Post by Chad Wilkens on Feb 29, 2004 19:41:48 GMT -5
Bob Dubilina's Top Ten Albums of 2002
1. Peter Gabriel / UP
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: Signal To Noise, Growing Up, No Way Out/I Grieve
A pseudo-B-side masterpiece, this is Peter Gabriel's first full-length album in ten years, and it was well worth the wait . . . if your a hardcore fan. This is not PG's most accessible album, and I don't blame people for hesitating to give it a chance. UP truly shows its strengths if you're already aware of Gabriel's elaborate style and extensive catalogue. He calls this his "bookend" album, a collection of songs that deals with the beginnings and ends of life. However, it is also a bookend for his music: it was born from his previous works and it feels like the end of another chapter in his phenomenal career. Here's to new beginnings and moving farewells. I can't wait to hear what's next.
2. William Topley / Feasting With Panthers
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: La Habana, Desire Is Sad, I Can't Wait
Lonely as ever, Topley decided to get back to his roots and wrestle once again with his tormented, lovelorn soul. What came of this passionate struggle of the heart was a spectacular record heavily influenced by raw Southern blues and a lush Caribbean sound. With his signature growl, Topley turns his romantic misfortunes into magnificent poetry. It only leaves you wondering why a man who sounds so damn sexy has to spend so much time mending a broken heart.
3. The Great Crusades / Never Go Home
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: A Star Is Being Borne, Devon Avenue, Saugerties, New York
At a crossroads where growing older isn't so much a decision as much as it is a fact of life, lead singer Brian Krumm has a lot to say about the missed opportunities, broken hearts and shattered dreams left behind. And although he has enough doubt and cynicism to last him long into his golden years, he's accepted the possibility of being doomed to a bleak small-town existence. A sobering and oftentimes dark-humored midnight confession about looking back one last time before moving into the vicious unknown that is the future, Never Go Home is an astonishingly candid tribute to growing up and all the baggage that comes with it. It doesn't get any better than this, and there's nothing wrong with that at all.
4. Porcupine Tree / In Absentia
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: Trains, Heartattack In A Layby, The Sound Of Muzak
Haunting. Enigmatic. Savage. Ominous. It is difficult to describe the unique sound of Porcupine Tree because their musical range is so expansive. When listening to In Absentia, I get a feeling that frontman Steve Wilson is busy making a magnificent Prog Metal opus so cryptic, so intricate and so far-reaching that I'm not sure if one record is enough to contain the thrilling, otherworldly insights that he chooses to divulge.
5. Joe Bonamassa / So, It's Like That
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: The Hard Way, Under The Radar, My Mistake
With his heart exposed and his guitar in tune, Joe Bonamassa's newest release absolutely destroys any suggestion of a sophomore slump. In fact, Bonamassa is showing more refinement in both his music and his writing by putting together a phenomenal record revolving around heartbreak and the freedom and conviction that comes with it. His intense raw vocals are brimming with a fury and passion rarely heard in rock these days. With his remarkable talents, untamed emotions and commanding voice, there is no doubt that Bonamassa is in a league of his own.
6. Superdrag / Last Call for Vitriol
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: The Staggering Genius, I Can't Wait, Closer To You
This is an album with so much frenetic energy that it feels like your speakers are going to explode. These guys are loud, wild and want you to join in the fun. Definitely to be listened to at maximum volume, preferably on the open road. Thanks to Superdrag, rock will never die.
7. Flaming Lips / Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: Fight Test, All We Have Is Now, Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell
The best damn contemporary Prog Rock album in a long time, and I'm ashamed that I almost didn't give it proper due. A concept piece about Man vs. Machine that actually cheers for the survival of mankind (even if it may involve the end of a love), Yoshimi... touches more on the emotions that make us human rather than focus on the faults that may someday signify our doom. There's plenty of peace and love (and quite enough melancholy and heartbreak as well) in this Flaming Lips futuristic drama for everyone, so smile and live life accordingly.
8. Matchbox Twenty / More Than You Think You Are
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: Feel, Disease, Downfall
After a so-so sophomore album (which I still enjoyed immensely), MB20 came back full force to make their strongest record to date. This time the band seems more united than ever and willing to take a new direction with their music. Surprisingly, More Than You Think You Are has a rousing alternative rock feel yet still retains enough room for a handful of Rob Thomas' signature angst-ridden ballads. Damn, it's good to have a guilty pleasure.
9. David Gray / A New Day At Midnight
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: Dead In The Water, The Other Side, Last Boat To America
While still standing in the shadow of the monumentally poignant White Ladder, David Gray has shown the talent and resolve to progress in his music with this latest masterpiece. This is certainly his most accessible album to date, which is not an easy task when you wear your heart on your sleeve. Any person who can't appreciate this record lacks emotion.
10. Josh Joplin Group / The Future That Was
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: I Am Not The Only Cowboy, It's Only Entertainment, Trampoline
This album took some time to grow on me, but its subtle power is in the underlying theme of hope and anticipation for whatever lies ahead. Joplin may be a lost romantic teeming with optimism for mankind, but if he won't give us a reason to fight for possibility (and the future), who will?
Bob Dubilina's Hot'n'Nasty Three-Way for #11
Audioslave / Audioslave
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: Show Me How To Live, Exploder, What You Are
The voice of Soundgarden, the music of Rage Against the Machine and one of the best damn rock producers in the business, all working together to make a surprisingly refreshing debut of what probably should've been a hackneyed, recycled sound. This album is pure ego. These guys know they're incredibly talented and they have no problem showing off while doing what they do best -- ROCKING YOUR bunnyIN' SOCKS OFF!
Goo Goo Dolls / Gutterflower
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: What A Scene, Truth Is A Whisper, Big Machine
Although the Goo Goo Dolls have adapted into radio-friendliness over the years with unforgettable adult contemporary pop ballads, I've always been drawn to their special brand of balls-to-the-wall rock that is essential to their music yet is so often overlooked by the media. (Seriously, how often do you hear a radio station play "Long Way Down" or "Lazy Eye"?) Unfortunately, Gutterflower is missing a lot of the raw cynicism that blends so well with their bubblegum sentimentality. It's not the end of the world, but it's disappointing that the Goo Goo Dolls decided to restrain the outspoken fury and frustration that makes them so remarkable.
Lucero / Tennessee
Three Tracks You Need to Hear: Sweet Little Thing, Nights Like These, Chain Link Fence
With a voice heavily influenced by Kurt Cobain (or as Chad-o would argue, Gavin Rosdale), Ben Nichols sings gritty alt-country ballads in which he laments of days gone by and loves turned away. You'll need this one when she breaks your heart and takes off with your wheels, leaving you with the realization that that '67 Dodge Dart was truly one of a kind.