Ade
Feb 13 2010, 06:21 PM
Greetings, boys and girls! Part One of the poll result begins now!
My apologies for the tardy start.
A total of 245 albums received your combined blessings, and they're all on display
here for your infotainment. As per the Nineties Albums poll, albums in joint position
and with multiple votes will once again be given first billing by virtue of the total
number of votes cast per title, which will be denoted accordingly. Else, albums
will be listed chronologically by artist name.
I will again be including the mini-reviews and comments I received, but I will
dispense with the additional quoting of lyrics, since there weren't a great many
to include, and I fear it would only serve to clutter and confuse things anyway.
I will list all albums with reviews and comments first (to start with anyway),
just to make things a little easier on the eye.
However, please feel free to dip in with your own live commentaries as we go.
And so, without further ado, and leaving no album behind, let's kick things off at...
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 06:22 PM
*radio jingle*
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 236" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(1 Point)
2 Many DJs As Heard on Radio Soulwax, Part 2 (2003)
"Simply one of the most enjoyable albums ever made.
The way they throw disparate tracks together is wondrous."
Maian
Bloc Party Silent Alarm (2005)
"Most likely the finest indie album yet made. It may be all sharp
guitar-y edges, but it's tighter than a nun on Sunday and damn good fun."
Hobbes
Jimmy Eat World Bleed American (2001)
"Melodic, fun emo rock, inspirational and positive."
Everlong
Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters (2004)
"Camp, colourful, filthy and gorgeous. "
Zoe
The Libertines Up The Bracket (2002)
"Say what you like about Pete Doherty, this album is explosive."
Sleeping Pirate
Amy Studt False Smiles (2004)
Cradle of Filth Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder (2008)
Hexstatic Masterview (2004)
Peter Bjorn and John Writer's Block (2006)
The Pipettes We Are The Pipettes (2006)
maian
Feb 13 2010, 06:25 PM
I think I can spot Nonus' and SBI's votes already.
And nice to see Peter, Bjorn and John get a look in. I'm not a massive fan of that album - Young Folks aside - but I do like them a lot.
Edit: I'm surprised that I didn't vote for Up The Bracket. It's a really important album to me, but I think the ways in which the members of the Libertines have spent their time since - one in Dirty Pretty Things, the other in a band of the same name - has soured it somewhat for me.
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 06:31 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 228" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(2 Points)
Andrew WK – I Get Wet (2001)
A big hairy oaf shouts songs over heavy guitar and a synth horn section.
And he likes to “party” (3 songs have the word in the title). Fun!
- Sostie
Guillemots – Through the Windowpane (2006)
An album both crammed full of catchy tunes,
and genuinely orchestrally interesting.
- Zoe
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – No More Shall We Part (2001)
This is one of their 'quieter' albums, I suppose. It's beautiful and dark,
with real depth and character. 'God Is In The House' is odd and charming,
while 'Sweetheart Come' is romantic right to it's core. A must-have album.
- Sleeping Pirate
The Go! Team – Proof Of Youth (2007)
Mad as hell in a good way. With Chuck D!
- Sir Robin The Brave
Elliott Smith – Figure 8 (2000)
Flyleaf – Flyleaf (2005)
Seasick Steve – Dog House Music (2007)
Soilwork – Stabbing the Drama (2005)
The White Stripes – Get Behind Me Satan (2004)
Sostie
Feb 13 2010, 06:41 PM
QUOTE (maian @ Feb 13 2010, 06:25 PM)
Edit: I'm surprised that I didn't vote for Up The Bracket. It's a really important album to me, but I think the ways in which the members of the Libertines have spent their time since - one in Dirty Pretty Things, the other in a band of the same name - has soured it somewhat for me.
I'm glad you didn't. For me one of the most overrated records (& acts) of the decade.
Good work so far Ade. Keep it up sir
Everlong
Feb 13 2010, 06:51 PM
Yay, I see most of the poll 'live'
Well done Ade! *kicks back with a drink*
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 06:52 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 217" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(3 Points)
Antony & The Johnsons I Am A Bird Now (2005)
I would love this album purely for 'Hope There's Someone' alone,
but it's full of other astonishingly beautiful songs as well.
- Sleeping Pirate
Gary Jules Trading Snakeoil For Wolftickets (2003)
It's a shame most people blinked and missed this little gem amidst all
the hoo-ha surrounding Donnie Darko and Jules' now infamous cover
of 'Mad World'. This exceptional set of acoustic alt-country folk balladry
is an altogether different kettle of fish, and is frankly all the better for it
- it really deserves far more attention than it received.
- Ade
Justin Timberlake Future Sex/Love Sounds (2006)
Shut up, I don't care. It's awesome.
- Julie
Justin Timberlake Justified (2002)
One of only two albums (the other being Busted) that
prompted me to attend a pop arena spectacular,
Justified is as slick and well produced as pop gets.
- Zoe
Bibio Ambivalence Avenue (2009)
Gallon Drunk The Rotten Mile (2007)
In Flames Come Clarity (2006)
Lamb What Sound (2001)
P!nk Funhouse (2008)
Pivot O Soundtrack My Heart (2008)
The Charlatans Simpatico (2006)
maian
Feb 13 2010, 06:56 PM
Not wanting to give you any extra work, Ade, but how many sets of votes were there in the end? Great job so far, by the way.
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 07:08 PM
Um, I received a total of 17 sets of votes, squire: 15 x Top 20s, a Top 15, and a Top 10.
Wicked.
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 07:12 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 206" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(4 Points)
TV On The Radio Return to Cookie Mountain (2006) (2 votes)
Blue States Nothing Changes Under The Sun (2000)
"Uplifting and relaxing in a very special way. Deserves to be heard."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Busted Busted (2002)
"I DONT CARE AND I DONT HAVE TO JUSTIFY MYSELF TO YOU!
Er
I like Busted."
- Zoe
Godspeed You! Black Emperor Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven (2000)
"Finer post-rock you will not find. Glorious soundscapes almost classical
in their construction, and a display of a recurrent dissatisfaction with
modern consumerism without being preachy or angsty."
- Hobbes
The Cold War Kids Robbers & Cowards (2007)
"Discovered them on maian's myspace page ages ago. Again, so glad I did."
- Julie
The Uncle Devil Show A Terrible Beauty (2004)
"How could I not fall in love with such a charmingly quirky concept? A Del Amitri
spin-off project that sounds like it was recorded in the 1960s. Hilarious, often bitingly
subversive lyrics set to such beautifully sweet Beach Boy/Beatle-esque harmonies.
Humour aside, it's not without genuine pathos and emotional resonance - I haven't
heard or found anything else like it, which just makes it all the more special."
- Ade
Anaal Nathrakh Hell Is Empty, All The Devils Are Here (2007)
Fall Out Boy Infinity on High (2007)
Gorillaz Gorillaz (2001)
The Fratellis Costello Music (2006)
The Rapture Pieces Of The People We Love (2006)
Good call there from Sir Robin.
Nothing Changes... is indeed rather a chilled delight - hadn't listened to my copy in a few years.
maian
Feb 13 2010, 07:16 PM
QUOTE (Ade @ Feb 13 2010, 07:12 PM)
The Cold War Kids Robbers & Cowards (2007)
"Discovered them on maian's myspace page ages ago. Again, so glad I did."
- Julie
Yay!
Kick in the Head
Feb 13 2010, 07:17 PM
Think of this as the Ulimate Decade Long Mega Tape Loop.
sleeping_pirate
Feb 13 2010, 07:22 PM
This is great! I'm gutted I have to go to the pub in the minute.
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 07:29 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 197" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(5 Points)
Bruce Springsteen – The Rising (2002)
"Reuniting with The E Street Band for the first time in eighteen years, New Jersey's
favourite son takes a long, hard look at the world around him and creates an album
of joy and hope out of the feelings of anger and despair that were flying around in
the wake of 9/11. He's done good work since this, but none with the same beauty
and light that resonates throughout The Rising."
- Maian
Erlend Ψye – Unrest (2003)
"Some prefer his folkier output as Kings Of Convenience's frontman,
others rate his efforts with Rφyksopp, but frankly I found Erlend's solo
debut a cut above it all - a collaborative tour of Europe's electronica artists
with 80s retro leanings and snappy lyrics. Minimalist electropop at its best."
-Ade
Jamie T – Panic Prevention (2007)
"Bloody brilliant even though I have no idea what he's on about half the time."
- Sir Robin The Brave
John Mayer – Heavier Things (2003)
"The best guitarist of a generation? Maybe. Mayer has always had moments of madness*,
but Heavier Things is chock-full of catchy tracks, including his best song 'Daughters',
and some insistent guitar riffs which never stray into egotistical noodling."
- Hobbes
Thrice – The Artist in the Ambulance (2003)
“Enjoyable melodic hardcore, full of heart and emotion.”
- Everlong
Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha (2007)
Blink 182 – Blink 182 (2003)
Sons & Daughters – This Gift (2008)
Stone Sour – Come What(Ever) May (2006)
* describing his cock as a white supremacist, for one.
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 07:36 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 187" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(6 Points)
Death Cab For Cutie Transatlanticism (2007)
"Ben Gibbard writing the best songs of his career and the band firing
on all cylinders. 'The New Year' and the title track stand out, but all
hum with the charm of indie without its grating aspects ever showing."
- Hobbes
Roots Manuva Awfully Deep (2005)
"Rodney Smith exorcises his personal demons, makes banging tunes."
- Maian
The Dissociatives The Dissociatives (2004)
"The lead singer from Silverchair's solo effort. Weird and wonderful."
- Julie
Ulrich Schnauss Far Away Trains Passing By (2001)
"Thanks Adam. This is great."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Amy Macdonald This is the Life (2007)
Jarvis Cocker Further Complications (2009)
Klute The Emperor's New Clothes (2007)
Nile Those Whom the Gods Detest (2009)
The Knife Silent Shout (2006)
The Shins Chutes Too Narrow (2003)
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 07:56 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 174" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(7 Points)
Lemon Jelly Lost Horizons (2002) (2 votes)
Alkaline Trio From Here To Infirmary (2003)
" 'Punk band go mainstream' shocker. It's not even as deep or
meaningful as their previous albums, but it's damned enjoyable."
- Everlong
Guitar Wolf UFO Romantics (2002)
"My decision to include Guitar Wolf may be slightly influenced by the
fact that they are one of the most amazing live acts I have ever seen.
Japanese punk! An idea I would have dismissed a decade earlier.
Now, Ill take them over The Clash anyday."
- Sostie
Jay-Z The Blueprint (2002)
"The best album from one of the best rappers alive. Hook after hook
and clever wordplay abound, with some fantastic beats (some made
by one Kanye West). Flows better than any rap album of the decade."
- Hobbes
Kings of Leon Only By The Night (2008)
"Another of those albums I can just listen to
from start to finish over and over again."
- Julie
Rφyksopp Melody A.M. (2001)
"Takes the warm hug for your ears quote award this time round.
Seriously cool stuff."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Spoon Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007)
"Adam Buxton introduced me to Spoon, he has excellent taste."
- Zoe
The Mummers Tale To Tell (2009)
"One of the most wondrous albums I've heard in years, beautifully
composed and orchestrated. A lush, magical fairground of a record.
Sounds like music you'd hear at a traditional travelling circus, but it
is far better (and less obvious) than merely that. Stirring and sweet."
- Ade
Badly Drawn Boy The Hour Of Bewilderbeast (2000)
David Bowie Reality (2004)
Evanescence The Open Door (2006)
LCD Soundsystem Sound Of Silver (2007)
Novembre The Blue (2007)
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 08:15 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 163" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(8 Points)
April March – Triggers (2003)
"Not the best album by the American Yι-yι obsessive, but still a fine album.
Plus she gave us “Chick Habit”, for which I am eternally grateful."
- Sostie
Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)
"Call them boring, call them bland, for me Coldplay have recorded
some of the most memorable songs of the last ten years.
This album wins a spot over the others for ‘Warning Sign’ alone."
- Zoe
Florence + The Machine – Lungs (2009)
"Newest entry and that shows how much I listened to it last year.
Utterly spellbinding. I’m a bit in love with Florence Welch now."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Passion Pit – Manners (2009)
"Our own Pete introduced me to this album, and I'm so glad he did. It's inspiring."
- Julie
Pepe Deluxι – Spare Time Machine (2007)
"A noisy mess of a record, with a vocalist who sounds like a hybrid of Scott Walker
and William Shatner. The title is quite fitting, as it sounds like some 60s/70s oddity
that you might stumble across whilst rifling through your parents' record collection.
Daft, funky, catchy, crunchy, messy, and quite brilliant."
- Ade
Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (2009)
Mastodon – Blood Mountain (2006)
Outkast – Stankonia (2000)
Paramore – Riot (2007)
Salmonella Dub – One Drop East (2003)
Will Young – Friday's Child (2003)
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 08:38 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 153" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(9 Points)
Blonde Redhead Misery Is A Butterfly (2004)
"The Chili Peppers' guitarist, John Frusciante, was raving about
this album in Q magazine back in 2004. Being a huge fan of his,
I went out and bought the album and have adored it ever since.
Kazu Makino's vocals are beautiful and haunting."
- Sleeping Pirate
Midlake The Trials of Van Occupanther (2006)
"I would never expect to like a band who sing about the 1890s with
such delight, but Midlake's 2nd album is joyous. Unbelievably catchy
songs mixed in with reflections on a simpler lifestyle which they
evidently root for. A heartfelt listen without any schmaltz."
- Hobbes
Muse Black Holes And Revelations (2006)
"I was merely a casual fan of Muse until this behemoth;
a perfect amalgamation of epic rock and pop sensibility
that managed to rise above its own histrionic absurdity."
- Ade
Plus-Tech Squeezebox Fakevox (2002)
"Like a garbled electro-J-pop vision of a future that we will
never see, Fakevox is the bells, whistles, the icing on the
cake and the kitchen sink, all in a blender. From SPACE!"
- Kick In The Head
Ray Lamontagne Trouble (2004)
"Gorgeous."
- Julie
Delain Lucidity (2006)
Goldfrapp Supernature (2005)
Lamb of God Ashes of the Wake (2004)
Plaid Double Figure (2001)
The Charlatans Wonderland (2001)
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 09:00 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 141" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(10 Points)
Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning (2005)
"Folky and screamy, it's great whatever genre it may be. Conor Oberst at his finest."
- Sleeping Pirate
Charlotte Gainsbourg – 5:55 (2006)
"A good pedigree (the daughter of Serge and Jane Birkin) and some talented friends
(Jarvis Cocker, Air, Neil Hannon). How could it not be anything other than great."
- Sostie
Embrace – Out Of Nothing (2004)
"Epic. Virtually every track is an arena-filling anthem, grandiose songs bursting
with hope and aching melancholy. It may seem sappy to many, but I find it
almost impossible to make it through the album entire without getting a lump
in my throat. An overwhelmingly beautiful collection of torch songs. I love it."
- Ade
Handsomeboy Technique – Adelie Land (2005)
"If music made through samples and beats could ever be accused of being
sterile, then the pure unbridled joy of Adelie Land is the counter-argument."
- Kick In The Head
Hundred Reasons – Ideas Above Our Station (2002)
"Part of the explosion of metal/emo hybrid bands at the turn of the century,
their debut full-length is full of mini anthems, particularly 'If I Could'."
- Everlong
Kathryn Williams – Little Black Numbers (2000)
"Williams’ lyrics are like poetry and her voice is pitch-perfect folk."
- Zoe
Limbeck – Hi, Everything's Great (2003)
"The best album by a criminally underrated band. The SoCal foursome
are a band who actually have fun on record, and nowhere is this more
evident than on Hi, Everything's Great. Each track bounces along with
abandon and grabs your ears like there's no tomorrow."
- Hobbes
The Tragically Hip – We Are The Same (2009)
"My favourite band put out a couple not great albums after a long career
of being awesome, but totally redeemed themselves with this one."
- Julie
Chris Clark – Clarence Park (2001)
Epica – Design Your Universe (2009)
My Dying Bride – Songs of Darkness, Words of Light (2004)
The Flaming Lips – At War with the Mystics (2006)
...and here I shall take a break for a few hours - feeling a bit under the weather.
I will try and pick up again in a few hours for a short while if I can, else I'll continue tomorrow morning.
Please chat amongst yourselves.
Sostie
Feb 13 2010, 09:16 PM
You have a little break Ade. You've earned it.
Everlong
Feb 13 2010, 09:19 PM
No need to excuse yourself, you're doing an awesome job here. Take as long as you like sir!
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 11:02 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 132" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(11 Points)
Bjφrk Vespertine (2001) (2 votes)
Incubus Morning View (2001)
"Chillout-tastic album from the Californian nu-metallers, taken in a different
direction from their usual Chili-Peppers/Primus influenced metal."
- Everlong
Regina Spektor Begin To Hope (2006)
"It took me a while to like Regina Spektor. She's an oddball and
definitely an acquired taste. But this album is beyond 'good',
it's an epic. 'Samson' breaks my heart every time I hear it."
- Sleeping Pirate
Semisonic All About Chemistry (2001)
"A cracking slice of adult soft-rock, with virtually a one-track mind.
Deftly crafted radio-friendly songs with sunny choruses, expertly drafted
lyrics, knockout hooks and harmonies aplenty, as well as probably the
catchiest song there is about self-abuse."
- Ade
The Cramps Fiends Of Dope Island (2002)
"The final album from one of the greatest bands EVER! Proof that
you dont have to behave as you get older - front man Lux Interioer
was nearing his 60s when this was recorded. You have to love an
album with a song called Elvis Fucking Christ! "
- Sostie
The Tallest Man on Earth Shallow Graves (2008)
"One of the best dιbut records I've ever heard, Shallow Graves
is dominated by the guitar-playing of Tallest Man himself Kristian
Matsson, but never strays into egotism. Some phenomenal
finger-picking and brilliant lyrics make this one of the best."
- Hobbes
Devildriver Pray for Villains (2009)
Kelly Clarkson Breakaway (2005)
Mint Royale On The Ropes (2001)
Ade
Feb 13 2010, 11:29 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 120" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(12 Points)
Goldfrapp Felt Mountain (2000) (2 votes)
"Magical. Ten years on, still sounds as fresh and inspirational as ever."
- Kick In The Head
"Pretty and just that right level of quirky oddness.
Would be on here just for 'Utopia' and 'Lovely Head'."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Alicia Keys Songs in A Minor (2001)
"An extraordinary singer-songwriter, this album's soulful, bluesy,
funky songs are timeless. Fallin' is still an incredible song."
- Widowspider
Ben Harper & The Blind Boys of Alabama There Will Be A Light (2004)
"The best soul record of the last decade fuses Harper's
pulse-feeling musical style with the timeless gospel of the
Blind Boys. Multiple harmonies soar through every song,
fully imbued with the raw passion of a group whose disability
only stokes the coals. A shame that this is a one-off coalition,
but it's pretty much perfect, so it's not all doom and gloom."
- Hobbes
Glen Hansard and Markιta Irglovα Once (2007)
"A love story in song, Hansards voice epitomises heartbreak
and Irgolas vulnerability, its breathtakingly beautiful and
sounded even more resonant at the Albert Hall."
- Zoλ
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis Kitty, Daisy & Lewis (2008)
"A trio of British teenage siblings, who using only vintage
recording and studio equipment produce a collection of
rock 'n' roll/country/Hawaiian tunes that had me tapping
my toes more than any other release in the last decade."
- Sostie
Mars Volta De-loused in the Comatorium (2003)
"Prog brilliance."
- Everlong
The White Stripes Elephant (2003)
"I got this for my 15th birthday and I don't think
my dad approved. It's noisy and strange, and
everything a White Stripes album should be."
- Sleeping Pirate
30 Seconds to Mars This is War (2009)
Aphex Twin Drukqs (2001)
Machine Head The Blackening (2008)
Richard Hawley Coles Corner (2006)
The Chemical Brothers Push The Button (2005)
Well, we're near as dammit at the half way mark, so I shall leave things there until tomorrow, when I hope to make an earlier start!
sleeping_pirate
Feb 14 2010, 12:12 AM
Brilliant work, Ade! A lovely varied list.
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 04:19 PM
And we're back!!
Buckle your seatbelts and strap your ears on, Part Two of the results are here!
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 108" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(13 Points)
Basement Jaxx Rooty (2001)
"The rhythm , the tracks, the basement, the jaxx."
- Zoe
Jamiroquai A Funk Odyssey (2001)
"Jay Kay finally perfects his disco-funk thing with a darker,
moodier sound, more personally inspired lyrics, his usual
trademark eco-warrior message, and the added bonus of
Beverley Knight on occasional backing vox. The catchiest
damn collection of songs he's ever put together, it makes
me wish I could dance like Napoleon Dynamite."
- Ade
Jason Mraz Waiting For My Rocket To Come (2002)
"I'm a sucker for a guy with a guitar and good lyrics.
I love the reggae-inspired vibes of many of the
songs on his album, and his unique melodies."
- Widowspider
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros Streetcore (2003)
"Released 10 months after Joe Strummer's death, it's hard to say just how
much input the main-man had to do with the final product of this album.
Perhaps earlier albums should be considered his 'real' work, but this will
always be my favourite of his and The Mescaleros'. I was given this album
by an ex-boyfriend at college who knew I loved The Clash. It's sublime."
- Sleeping Pirate
Jose Gonzalez Veneer (2005)
"Delightfully simple. Simply delightful."
- Sir Robin The Brave
The Hives Veni Vidi Vicious (2000)
"A garage revival band like The Strokes. Theyve been around longer
than The Strokes. They have better tunes, are better live and are
more fun than The Strokes. The Strokes are better looking and have
relatives in the music/entertainment business. Guess who got the kudos?
(btw, I dont rate The Strokes)."
- Sostie
Wintersleep Welcome to the Night Sky (2007)
"Another of my all-time favourites. Every time someone comes
to visit me, I buy them this album. They're the Canadian Elbow."
- Julie
Belle and Sebastian The Life Pursuit (2006)
Lamb of God Wrath (2009)
Panda Bear Person Pitch (2007)
Paramore Brand New Eyes (2009)
Sigur Ros Takk... (2005)
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 04:26 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 100" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(14 Points)
Gogol Bordello Super Taranta! (2008)
"I had heard Gogol Bordello's song 'Start Wearing Purple' years and years ago,
but had never really ventured into any of their other music. Through my student
radio station, I got free tickets to see them and was just completely blown away.
They are full of raw energy and power, and also great humour. This album is my
favourite of theirs as I feel it is their strongest and most consistent one to date."
- Sleeping Pirate
Miles Hunt Not An Exit (2007)
"Wonder Stuff front-man proves he can still pen a damn fine tune.
But then he did write and record the 'Underground Ernie' theme."
- Sostie
The Futureheads The Futureheads (2004)
"One of my top ten gigs of the last ten years, and one of
my top ten albums. Harmonies to rival The Beach Boys,
thumping bass lines and a post-punk sensibility."
- Zoe
Beck Sea Change (2002)
M.I.A. Arular (2005)
Nightwish Dark Passion Play (2007)
Opeth Deliverance (2002)
Ulrich Schnauss A Strangely Isolated Place (2003)
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 04:57 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 88" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(15 Points)
Portishead Third (2008) (2 votes)
"Despite the album being so long awaited, the music itself
came completely out of the blue. Harsh, uneasy listening
that's compelling, rewarding and a teeny bit scary."
- Kick In The Head
"Dark, dangerous and mechanical.
Utter sonic chaos. Wicked."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Death Cab For Cutie Plans (2005) (2 votes)
"This makes me think of romance and loss, summer and winter.
It's everything I look for in an album."
- Sleeping Pirate
Arcade Fire Neon Bible (2007)
"In many ways, as dazzling and powerful as their debut,
building on some already pretty spectactular foundations.
Wonderful."
- Kick In The Head
Elbow Leaders of the Free World (2005)
"We all know how I feel about Elbow."
- Julie
Feeder Comfort In Sound (2002)
"The soundtrack to my university years. Haunting melodies,
and I have always loved Grant Nicholas' voice."
- Widowspider
Grinderman Grinderman (2007)
"Nick Cave composes songs on a guitar, an instrument he
can hardly play, rather than a piano. The result is a Nick
Cave & The Bad Seeds album, but more raw and angrier."
- Sostie
Sigur Ros ( ) (2002)
"Epic, sometimes beautiful, and in parts eerie. Classic."
- Everlong
Supergrass Life On Other Planets (2002)
"I love all their albums, but this is probably the Oxford trio's brightest
and tightest work, and by far my favourite album by the 'Grass.
A fine collection of chirpy, highly enjoyable 70s flavoured rock
that doffs it cap to numerous influences, yet still retains that
cheeky youthful spirit they've become known for. It just seems
to get better with every listen - I never tire of it."
- Ade
Mastodon Crack The Skye (2009)
Ryan Adams Heartbreaker (2000)
Stephen Gately New Beginning (2000)
Within Temptation The Silent Force (2004)
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 05:35 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 77" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(16 Points)
Red Hot Chili Peppers By The Way (2002) (3 votes)
"Okay, RHCP are past it. They're a comedy group now. But when this album
came out I was 14 and had just discovered 'rock music'. This band took over
my world for several years and I just completely adored them. I saw them live
three times and even met their drummer, Chad Smith (he signed this album for me).
I listened to this album this morning for the first time in probably over a year.
I still love it, mainly because it reminds me of being a teenager and discovering
the Chili Peppers for the first time. If they had remained this good I would
probably still love them."
- Sleeping Pirate
"Sure, the lyrics are a bit meaningless at times - Anthony Keidis was clearly
using his rhyming dictionary to it's fullest, but man, this album blew me away
at the time. Such a fantastic array of styles (the funk had clearly taken a
back seat though, my only criticism), but it had an instant appeal for me that
the Peppers have barely achieved before or since, with the possible exception
of 'One Hot Minute'. No, this was different beast altogether, and it sure rocked.
I played almost nothing else during 2002. Apart from Supergrass, of course."
- Ade
At The Drive-In Relationship Of Command (2006) (2 votes)
"Influential aggressive post-hardcore, to this day a template
for many new bands. A perfect example of going out on a high."
- Everlong
"One of the most influential bands of the last 10 years,
at their best. 'One-Armed Scissor' is a rebellious anthem
better than a hundred Rage Against the Machines."
- Hobbes
City & Colour Bring Me Your Love (2008)
"The best album of 2008. Dallas Green (Alexisonfire guitarist)'s
second solo record is unforgettable, his superb voice soaring
high and sinking low, and his fabulous guitar-playing featuring
throughout. An album I could listen to forever."
- Hobbes
DJ Shadow The Private Press (2003)
"Got lost slightly under the heaving shadow of 'Entroducing'
but deserves to stand alone as a masterpiece in of itself.
A record I will never tire of."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Hawksley Workman (Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves (2001)
"Hands down the single most talented artist
I've ever had the pleasure of hearing."
- Julie
Regina Spektor Songs (2002)
"She is crazy, but she is brilliant. 'Samson' may be one
of the most heartbreaking songs I have ever heard."
- Widowspider
Turin Brakes The Optimist LP (2001) (2 votes)
"The decade started out strong for Turin Brakes and though
they couldnt maintain the momentum, this is a great record."
- Zoe
Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli (2007)
Pulp We Love Life (2002)
The White Stripes The White Stripes (2001)
Within Temptation Mother Earth (2000)
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 05:59 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 67" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(17 Points)
Coldplay – Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends (2008)
"Resonating deeply with me at the time of its release, this was emotive, daring,
and startlingly different to their earlier works, but without compromising their
signature sound. I say without any hint of hyperbole that this is the finest work
they have produced yet -an obvious return to form after the lukewarm 'X&Y'."
- Ade
Glassjaw – Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence (2000)
"Diverse and raw, heavy yet heartfelt and emotional - an amazing debut."
- Everlong
Lil’ Chris – Lil’ Chris (2006)
"A reality TV show schoolboy makes teen angst pop/rock album.
Sounds terrible in theory. In reality it was fantastic. It’s like an
aural John Hughes teen movie. Best pop debut since Shampoo."
- Sostie
Madvillain – Madvillainy (2004)
"The most inventive rap album I've ever heard, Madvillain's first
(and thus far only) true album is amazing. Not a track outstays
its welcome, and the brave tactic of having few songs exceed
2 minutes works wonders, always leaving you wanting more.
MF DOOM's rapping is at its absolute best and Madlib's beats
are clever and astute, and this combination has forged the
best hip-hop partnership since Dogg & Dre."
- Hobbes
Supercar – Highvision (2002)
"The penultimate album from the finest indie band to come
from Japan, as their previous electronic flirting becomes a
full-on loving relationship, creating a beautiful record indeed."
- Kick In The Head
The Decemberists – Her Majesty the Decemberists (2003)
"The Decemberists are whimsical, lyrically extraordinary, and one
of my favourite bands of the decade. They’re also bags of fun live."
- Zoe
Clark – Totems Flare (2009)
Emperor – Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire and Demise (2001)
Evanescence – Fallen (2003)
The Avalanches – Since I Left You (2000)
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 06:14 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 57" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(18 Points)
The Go! Team – Thunder, Lightning, Strike (2004) (2 votes)
"A one-man grab-bag sample-a-thon de luxe that sounds
like 50 years of Western popular culture all at once."
- Kick In The Head
"A wonderfully noisy mess of a record. If 'happy' was
a 1970s TV show, this would be its soundtrack album."
- Ade
Beck – Guero (2005) (2 votes)
"A mixture of different styles and directions from his previous
albums, resulting in a more fun and enjoyable experience."
- Everlong
Eels – Souljacker (2001)
"Sure, he's made more personal and moving
albums, but Souljacker rocks. Hard."
- Kick In The Head
Justice – † (2007)
"Nothing starts the party like Justice.
I’m sorry, I mean ‘Tthhee Ppaarrttyy’."
- Zoe
Rufus Wainwright – Want One (2003)
"I first saw Rufus Wainwright on The Frank Skinner Show, of all places...
But he was so good and so different, that I went out the next day
and bought this album. It's my favourite of his to date."
- Sleeping Pirate
The Jim Jones Revue – The Jim Jones Revue (2008)
"A stunning garage rock debut. The Sex Pistols were fans of The Faces.
This is what it would sound like if The Faces were fans of The Pistols."
- Sostie
Blur – Think Tank (2002)
Delain – April Rain (2009)
Jim Noir – Jim Noir (2008)
Opeth – Blackwater Park (2001)
The Matthew Good Band – The Audio of Being (2002)
maian
Feb 14 2010, 06:18 PM
Ooh, I wonder who voted for Think Tank. I did vote for it originally, but changed my mind at the last minute.
Everlong
Feb 14 2010, 06:32 PM
Seen a good few of my harder omissions... A Rush of Blood to the Head, Supernature, Rooty, and a couple of others. I'm glad they were voted for elsewhere.
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 06:47 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 47" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(19 Points)
Beirut – The Flying Club Cup (2007)
"This album has accompanied me around the world (sort of).
It was the soundtrack to a weekend filming in Amsterdam and
was blared out of my mum's car's speakers as we drove from
Queensland to New South Wales, Australia. I listened to it
on bus journeys around Brisbane and walking to work in
Southampton. It is gorgeous and profoundly moving."
- Sleeping Pirate
Big Sugar – Brothers and Sisters, Are You Ready? (2001)
"Big, loud, dirty, raw Canadian rock."
- Julie
Deftones – White Pony (2000)
"Nu metal wasn't fantastic, but deftones are high
above the rest, 'White Pony' being their finest work."
- Everlong
The Duckworth Lewis Method – The Duckworth Lewis Method (2009)
"An album about cricket? That's just not... cricket. This 'novelty' album is
an absolute gem, encompassing glam stomp, the Charleston, Noel Coward
pastiche, Matt Berry, lush orchestrations and catchy toe-tapping summery
melodies. Its gentle humour and pitch perfect wordplay exudes a delightful
British-ness that runs through it like a stick of rock - it's an absolute joy.
If only every Divine Comedy album was as chipper as this.
I've played it half to death this past seven months. It's just ace."
- Ade
James – Hey Ma (2008)
Matthew Jay – Draw (2001)
Nightwish – Once (2004)
The Beta Band – Heroes to Zeros (2004)
Tool – Lateralus (2001)
Jon 79
Feb 14 2010, 07:24 PM
QUOTE (maian @ Feb 14 2010, 06:18 PM)
Ooh, I wonder who voted for Think Tank. I did vote for it originally, but changed my mind at the last minute.
Me.
A little surprised no one else had it on their list...
...or The Avalanches' album.
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 07:35 PM
Just realised I've made a slightly stupid mistake, namely circa #57 and #217. There is now an extra album at both positions, courtesy of The Go! Team.
Sorry folks!
Basically I mistook them both as the same title, and, well. Hm. There it is. I can't be arsed to correct the numbering system from 217-57 though, it'll have to stay as is.
From here on it will all be correct though, I promise!
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 07:46 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 37" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(20 Points)
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002) (2 votes)
"A beautiful listen start to finish, packed full of insanely clever
hooks. Like The Velvet Underground crossed with The Shins."
- Hobbes
Muse – Absolution (2003) (2 votes)
"This album blew my mind. A perfect combination of
hysterical rock opera, classical music and brilliant tunes,
complimented by Matt Bellamy's unforgettable voice."
- Widowspider
"A close call between this and Origin of Symmetry, but this
wins purely because it got me into Muse. The best live act
I've ever seen and this album just sums them up for me.."
- Sleeping Pirate
Explosions in the Sky - The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place (2003)
"Five tracks of beautiful, atmospheric instrumental music,
culminating in the brilliant 'Your Hand In Mine'."
- Everlong
Ryan Adams – Demolition (2003)
"I only allowed myself 1 album per artist, and choosing a Ryan Adams album
was arduous, but Demolition is the best. Compiled of unreleased tracks
chosen by Adams' then-girlfriend who had terminal cancer, the emotion of
final track 'Jesus (Don't Touch My Baby)' is gut-wrenchingly heartbreaking,
and every track is tremendous, from the bouncy to the serious. Best album
of the '00s by the best songwriter of all time not named Dylan."
- Hobbes
The Cat Empire – Two Shoes (2006)
"Creators of by far the happiest, funkiest, catchiest, party-est album I own,
The Cat Empire have to be one of the best discoveries I've made in years.
Combining touches of ska, dub, funk, jazz, pop and Cuban street musicians
for that infectious 'live band' sound, it's brassy, barmy and bloody brilliant –
'Two Shoes' has pulled me out of more slumps than I care to mention;
I simply cannot rave about it enough."
- Ade
The Shins – Wincing The Night Away (2007)
"I bought this the day it came out and rushed back to my rooms in
Halls to listen to it. I must have listened to it about 5 times in a row
on that first day- I was so surprised by just how beautiful it was."
- Sleeping Pirate
Madness – The Liberty Of Norton Folgate (2009)
Super Furry Animals – Love Kraft (2005)
Tool – 10,000 Days (2006)
Within Temptation – The Heart of Everything (2007)
Jon 79
Feb 14 2010, 07:56 PM
We really need that Radio 1 UK top 40 background music.
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 08:01 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 34" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(21 Points)
The Postal Service Give Up (2003) (3 votes)
"Sadly their only album, full of lovingly crafted electronica,
indie and pop. Biggest tragedy is the lack of follow up album."
- Everlong
"The album that made fans clamour for a reform. 'Give Up' is
a brilliant record combining all of Ben Gibbard's talents with an
electronic feel which suits him down to the ground. Nifty hooks and,
yes, occasionally emo lyrics, but a wonderful record nonetheless."
- Hobbes
Eminem Marshall Mathers LP (2000) (2 votes)
"Diverse, controversial, and personal, autobiographical
and sometimes hilarious, this is Eminem at his best."
- Everlong
"The most hardcore album I own and I still cant believe it was
so successful. Equal parts funny and terrifying. No record this
decade blurred fiction and reality so effectively. Shame Enimem
swiftly disappeared up his own bum after this."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Kaiser Chiefs Employment (2005) (2 votes)
"I feel like everyone else hates this album. Call it a guilty pleasure."
- Julie
sweetbutinsane
Feb 14 2010, 08:01 PM
This is all exciting stuff! Can't wait to see how the top twenty turns out.
Edit: And I don't hate Employment! It's very good.
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 08:02 PM
I don't hate the Kaisers, Julie. 'Employment' is a cracking album - it just missed my final 20.
Everlong
Feb 14 2010, 08:05 PM
Yay, we're into album art zone now, and my number 1 has come up. Actually listening to it now as it goes.
EDIT: As for Employment, I like it. Just didn't consider it for my top 20 at all.
Kick in the Head
Feb 14 2010, 08:12 PM
QUOTE (Jon 79 @ Feb 14 2010, 07:56 PM)
We really need that Radio 1 UK top 40 background music.
This?
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 08:13 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 32" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(22 Points)
Queens of the Stone Age – Songs For The Deaf (2002) (3 votes)
"Great hard-rock/stoner band goes one better and
bring in Dave Grohl, resulting in one of the best heavy
albums of the decade, and some cracking singles."
- Everlong
"They have yet to recapture the energy and fire of their debut, but QOTSA's
third album comes pretty damn close. Dave Grohl's thunderous drumming,
Nick Olivieri's ceaseless basslines and Josh Homme's knack for a catchy
hook combine to create an album of hard rocking, hard drinking classics."
- Maian
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago (2008) (2 votes)
"The decade's great break-up album."
- Maian
"An instantly timeless album by Justin Vernon, aka Bon Iver. Filled to the brim
with passion and recorded in an isolated Wisconsin cabin, the sense of loneliness
echoes from 'Flume' to 'Re:Stacks', whilst filling every brilliant song in-between.."
- Hobbes
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 08:14 PM
QUOTE (Kick in the Head @ Feb 14 2010, 08:12 PM)
....which will ever be associated with good old Alan "Fluff" Freeman. Not 'arf.
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 08:25 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 30" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(23 Points)
The Strokes Is This It (2001) (3 votes)
"I bought this album a few years after it came out, just because I liked Last Nite.
But it is such a fantastic album, and a perfect listen before a night out."
- Sleeping Pirate
Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand (2004) (2 votes)
"The first guitar record I listened to in about three years.
Brought me back from the clubs. 'Take Me Out' still rocks hard."
- Sir Robin The Brave
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 08:31 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 29" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(24 Points)
David Bowie Heathen (2002) (2 votes)
widowspider
Feb 14 2010, 08:40 PM
Wow, I've only seen a couple of mine so far! How exciting - great work Ade!
Everlong
Feb 14 2010, 08:47 PM
QUOTE (widowspider @ Feb 14 2010, 08:40 PM)
Wow, I've only seen a couple of mine so far! How exciting - great work Ade!
More than half of mine, but still a good few to go, exciting, I didn't think any of mine, bar one, would hit the top 30.
maian
Feb 14 2010, 08:49 PM
Seven of mine have cropped up (though I had to check my original list because I started to believe that I had voted for ones that I hadn't - bloody longlist confusing me) and I'm really excited to see whereabouts the remaining ones fall.
Ade
Feb 14 2010, 09:03 PM
♪♫♪♫♪♫ "Number 27" ♪♫♪♫♪♫
(25 Points)
Air – Talkie Walkie (2004) (2 votes)
"The French duo returned to form after a couple of risky creative
detours, with this fine selection of trademark future-retro lushness.
Not quite a patch on the excellent Moon Safari (which would be a
tall order), but it's not vainly hanging on that albums coat tails either.
It's evocative and moody, and imbued with a sense of fun."
- Ade
Bent – Ariels (2004) (2 votes)
"A gorgeous, finely crafted album, full of beautifully emotive songs
and chilled out instrumentals - without doubt their crowning glory.
The collaborations with the female vocalists are top notch, but the
highlight for me is the sumptuous harp-driven 'On The Lake';
so sublime it was worth the purchase for that track alone."
- Ade
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