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The Top 25 Albums of Y2K
by Ed McArdle
1. BON JOVI Crush (6/13/00)
A certifiable "Desert Island Disc" without a doubt featuring
rockers and ballads from start to finish, just like we have come
to expect from this
crew, given their history of writing hit after hit. A
wonderful comeback that sits well in the current musical climate despite
its unmistakable 80's
vibe. A good song is a good song no matter what decade it falls in
or how you categorize it. The band's proven formula for greatness
is followed once again and the results are nothing short of perfection. |
Photo by Kay McEntee
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2. 19 WHEELS Sugareen (10/11/00)
Addictive and delicious ear candy direct from East Lansing. One exposure
to this independent release and you'll certainly be craving more. Each and
every song is a tasty treat resulting in a finely crafted, dare I say,
masterpiece. Produced quite expertly by The Verve Pipe's resident
Saginawian Donny Brown, this enticing album intertwines many aspects of the rock genre
and defines music in the new millennium. Irresistible tunes that will
reside in your head for hours on end have the major labels hungrily calling.
There is little doubt this band is destined for big things (and soon).
Available exclusively at Harmony House.
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Photo
by Kay McEntee |
3. SOULFLY Primitive (9/26/00)
A totally unique experience unlike any provided by seemingly similar heavy
bands in today's vast musical realm. Soulfly is a cut above and this
album proves that fact. Although anger flows freely among these
tracks, the overall feeling of hope and spiritual inspiration shines
through in the end. The lyrics certainly come from deep in the heart
and provide the
temptation to absorb the emotion pouring out of the music. Numerous
guest vocalists add variety to an already spicy offering (Slayer's Tom
Araya,
Slipknot's Corey and, of all people, Sean Lennon provide the most
inspiring moments). Staying true to one's roots and beliefs is very
honorable and
this underlying trait comes through in abundance on this riveting
collection. |
4. MONSTER MAGNET God Says No (10/30/00)
A release sadly only available as European import at this point but worth
tracking down prior to its formal US release scheduled for March 2001.
More of the same wonderfully trippy stuff that we know and love from these
psychedelic masters. An eclectic sonic blast that journeys from the 70's
to the year 2000 in no time. Nothing contained here is commercially viable
(and that is a good thing) so don't expect to hear these songs on the
radio. Album rock personified with each and every track gelling together to create
one satisfying piece of work. Monster Magnet remain truly one-of-a-kind
and we can be thankful for that.
5. MARVELOUS 3 ReadySexGo (9/12/00)
Fun, fun, fun- that is the underlying feeling here. Great playful lyrical
prose coupled with extremely catchy choruses and loud guitars. Perhaps too
much rock is a good thing after all as evidenced by this powerful offering.
Life's about having a good time isn't it? So pick up your air guitar and
join in. You'll be singing along to these infectious grooves in no time.
6. TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Beethoven's Last Night (4/11/00)
Anotherclassic from the Savatage side project (better known for
their previous two classic Christmas-themed releases). This
concept album is the brainchild of masterful writer and storyteller
Paul O'Neill. A novel idea combining opera singers, metal guitars,
an orchestra, angelic female vocals, a children's choir, symphonic
overtures and a heartwarming love story with a great plot twist
and happy ending. The many varied players unify to successfully
capture all the heaviness of the member's primary band while making
an album that crosses musical boundaries and should appeal to all.
Based on Beethoven's works and borrowing from these to incorporate
them into mainstream rock, the result provides a mix that covers the
entire musical spectrum with wonderfully endearing results.
Ingeniously conceived. Have 75 minutes to spare? Give this an
open-minded listen and your life will be better for the inspiration
contained within.
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7. TSAR (7/25/00)
After discovering the best new band of the year one is left wondering who
these guys are and where did they come from as you continue jamming to the
joyful tunes provided on this disc. Hard not to get quickly addicted to
these catchy little ditties. If there is any justice in this crazy music
universe these guys will make their mark.
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8. U2 All That You Can't Leave Behind (10/31/00)
These musical innovators return to what once was proving that you can't
leave behind what got you here no matter how hard you try. The band
we all
know and love for pioneering music in the 80's is back to the proper
mindset. These same four men provided anthems in that glorious day
and age
and have now returned to the basics with an album containing all those
elements that so endeared us to them almost 20 years ago. Sure they
have
evolved but there is no more trickery or experimenting just quality
songwriting that engages the senses. |
9. SMASHING PUMPKINS Machina (2/29/00)
A fitting ending to a storied (albeit way too brief) career. This quality
batch of songs would sit well next to any album in the Smashing Pumpkins
classic catalog. Yet their recent lack of popularity among the general
public leaves one question begging to be answered- what happened to the
four million so-called fans who purchased/worshiped "Mellon Collie" just a few
short years ago? They would surely love the music contained here, yet this
album died an awful death in the retail music industry and undoubtedly led
to the band's early demise. Sad.
10. SMASHING PUMPKINS Machina II (?)
A pair of Smashing Pumpkins releases in one year is a treat (although a
tricky one). Thanks to the power of the internet people have the
capability to hear this sequel. The tracks contained on this masterwork will
supposedly never be released commercially and that is a shame since they
are some of the band's best recorded works. Nevertheless, these
"leftovers" blow most other band's music out of the water. Billy Corgan
continues his trend setting, taking an unprecedented step and allowing the
fans to download this wonderful music online at no cost.
11. TRINKET Set To Explode (6/20/00)
Wow! Explosive indeed! An abundance of rock anthems played in an
alternative sort of way. Simplicity in songwriting personified- verse,
chorus, verse. Catchy hooks all the while. Pop music once again reigns
supreme in Trinket's happy little world. This is too cool all the way
through.
12. IRON MAIDEN Brave New World (5/30/00) Taking hard rock
into the new millennium was the intent of these longtime
metal stalwarts and by doing precisely that a wonderful new world
has been
realized. Though there is not much in the way of brave ground
breaking here the usual assortment of quality songs of epic proportions
about typical topics should be enough to satisfy the devoted
legions. If you like it hard and heavy in a progressive sort of way
this one's for you. |
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13. HALFORD Resurrection (8/8/00)
The finest album that Judas Priest never made. Rob Halford proudly goes
back to the ground tread by his former band and rediscovers his roots to
the delight of his many ardent listeners. And, oh yeah, the voice of metal
reigns once again in full force. The very apt album title signals the
return of one legendary frontman and is right on the mark.
14. SUPER TRANSATLANTIC Shuttlecock (4/25/00)
Ex-Saigon Kick vocalist/guitarist Jason Bieler remains one step ahead of
his time and this supergroup proves that fact. Unfortunately, this unique
debut album sadly exemplifies, once again, how hard it is to make it in the
current musical climate. Though this release is full of quality material,
that must not be a good thing since their record label has already dropped
the band leaving them little chance of survival. What a cruel and unfair blow. Do
your ears a favor and get this before it is out of print.
15. SR-71 Now You See Inside (6/20/00)
Power pop music for the new millennium akin to Cheap Trick in the 70's.
Each song herein has single potential and just screams for radio airplay.
Not much new but with quality material like this that draws no complaints
here. What more could one ask for if desiring good time music?
16. 3 DOORS DOWN The Better Life (2/8/00)
A wild emotionally invigorating ride from start to finish. This heavy
album will surely leave a lasting impression. Similar in style to
tourmates Creed but with one notable exception- they write better songs.
Take that to the bank. What a minute- Four times platinum in less than 10
months time- I guess they already have.
17. STUDIOTONE Digital Radio (9/27/00)
After hearing one of the best songs of the year you'll surely be echoing
the sentiments expressed in the infectious sing along "Hello" (I
feel fine). Then once you are through listening to this offering you will
want to
replay the entire disc again and again and again. A finely-crafted
gem that should lead to bigger and better things for this East Lansing
band well-known to
all who frequent the Hamilton Street Pub. |
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18. A PERFECT CIRCLE Mer De Noms (5/23/00)
Vocalist Maynard James Keenan profusely denied that this recording was a
side project from his main focus Tool. And by the quality contained herein
we have no choice but to believe him. This is one heavy-toned uniquely
different release containing the same endearing atmospheric elements of
Tool but possessing a more progressive melodic feel.
19. MOTLEY CRUE New Tattoo (7/11/00)
Fresh ground to be broken on this one? I don't think so. This album is
full of more sex, drugs, rock & roll. What more could one ask for from
these notorious "bad boys"? They know the recipe for success and have
followed it. Nothing wrong with that.
20. NADA SURF The Proximity Effect (8/29/00)
No song here as catchy as 1996's anthem "Popular" but that doesn't stop
this band from going the distance to prove that they are far from a "one
hit wonder". They make it a point to emphasize they have what it takes by
producing a complete album that stays true to their alternative roots and
adds memorable hooks in abundance.
21. MATCHBOX TWENTY Mad Season (5/23/00)
Far from the classic their spectacular 1996 debut was but a follow-up of
extreme quality nonetheless. A much more mature sound that is surely
geared toward the mild side. But, after all, that is not all bad in rare
instances such as this. The high songwriting quality makes up for the lack
of rockers. On a positive note the many heartfelt ballads are sure to
please and the musicianship can't be denied.
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22. ATOMIC NUMBERS Electromotive (1/8/00)
A rather diverse offering of powerful pop rock music. Catchy guitar
licks and a punk attitude in the vocal department combine to just plain
blow you
away. Overall very catchy stuff from Detroit's finest new talent. |
23. TRAVIS The Man Who (4/4/00)
Brit Pop has returned in earnest with this fine collection of (for a lack
of a better descriptive word) "sweet" songs that entrench themselves in
your head and stay there. Wonderful melodies placed delicately in an
acoustic based setting to provide a rather downbeat ambiance that is
uplifting at the same time.
24. DEE SNIDER Never Let The Bastards Wear You Down (8/22/00)
The man returns. Due to popular demand the proud spokesman for 1980's hard
rock gathers all the previously unrecorded leftovers from his Twisted
Sister, Desperado and Widowmaker years and comes out of retirement with
another splendid batch of songs. Dee bleeds music through and through and
this fact is clearly evident on this collection.
25. LIFEHOUSE No Name Face (10/31/00)
Late up and comer provides signs of being "one to watch" in 2001. A laid
back collection featuring infectious melodies in each and every song.
Though rather melancholy at times it is hard not to find yourself become immersed
in the emotional grip of this band
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