1.20.2004 / Chad's Best of 2003

[Chad Wilkens]

Chad Wilkens' Top Ten of 2003
The best, according to me.

1. Verve Remixed 2
Recommended Tracks: Whole Album
The theme for the year (for me, anyways) was albums that came out of nowhere and just really blew me away. This is one them. As I've said in past reviews, Verve Remixed 2 took some amazing jazz anthems and turned them into more amazing pieces of electronica. Well worth every penny, it's gets my nod as the Best of 2003.

2. Eels / Shootenanny
Recommended Tracks: All in a Day's Work, Love for the Loveless, Lone Wolf, Somebody Loves You
I have been a real Eels fan since 1998, but even I had to wonder if they would ever get the respect they deserve. Well, with this album, they do. With songs that cover the range of emotions, tied to E's wit and songwriting, you get a disc that's a genuine pleasure to listen to, one that you will gladly put on repeat.

3. Blue Man Group / The Complex
Recommended Tracks: Sing Along, Persona, White Rabbit, I Feel Love
Another album that came out of no where, The Complex is one of those that you never wanted to take seriously, considering the source. Once you put aside your reservations, however, you discover an album that's multifaceted, loaded with great guest appearances and real rocking rhythm.

4. Howie Day / Stop All the World
Recommended Tracks: Brace Yourself, Collide, Trouble in Here, Numbness For Sound
Originally an artist that I loved as a singer-songwriter, Howie Day decided to push that part of him behind him and to form a band around him. While at first, I have to admit that I miss the lone guitar and voice combo, in end, you see that he's made this transition admirably well, with solid songs and solid lyrics.

5. Jarflys / Annonymous
Recommended Tracks: Check Please, Indifferent Ways, Predictable, Tender Leigh
Yet another one of the "out of nowhere" albums this year, The Jarflys' Annonymous really gives originator Jimi Davies' main squeeze Jimi's Chicken Shack a run for it's money. Much more introspective and mellow, this is the music you want to listen to when you are walking down the street, bobbing your head, humming along. Great fun, great music.

6. Fleetwood Mac / Say You Will
Recommended Tracks: Murrow Turning Over In His Grave, Smile At You, Bleed To Love Her
I never was a Fleetwood Mac fan, by any strech of the imagination. In fact, the only song that I knew was theirs was Landslide... so when Bob handed me this album to give a listen to, I took it with a grain of salt. Until I actually listened to it. Now I understand why a generation swears by these musicians, and when you listen to it, you will too.

7. Guster / Keep It Together
Recommended Tracks: Amsterdam, Red Oyster Cult, I Hope Tomorrow Is Like Today
How can you not love the fun-loving guys of Guster? Their newest album was a little bit of a departure for them, but really grew on me the more that I listened to it. I also have to give this guys massive kudos when it comes to selling their music: from their involvement with iTunes (www.itunes.com) to the packaging of the Special Edition of Keep It Together, these guys went out of their way to make you want to get their music.

8. Michelle Branch / Hotel Paper
Recommended Tracks: Are You Happy Now?, One of These Days, 'Til I Get Over You
Every year, there's a guilty pleasure album in the mix, and this year, it's Michelle Branch's newest effort, Hotel Paper. What can I say? The girl can sing, play a catchy tune, and write a great lyric. She's cute, talented, and really good at it.

9. BT / Emotional Technology
Recommended Tracks: Somnambulist, Paris, Animals
BT is practically the godfather of electronica these days, so when he releases an album, you bet that everyone hears it. While this one does follow a similar format as Movement in Still Life, BT pushes the limits not by reinventing, but by refining to new levels. A high-class effort worthy of any groovemaster.

10. Damien Rice / O
Recommended Tracks: Delicate, Volcano, Cannonball
What would the list be without one more singer-songwriter? Damien Rice burst onto the scene this year with his Irish croon and his fine-tuned guitar work. A solid disc that's perfect for a cold, rainy night when you need some time for yourself, O shows incredible promise for Rice, and is an outstanding effort on its own.

The Back Ten of 2003
Honorable Mentions, in decreasing order:

Audioslave / Audioslave - I spent a good portion of 2003 listening to this album, even vowing that it will return in the Best of '03... I guess it was just a tough year.

Venus Hum / Big Beautiful Sky - Electronica with more soul. More melody, and less loops. Novel concept. Did I mention a great female vocalist?

Dido / Life for Rent - This sophomore effort is a pleasure to listen to, even it the tracks become a little indistinguishable after a bit.

White Stripes / Elephant - The album that solidifies the place of the 'Stripes in rock history. Solid, well-built, a joy to listen to.

Aimee Mann / Lost in Space - Amiee Mann separates herself from her kin based on the strength of her songwriting. Listen and be rewarded.

Nelly Furtado / Folklore - The kid's not a one trick pony, as her opening track insists. She can sing and she can write a song. More poppy than Ms. Branch, but also more catchy.

Delerium / Chimera - Solid electronia that's also vocally inclined... no loops and such here, just dreamy soundscapes and beautiful voices.

MC Honkey / I am the Messiah - Whether MC Honkey is E of the Eels or not, it's undeniable that MC Honkey really can make some tracks, even if they are frivolous pop jingles.

Gotan Project / La Revancha Del Tango - Oh, this has to be one of the great albums of seducation. It's tango updated. And it's a pleasure to... work... with.

Morcheeba / Parts of the Process - It's hard to belive that we can say that Morcheeba has had a distinguished career, but already, they have earned a Best of, and considerable respect.

Best Concert Memories of 2003
Ones that I enjoyed the most...

Joseph Arthur @ Martyr's (Feb) - It's always great to see my artist, but the interview (www.bfninyourears.com/listen.html#arthur) beforehand was the dream come true.

David Gray @ UIC Pavilion (Feb) - Probably one of the best sets I have ever seen, David Gray really took the crowd far, covering material from three albums.

Josh Joplin @ Abbey Pub (Mar) - Josh is always great live. A phenominal story teller and even better song-writer, his shows are not to be missed!

Jarflys in Maryland (Sept) - Yes, we went 800 miles to see these guys, but it was worth it, just to spend the time with the Crew and for the great music.

Damien Rice @ Park West (Sept) - I liked O before seeing Damien live, but afterwards, you walk away with a new appreciation for his talents.

Eels in Chambana (Oct) - I've waited five long years to see Eels live, and they didn't disappoint. A dream come true.

The Great Crusades @ Quenchers (Nov) - I've seen the Crusades live before, but this was the first time I was there as a fan. A fun show with great music.