Truthfully, I have to say it was a pretty disappointing year musically, though I must acknowledge that perhaps many groovy things went on that have just escaped my notice.
Among things that I have heard, perhaps six albums made the grade of being worth making the annual top 10. Operationally, “made the grade” here means that an album has at least two exceptional songs.
1) Elvis Costello – When I Was Cruel
This one is clearly the best Western pop album of the year. It absolutely has more outstanding songs than any other album all year. At least nine of these tracks are classics. CLICK HERE to get my full comments on this modern classic.
2) White Stripes – White Blood Cells
The effective raw Neil Young style performance of “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” constitutes the top reason for this album’s inclusion. The other main beauty is the tender schoolyard romance of “We Are Going To Be Friends.”
3) Eminem- The Eminem Show
“Without Me” was just one of the catchiest damned tunes of the year. “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” may not have had the perfect anti-social outrage of, say, “97 Bonnie and Clyde.” It does, however, constitute his best dramatic presentation, having something of an actual SONG underlying his story points. [Turns out he was on a roll with the drama thing, besting himself with “Lose Yourself.”] Several other songs are catchy enough to merit repeated listening, particularly “Business.”
4) Dolly Parton – Halos and Horns
Dolly does a really beautiful re-casting of “Stairway to Heaven.” She takes the song backwards to the folk roots of the original composition. Also, ponder on the weird sadness and pluckiness of “These Old Bones.” The affectation of her voice as the old granny witch doctor strikes me as incredibly cheesy and then again as a really effective unique Dolly style. It perplexes me. Indeed, most of the album bears repeated listening.
Article comments
1 - BJ
Al, what's with the release date for White Blood Cells? Amazon has the Jan. 2002 date you cite, but Allmusic has July of 2001.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=2:06:38|PM&sql=A7kmsa9ygq23k
Anyway, I left it off my list because I thought it was 2001.
http://robbedbyafountainpen.blogspot.com/2003_02_01_robbedbyafountainpen_archive.html#88835376
2 - Al Barger
Well, I suppose it's questionable. 2002 was when anybody was hearing it, though. It's when they played SNL and the album was selling. I may be playing a little loose with dates, but I say it's close enough for rock and roll.
3 - The Theory
2001 was the origional release date... but the re-release on a major label was 2002.... i think.
peace.