined. "Every Year" is my personal favorite.
Treble Charger - Wide Awake Bored
Why is it that only bad Canadian music makes it to American radio? I am looking at you, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, and William Shatner. Treble Charger consistently puts out catchy tunes with offbeat lyrics, and hasn't failed to impress me yet. I can't wait for the chance to see them live.
The Pernice Brothers - The World Won't End
As suggested above, see them live. I'm still trying to hunt down all of the songs they played at the concert from Joe's multiple projects. This show ties with the Varnaline/Jay Farrar show for my best concert experience of the year.
Idlewild - 100 Broken Windows
I bought this album after hearing the second single, "These Wooden Ideas", but the album doesn't truly shine until it gets past the first four tracks, three of which were the radio singles. "Idea Track" and "Let Me Sleep (Next To The Mirror)" are incredible.
Jay Farrar - Sebastopol
While I eventually grew to appreciate this album, it just doesn't contain the magic that is Trace and/or Wide Swing Tremolo. I had expected Jay to take it to the next level with this album, but he hasn't gotten there yet. He put on an incredible acoustic show live, however.
Joydrop - Viberate
A sentimental choice, this was just the right album at the right time for me. There are a lot of bad lyrics on this disc, but "Sometimes Wanna Die" alone is worth the price of admission.
Sparklehorse - It's A Wonderful Life
I bought this based solely on the previous album, and wasn't disappointed. To this point, only one track has received airplay, which is understandable considering that it's less "radio friendly" than Good Morning Spider, which I didn't think was possible. Heh heh. Of course, I have yet to find a Radiohead album that I would consider "radio friendly", yet stations persist in tormenting me with their music.
The Album Leaf - One Day I'll Be On Time
I discovered this band less than a month ago on 3WK, and was pleasantly surprised. The entire album consists of soothing instrumentals, and remind me of Kent sans vocals in many ways.
Eight out of ten is better than I expected. The new Wheat album likely would have made the list if it hadn't been bumped to next year, and The Watchmen's latest effort may still make the list, assuming I can get my hands on it soon.

 

[MikeH1]

I know this isn't new material but it is a good compilation. Released in June, INXS Anthology is, with many B-sides, live tracks and a song that should have been on their last CD in 1997, a great listen. I have bought some new music, not a whole lot and can honestly say that it doesn't really do anything for me. I will say my vote goes to the Buddy and Julie Miller disc that came out in September. Such perfect harmonies. It isn't for everyone but at least its not comercial. Perfect

 

[MikeAW]

Greg,

I agree with most of your selections, except the CCR box...it's by far, the most useless retrospective release EVER, unless you're into collecting collectible CD, wooden-like box holders. At the most, it should have been a 3CD box set, one of them being the rarities CD. It's all been out before, so WHY ????? PS....I think you can get "Live in Europe" in a 20Kz mini LP Japanese reissue version.

Outside of The Who release, the "Deluxe Series" has been the best thing to come to US reissues...especially the Marvin Gaye releases.

At the top of my list I would put "Screamin'and Hollerin'...

The Worlds of Charley Patton". It stand head and shoulders above ANY release in terms of content and packaging, that I've seen in some years.

ELVIS "Live in Vegas". A very thoughtful live performance release, produced with loving care. It looks so easy to do, but it's not considering what few releases of this quality on the market. Keep up the good work!!!

Roy Orbison "Orbison". Bear Family has blown away and replaced the SONY box set, and with 7 CD's remakes the entire catalog! They are probably going to do it again with the new Ricky Nelson box set...watch out for it!

Miles Davis "The 'In A Silent Way' Sessions". Along with the other reissues this year in the LEGACY label series, including 2CD live set from the 80's and the "Kind of Blue" reissue, this is a landmark release in terms of setting the record straight about a seminal album release without screwing it over. See below!

Ricky Nelson...The Five 2Fer Imperial label reissues. Another ignored artist, sluffed off for his commerciality, but no one can deny his appeal and success. The quality of the mastering is stellar for a US reissue release

There should be an award for Best Con Job On A Reissue Release. The winners would be The Who and co-conspiritors Jon Astely & Pete Townshend, with their destroying a music classic, where just leaving well enough alone sonically...

no cleaning up the original crackles and adding recently added overdubs,etc....and still keep the extra tracks. There is NO excuse for what they did, unless they were having an acid flashback or something mental!

 

[Trevor H]

1. Black Label Society - Alcohol Fueled Brewtality Live + 5
3. Tool - Lateralus
2. Kid Rock - Cocky
3. Rob Zombie - The Sinister Urge
4. Garbage - beautifulgarbage
5. Headstones - Greatest Fits
6. Big Sugar - Brothers & Sisters, Are You Ready?
7. Fear Factory - Digimortal
8. Ozzy Osbourne - Down To Earth
9. System Of A Down - Toxicity
10. Godsmack - Awake

 

[Jack Keck]

Any such list that does not include "We Saw a Bozo Under the Sea" by Zoot Horn Rollo is incomplete.
Check out www.zoothornrollo.com

 

[Chuck L]

I honestly don't think that I bought a single album in 2001.

 

[Rich Malloy]

Outside of The Who release, the "Deluxe Series" has been the best thing to come to US reissues...especially the Marvin Gaye releases.

Are we counting re-releases? Then, I'd definitely add Gaye's "What's Going On: Deluxe Edition" and The Wailers "Catch A Fire: Deluxe Edition" to my list!

And was the Mosaic Django Reinhardt Boxset released this year or last? If this year, then put it at or near the top of my list!

 

[James_P_Clark]

There are some very interesting lists posted to the thread so far. Other than the Strokes release, I don't believe I've repeated anything mentioned so far.
1. The Faint-Danse Macabre (8-21-01)
2. Collide-Chasing The Ghost (6-5-01)
3. John Mayer-Room For Squares (10-18- 01)
4. Gary Numan-Pure (11-07-00): Off a bit in the date but it’s less than 2 months and I didn’t get it until 2001 so I’m counting it and that’s all there is to it.
5. Dealership-TV Highway to the Stars (8-01-01): A really cool pop band out of San Francisco. The song “Toujours Ta Fille” is a personal favorite. Pure pop from college aged kids that started a band and I don’t think any of them could play any instruments when they stared. Fortunately they can write hook driven pop with the best of them. The CD is only available, from what I’ve seen through Keiko records. There is a link from the Band’s website. http://www.dealerkids.com
6. Curve-Gift (10-18-01)
7. The Strokes-This Is It: (10-9-01)
8. The Lucksmiths- Why That Doesn't Surprise Me (?-?-01)
9. Cranberries-Wake Up And Smell The Coffee (10-23-01)
10. I'm leaving 10 open. There are three releases that I have a feeling would have made the list if I actually had them. The bands are White Stripes, Built To Spill, and New Pornographers. Who knows, maybe all three would have made it.
Looking Forward to 2002
Jim Clark