ED's PICKS FOR TOP RELEASES OF 2003

Music provides a soundtrack to life as we know it - always has, always will. Classic albums truly are timeless and can be listened to over and over again without losing any of their edge. 2003 did not have many works worthy of that high acclaim. But I found enjoyment in many CDs. Will my personal favorites of this past year stand the test of time? Only decades from now will we know for sure. "KISS Alive" is still talked about with fervor after almost 30 years now, isn't it?

No album this decade has possessed the lasting impact of a complete start-to-finish work of musical mastery akin to life-altering pieces such as "Back In Black," "The Wall," "Appetite For Destruction," "Ten," "Jagged Little Pill" or "The Joshua Tree." The current "in one ear and out the other" mentality of cashing in on the hot trends has almost killed creativity. My lone prerequisite is that the CD must leave a big mark on my soul...and make it one I can sing along to, while you're at it.

In an attempt to satisfy my addiction I still purchase (no freebies here) approximately the same amount of new music the day it hits the store shelves as I have for the past 25 years, but not as much seems to provide that lasting emotional feeling I long for.

With the power of great music lasting a lifetime, some of my current playlist favorites date back to 2002. I still cannot get enough of last year's finest - Bruce Springsteen, Avril Lavigne and Audioslave or 2001's shining star "God Bless The Go-Go's" and the top-rated 2000 release, Bon Jovi's "Crush." I will always treasure these musical memories that remain in heavy rotation.

I must admit that even with age my enjoyment remains mainly rooted in the rock aspect of musical life. Hence, I have yet to hear this year's widely critically acclaimed works by The Strokes, Coldplay, 50 Cent, Beyonce, Radiohead or White Stripes. So, it is far from fair for me to judge these- look to Rolling Stone for that complete list. This explains their noticeable absence from my "best of" detailed below. I simply cannot listen to it all. But I sure do try.

The envelope please....

1. EVANESCENCE Fallen (3/4/03) A heavy (but far from too heavy) majestic tapestry riding high and laying low at the same time accentuated by the amazing angelic vocals of Amy Lee. One fine slice of the musical climate we live in. Yes, take my word - this one is a classic.

2. AFI Sing The Sorrow (3/11/03) Not a dull second on this mature, complete work that touches (with great impact) all the senses in a 50-minute span that leaves you longing for more.

3. STAIND 14 Shades Of Grey (5/20/03) Sucks the listener in with impassioned and melodic power. Addictive tunes defining the new age - one good song after another.

4. VOIVOD (3/4/03) A welcome rebirth after 20 years. Heavy rock with an infectious beat. If only Metallica could be so productive.

5. A PERFECT CIRCLE Thirteenth Step (9/16/03) More Tool-like than their debut, though still a bit on the lighter side. May take a few listens but once it gets you in its grip it will take hold.

6. ANTHRAX We've Come For You All (5/6/03) These survivors provide a throwback to the glory days of 80's metal. And that is a good thing.

7. SKID ROW Thickskin (8/5/03) No joke. This welcome foray into the present brings enough rock anthems to make the youth continue to go wild, no matter what age.

8. LIVE Birds Of Pray (5/20/03) An offering as engaging as their platinum works of the 90's. Memorable songs with lyrical impact. Take notice, people.

9. IRON MAIDEN Dance Of Death (9/9/03) Nothing much changes with power metal's pioneers. These elders are still rocking hard to make those so inclined smile.

10. BRET MICHAELS Songs Of Life (5/20/03) Stripped down to mainly just the man and his voice. But, what a man...and what a voice. Since his anthems had a major part in shaping a generation it is well worth a listen to this growth process.

Michigan Music is so strong it deserves a special category in and of itself. Here is our state's finest trio of releases in the music year 2003:

1. BRIAN VANDER ARK Resurrection (4/24/03) A solo storyteller with a vocalist and his guitar singer/songwriter approach. When you can do it this good, staying true to your heart is admirable.

2. BOB GUINEY 3 Sides (11/25/03) No novelty act here. New songs reflecting a new man, happy with life...and glad to share his energy with a nation of admirers.

3. STUDIOTONE Where You Left Off (10/18/03) Three years of hard work have yielded a finely-tuned machine anxious to share their catchy hooks with any and all who care to listen. Be sure to check out their CD release party at the Hamilton St. Pub on January 3rd!

The loser in the "Most Disappointing" category is embarrassing but must be mentioned:

METALLICA St. Anger (6/5/03) So extremely horrifying that I had trouble listening to it. Nothing memorable about the most highly anticipated release of the past 365 days. The worst excuse for an album from a major label band since Van Halen's abysmal "3" (and that is being complementary). Inexcusably bad. Nuff said.

I stand by my words extended with the intent of offering useful advice. But these are just my thoughts on the year that was. You be the judge.