Sunday, December 21st, 2003
So Says I (The Best Of 2003)
My year-end list is a little late getting up, I know. Lazy, dontcha know. I wanted to dress it up a little bit more than just listing stuff off, and that equals more work, and… well, lazy. At least I’ve gotten it posted before Christmas. Oddly numbered lists seem to be the fashion, so I’ve gone with a happy baker’s dozen of top albums. After that, it became impossible to rank one album against another in terms of my preference – so the honourable mention should be read as “also good”. I’ve also elected to not give each album a writeup because, uh, I’m lazy. Maybe you haven’t been paying attention. I have linked the Metacritic review page for each record if you want to read some criticism/praise, and there’s a sample mp3 of one of my favorite tracks off each album linked for your enjoyment. And while it seems obvious/futile, if you like what you hear, for the love of God go out and buy the CD. All of these artists need you love and support.
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 The Postal ServiceGive Up (SubPop) |
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The Shins Chutes Too Narrow (Subpop) |
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The Wrens Meadlowlands (Absolutely Kosher) MP3 – “Hopeless” |
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Ted Leo & The Pharmacists Hearts Of Oak (Lookout!) |
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Beulah Yoko (Velocette) |
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Death Cab For Cutie Transatlanticism (Barsuk) |
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Pernice Brothers Yours, Mine & Ours (Ashmont) |
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Belle & Sebastian Dear Catastrophe Waitress (Rough Trade/EMI) |
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The New Pornographers Electric Version (Mint) |
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Fountains Of Wayne Welcome Interstate Managers (S-Curve/Virgin) |
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Broken Social Scene You Forgot It In People (Arts & Crafts/Paper Bag) MP3 – “Almost Crimes (Radio Kills Remix)” |
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Calexico Feast Of Wire (Quarterstick) |
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The Weakerthans Reconstruction Site (Epitaph) |
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Honorable Mentions: My Morning Jacket / It Still Moves |
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There were a lot of great shows this year, but a handful stood out as outright celebrations of music and the effect it can have on people. “Transcendent” is a pretty loaded word, but sometimes it’s appropriate. I should also mention my top two shows that I am beyond sorry I missed – Ted Leo & The Pharmacists at the Rivoli in April and Steve Earle at the Kool Haus in May.
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Belle & Sebastian, Rasputina Massey Hall, Toronto November 8, 2003 |
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Broken Social Scene, Stars, Apostle Of Hustle, Jason Collett, Amy Milan Lee’s Palace, Toronto June 13, 2003 |
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Billy Bragg The El Mocambo, Toronto July 11, 2003 |
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Beulah, John Vanderslice Lee’s Palace, Toronto November 8, 2003 |
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The American Analog Set, The Cansecos The Horseshoe, Toronto June 25, 2003 |
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