3.Something Corporate- North- Piano rock unlike anything else released in 2003! This disc was my biggest surprise of the year--I was incredibly reluctant to even buy this album until, lo and behold I found it at Target for 6.98. This album is worth 16.98. A wonderful mix of all that is good in so many genres, I won't waste your time naming them.

2. Cave-In - Antenna- I don't even know how to fully describe this album. I guess I could start by saying, forget everything you know about Cave-In. Then, forget it again. DO NOT buy this disc expecting to hear anything like their previous work. This album is so far beyond anything they have done in the past. It is absolutely ground breaking an inspiring.

1.The Shins-Chutes Too Narrow- I don't want to hype these guys up too much so let me just say, I made them #1 on my top 10 list--there are A LOT of bands that are deserving of this spot, and, if I the Shins wouldn't have released this disc, one of them would have assuredly captured my full attention. This album by the Shins is as pure and crisp as a moonlight night in an empty field in some country where no one has ever been. If that sounds cheesy, so be it--I cannot put into words the beauty that is this unique, creative and awe-inspiring release.

Runners Up

1. Mastodon- Remission
2. Extol- Synergy
3. Brand New- Deja Entendu
4. Johnny Cash- The Man Comes Around
5. Guster- Keep It Together

Biggest Disappointments of 2003

1.POD- S/T
2. ZAO- All Else Failed Re-release
3. Evanescence- anything they did including their "tribute album"--seriously folks
4. This Day Forward- I don't remember the name of this disc--I had it for 3 days and it saddened me to see how far this band has fallen from their underground days
5.The Agony Scene-horrible album-sounds EXACTLY like everything else trendy that every 12 year old had to immediately go out and buy. Horrible art work.