Thanks for the countdown! I found this list more interesting and diverse (in terms of genre) than the one from the 2020s.

#bestalbum2001 Match 21

Rilo Kiley: For such a soft, pillowy band, they can really pick up stream! Undeniably pretty and well-written, but the twee button hits 11 at times.

Blink 182: It's music for the jackass generation but not totally without merit.

✅ RK

#bestalbum2001 Match 20

Microphones: One of those "everything mix" kind of albums. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but there are some great moments. I think I need to play it again.

Elbow: It's pleasant enough and quite pretty, but I don't have strong feelings about it.

✅ Microphones

#bestalbum2001 Match 19

Built to Spill: They've obviously disciples of Neil Young but have learned his lessons well. Great guitar work with classic rock vibes and enjoyable to listen to.

Mercury Rev: OK musically, but wrecked by low-quality vocals and cringeworthy lyrics.

✅ BtS

Thanks for the heads up! I'll wind my way down to Dr. Disc Records to see what's happening.

How could they have gotten this so wrong?!

The correct answer is obviously Stegosaurus! Everyone knows this! 😓

#bestalbum2001 Match 18

Another difficult one!

Pulp: I'm often pleasantly surprised by less well-regarded albums by veteran bands. This one sometimes feels murky, but has plenty of highlights too. The musicianship is high!

LSF: Solid, rollicking fun with lots of energy.

✅ Pulp

They actually work well as something to listen to, not just dance to. Especially Discovery.

Thanks! You too!

Stay safe Dino!

#bestalbum2001 Match 17

Aphex Twin: I typically like AT, and this had some nice moments. But ... It's also directionless, inconsistent, and way too long.

Muse: We have Radiohead at home. However, it's at least listenable and has some moments where it gains a bit of altitude.

✅ Muse

#bestalbum2001 Match 16

Sparklehorse: Some interesting music ideas, along with delicate, skillful , and introspective guitar work, but I can't get past the thin vocals. This might be a "me" problem.

Pernice Brothers: Sharp, lively songs with great melodies. A real find!

✅ Pernice Brothers

#bestalbum2001 Match 15

The Coup: Fun and funky with some thought-provoking tracks. I liked it!

Andrew Bird: More successful albums lie ahead, but this shows flashes of his talent.

✅ The Coupl

Not even three weeks in and I am running out of ways to say "this album is fine but nothing special".😑

#bestalbum2001 Match 13

Spiritualized: They've added symphonic and gospel notes to their trademark atmospheric sound. Always impressive and sometimes sublime.

BRMC: Perfectly fine and engaging. Once again, I'm not sure it really stands out. (Been saying that a lot!)

✅ Spiritualized

I'm always very happy when pop or movie stars promote literary works. We need more of this!

#bestalbum2001 Match 13

Spoon: One of the better alt rock discs of the year. Solid throughout.

Opeth: Prog metal isn't really my thing. Much preferred Converge on Monday.

✅ Spoon

#bestalbum2001 Match 12

Daft Punk: Generation-defining album and a touchstone of the genre. It still sounds exciting and continues to surprise 25 years later.

Tipsy: Not without some charms but not in the same league.

✅ Daft Punk

Yes, you should! :)

Get well soon!

#bestalbum2001 Match 11

Ted Leo: Solid indy rock. Perhaps doesn't truly stand out from the crowd.

Converge: I was looking to cast at least one vote for hard music during the tournament. This is probably the best place.

✅ Converge

That looks great! Nice job!

I don't think she follows much of that, just the local group. But feel free to link to it; I'd love to see it.

My wife is an avid gardener; she especially loves native plants. I lug wheelbarrows full of stuff around for her. :)

I was out doing some prep work today. We're zone 7A down here (on the Canadian scale), maybe inching towards 7B with climate change, so we can start early.

I'm actually looking forward to this, especially the bad reviews. 😁

It's really close this time! 😮

#bestalbum2001 Match 10

Tough one today! Quite like both, but neither is A-level for me.

O'Rourke: Sharp indy record with some really good songwriting.

Hersh: I like the mix of styles and the alt-rock flourishes.

✅ Hersh

#bestalbum2001 Match 9

Gillian Welch: Expertly played and heartfelt, this feels truly authentic. It's a classic, but I want it to kick it up to a gear it doesn't really find.

Ash: A nice surprise. Punchy, spiky, punk-flavored rock that sticks. I'll throw it a vote here.

✅ Ash

They’re so consistent that these are mainly pretty good!

What great news! I thought it was a longshot but gave it an HM anyway.