Your #1 Album of 2003

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Fuck the runners-up.

― NA (Nick A.), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:26 (twenty-one years ago)

For me, "Wonderful Rainbow" by Lightning Bolt.

― NA (Nick A.), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Ted Leo Hearts of Oak

― Matt Helgeson (Matt Helgeson), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Need you really ask...?

http://home.clara.net/antoni/kj2003.jpg

― Alex in NYC (vassifer), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:32 (twenty-one years ago)

http://www.kelprecords.com/images/av/modern_way_cover_mini.jpg

― Huckleberry Mann (Horace Mann), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:35 (twenty-one years ago)

It's a toss up between The Black Lips - Black Lips! and The Deadly Snakes - Ode To Joy.

― Fritz Wollner (Fritz), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Ode to Joy is my #2, and if I hadn't seen Andrew Vincent live, Deadly Snakes would have been #1.

― Huckleberry Mann (Horace Mann), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Dizzee Rascal, I'm afraid

― DJ Mencap (DJ Mencap), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:38 (twenty-one years ago)

three way tie between dizzee/mayer/jaxx

― fiddo centington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:39 (twenty-one years ago)

I will let you know when I figure it out!

― Dan Perry (Dan Perry), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:41 (twenty-one years ago)

richard x!

― mark p (Mark P), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:41 (twenty-one years ago)

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- Sylvie Courvoisier's "Abaton". Since most of these published year-end lists seem pretty oblivious to 2003 jazz/improv releases (to say nothing of classical/modern composers), and, hence, are de facto rock/pop/hiphop/electronica best-ofs, it behooves me to pick a release in that category as well, in which case: Robert Wyatt's "Cuckooland".

― Nom De Plume (Nom De Plume), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:42 (twenty-one years ago)

The Love Below/Speakerboxxx still going strong.

― o. nate (onate), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:42 (twenty-one years ago)

No ties allowed! You choose or you lose.

― NA (Nick A.), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:43 (twenty-one years ago)

It could only be...

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00009WVWU.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

― JoB (JoB), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:43 (twenty-one years ago)

what exactly do i "lose"?

― fiddo centington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:46 (twenty-one years ago)

Does that album have a parental advisory thing on in Holland then? I thought most people have given em up as a waste of time...

― DJ Mencap (DJ Mencap), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:46 (twenty-one years ago)

the respect & admiration of ILMers

xpost

― Huckleberry Mann (Horace Mann), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:46 (twenty-one years ago)

Mine was Pluramon's Dreams Top Rock

― Mark (MarkR), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:46 (twenty-one years ago)

Cass McCombs- A

― Magic City (ano ano), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:47 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah mark I really liked that one. but its one of the few 2003 releases I've heard.

― Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:48 (twenty-one years ago)

My choice this year is an easy one. Of what I heard, it's:

"Clones and False Prophets" by Badawi
No filler. Guitars! (Who's Mark Ribot???)
It's a total BedouinWobbleKrautExperience!!!!!!

― peepee (peepee), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:49 (twenty-one years ago)

are you serious about "Who's Mark Ribot?"

― Huckleberry Mann (Horace Mann), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:52 (twenty-one years ago)

It's Marc with a 'c'.

― o. nate (onate), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Animal Collective - Here Comes the Indian

― dleone (dleone), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Re: Marc Ribot.
I'm serious. Go figure. I've heard the name, but I've heard other names as well. Nothing until now to make me interested in him.

If it's any consolation, he hasn't heard of me.

― peepee (peepee), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:56 (twenty-one years ago)

OutKast

― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Actually, his second album, which was entirely duets played with his four-yr-old step-daughter Aline Chretien, was named Peepee.

that's a lie.

He's played on a lot of great records and worth digging around for. Tom Waits, Medeski Martin + Wood, etc

― Huckleberry Mann (Horace Mann), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Ribot's done tons of different things, most of them at least interesting. Try his AMG page. A selected sampling: Los Cubanos Postizos, Rootless Cosmopolitans, Shrek, Don't Blame Me, Book of Heads, Electric Masada.

― o. nate (onate), Friday, 19 December 2003 17:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic

― Kate Silver (Kate Silver), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Seek out Marc Ribot!

You may even have heard him before -- Tom Waits' "Rain Dogs" may be his most prominent appearance; also I think some late-'80's Elvis Costello sides. He was great on Susana Baca's last record and with his own group Cubanos Postizos.

AMG would be helpful in tracking him down, as he has far more appearances as a sideman than as a bandleader.

x-post w/o.nate

― Nom De Plume (Nom De Plume), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Grandaddy - Sumday

"How it could...have...may...be been."

― kickitcricket, Friday, 19 December 2003 18:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Thanks, you people.
(You are people, aren't you?)

For some reason, this information has been kept away from me.
Damn government!!!

― peepee (peepee), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Marc Ribot has nice stuff on Dave Douglas's last record. Great guitar player! I still haven't figured out my number one yet.

― dylan (dylan), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Dizzee...the only record ever to remind me of both Pere Ubu and Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers.

p.s. Ribot also did a great solo guitar record a couple of years back. Really beautiful.

― Not That Chuck, Friday, 19 December 2003 18:07 (twenty-one years ago)

Katatonia-Viva Emptiness

― scott seward (scott seward), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Broken Social Scene -- 'You Forgot it in People'

― rainman (rainman), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Peepee -- the Bush administration has issued a censorship order on any musicians relating to Cuba, so Ribot made the list beacause of his band's name. Cuba, in case you didn't get the memo, is fifth on the U.S. preemptive invasion list after Syria, North Korea, Iran, and France -- didn't you get Rumsfeld's memo? Goes into effect after the election, of course.

― Nom De Plume (Nom De Plume), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Dorine_Muraille (aka Julien Loquet), Mani (Fat Cat)

http://www.almostcool.org/mr/d/pics/d77mu.jpg

― Momus (Momus), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Unless something dramatic happens, Magic Dirt "Tough Love"

― dlp9001, Friday, 19 December 2003 18:13 (twenty-one years ago)

I really loved Logic Will Break Your Heart by The Stills. I do believe it's my favorite of 2003.

― Jeanne Fury (Jeanne Fury), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Forced to pick only one, I'm going with The Fiery Furnaces "Gallowsbird's Bark." I love every minute of that record, and even though I've heard it many many times now, I still can find new things to love about it. They came out of nowhere and won my heart.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:14 (twenty-one years ago)

Basement Jaxx - Kish Kash!!!

― Jonathan (Jonathan), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:27 (twenty-one years ago)

kevin blechdom - bitches without britches

I didn't really want to put this top, since half the tracks were previously released in 2002, but nothing else has given me as much pleasure this year. I'll try and write something more persuasive on the Actually Useful 2003 thread before year's end.

― Jeff W (zebedee), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:27 (twenty-one years ago)

"Mine was Pluramon's Dreams Top Rock"
how did this not then make it on PF's list?

for mine, hmmmm, well, it's down between radiohead, lightning bolt, and explosions in the sky. i guess im gonna have to go with explosions in the sky.

― Felcher (Felcher), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Junior Senior - D-D-Don't Don't Stop the Beat

All the other albums I've enjoyed the most have been 3 or 4 spectacular tracks plus filler, but the JS album is solid gold.

― Brian Miller, Friday, 19 December 2003 18:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Luomo, The Present Lover. I wish I knew how to write about it without using ugly strings of adjectives.

― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:30 (twenty-one years ago)

the only track on d-d-d that I d-d-didn't like was "Move Yr Feet"

― Huckleberry Mann (Horace Mann), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:30 (twenty-one years ago)

"Chicks and Dicks" is enought to put it in my top ten, I think.

― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Laser Beast.

― Ian Johnson (orion), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:34 (twenty-one years ago)

I am not answering this question until the year actually ends, having heard two albums in the last week for the first time that are both definitely at least in the top 5.

― Douglas (Douglas), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Malkmus/Jicks

― otto, Friday, 19 December 2003 18:35 (twenty-one years ago)

o. nate and jaymc otm. this record cannot be denied.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000AGWFX.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

― Jay Kid (Jay K), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:37 (twenty-one years ago)

constantines - shine a light

― andrew s, Friday, 19 December 2003 18:39 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah, the year aint up yet and there's still a few things i need to get my ears around first -- i mean, shit i just got the phoaming edison in the mail and listened to it this morning (since i was preempted last night by LOTR) and it sounded damn fine sitting here drinking coffee while adjusting to being awake.

― jack cole (jackcole), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:40 (twenty-one years ago)

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drg000/g003/g00314cnuca.jpg

― Sean Carruthers (SeanC), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:48 (twenty-one years ago)

I think I'm all alone with this one.

Frank - Amy Winehouse

― LondonLee (LondonLee), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:50 (twenty-one years ago)

What do you people have against Rod Stewart's standards album?

― dylan (dylan), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

I think I have to go with OutKast.

― southern lights (southern lights), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Marcel Dzama did the cover art for the Weatherthans?? Awesome.

― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 19 December 2003 18:59 (twenty-one years ago)

m mayer "fabric 13"

― mohair (jon kapper), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Weakerthans 'Reconstruction Site' for now...hoping to get a bunch of stuff for the holidays, though, as I am way behind on checking out a lot of stuff.

― Baked Bean Teeth (Baked Bean Teeth), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Favorite mix of 2003: Juan Atkin's Timeless
Favoite album: Tie between Where Life Begins by Larry Heard/Every Dog Has It's Day Vol.IV by Jeff Mills

― Nihilist Pop Star (mjt), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Why is everyone ignoring the big Elephant in the room?

― Jazzbo (jmcgaw), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:08 (twenty-one years ago)

David Banner, Mississippi: The Screwed & Chopped Album

― Chris O., Friday, 19 December 2003 19:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Another vote for Dizzee here.

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Exploding Hearts

― Colin Beckett (Colin Beckett), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:22 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm pretty torn between the Exploding Hearts album, David Banner (christ i can't decide whether to pick the screwed and chopped or the original for the p&j coz i want to tactically vote to get him as high as possible and you'd think that would be the original but everyone's going for the screwed version it seems) john fahey, junior senior, the s.carter mixtape, the kayne mixtape, and sean paul.

but actually i remember that Chocolate Factory is this year and it *trumps all*.

― Sterling Clover (s_clover), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Kelley Stoltz, Antique Glow. Mainly because I played it the most.

― anthony kyle monday (akmonday), Friday, 19 December 2003 19:58 (twenty-one years ago)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00009ATII.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

― jed (jed_e_3), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:06 (twenty-one years ago)

the s. carter mixtape is so fucking much better than the black album though its absurd.

lyrically more intense, topically broader, wider range of production, higher density, more gags.

― Sterling Clover (s_clover), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Jan Jelinek Avec the Exposures - La Nouvelle Pauvreté

― Jeff-PTTL (Jeff), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Dizzee without question.

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, I could have sworn I had The Bad Plus 'These Are the Vistas' on last year's list, but AMG says it came out in Feb. '03, so that's gotta be my #1 (with Jay-Z and 'Kast as close seconds).

― Jordan (Jordan), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:37 (twenty-one years ago)

I have to vote for Lightning Bolt also. Wonderful Rainbow is not as good as Ride the Skies, imo, but the Rapture and Shins records lacked the flow / consistency that I usually need.

xpost If Bad Plus did come out this year then I'll put that as #4 behind the above three.

― Dean Gulberry (deangulberry), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:39 (twenty-one years ago)

I agree with Sean and Teeth about the Weakerthans.

― ara, Friday, 19 December 2003 20:39 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd say the Lunge Strong Language (thanks Marcello! and Julio!) and the Alterations Voila Enough! archival release were the two most exciting records I heard this year. Not sure if they are necessarily the best but I don't get many lame major label promos in the mail, and I learned in class today that making lists is a political act!

― Broheems (diamond), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Mine is well documented.

― Barima (Barima), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Aereogramme - Sleep & Release

It's like getting albums by Sigur Ros, Neurosis and Red House Painters all in one. So it's basically my three favourite albums of the year.

― Stupid (Stupid), Friday, 19 December 2003 20:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Sterling OTM

― Colin Beckett (Colin Beckett), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:11 (twenty-one years ago)

the s. carter mixtape is so fucking much better than the black album though its absurd.

And to download this, I should search for what terms, exactly?

― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:14 (twenty-one years ago)

"The S. Carter Collection"

― Colin Beckett (Colin Beckett), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:17 (twenty-one years ago)

That sounds interesting, Stupid, I either haven't heard anything about them or I just ignored it.

― Jordan (Jordan), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:22 (twenty-one years ago)

They're getting pretty big now, they're on Matador in the 'States, so jump on the bandwagon so when their next album burst across the independant rock community you can say "I was into them before they got so big, y'know".

― Stupid (Stupid), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:28 (twenty-one years ago)

M83 Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts

― Jeremy (Jeremy), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Im afraid my exposure to The Constatines live show has tipped Shine A Light over The Weakerthans.

― Mr Noodles (Mr Noodles), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:29 (twenty-one years ago)

That M83 record has snuck into my top five within the last week,

― Kenan Hebert (kenan), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:30 (twenty-one years ago)

King Missile - The Psychopathology of Everyday Life

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:35 (twenty-one years ago)

That M83 record has snuck into my top five within the last week

Me too, I think.

― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Unless something really phenomenal comes out in the next week, I'm going with the Deadly Snakes' "Ode to Joy."

― Salmon Pink (Salmon Pink), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:56 (twenty-one years ago)

kish kash by a hair over decoration day

― chris herrington (chris herrington), Friday, 19 December 2003 21:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Bardo Pond - On the Ellipse

― Leee Marvin (Leee), Friday, 19 December 2003 22:01 (twenty-one years ago)

s prcss - mnml

― maura (maura), Friday, 19 December 2003 22:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Cat Power - You Are Free

― miloauckerman (miloauckerman), Friday, 19 December 2003 22:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Nina Nastasia - Run To Ruin

― udu wudu (udu wudu), Friday, 19 December 2003 22:35 (twenty-one years ago)

music to watch girls cry by - andy votel - a mix cd that compresses my entire record collection in 80 minutes - what's not to love?

― griffin doome, Friday, 19 December 2003 22:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Cobra Verde - "Easy Listening"

― John Fredland (jfredland), Friday, 19 December 2003 22:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Luomo - The Present Lover

― Omar (Omar), Friday, 19 December 2003 23:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Black Album

― sym (shmuel), Friday, 19 December 2003 23:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Still dying over Murder by Death's Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them...

― Ann Sterzinger (Ann Sterzinger), Friday, 19 December 2003 23:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Chalk up another one for Das Jaxx.

― nate detritus (natedetritus), Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:07 (twenty-one years ago)

Dizzee, without a doubt.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Reading these choices, I heart ILM.

If I knew how to do small, meekly grey fonts, I'd format my choice that way, but I don't; so I'm just gonna have to say it:

Elephant.

There, now throw bloody snowballs at me. To be honest, I didn't get around to hearing it until late in the year, but it was very very good and managed to just sneak ahead of others I see mentioned above (Weakerthans, Constantines, Dizzee, Nina Nastasia, Cat Power, among others).

― David A. (Davant), Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Broadcast, Ha Ha Sound.

― hstencil, Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:52 (twenty-one years ago)

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- Sylvie Courvoisier's "Abaton".

I really love this! Very near the top of my list, I'd be interested in knowing more of what you liked this year.

My #1 is (predictably, but not automatically) Hail to the Thief.

― Melissa W (Melissa W), Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Right now: Thrrrrrrowing Muses (though it could easily be Bee & Flower's _What's Mine Is Yours_, except that the former makes me unabashedly giddy, while B&F, tho purty and sparsely evocative [or something] is thee thing to listen to when you're up for some hi-quality brooding [and the lyrics can grate, too] [like I said, it's a mood thing] [but it is really great if you're up for something Bedhead- or Calla-esque]).

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:55 (twenty-one years ago)

So far - and you never know, still 12 days etc, it might very well change - but my #1 album is Junior Senior, D-D-Dont Stop The Beat.

I think what with hstencil's post my entire top 10 has now been mentioned.

― Tico Tico (Tico Tico), Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:57 (twenty-one years ago)

the record in my post is number 1 because it's probably the only new record I bought this year! Okay, so that's not entirely true, but I've really cut back on buying new stuff.

― hstencil, Saturday, 20 December 2003 00:59 (twenty-one years ago)

prefuse 73, one word extinguisher/extinguished

― heywood jablomi (heywood), Saturday, 20 December 2003 01:00 (twenty-one years ago)

misty dixon 'iced to mode'

― keith m (keithmcl), Saturday, 20 December 2003 01:16 (twenty-one years ago)

David, Elephant is a wonderful album. I'm glad you mentioned it. It's easily among the best records I heard this year.

Melissa I don't think it's predictable at all that you picked Hail To the Thief! A couple of months ago I went back read the old thread on Vespertine (I only just heard it for the first time this year!), and noted your fierce dissatisfaction with it. So I know you can turn on your heroes! I thought your criticisms were pretty valid too. I still haven't made up my mind about the record.

(btw, the reason I was able to read that old thread on Vespertine was that I clicked that "search" button at the bottom of the page. that thing is fucking amazing!)

― Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 20 December 2003 01:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Manitoba. Quite simply I spent more time listening to and enjoying it than any other record this year.

― Nick Southall (Nick Southall), Saturday, 20 December 2003 01:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Melissa I don't think it's predictable at all that you picked Hail To the Thief! A couple of months ago I went back read the old thread on Vespertine (I only just heard it for the first time this year!), and noted your fierce dissatisfaction with it. So I know you can turn on your heroes! I thought your criticisms were pretty valid too. I still haven't made up my mind about the record.

Haha thank you! I worry sometimes that people think I'm incapable of objectivity concerning my favorite artists, but I'm really not. Radiohead could very easily have made an album that wouldn't have figured into my top 50 at all, and I really feared that they would. I think it would be helpful perhaps if I wrote up something on my list explaining my choices, but I'm far too lazy at the moment.

― Melissa W (Melissa W), Saturday, 20 December 2003 01:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Aw, you should! I would definitely be interested in reading it. You have intriguing taste; I only have two of your top 20 records.

― Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 20 December 2003 01:46 (twenty-one years ago)

It's close, but for end-to-end quality, the New Pornographers' Electric Version wins.

― Nick Mirov (nick), Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:04 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm hoping the carl newman solo record will redeem him.

― keith m (keithmcl), Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Dizzee, no contest

― Paul (scifisoul), Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Cat Power - You Are Free

― Josh Timmermann (Josh Timmermann), Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:36 (twenty-one years ago)

The one I've enjoyed the most was the Sun Ra Piano Recital, Teatro La Fenice, Venezia, if that counts--and it should since it's not a reissue, even if it is a posthumous release. I don't seriously claim it is the best, but it's my favorite, of the handful of 2003 albums I've heard.

― Rockist Scientist, Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:40 (twenty-one years ago)

And if you like solo Sun Ra, by all means get it. It flows from free improvisations to very blusey playing, to skewed takes on standards, to peppy Sun Ra anthems.

― Rockist Scientist, Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:42 (twenty-one years ago)

If the U.S. invades Cuba, I'm going to smash some store windows. Just for the hell of it.

― Rockist Scientist, Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:44 (twenty-one years ago)

I've never really liked Marc Ribot's sound. It's odd, you would think Afro-Latin + electric guitar would appeal to me, but it doesn't usually. (I like what I've heard Dave Garlitz play live, but he's not famous yet.)

But then there's a lot of Cuban stuff that doesn't do much for me. I basically go for a Puerto Rican/NuYorican slant in that department. (I know I've said it already.)

― Rockist Scientist, Saturday, 20 December 2003 02:49 (twenty-one years ago)

There's a lot more to Marc Ribot than his ("fake") Cuban band though! His fractured 60's noir bag is classic with Tom Waits, and I like his playing with James Carter's and Dave Douglas's electric groups. I haven't heard his earlier solo albums but I believe they're more Zorn-friendly.

― Jordan (Jordan), Saturday, 20 December 2003 03:26 (twenty-one years ago)

a new one: bonnie prince billy- master and everyone

― todd swiss (eliti), Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:03 (twenty-one years ago)

I just remembered: I want to add DJ Scud's Ambush! Has any list mentioned that thing yet? Well, fuck me, i don't care - that record slays everything! I bought it on fiddo's recommendation. That fiddo is a perceptive guy, he has never steered me wrong.

I still stand by Alterations and Lunge, tho.

― Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Broheems, as a diehard rockist, would I like either of your top 2? Prolly not but it's worth asking...

― Baked Bean Teeth (Baked Bean Teeth), Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:10 (twenty-one years ago)

The Blood Brothers - Burn Piano Island Burn, followed closely by Radiohead and the shockingly ignored Super Furries record.

― Simon H., Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:32 (twenty-one years ago)

haha ... nah, BBT - they're both total free improv records. They are both really and truly amazingly great - some really lively interplay at work - and they would definitely make any top 10 I drew up. #1 & 2 though .. ? Hmmm.. I honestly didn't really think about it that much.

But today I learned from Sasha-Frere Jones and Keith Harris that making a list was a political act, you see! So I'm voting leftist, godammit! Smash the state! God, I love "pop culture" (wouldn't dare say music) critics. No, seriously, Gail Brand is an amazing musician - everyone should totally check out her work. And the Alterations thing is an archival release with Steve Beresford and David Toop and Peter Cusack and Terry Day and it's really fun. A real skronk-fest, but with a sense of humor.

But yeah, I can suckle that corporate teat with the best of them - I really loved that White Stripes record. And Dizzee and Basement Jaxx and all the other biggies were totally great, no question. Ummm... frankly I didn't hear a lot. You probably heard more than me! I wanna check out those Weakerthans! What are they like?

― Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Broadcast - Ha Ha Sound.

Nothing came close. When I bought it and listened for the first time, I had a strong suspicion it was a "winter album" - very focused and elegaic, like how people look when they're walking outside in really deep cold.

― DarrensCoq (DarrenK), Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:37 (twenty-one years ago)

oh, actually - here's another great one: that King Sunny Ade Best of the Classic Years CD on Shanachie! I haven't seen that one crop up on many lists - but of course it is a reissue so that may be the reason. Have you heard any of his stuff, BBT? I think you would like him; I know you have a real fondness for Hawaiian-style steel guitar stuff. There is a bit of that on this release. Some really neat guitar stuff, if you're lookin' to break out of a total rockist bag..

― Broheems (diamond), Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:38 (twenty-one years ago)

M83: Dead Cities, Red Ghosts, and Lost Ghosts

I'm sorry, but I'm a shoegazer at heat - Pluramon and Manitoba went down nice as well.

Can I give a thanks to The Naked Maja blog for pointing out Vive La Fete's Noir Desir - I agree, song of the year, absolutely stunning.
If the album had come out this year I would give it album of the year just for that song.

Neglected album of the year - a burnt copy of Terence Trent D'Arby's Wild Card - which I ignored for hlaf a year before finding it and loving good chunks of it - SRR 636

― Jedmond, Saturday, 20 December 2003 05:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Broheems, I can't believe how difficult it was for me to admit even to myself that the White Stripes record was my favourite this year!

(OT: it may not be the best review out there -- I think fellow ILM-er Sean at Tangmonkey wrote one less gushing and more perceptive/balanced -- but for what it's worth, here is my review of the Weakerthans Reconstruction Site. I wasn't bowled over at first, but every single listen boosted it into my personal top ten.)

― David A. (Davant), Saturday, 20 December 2003 10:05 (twenty-one years ago)

(Nothing against the White Stripes per se, I like them after all, just that placing it first seemed so predictable [cf. Spin magazine!]. But Elephant was as good as White Blood Cells in an admittedly darker kind of way.)

― David A. (Davant), Saturday, 20 December 2003 10:07 (twenty-one years ago)

The Knife "Deep Cuts"

― kinski (kinski), Saturday, 20 December 2003 10:41 (twenty-one years ago)

I haven't heard every album released in 2003, so I'm not sure I'm qualified to judge.

― Jole, Saturday, 20 December 2003 11:20 (twenty-one years ago)

So what you're saying is that everyone who has posted here is an egotist for presuming they do know well enough to choose their own favourite? Which is what the question asks for; Your #1, NOT The #1.

― Nick Southall (Nick Southall), Saturday, 20 December 2003 11:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II

― jel -- (jel), Saturday, 20 December 2003 12:17 (twenty-one years ago)

I added a few paragraphs to my top 60 list (5 paragraphs, to be exact) before giving up in disgust.

― Melissa W (Melissa W), Saturday, 20 December 2003 12:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Here if you give a fuck.

― Melissa W (Melissa W), Saturday, 20 December 2003 13:28 (twenty-one years ago)

have you ever seen guernica?

― RJG (RJG), Saturday, 20 December 2003 13:36 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm not sure whether you're being an asshole or not so I'm going to leave that question without a response.

― Melissa W (Melissa W), Saturday, 20 December 2003 13:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Probably Vaudeville Villain (Viktor Vaughn) or Later That Day... (Lyrics Born), though ‘The Warming Sun’ is definitely song of the year for me too, kickitcricket. So good.

― Orange, Saturday, 20 December 2003 14:32 (twenty-one years ago)

...I'm a shoegazer at heat...

Ya just gotta love this place :)

― t\'\'t (t\'\'t), Saturday, 20 December 2003 14:44 (twenty-one years ago)

― RJG (RJG), Saturday, 20 December 2003 14:55 (twenty-one years ago)

A tie between Dimmu Borgir's Death Cult Armageddon and Miles Davis's The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions.

― Phil Freeman (Phil Freeman), Saturday, 20 December 2003 16:27 (twenty-one years ago)

It's about friggin' time I see Bodysong get some ILM love.

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Saturday, 20 December 2003 16:43 (twenty-one years ago)

(Nothing against the White Stripes per se, I like them after all, just that placing it first seemed so predictable [cf. Spin magazine!]. But Elephant was as good as White Blood Cells in an admittedly darker kind of way.)

And nothing against being against the White Stripes either (I'm not -- I like 'em too), but if you're going to make a list, Elephant has got to be higher than number 51, doesn't it? And is sticking Radiohead in the top 5 any less predictable? Not that it doesn't belong there. I'm just saying.

― Salmon Pink (Salmon Pink), Saturday, 20 December 2003 16:56 (twenty-one years ago)

All these posts later and I'm still the first to say: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fever To Tell.

I didn't realize I was picking such and underdog.

― Johnny Fever (johnny fever), Saturday, 20 December 2003 17:02 (twenty-one years ago)

After two listens Rufus Wainwright is seriously in danger of jumping right in there. Fucking hell this guy is a genius. This will be my Christmas purchase.

― Nick Southall (Nick Southall), Saturday, 20 December 2003 17:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Give it another couple listens...you'll likely change your mind.

― Johnny Fever (johnny fever), Saturday, 20 December 2003 17:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Kish Kash.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Saturday, 20 December 2003 17:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Bodysong is great.

I got it around the same time as some records by the Mat Maneri/Matthew Shipp/Gerald Cleaver crew, and it's amazing how well it fits in with them.

― Jordan (Jordan), Saturday, 20 December 2003 18:03 (twenty-one years ago)

At the moment mine's The Cardigans, Long Gone Before Daylight. Haven't decided yet though. It might otherwise be Kylie.

― David Merryweather (DavidM), Saturday, 20 December 2003 18:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Optimo's Peel Session turns out to be what I listened to most this year.

― nick.K (nick.K), Saturday, 20 December 2003 18:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Black Cherry, Goldfrapp. Pop, posh, and a bit dirty. Lovely.

― Mike (mratford), Sunday, 21 December 2003 02:46 (twenty-one years ago)

"Beat Beat Heartbeat" by Natural History ROCKS

― Donna Brown (Donna Brown), Sunday, 21 December 2003 03:29 (twenty-one years ago)

the kills or rainer maria

― the surface noise (electricsound), Sunday, 21 December 2003 03:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Re: The Kills

"Fried My Little Brains" is h-o-t-t HOT...until it ends unexpectedly and pisses me off!

― Johnny Fever (johnny fever), Sunday, 21 December 2003 03:42 (twenty-one years ago)

If I'm allowed to pick an EP it's TV on the Radio, if not it's Roswell Rudd's Malicool or the Thermals.

― scott m (mcd), Sunday, 21 December 2003 03:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Salmon Pink, you have a very good point. I'm just too wasted now to address it properly!

Plus... the Natural History and Rainer Maria, both excellent albums.

And Melissa W., you made my heart soar when I noticed Matt Elliott and Nina Nastasia in your Top 60.

I might have expressed this already -- but I kiss ILM in its entirety.

― David A. (Davant), Sunday, 21 December 2003 07:23 (twenty-one years ago)

Anybody feel like remembering to come tally this list on January 1 (or shortly after) so we can have an ILM top 10 that we can abuse for being too anything we feel like disparaging.

― Jedmond, Sunday, 21 December 2003 12:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Four Tet, Rounds

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Sunday, 21 December 2003 13:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Malkmus/ Jicks, "Pig Lib"

― Raymond Cummings (Raymond Cummings), Sunday, 21 December 2003 15:30 (twenty-one years ago)

YEAH YEAH YEAHHHHHHHHSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSuh!

― Anthony Miccio (Anthony Miccio), Sunday, 21 December 2003 15:51 (twenty-one years ago)

chalk up another one for Mr. Rascal

― Michael B, Sunday, 21 December 2003 17:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle & Sebastiane (plus lots that have already been mentioned)

― Robomonkey (patronus), Sunday, 21 December 2003 19:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Super Furry Animals, easily. Their best since "Radiator" (which was my 1997 runnerup to the legendary "OK Computer")

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Sunday, 21 December 2003 23:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Surprised I am the first to mention it but Sun Kil Moon's Ghosts of The Great Highway is my No. 1 pick.

― Jim Reckling (Jim Reckling), Monday, 22 December 2003 01:24 (twenty-one years ago)

'Master and Everyone' nearly had it, but Nina Nastasia's 'Run to Ruin' edges it courtesy of "I Say That I Will Go" and "Superstar," two moments of sublime beauty.

― Ben Dot (1977), Monday, 22 December 2003 02:35 (twenty-one years ago)

see, i need to hear that sun kil moon. and the new anathema album. not that i think they would overtake my mighty and beloved katatonia for my number one spot, but ya never know.

― scott seward (scott seward), Monday, 22 December 2003 02:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Broadcast - "Ha Ha Sound"...... with that Deadly Snakes album a close second.

― phil-two (phil-two), Monday, 22 December 2003 03:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Broheems, as best as I can do, I'd say that the Weakerthans' last record falls somewhere in the realm of the Schramms, Antietam, Sportsguitar, and maybe Pavement "Watery Domestic." Their sound varies from sort of quiet-ish pretty numbers to full-on head-bobbing indie at its best, with the singer's voice reminding me of the guy from They Might Be Giants, but only tolerable.

Seriously, the album has several of my favorite songs I've heard all year: "The Reasons," "Reconstruction Site," "Psalm for the Elks Lodge Last Call," "Plea from a Cat Named Virtue," "One Great City!" Song for song the most enjoyable disc of the year.

― Baked Bean Teeth (Baked Bean Teeth), Monday, 22 December 2003 04:12 (twenty-one years ago)

another vote for Kish Kash

― scott pl. (scott pl.), Monday, 22 December 2003 06:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Hey everyone, what about this one, my pick:

Mary Fahl "The Other Side of Time"

― A Nairn (moretap), Monday, 22 December 2003 06:30 (twenty-one years ago)

How come I can't find an AMG entry for Andrew Vincent?

Am I somehow being an idiot?

― Debito (Debito), Monday, 22 December 2003 09:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Re: Marc Ribot.
I'm serious. Go figure. I've heard the name, but I've heard other names as well. Nothing until now to make me interested in him.
He's written the utterly sublime meta-rock song, Clever White Youth.

It can only be Dizzee Rascal

― nathalie (nathalie), Monday, 22 December 2003 09:30 (twenty-one years ago)

supermotherfuckingsilent, 6

― fields of salmon (fieldsofsalmon), Monday, 22 December 2003 09:39 (twenty-one years ago)

i think Kish Kash has stolen it from Outkast right at the death

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 22 December 2003 10:11 (twenty-one years ago)

I have to give one final listen to Jan Jelinek's 'Nouvelle Pauvrete' before deciding if it can claim the #1 spot from Richard X.

― Baaderist (Fabfunk), Monday, 22 December 2003 10:27 (twenty-one years ago)

'Chutes Too Narrow' - The Shins. Simply stunning quality from start to finish, a rare thing. (Lovely packaging too).

― Guy Flower, Monday, 22 December 2003 12:05 (twenty-one years ago)

http://www.pastemusic.com/images/product/unscaled/SunKilMoon-Ghosts.jpeg

― Chris 'Knuckle Deep' V. (Chris V), Monday, 22 December 2003 12:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Seriously The Love Below/Speakerboxx trumps every other hip-hop record I heard this year.

And it's my number one all over b/c I don't really listen to new music of any other genre. I have a feeling it could easily be tops all over however.

― Viva La Sam (thatgirl), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 01:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Hot contention between Grandaddy's Sumday, Elbow's Cast of Thousands and B&S' Dear Catastrophe Waitress.

― person#0 (person#0), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 01:13 (twenty-one years ago)

(well, on the spur of the just passed moments)

Spring Heel Jack, Live

― t\'\'t (t\'\'t), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 01:23 (twenty-one years ago)

Once again I'll say
El Gran Silencio is
my big number 1

― Haikunym (Haikunym), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 03:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Mensen - Oslo City (destroys their earlier material)

― Kris (aqueduct), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 04:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Kris just reminded me what a good album that is!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 05:42 (twenty-one years ago)

An eleventh hour possibility: the new Philip Jeck joint.

― Michael Daddino (epicharmus), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 05:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Really? I've got a promo copy of that and was going to ponder it. It's that good?

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 05:48 (twenty-one years ago)

the rip off artist - pet sounds

― twelve, Tuesday, 23 December 2003 06:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Drive-By Truckers - Decoration Day

Close 2nd: Janet Bean and the Concertina Wire - Dragging Wonder Lake

― Catherine (Catherine), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 07:56 (twenty-one years ago)

I had some free time today so I wrote up little blurbs on my top 10 albums of the year. They are here.

― o. nate (onate), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 22:55 (twenty-one years ago)

More than anyone else, I think you've nailed the Fiery Furnaces, O Nate. Good work.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Tuesday, 23 December 2003 23:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Thanks.

― o. nate (onate), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Chutes too narrow

― innercitykitty (innercitykitty), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 00:43 (twenty-one years ago)

I can never decide, but I'll go with:

Goatsblood - Drull

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drg000/g087/g08741o0dkv.jpg

― Mikhail Capone (Mikhail Capone), Wednesday, 24 December 2003 01:51 (twenty-one years ago)

So what you're saying is that everyone who has posted here is an egotist for presuming they do know well enough to choose their own favourite? Which is what the question asks for; Your #1, NOT The #1.

Dude, I was kidding. Uh, my favourite was probably NERD.

Not gunna risk it: that was a joke too.

― Jole, Tuesday, 30 December 2003 13:15 (twenty-one years ago)

based on which one has had the most repeat listens, Luomo "The Present Lover"

― Nik (Nik), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 13:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Eugene Kelly

― Pinche Pendejo (Pinche Pendejo), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 14:14 (twenty-one years ago)

CYndi Lauper's At Last - in which she loses the simpering scratchiness and lets loose with a voice that pisses leagues over the pop swine of class of 2002 whilst reinventing standards such as Walk on By and If You Go Away. For fucks sake, she even removes the Swayzee/Moore anal juice stains from Unchained Melody.

― Queen G I never fucked tom cruise, Tuesday, 30 December 2003 15:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Sizzla "Da Real Thing"
For oh so many reasons.

― cybele (cybele), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 16:18 (twenty-one years ago)

eugene kelly released a record?

i am pleased because francis macdonald has finished his second solo record.

― keith m (keithmcl), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 17:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Cybele, what do you think of Rise to the Occasion? I enjoy it a lot, and think it strikes a good balance between dancing joints and swoonier ballad stuff.

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 22:29 (twenty-one years ago)

The Magnolia Electric Co.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 22:39 (twenty-one years ago)

what I voted for in P&J: Triple R, Friends, technically an '02 album.

fave actual '03 disc: Basement Jaxx, Kish Kash

― M Matos (M Matos), Tuesday, 30 December 2003 23:45 (twenty-one years ago)

by a longshot

― Kyle Whelliston, Wednesday, 31 December 2003 19:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Umm... what is that?

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Wednesday, 31 December 2003 21:19 (twenty-one years ago)

supermotherfuckingsilent, 6

Ditto.

― Chris Dahlen (Chris Dahlen), Thursday, 1 January 2004 16:16 (twenty-one years ago)

DIZZE! MOTHER! FUCKING! RASCAL!

― fux, Thursday, 1 January 2004 18:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Okay, year's over. Melt-Banana's "Cell-Scape" grabbed me by the tailbone and lifted me about 8 feet up in the air, which is at least slightly better than any other record last year could say.

― Douglas (Douglas), Thursday, 1 January 2004 18:58 (twenty-one years ago)

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drf900/f921/f92163z4z1m.jpg

― Maciej, Thursday, 1 January 2004 19:06 (twenty-one years ago)

tie:
A-frames 2
Animal collective - spirit/danse

― stinkbugs, Thursday, 1 January 2004 22:00 (twenty-one years ago)

three weeks pass...

Sounds "mainstream" but it's true:

Outkast: Speakerboxxx/Love Below

― paulhw (paulhw), Tuesday, 27 January 2004 22:15 (twenty-one years ago)

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