The List (Part 1)

Everybody's got one of these, so why not give it a shot? Friends tell me that I have an unhealthy obsession with mid-90's indie-alt. rock (which may or may not be true), but I like to think I'm more than a one trick pony here. Besides, who doesn't love lists?!? In what will be the first of a (weekly) ten part segment, I give you my top 100 records since 2000. First, a few disclaimers:

1. Yes, I have a soft spot in my heart for emo.
2. I encourage you to disagree with me.
3. If you're nice enough, I might illegally send you copies of the following material upon request.

100) Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam (2006)
Let's kick things off some legends. After giving us a helping of forgettable albums (beginning with 1996's No Code and finally ending with 2002's Riot Act) the boys return to glory on their 8th studio effort (the one with the avocado on it). Spawning several modern radio hits, including the #1 charting first single "World Wide Suicide," Eddie and gang prove why they are the only mainstream Seattle grunge band to survive the '90's.


99) Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris (2007)
Who cares if Josh Homme may or may not be a homophobe? And please disregard fact that (with the exception of Homme), every other slot in this band has been a virtual revolving door. When these guys get together to make a record, they don't fuck around. And I hereby challenge you to beat 3's and 7's in Guitar Hero on expert -- if you can, you're a better man than me.


98) The Strokes - Room On Fire (2003)
Few bands that receive such critical acclaim on their debut disc can rarely keep the momentum moving. Back in 2001, The Strokes were the toast of the town. Everybody (and I mean everybody) thought these guys were the best thing since sliced bread. Hell, they made it cool again to add "The" before your band title. So the pressure was definitely on in 2003 to repeat the success of Is This It. Although Room On Fire was initially considered a disappointment, this one has evolved into a cult favorite along the lines of Weezer's Pinkerton. Just don't get your hopes up for First Impressions of Earth.


97) Regina Spektor - Begin To Hope (2006)
The Russian-born starlet's follow-up to 2004's Soviet Kitsch, this is the one that broke this lady into the mainstream. If you think you haven't heard any of these songs, you've probably heard a handful in commercials and TV shows. This peppy anti-folk singer-songwriter has been selling out shows left and right and will only get bigger on her future releases. She also does a killer version of John Lennon's "Real Love," if you want a starting point.


96) Josh Rouse - Under Cold Blue Stars (2002)
This guy has been around for over a decade now, and I am still shocked he hasn't hit it bigtime like his singer-songwriter contemporaries Pete Yorn and Ryan Adams. Although he's experienced moderate soundtrack success, he's not quite a household name just yet. I'm really a fan of most of his catalog (see also 1972, Subtítulo), but Under Cold Blue Stars is really where it's at. Just listen to brilliantly poppy "Nothing Gives Me Pleasure" and "Miracle" and you'll see what I mean.


95) New Pornographers - Twin Cinema (2005)
Who doesn't like Canadian indie rock?! Before Tokyo Police Club busted on to the scene, these guys made one hell of a record three years ago. Nevermind those incessant University of Phoenix spots featuring "The Bleeding Heart Show" -- the Pornographers are the real deal. Featuring poppy harmonizing and fast riffs, this record occupied prime real estate in my stereo for a very long time back in '05. If you like what you hear, check out the solo work of bandmembers A.C. Newman and Neko Case.


94) Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006)
Fun fact: The Arctic Monkeys set a record for having the fastest selling debut album in British history (which was recently broken by Leona Lewis). After listening to a couple tunes from this record, it's pretty easy to see why. Their attitude and witty lyrical style flex this band's brawn and brain -- making them the poster children for a new musical genre: English post-punk. Their follow-up ain't have bad either.


93) The Futureheads - The Futureheads (2004)
The Futureheads are the poor man's Arctic Monkeys, and for this reason I have chosen to rank their debut slightly ahead. These guys are all the rage in England and have barely made a splash in the States. They just released their third album last month that has already been getting pretty decent reviews. Show them some support.


92) The Shins - Wincing The Night Away (2007)
This band obviously got a huge sales boost thanks to Zach Braff's soundtrack skills. Wincing was The Shins' first effort since achieving their Garden State glory. I remember this being the first big release of '07, and these guys didn't disappoint. Although some songs are a little bland for my liking, they really hit the nail on the head with tunes like "Australia" and "Girl Sailor." Just be wary; if you're going to see this band live, what you see is really all you get.


91) Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American (2001)
Hooray emo! And hooray god-awful band names. Jimmy Eat World is indeed guilty of both. But you know what, Bleed American is one hell of a catchy album. This record was huge when I was a freshman in college and admitedly gets some sentimentality points. Irrespectively, how can you not enjoy "A Praise Chorus," "Sweetness," and yes, even "The Middle". Supposedly, lead singer Jim Adkins (no relation to band name) is the most down to Earth man in rock and roll. And you gotta appreciate modestly in this industry.