Best Music of 2003

2003 saw the country fascinated by Stacy’s Mom, stripping a Beatles’ experiment and a world still dealing with the aftermath of an American tragedy through music. With that said, my Top Ten CDs come from almost every corner of the world. Some you have heard quite a bit, some not at all. That is the purpose of these lists. Affirm the choices you’ve made during the year and give you ideas to search for in the years ahead.

These are CDs that barely gave my disc player a rest all year.

1. Babel Fish – Coming Up For Air

The sophomore effort of this group from Copenhagen was simply the best music I heard all year and it took some work to hear at all. Brilliant melodies, sharp, thoughtful lyrics and unconventional uses of conventional instruments leave this as a monument of good music. Thanks to Warner’s Norway I was actually able to secure a copy. Check the Babel Fish web site (www.babelfishmusic.com) or urge your favorite retailer to find this one for you. You will not be disappointed!

2. Fountains of Wayne – Welcome Interstate Managers

This disc was reminded me of those Beatle albums we used to love. You’d tear off the shrink wrap and be astonished by the variety contained on the tracks. Same way here. If you’re tired of Stacy’s Mom (and I heard it at a rolling skating rink last week), simply try Mexican Wine, Bright Future in Sales, Halley’s Waitress or any of the disc’s 16 songs. One pleasant surprise after another.

3. The Jayhawks – Rainy Day Music

One time when the title real does describe the music, The Jayhawks are relaxed enough to let the music become the star. This understated piece holds together because of its gentle harmonies and subdued instrumentation. Bookended by Stumbling Through the Dark, the chapters in-between are remarkable Sunday afternoon reading…even without the rain.

4. Bleu - Redhead

The record had more false starts than the Oakland Raiders this season. Ready for release several times, Redhead finally saw its official release in 2003. Produced by my producer of the year John Fields, this record contains enough bombast to plow through any elevator. It’s still looking for an audience but hey, we all like redheads right? Try to search your local used stores to find promo copies of other configurations of Redhead with slightly different songs.

4. Guster – Keep It Together

Guster takes some chances fourth release. A string section here, a children’s chorus there and it works. Homecoming King and Amsterdam are two of the best songs released in 2003. The best three-man band in this countdown.

5. The Effection - Soundtrack To A Moment

Followed closely by this threesome from Oakland, CA. The Effection creates powerful powerpop consistently tuneful and lyrically strong. The members of the Effection come from Bay Area groups like Limp, Dance Hall Crashers and Waterdog. This record is so good your want to check out their ‘other’ outlets.

6. Chris von Sneidern – The Wild Horse

Another veteran of the Bay Area, CvS took his time unleashing this Horse. The strong melodies and strong harmonies are what you would expect but there is a new depth to the material. CvS could be the best singer/songwriter of the past 10 years never to have caught a major-label break. Catch The Wild Horse yourself.

7. Minibar – Flying Under the Radar

Did you ever get a record not knowing what to expect and being absolutely astonished by what you heard?

That’s what I experienced the first time I heard Minibar. There is a hypnotic, almost a narcotic, vibe going on here. This group of British expatriates, lead by the haunting vocals of Simon Petty will leave you mesmerized as you step up to the Minibar.

8. Al Green – I Can’t Stop

You’d swear this record had a copyright in the mid-70s. Of course, that was the last time Al Green worked with producer Willie Mitchell and his Hi record label musicians. The only way you can tell it is a modern day record is the cleaner than ‘Take Me To The River’ sound and the improved playing by the Memphis sidemen. Al never sounded better. If you like the Green catalog, you’ll hope Al and Willie can’t stop either.

9. Lynchpin – Hand-Picked Words

Another three-man band makes this list. Lynchpin’s Hand Picked Words is a powerful record of strong melodies and great arrangements. Plus, these Australians sound like they are enjoying every note. Now, if I can only get the rental car company to send me back the copy I left in the CD player last week.

10. Walter Clevenger and the Dairy Kings – Full Tilt and Swing

Never underestimate the power of the live show. I had the pleasure of seeing Walter and the Kings play at Sparklefest in Raleigh, NC, USA in October - just as this record was being released. The show could have swayed my opinion but probably not. Good from top to bottom, Full Tilt and Swing continues to please months after the smell of cigarettes and beers have faded.

The hardest part of a Top Ten are the ones you leave behind. Here, in no particular order, are a few more selections that would be a welcome addition to most collections…

Paul Weller – Illumination

Warren Zevon – The Wind

Mack Starks – Elsewhere

Rufus Wainright – Want One

Pipitone – Music for Minivans

Michael Carpenter & Kings Rd – Kings Rd Works

Fleetwood Mac – Say You Will

The Thorns – The Thorns

Warren Zanes – Memory Girls

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Do It For Love

Zwan – Mary Star of the Sea

John Mayer – Heavier Things

Then there are those discs that simply come along too late in the year to get a proper hearing. You may see these releases when we look at 2004. Till then, some new things you might like:

Owsley – The Hard Way

The Honeydogs – 10,000 Years

Jaime Hoover/Bill Lloyd – Paparazzi

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