Arts and Culture
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1. Wilco, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2002)
Wilco’s 2002 follow-up to Summerteeth solidified their transition from alt-country band to experimental art-rock outfit. Featuring piano-laden tracks, intricate string arrangements, and innovative studio experimentation, Yankee Hotel ultimately produced a type of delicate clutter that proved itself the only suitable follow-up to a gem likeSummerteeth. Frontman Jeff Tweedy and multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett were collaborative masterminds behindYankee Hotel, subsequently producing an album full of heart. Tweedy stepped into the role of visionary lyricist on this record; “Radio Cure,” “Ashes of American Flags,” “Poor Places,” and “Reservations” reveal lyrics that show a more candid, artless version of a songwriter we previously knew for his lyrical accompaniment to the country twang heard on A.M.and Being There.
2. Arcade Fire, Funeral (2004)
Just as quickly as the Arcade Fire seemed to burst onto the indie-rock scene in 2004, they earned a special place in my heart– record collection. Their debut release featured a live-band as massive as their broad sound, with orchestral-heavy instrumentation and unexpected breakdowns.
3. Radiohead, Kid A (2000)
The decade proved to be off to a good start with Kid A, which was released in 2000. With tracks including “Idioteque” and “Everything In Its Right Place,” Kid A pushed the artistic envelope, as Radiohead has now become known for doing, incorporating elements of electronica, rock, and jazz.
4. Broken Social Scene, You Forgot It In People (2002)
BSS’s 2002 follow-up to Feel Good Lost marks their artistic and (relatively) commercial breakthrough. The album’s innovative experimentation and production techniques produced such memorable songs as “Lover’s Spit,” as well as my personal favorites, “KC Accidental” and “Anthems For a Seventeen Year Old Girl.”
5. Elliott Smith, Figure 8 (2000)
Just like Smith’s preceding records, Figure 8 is permeated with understated beauty and dreamlike lyrics, with standouts including “Everything Reminds Me Of Her,” Happiness,” and “Son of Sam.”
6. The White Stripes, White Blood Cells (2001)
White Blood Cells cemented the White Stripes’ signature gritty two-piece rock-and-roll, with such infectious singles as “Fell In Love With a Girl” and “Hotel Yorba,” proving temperamental siblings divorcees know a thing or two about rock-and-roll.
7. Ben Kweller, Sha Sha (2002)
Although Ben Kweller also appears on my Artists Who Peaked With Their Debut Album list, Sha Sha undoubtedly makes my Best of the Decade list, for its winsome pop songs, like “How It Should Be,” “Wasted and Ready,” and “Lizzy.”
8. Ryan Adams, Heartbreaker (2000)
I have a love-hate relationship with Ryan Adams. And by “love-hate,” I mean I love Heartbreaker – and I’ll leave it at that. His debut album (released on Chicago’s Bloodshot Records), houses some of my favorite timeless tunes, like “Winding Wheel,” “To Be Young,” and “Call Me On Your Way Back Home.”
9. The Flaming Lips, Yoshimi Batles the Pink Robots (2002)
Surprisingly enough, I’m not a huge Flaming Lips fan. Though I much prefer Transmissions From the Satellite Heart,Yoshimi remains a favorite album of mine, as lovely as it is strange; am ambitious blend of symphonic theatrics and lyrical imagery.
10. Outkast, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)
This double-album served as a solo feat from Outkast’s frontmen, Andre 3000 and Big Boi, producing hit singles “Hey Ya” and “The Way You Move,” respectively. It provided an interesting peek at the varied musical influences of each member; Andre 3000 blended such musical styles as soul, jazz, pop, and funk, while Big Boi flaunted his hip-hop roots.
11. Modest Mouse, The Moon & Antarctica (2000)
12. Cat Power, The Greatest (2006)
13. Feist, Let It Die (2004)
14. The Thrills, So Much For the City (2003)
15. The Smashing Pumpkins, Machina II: The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music (2000)
16. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, Pig Lib (2003)
17. Grizzly Bear, Yellow House (2006)
18. The Shins, Oh, Inverted World (2001)
19. Radiohead, In Rainbows (2007)
20. Interpol, Turn On the Bright Lights (2002)
