| 2002: The Year in Music
As 2002 draws to a close, I felt I would share my personal recommendations for CDs released during this fine
year. I think it's safe to say that I spent more on music in the past twelve months than I had in the three
years before it combined, one of the perks of having a good job I suppose. My recommendations were limited
to albums released in the U.S. in the calendar year 2002, which allows some of the CDs to get in on mere
technicality. But with so many to choose from, you can be assured that their inclusion here is warranted.
Please note that if you click on the album cover icon you will be whisked away to the product page at
amazon.com, where if you happen to buy the album I will get some commission. So buy up! And thanks for
your patronage. Without further ado...
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#1: Age of the Sun, The Sunshine Fix
Unbelievable. This is summertime music playable year round. Carefully crafted songs with catchy
hooks and a tension/release ebb-and-flow on par with any songwriter I've heard. This album is the
concept album (and first full-length release) of thebilldoss
(pictured here flanked by yours truly and KTC), alumni and co-conspirator behind the Athens powerhouse The
Olivia Tremor Control. This guy's truly amazing. Listen to this one during the shank of the day for
full effect. Open the sunroof on your car and sing as loud as you can. It's a Better Way to Be.
[ amazon.com ] [ band site ]
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#2: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Wilco
Yeah, I realize this was (is?) available for free download in 2001, so technically it was "released"
last year. But that aside, this is a masterpiece of music not to be missed. Jeff Tweedy and company
bring their "alt-country" tag to this album, but it is so much more. It seems to ooze Americana with
every note, every measure. And as the lyrics rush through your head and the twang breezes over your
ears, you'll feel undeniably at peace. Five big, bright stars. Listen to this one with the windows down,
and go on a road trip. To the midwest. You owe it to yourself.
[ amazon.com ] [ band site ]
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#3: Point, Cornelius
I must admit I do not know a lot about Cornelius, a Japanese artist apparently very popular in his homeland.
But I do know compelling music. This album mixes the electronica and rock genres (leaning more towards
the former) in a very compelling way. I bought this album in January 2002, immediately upon its release,
and it has stood the test of time as one of the year's best. You won't be disappointed. Best listened
to in the evening, with company.
[ amazon.com ] [ band site ]
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#4: Bob Dylan Live 1975 (The Bootleg Series), Bob Dylan
I'd like to preface this pick with a blunt statement: I am not a Bob Dylan fan. This album (and a
prior release in the bootleg series) from the Albert Hall demonstrate the powerhouse that Dylan can be
on stage. Of course, there's little doubt that Bob is one of the premiere songwriters of our time, but
doesn't it always seem that the covered versions of his songs are always more listenable than
the original? This album turned me around; Dylan assembled a rag-tag troupe of musicians, poets, artists,
and all-around freaks to accompany him on what was dubbed the Rolling Thunder Revue, and the results were
nothing short of miraculous. Dylan, standing on stage in whiteface, belting out brand new songs which would
later become recognized as anthems gives me goose bumps. Highly recommended. Listen to this one at work,
if you can -- who's going to ask you to turn down Dylan? Perhaps the only reason this one isn't higher
in the ratings is that it just came out and the full weight of it hasn't quite settled yet...
[ amazon.com ] [ band site ]
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#5: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, The Flaming Lips
One of the many bands I accidentaly discovered in 2002, this is a dreamy-pop album with a
futuristic theme that (surprisingly) doesn't come off as trite or redundant. The songs are
airy and light, and highly recommended as early morning- or driving-music.
[ amazon.com ] [ band site ]
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Some online music in MP3 format:
- Demo: Squirrel Boy's Lament, from sometime in 1993(?)
- Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets: Boot Camp, Parksville, New York, 9/2/95
- Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets: Valentines, Albany, New York, 8/10/96
- Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets: Valentines, Albany, New York, 3/21/97
- Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets: Opus Cafe, Troy, New York, 4/5/97
- Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets: Bogies, Albany, New York, 4/11/97
- Moon Boot Lover: Saratoga, New York, 4/15/00
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