20. Mest – Mest
(Maverick)
Sure, Mest aren’t doing anything groundbreaking or even
musically mediocre, but this album was the soundtrack to the best summer of my
life. Songs like “Burning Bridges,” “Rooftops,” and
“Paradise” are undeniably catchy and fun, making this one of the
quintessential albums of the summer of ’03.
19. Glasseater – Everything
is Beautiful... (Victory)
“Glasseater have come a long way on their latest,
proving that these underrated rockers are worthy of the praise and attention
that has unfortunately overlooked them in the past. With melodic intensity…
and hooks that draw the listener in, Everything
is Beautiful When You Don’t Look Down will keep your fickle ears entertained
for a solid 34 minutes.”
18. AFI – Sing the
Sorrow (Dreamworks)
Easily the best real punk album I’ve heard this year, Sing the Sorrow caused a very unique
situation for AFI. These punk veterans, led by the talented voice of Davey
Havok, managed to develop their sound and expand their appeal without having to
dodge cries of “sellout!” How did they do this? Simple: the music is
good.
17. The Postal Service – Give
Up (Sub Pop)
Emo pop and Nintendo clash on this collaboration between
Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello, resulting in songs like
“Such Great Heights” that sad kids, punks, and indie snobs alike can
bop around to.
16. Various Artists – Punk
Goes Acoustic (Fearless)
While this compilation does hit some rough spots (actually,
the last 7 songs could be considered one long rough spot), exceptional acoustic
tracks from Thrice, Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, Piebald, and Finch make
this CD worthwhile.
15. Something Corporate – North (Geffen)
North is a huge
leap from 2001’s drab single “If U C Jordan” with mature lyrics and a
more defined individual style. “Me And The Moon” and closing track
“Miss America” showcase the band’s serious side, while “21 And
Invincible” and “Space” are catchy, youthful, and will have you
singing along after only a couple listens.
14. Jane’s Addiction – Strays
(Capitol)
Strays is a rarity, a pure rock album drenched with
adrenaline and enriched with killer guitar solos. Dave Navarro is undisputably
one of modern rock’s greatest guitarists and Perry Farrell is still as
charismatic and outrageous as ever.
13. Dandy Warhols – Welcome
To The Monkey House (Capitol)
They were striving to be “bohemian like you” a few
years ago, but nowadays the Dandy Warhols are feeling kind of funky. Welcome to
The Monkey House is an explosion of ’80s dance beats, irresistable grooves, and
all-star cameos by ex-Lemonhead Evan Dando, funk legend Nile Rodgers, and
various members of Duran Duran. This new direction suits alt-rock’s outsiders
well as they continue to record material that is stylishly ahead of its time.
12. Coheed & Cambria – In Keeping Secrets… (Equal Vision)
In Keeping Secrets Of
Silent Earth: 3 is an epic, multidimensional, and ambitious album that
eagerly treads the line between ordinary rock and a vibrant science fiction
fantasy. Singer Claudio Sanchez’ unique voice and odd lyricism make Coheed
& Cambria a great escape from redundant songs of break-ups and make-ups.
11. The Rapture – Echoes
(Strummer/Universal)
Whether you’re trapped on a late night flight, driving home
in the dark, or cramming for exams, The Rapture can liven up the most tedious
and unpleasant of nights. Most tracks are backed against party friendly beats,
but its the slowed and lovely “Open Up Your Heart” that really makes
this record stand out.
10. Yellowcard – Ocean
Avenue (Capitol)
“Each song on Ocean
Avenue stands out from the others and the album as a whole shows the band
living up to their full potential. The end result is fresh and relatable
sing-along rock with violin accompaniments and an understanding of what
Yellowcard is about.”
09. Blink 182 – Blink
182 (Geffen)
On their sixth studio album, the zany pop punk trio of Mark
Hoppus, Tom Delonge, and Travis Barker finally mature, sometimes to the point
of no recognition. The finest moment of this unpredictable disc is “All Of
This,” a collaboration with none other than Robert Smith of The Cure.
08. Murder By Death – Who
Will Survive, And What Will Be Left Of Them? (Eyeball)
Who Will Survive, And
What Will Be Left Of Them?, an eerily moody and atmospheric record
recommended for adventurous fans of Cursive, My Chemical Romance, and Thursday,
plays out like an incredible movie. Incorporating old style influences with
amazing piano and cello pieces, this album is unlike anything you’ve heard
before.
07. Alkaline Trio – Good
Mourning (Vagrant)
Through their lyrics and vocal delivery, Matt Skiba and Dan
Andriano create great songs that grow into intriguing tales rich with morbidly
dark imagery. Alkaline Trio is the antithesis of pop punk, taking its peppy
optimism and burying it six feet under ground.
06. The Shins – Chutes
Too Narrow (Sub Pop)
Chutes Too Narrow
is a perfect example of pop rock done right: catchy, fun, and as colorful as
the album’s cover art. Only this band can experiment with country and walk away
unscathed. Simply, The Shins will brighten up your day.
05. Eisley – Laughing
City / Marvelous Things EPs (Warner Brothers)
Songs like “Laughing City,” “Memories,”
and “I Wasn’t Prepared” are among the best of 2003 and will leave you
salivating for the release of Eisley’s first full-length next year. This young
Texas quintet, which draws influences from Radiohead and Coldplay and have
toured with Brand New, is dripping in unbelievable talent. Discover them now
before the masses catch on.
04. Straylight Run – demos (self released)
Although Straylight Run’s songs are only available online,
I’ve found myself listening to these six demos more than most full length
albums released this year. These songs are beautiful, raw, and emotional,
proving Straylight Run has much more to contribute in 2004.
03. Nada Surf – Let Go
(Barsuk)
Yes, Nada Surf, the band best known for the 1996 novelty hit
“Popular,” are still making records! The band has since evolved to a
level of greatness, sinking back into the underground to produce two stellar
albums, 2000’s The Proximity Effect
and this year’s Let Go, a mellow and
consistent record.
02. Thursday – War All
The Time (Island)
With War All The Time,
Thursday has created the touchstone for the mainstreamo (formerly known as
“screamo” or “melodic hardcore”) movement. Vocalist Geoff
Rickly has fully grown into his voice, and the band has matured and added
layers to create a powerful modern rock masterpiece.
01. Brand New – Deja
Entendu (Razor & Tie)
“Long Island’s Brand New successfully… create a sound
precisely their own, a style that promises to support the unyielding buzz that
has surrounded this band since 2001’s Your
Favorite Weapon. From beginning to end, Deja
Entendu captivates the listener with carefully layered guitars, perfectly
complementary drumming, and lead vocalist Jesse Lacey’s powerful and honest
lyrics.”
