My Favorite Music of 2003

Every music dork in the world does this stuff. I figured I’d post mine up here. I didn’t rank these things in order, because I can’t really pick. These are the albums that I listened to the most in this year of two thousand and three. Plus, I added some “special bonus” categories at the end.

The Lawrence Arms - The Greatest Story Ever Told
More complex, more diverse, and better planned than their previous gem Apathy and Exhaustion. The songs on this disc are just amazing, as is the production and personality that comes through on each song. These chicago boys done right again.

Against Me! - as the Eternal Cowboy
This one took me a few listens to warm up to. It’s more melodic, simpler, and more like a standard rock album than their previous efforts, but now I’m having trouble listening to Reinventing Axl Rose without wishing there was more melody in it.

RX Bandits - The Resignation
The RX Bandits follow in the footsteps of the Specials, expanding their Ska sound and taking influences from Hip-Hop, Pink Floyd, and just about everywhere else. This disc is pretty much essential and has some of the best musicianship you’ll find in the Punk/Ska scene nowadays.

Every Time I Die - Hot Damn!
I really didn’t want to like this. But I keep listening. It’s fast, spastic and ridiculous. This is to hard/metalcore what Southern California was to ska in the mid-nineties. It’s full of emotion, inanity and rhythm changes that just don’t make sense. You’ll be hooked, even if you don’t want to be.

Park - It Won’t Snow Where You’re Going
The lad(d)s in Park managed to make a better album than No Signal, which I was not expecting. It’s more focused, with better melodies and better guitar parts. This is what emo should be, not an exercise in crying and whining, but good indie rock with intricate guitars and amazing lyrics. You will not be disappointed.

Joe Strummer and the Mescelaros - Streetcore
I’m not sure how this couldn’t have been on my list. The bookend to the 101ers’ beginning of his career, this disc has everything you could expect from a Strummer album: dub, country, melody, folk, personality, and honesty. From the opening rock anthem of Coma Girl to the haunting closing of Silver and Gold, this is a testament not to one man’s passions, but to real music, wherever you may find it.

Beatles - Let It Be… Naked
Some may say this is a cheap attempt to cash in. I say it’s awesome to hear an alternate take on one of my favorite albums of all time. Let it Be, minus Spector’s grandiose backing tracks is an interesting document. It is a stripped down, beautiful testament to 4 of the greatest songwriters and musicians of the 20th century.

Megalith Records - Still Standing
The ultimate ska compilation. 4 discs of bootstomping, headbobbing Ska that bring a smile to my face. It may not be as focused as the Ska comps of old, but its a wonderful document to one of the most under-appreciated scenes in music today.

Thursday - War All The Time
Most people panned this as either being too repetitive or as being a clone of Full Collapse. I actually like this more than their previous effort, because it showed a greater range of musicianship than their previous disc. This isn’t a “hit in you in the face” record like FC, but it is relistenable and found it’s way into my car stereo for weeks on end.

Alkaline Trio - Good Mourning
Probably the most panned, criticized, and hated release from a band this year. “The vocals sucked”, “the guitars were too layered”, blah blah. You know what? It’s catchy and I enjoy it. Not their best work, but definitely a fun album to put on and listen to.

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Honorable Mentions
Rise Against - Revolutions Per Minute
Bouncing Souls - Anchors Aweigh!
Suicide Machines - A Match and Some Gasoline
Ted Leo - Tell Balgeary, Balgury is Dead EP
Joe Henry - Tiny Voices
David Byrne - Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Best Gangsta Rap Album by a Ska Band
Big D & the Kids Table - Porch Life
Goddamnit guys, get jobs or tour or something!

Best Use of Bluegrass on a PopPunk Album
Yellowcard - Ocean Avenue

Best “Overplayed Cover Song” That I’ve Only Heard Once
The Ataris - Boys of Summer
Seriously, this song is more elusive than a girl in Kevin Wade’s room.

Worst Album by One of My Favorite Bands
Less Than Jake - Anthem
Not a complete disappointment, but close

Most Disappointing Breakup of the Year
Atom and His Package
So, I finally move near Philadelphia, and he hangs his package up. No, the Bosstones AREN’T broken up, so stop trying to make me cry.

Best Local Band
Too Short Notice
Peppy ska from NJ. They are recording a new album with Steve from Big D, hopefully they’ll get some more attention.

Album I Still Can’t Figure Out
Rancid - Indestructible
Seriously, someone tell me if this is good or bad. Rehashed, or revisiting? I just don’t know.

Best Ploy to Get Me To Buy Their CD
Blink 182 featuring Robert Smith on their new disc

Most Addictive Song
Yellowcard - Ocean Avenue