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By Jack Foley, Simon Pinion, Paul White and Heather Metherall
2002 was a year that was largely dominated by one band - Coldplay. Chris
Martin and co followed-up their debut album, Parachutes, with an enchanting
long-player that looks destined to become one of the great albums of all time.
A Rush Of Blood To The Head has thus far generated two great singles - The
Scientist and In My Place - and was backed by an all-conquering world tour,
which saw the band break into America in a big way. It is little wonder to
find them at the top (or near) of most critics top lists of the year.
But there were also some other notable albums released during the past 12
months, including the likes of Lemon Jelly, Frou Frou, Beck and the Red Hot
Chili Peppers, while a certain Ms Dynamite confounded the critics (and The
Streets, ha, ha!) to walk away with the Mercury Music Prize.
But which, if any (or all), feature in our top 50 for the year. Scroll down
to find out. Or email us at indielondon@yahoo.co.uk
if you disagree or wish to add your own nominations...
40
- U2: The Best of 1990-2000 & B Sides
Why? Greatest hits compilations shouldn't really feature, but this was
the best of the crop and notable for featuring several new versions of old
singles, plus the sublime track, The Hands That Built America (from
the Gangs of New York soundtrack)
What we said: It's not often that you can sit though 31 tracks of the
same band and not find them a little bit repetitive, but The Best of 1990-2000
impresses with its diversity and astounds with its quality.
Click here
to buy
39 - Sugababes- Angels With Dirty Faces
Why? Possibly the best of the chart-fodder in 2002 and notable for producing
three great singles, in Freak Like Me (which even made the XfM playlist,
Round Round and Stronger.
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to buy
38 - Idlewild - The Remote Part
Why? Idlewild emerged from the shadows with this mature album, made more
prominent thanks to the quality of singles such as You Held The World In
Your Arms and the sublime American English. Supporting Coldplay
helped too!
Click here
to buy
37 - Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Why? Possibly the year's most surreal listening experience, as it is based
around the tale of a young Japanese girl warring against mechanical foes,
yet strangely hypnotic nonetheless. Stand out tracks include Yoshimi Battles
the Pink Robots and the heartfelt Do You Realise?
Click here
to buy...
36
- Alanis Morissette - Under Rug Swept
Why? Much imitated of late, but seldom bettered, the third album from
Canada's mixed-up rocker finds her in a happier state of mind and producing.
Boasts the single, Hands Clean.
What we said: The themes which made Jagged Little Pill such a take-notice
LP remain present throughout Under Rug Swept, with Flinch, in particular,
revealing an insight into the singer's wounded psychology.
Click here
to buy
35 - Alicia Keys - Songs In A Minor (Remixed)
Why? In what proved to be a strong year for female r 'n' b, Alicia Keys
remained the act to follow. The special edition of Songs In A Minor featured
tracks such as Falling with the likes of Busta Rhymes and actually
surpassed the original.
What we said: I feel inclined to suggest that some of the sweet soul
music on the LP, should be put next to some of the instrumental parts of What's
Going On? by the man Marvin Gaye.
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to buy
34 - Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf
Why? Hailed by many as the rock album of the year, Queens of the Stonge
Age deliver a belter of an album which, as its title suggests, screams out
to be played loud. Oh, and with a certain Dave Grohl on the drums, you can
hardly go wrong!
What we said: The result is a fiery, grungy, anthemic CD of gutsy rock
tunes, some of which border on the obscene, but others which impress with
their quality.
Click here
to buy
33
- Interpol - Turn on The Bright Lights
Why? Indielondon contributor, Alistair Hann, had plenty to say about these
sartorically svelte New Yorkers, who evoked comparisons with Joy Division
and The Strokes. We liked what he had to say...
What we said: As melancholic as it is, this is not an unrewarding record,
its layers of textured beauty make sure of that. Luminous.
Click here
to buy
32 - David Bowie - Heathen
Why? The unstoppable David Bowie shows no sign of letting up with another
brilliant album, featuring some fine collaborations with the likes of Dave
Grohl and Pete Townshend. And if you don't believe us, then just ask
Indielondon scribe, Tom O'Riordan!
Click here
to buy
31 - Pearl Jam - Riot Act
Why? Eddie Vedder and co continue to set the standard for the rock/grunge
wannabes of the moment, treading remorelessly where the likes of Nickelback
and co can only still dream of. Another class act, featuring the excellent
single, I Am Mine.
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to buy
30 - Morcheeba - Charango
Why? Morcheeba cement their reputation as the kings of chillout with another
daydream of an album, taking in everything from hip-hop, country and cinematic
scores. Skye Edwards' delicious vocals remain as seductive as ever, while
collaborations with the likes of rapper, Slick Rick, and Lambchop frontman
Kurt Wagner add a new dimension.
Click here
to buy
29 - Groove Armada - Lovebox
Why? Tom Findlay and Andy Cato crank up the volume a notch and head towards
the dancefloor for Lovebox, a far more upbeat collection of tracks than previous
chillout work such as At The River. The album is named after Groove Armada's
bi-monthly London club night and features the excellent single, Purple
Haze.
Click here
to buy
28 - Mint Royale - Dancehall Places
Why? Manchester-based Mint Royale may still be the pretenders to the Groove
Armada thrown, but this collection of diverse dancefloor anthems suggests
they are poised for great things. Not everything works, but with chart-friendly
tracks such as The Sexiest Man In Jamaica and undiscovered gems such
as Show Me, this is a lively listen.
Click here
to buy
27- Aim - Hinterland
Why? Andy Turner, the brains behind Aim, recorded this hip-hop collection
in Barrow-In-Furness - a million miles from the Manchester club scene where
he made his name - and the result is one of the freshest hip-hop long-players
of the year, featuring collaborations with Kate Rogers and ex-Baby Bird man,
Stephen Jones.
Click here
to buy
26
- Dirty Vegas - Dirty Vegas
Why? Described by some as trance-pop, Dirty Vegas' self-titled debut is
a mixed bag; featuring some wonderful highs (such as Ghosts, Days Go By
and the sublime Simple Things), as well as some non-descript lows.
Promising, nonetheless, and worthy of inclusion in any top 50.
What we said: This long player is one of the most uplifting releases
of the year so far, not just because their singles are good, or because they
are the new cool thing to be in to, but because of the musical content on
the album.
Click here
to buy
25 - Chemical Brothers - Come With Us
Why? While nowhere near as good as previous albums such as Exit Planet
Dust or Surrender, even an average Chemical Brothers album is worth a listen.
Come With Us features some excellent collaborations, most notably with Richard
Ashcroft (The Test) and long-time friend, Beth Orton (The State
We're In), as well as the epic singles Star Guitar and It Began
In Afrika.
What we said: The State We're In, featuring the entrancing lyrics of
Beth Orton (sounding like Sinead O'Connor), is a terrifically moody, even
bluesy, interlude (and a welcome time-out from the heavier moments), evoking
memories of the artistes earlier collaboration, Where Do I Begin?
Click here
to buy
24 - Moby - 18
Why? Cynically dismissed by some critics as a mere retread of Play,
and written off by Eminem as yesterday's news, Moby's 18 is, nevertheless,
a wonderful celebration of all-things musical, featuring the artist's trademark
use of strings, pianos, beats and vocals. At times mesmerising, at others,
just plain satisfying. Hey, if it aint broke, why fix it? Highlights
include Extreme Ways, We Are All Made of Stars and Harbour.
Click here
to buy
23
- Oasis - Heathen Chemistry
Why? After two disappointments, the Gallaghers got back to something like
Definitely Maybe form, with this blistering collection of rock anthems. Highlights
undoubtedly include the singles The Hindu Times and Stop Crying
Your Heart Out, but others, such as Liam's Songbird and (Probably)
In My Mind are just as good. Not a total success, but essential nonetheless.
What we said: It won't bring the Gallaghers any new fans, yet the die-hard
followers will no doubt hail the return of Manchester's favourites. Oasis
are back then... but have they ever really been away?
Click here
to buy
22 - Peter Gabriel - Up
Why? Not quite as good as So or Us, and hardly progressive,
Peter Gabriel's long-awaited latest remains essential listening and a thoughtful
collection of tracks that took seven years to put together. Highlights include
the mournful, I Grieve, and the upcoming single, More Than This.
Click here
to buy
21 - Royksopp - Melody AM
Why? Norwegian outfit, Royksopp, follow in the footsteps of Groove Armada,
Dirty Vegas and Air with a near-perfect chillout/dancefloor crossover, which
spawned the singles Poor Leno, Remind Me and Sparks. Melody
AM has featured in several critical best of lists of the year.
Click here
to buy
20
- Faultline - Your Love Means Everything
Why? DJ David Kosten pulled off the ultimate coup by getting some of the
top names of the moment to guest on his latest album and the result is, at
times, awesome. Among the collaborators are REM's Michael Stipe and The Flaming
Lips' Wayne Coyne, but the standout moment belongs to Coldplay's Chris Martin,
whose chilling Where Is My Boy? is, quite simply, one of the undiscovered
singles of the year. Enchanting.
What we said: The result is one of the undiscovered gems of the year,
an album of haunting beauty which is unlike anything else you have heard over
the past 12 months.
Click here
to buy
19 - Ocean's Eleven official soundtrack
Why? It was only right, we guess, that one of the coolest films of the
year should boast one of the hippest soundtracks. Step forward David Holmes,
therefore, to deliver an impossibly hip collection of beats, samples and classic
tracks. From Elvis Presley's revived A Little Less Conversation to
Holmes' own 69 Police, this oozed as much class as its cast.
What we said: The whole CD is an effortless, chilled out listen - much
like the movie is an effortless joy - so anyone who enjoyed the latter is
sure to want to own the former.
Click here
to buy
18 - David Holmes Presents The Free Association
Why? It's Holmes again, this time presenting his band, in the form of
San Francisco based rapper, Sean Revron, and Billie Holliday-inspired sweetheart,
Petra Jean Philipson. The result is, at times, explosive, as with the current
single, I Wish I Had A Wooden Heart.
What we said: On the whole, though, the CD works best when using Phillipson,
as her voice is so completely sultry, and so addictive, that you can't help
but raise an appreciative smile.
Click here
to buy
17-
Paul Oakenfold - Bunkka
Why? The first album of Oakenfold's own material is a diverse mix of rock,
pop and hip-hop which featured some great collaborations and addictive beats.
Best-known for Starry Eyed Surprise (featuring Shifty of Crazy Town),
which was used by Capital Radio for its advertising campaign, Bunkka
also features Ready, Steady, Go (feat. Asher D) and The Harder They
Come (feat. Nelly Furtado & Tricky)
What we said: Bunkka looks set to be among the dance albums of 2002
and works on so many different levels; not least because it is an album to
suit all moods. It also does justice to a prodigious musical talent.
Click here
to buy
16 - The Polyphonic Spree - The Beginning Stages Of...
Why? Former Tripping Daisy frontman, Tim DeLaughter, returned to prominence
with this glorious throwback to the drug-hazed Seventies, featuring a 26-strong
(depending on who's counting) collective of men and women in white robes.
Bold, brash and brilliant, the highlights include Soldier Girl and
Hanging Around.
Click here
to buy
15 - Highly Evolved - Vines
Why? A contender for one of the shortest albums of the year (a mere 45
minutes) but certainly one of the most aggressive and pumped-up. Singles include
Outtathaway, which, in turn, gave rise to the glorious B-side cover, Miss
Jackson, which actually surpasses the original. A fine example of the
new wave of Australian music that is set to make a big impact soon.
Click here
to buy
14 - Electric Soft Parade - Holes in the Wall
Why? Teenage, Brighton-based brothers Alex and Tom White demonstrate a
remarkable maturity in delivering a guitar-led collection of quite brilliant
indie songs, such as Same Way Every Day, Empty At The End and There's
A Silence. They also delivered some notable live performances (as well
as one charitable disappointment!).
Click here
to buy
13 - Ms Dynamite - A Little Deeper
Why? It's hard to ignore an album chosen as this year's Mercury Music
Prize winner (beating The Streets), as well as one that delivered one of the
catchiest choruses of the year, in Dy-Na-Mi-Tee (try not to say it
without singing it!). But there is a lot more contained on the album to make
this worthy of inclusion.
Click here
to buy
12 - Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Why? Twenty two-year-old Norah Jones combines the vocal style of Billie
Holliday with Nina Simone, making it difficult not to become seduced. Come
Away With Me combines covered classics, such as Hank Williams' Cold, Cold
Heart, with some new material - all of which sounds perfect for those
lazy, hazy summer days. In a word, stunning.
Click here
to buy
11
- Death In Vegas - Scorpio Rising
Why? After releasing The Contino Sessions, Richard Fearless and
Tim Holmes always had a lot to live up to with their follow-up, but Scorpio
Rising delivered some truly memorable collaborations, not least of which
was the title track, featuring Liam Gallagher, and Hope Sandoval's gloriously
sweeping finale, Help Yourself.
What we said: While not as instantly accessible as the Sessions, Scorpio
Rising delivers its sting with gentle aplomb, mixing a wide variety of styles
and managing to sound fresh, cutting edge, yet heavily-influenced all at the
same time.
Click here
to buy
10
- Lemon Jelly - Lost Horizons
Why? Quirky, eccentric and effortlessly exuberant, Lemon Jelly continue
to delight and surprise with their enticing mix of samples and eccentric chillout.
Lost Horizons is as playful as ever, featuring enticing tracks such as Space
Walk, Rambling Man and the children's nursery rhyme-inspired, Nice
Weather For Ducks (which has to be heard to be believed). One of a kind.
What we said: Lost Horizons is an effortlessly pleasing, quietly affecting
listen which offers a giddy excursion through musical delirium. As an exercise
in delivering laidback chillout, it has few peers.
Click here
to buy
9
- Nightmares on Wax - Mind Elevation
Why? Leeds-born DJ/producer, George Evelyn, returns with his most commercial
album to date, a dreamy mix of soulful lyrics, chirpy melodies and chilled
beats that deserve a far greater listener base than they have so far managed.
Stand-out moments include 70s 80s, Date With Destiny and former single,
Know My Name.
What we said: The mood of the album is set from the first track, the
gorgeously addictive Mind Eye, while the sweeping strings and electronica
of Bleu My Mind are likely to have you purring with contentment throughout.
Click here
to buy
8
- Frou Frou - Details
Why? Prolific producer, Guy Sigsworth, reunites with singer, Imogen Heap,
for an album of breathtaking beauty - a glorious throwback to the likes of
Morcheeba and Zero 7 that produced some truly enticing records. And Indielondon
got to hang out with them!
What we said: Frou Frou combines Sigsworth's electronic post-dance
rhythms with Heap's melodic vocals to create a truly rewarding listening experience;
and one which will leave you breathless for more.
Click here
to buy
7
- Beck - Sea Change
Why? Beck may have been at his most heartbroken and despairing, but the
tracks which resulted rated among the finest and most personal of his career.
Not one for a party, but ideal just to soak into the sofa and really listen
to, especially during moments such as Lost Cause and Sunday Sun.
What we said: Sea Change may mark Beck at his most wounded and joyless,
but it remains an essential album for any fan; it is undeniably powerful,
completely addictive and a bold statement of personal feeling.
Click here
to buy
6 -
Bonobo - Remixes and B-sides
Why? Simon Green's farewell to Tru Thoughts (before he hops on board with
Ninja) is a glorious return to some of the musical tracks which helped to
bring him to prominence. Kicking off with his remix of Turtle (from
that One 2 One advert), the album just continues to get better, taking in
the sublime The Sicilian and rounding things off in style, with Scuba.
What we said: Among the standout tracks are his update of The Sicilian,
a cinematic sounding thrill-ride through Italian culture which combines some
terrific guitar rifts with a devastating beat.
Click here
to buy
5
- DJ Shadow - The Private Press
Why? California's Josh Davis demonstrates, again, why he is one of the
world's leading DJs. The Private Press probably marks Shadow's most mainstream
long-player to date, but its power and appeal is undeniable and tracks such
as Fixed Income, Six Days and You Can't Go Home Again.
Click here
to buy
4
- Red Hot Chili Peppers - By The Way
Why? Anthony Kiedis and co return with a mesmerising collection of sun-drenched
rock tracks that combine the best of the old with a more mature direction.
Highlights, of which there are many, include The Zephyr Song, I Could Die
For You, Can't Stop and the Latin-inspired Cabron.
What we said: As a collection of 16 rock songs that epitomise the sound
of a band at the peak of their form, By The Way has few equals this year -
it is, in short, one of the best albums of the past 12 months, with barely
a bad tune on it.
Click here
to buy
3
- Aqualung - Aqualung
Why? Matt Hales sings of romance, longing and unrequited love and the
result is intoxicating. Debut single, Strange and Beautiful, only emerged
after being heard on an advert - which is another reason to love VWs.
What we said: It demands your full attention, as its fragility leaves
it in danger of being swallowed by any other sound or movement. It is music
for contemplation, and will be treasured by the broken-hearted.
Click here
to buy
2
- Doves - The Last Broadcast
Why? A quality album that boasts two of the best records of the year in
There Goes The Fear and Pounding (which evoke fond memories
of The Stone Roses in their heyday). Opening track, Intro, is another
gem. One of the year's biggest and most pleasant surprises.
Click here
to buy
1
- Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Why? An album of breathtaking beauty, featuring the hit singles In My
Place and The Scientist, which had few equals. This one will feature among
the all-time greats.
What we said: A Rush Of Blood isn't just a good listen, it is an uplifting,
thought-provoking, dreamy journey through music heaven; one which could well
be the album of the year, as well as one of the greats of all-time.
Click here
to buy