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Top 10 of 2002

Scott's Picks (2002)
Punknews.org

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Scott
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on December 31st 2002

2002 was a year packed full of ups and downs. In politics, we've seen the Republicans take over Congress, [Not My] President Shrub almost take us to war, and Trent Lott showing just how ignorant our government officials can be. In sports, neither the Bears or Cubs won their respective leagues [and that's all that matters in sports, frankly]. And in music, the year has had more twists and turns than ever. Lott, the same man I lambasted earlier, might actually be the one responsible for saving internet radio - we'll just have to wait and see. The RIAA's webpage was hacked more times than I can even remember [and was under the free hand of hackers less than 24 hours ago]. And once again, it was proved that if there is a god, he's assembling one hell of a rock band up there with the passings of Dee Dee Ramone and Joe Strummer among many others.

But you didn't come here to read my bland editorializing, you came here to see my ego-stroking list of what was good and bad this year. So, without further ado, here are my choices for 2003. Click on the title of any of the albums to read a review, where applicable.

THE TOP TEN RECORDS OF 2002
Honorable mentions go to: Karate - Some Boots, Andrew WK - S/T, Unwritten Law - Elva, Sparta - Wiretap Scars, Ben Folds - Ben Folds Live, Slow Gherkin - Run Screaming, Pretty Girls Make Graves - Good Health, Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head, The Gadjits - Today Is My Day, Foo Fighters - One By One, OK Go - S/T, Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Superdrag - Last Call For Vitriol

10. The Stereo - Rewind Record / Slowreader - S/T [Fueled By Ramen]

Both of these albums represented the artists-in-questions' most thoughtful and mature work to date. Two definite winners.
9. The Anniversary - Your Majesty / Get Up Kids - On A Wire [Vagrant]

Both bands put out albums that tried to reinvent their sound, with varying degrees of success. Where both bands *did* succeed, however, is in the live venue - both the Anniversary and the Get Up Kids make these new songs sound a million times better live, and they seem to reinvent themselves onstage.
8. Mates Of State - Our Constant Concern / Aloha - Sugar [Polyvinyl]

Polyvinyl's stable of artists just keeps cranking out some of the most innovative, inventive, and pleasing indie rock in the world today. From Mates Of States' organ to Aloha's vibraphones, both these albums are extremely memorable.
7. The One AM Radio - The Hum Of Electric Air! [Alone]

The album that, odds are, none of you own, but you all should invest in. The perfect Sunday morning disc for 2002.
6. The Ghost - This Is A Hospital [Some]

I've seen these guys more times than any other band in the past year or so, and they keep getting better. For a debut album, this disc is spectacular. They should have a wonderful future ahead of them [barring no more kicking out of guitarists].
5. Engine Down - Demure [Lovitt]

Hypnotizingly good. I'm still bitter that my car broke down the day before I was going to see them in Chicago.
4. Bad Religion - The Process Of Belief [Epitaph]

The current godfathers of punk make a stunning comeback, blowing all naysayers out of the water. I can only hope I'm this cool when I'm pushing 40.
3. Thrice - The Illusion Of Safety [Sub City]

Wow. These upstarts out of California shocked the world this year with their second album - they rewrote the rulebook on what is punk, they bended genres that had never been touched before, and they made throwing the devil horns cool again. I still haven't seen them live, and it's pissing me off.
2. Ben Kweller - Sha Sha [ATO/BMG]

This is only a debut album? There isn't a bad song on the damn thing! I can see myself buying new BK records 20 years from now, and I hope my premonition is correct.
1. The Promise Ring - Wood/Water [Anti-/Foreign Leisure]

Someone once said about the Velvet Underground's first album that "not a lot of people bought it, but those who did went out and started a band." I feel the same way about this CD. The Promise Ring lost a lot of fans with this evolution of their sound, but those that did listen and appreciate were rewarded with what is, hands down, the best CD of the year. The fact that the band abruptly broke up this year makes this album even more special.

THE TOP FIVE EPS OF 2002
5. Autopilot Off - S/T [Island]

Everyone needs a good blast of no frills punk rock in their system, and this EP did it for me.
4. Mike Felumlee/Dan Andriano - split CD [Double Zero]

Blows the Matt Skiba/Kevin Seconds split out of the water. Danny could easily go solo successfully, and Mike ain't half bad either.
3. Dillinger Escape Plan w/Mike Patton - Irony Is A Dead Scene [Epitaph]

Wow. That's about all that can be said.
2. Rainer Maria - Ears Ring [Polyvinyl]

Rainer Maria is back, and they're ready to kick some ass.
1. Cursive/Eastern Youth - Eight Teeth To Eat You [Better Looking]

Anything released by Cursive always guarantees some sort of recognition, and their counterparts from Japan on this CD do a fine job of delivering the rock as well.

THE FIVE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS OF 2002
5. Face To Face - How To Ruin Everything [Vagrant]

"A return to form!" cried fans. "A piece of monkey crap!" cried Scott.
4. Hot Snakes - Suicide Invoice [Swami]

After all the hype, I was left with a mediocre post-garage-rock album. Bah.
3. Weezer - Maladroit [Geffen]

I still think they have another "Pinkerton" in them, but it just wasn't this one.
2. Radio 4 - Gotham! [Gern Blandsten]

Instead of ripping off the Gang Of Four [which they did admirably well], they rip off the Faint [which they do not-as-convincingly] with poor results.
1. Jets To Brazil - Perfecting Loneliness [Jade Tree]

It's painful to even listen to this album after listening to the amazing "Orange Rhyming Dictionary." This album makes "Four Cornered Night" look like a fucking masterpiece or something, *that's* how bad it is. Rumor has it Blake quit the band and moved to Nova Scotia; one can only hope.

THE THREE ALBUMS I JUST DIDN'T "GET" IN 2002
3. Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot [Nonesuch]

I like it and all, but I just don't hear what everyone else is hearing, I guess.
2. ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Source Tags and Codes [Interscope]

When I listen to it I rock out, but as soon as it ends I have no recollection of the album whatsoever.
1. Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf [Interscope]

"No One Knows" rules. The only problem is, I couldn't even hum a bar of another song on this CD for anyone.

THE MOST DEPRESSING ALBUM OF 2002
Beck - Sea Change [Interscope]

I like Beck and all, but seriously, hide the kitchen knives when you're playing this one.

THE BEST ALBUM BY AN UNSIGNED BAND IN 2002
Motion City Soundtrack - I Am The Movie

The title of this category speaks for itself.

THE BEST RETROSPECTIVE ALBUM OF 2002
Jawbreaker - Etc. [Blackball]

So does this one.

THE BEST ALBUM OF 2001 THAT I DIDN'T GET UNTIL 2002
Breaking Pangaea - Cannon To A Whisper [Undecided]

Dammit, guys! You couldn't have released this CD 3 weeks later so it would have been out in 2002? I don't think I ask for that much. Sheesh.

THE BEST ALBUM OF 2002 BY A BAND YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
The Braves - That's The Hot Part [Arms Reach]

You've never heard of the Braves. But you will.

THE TEN BEST CONCERTS I SAW IN 2002
10. Motion City Soundtrack/All-American Rejects/Northstar in Rockford, IL
9. The Anniversary/Detachment Kit in Chicago
8. Further Seems Forever/Breaking Pangaea in Freeport, IL
7. Dillinger Four in Rock Island, IL
6. Promise Ring/Schatzi in Iowa City
5. Jimmy Eat World/Promise Ring in Chicago
4. Dismemberment Plan/Cex in Galesburg, IL
3. Karate/K. in Iowa City
2. Get Up Kids/Hey Mercedes in Iowa City
1. Brand New/Pretty Girls Make Graves in Iowa City

THE TOP THREE PUNKNEWS.ORG STORIES OF 2002
3. The Promise Ring breaking up

Who the fuck told them they could do that? Bullshit, that's what *I* say.
2. Drive-Thru threatening to sue us because they can't handle anonymous name calling

You guys suck. Seriously. To quote Buddyhead, eat a dick.
1. Joe Strummer passing away

Worst Christmas present ever.

THE PUNKNEWS.ORG MIXTAPE
This is something new we're doing this year. Aubin, Adam, and myself each designed our ideal mixtape containing 20 of our favorite songs of the year 2002, 10 per side. These songs might not be from the best bands, or have come off the best albums, but I'll be damned if all these songs aren't amazing. Personally, it was nearly impossible to make this list [and I'm still contemplating swapping stuff out] due to the high amount of plain kick ass commercial [radio/MTV] singles this year. Phantom Planet ["California"], Foo Fighters ["All My Life"], Nirvana ["You Know You're Right"], Queens Of The Stone Age ["No One Knows"], OK Go ["Get Over It"], The Vines ["Get Free"], Sparta ["Cut Your Ribbon"], Audioslave ["Cochise"], and Unwritten Law ["Seein' Red"] all easily could have made this list. But I'm sticking with the following 20. Click on the song title to download an MP3, where applicable.

SIDE A
1. Dillinger Four - Noble Stabbings!

The rest of the album didn't leave much of an impression on me, but goddamn, that is one tasty burger!
2. Slow Gherkin - Sally Boulevard
3. Andrew WK - We Want Fun

This song makes me wish I drank.
4. Motion City Soundtrack - The Future Freaks Me Out
5. Glassjaw - Ape Dos Mil
6. Thrice - A Subtle Dagger

This song is so much fun to play air drums to.
7. Hot Water Music - Wayfarer

When I first heard this song, I hated it. My, how times change.
8. The Gadjits - Optimism

Another band whose latest album was spotty at times, but this song, a B-side from the same sessions, smokes 90% of the LP.
9. Bad Religion - Sorrow

I still get goosebumps.
10. The Ghost - By The Books

SIDE B
1. Rainer Maria - Ears Ring

Talk about a reinvention of sound!
2. Seven Storey - Unknown Satellite
3. The Braves - I Am A Patriot
4. Superdrag - Way Down Here Without You
5. David Singer - I Will Come Back From The War
6. Coldplay - God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
7. Get Up Kids - Stay Gone [live on Conan O'Brien]

No proper recording of this exists, but fuck me if it didn't sound amazing!
8. The Stereo - 1994
9. The Anniversary - Devil On My Side
10. Weezer - Death and Destruction [live]

The version in question is off the "Lion and the Witch" EP. The album version is good, but makes me want the song to be jammed out more. This live version does the trick.

If anyone actually wants me to make this mixtape [or CD] for them, get in touch [email: scott@punknews.org / AIM: toko2000 / YIM: scott_heisel] and we'll work something out.

THE MOST ANTICIPATED RECORDS OF 2003
2002 was a banner year for music, but 2003 is already shaping up to blow most of us away. New music that I'm eagerly anticipating: Rainer Maria, Cursive, Radiohead, Thursday, The Descendents, Social Distortion, The Blood Brothers, The Weakerthans, Alkaline Trio, Ted Leo/Pharmacists, Elliott, Further Seems Forever, THICK's "OIL" compilation, Reggie and the Full Effect, Breaking Pangaea, Cave In, Rise Against, Third Eye Blind, Boy Sets Fire, the Seven Storey/Camber split, Saves The Day, Dashboard Confessional, and tons more.

THINGS I'D LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN 2003

I'd really like to see advance copies of any of the above albums show up in my mailbox, especially the Ted Leo one.

I'd *really* like to see Adam Levin send me my Slow Gherkin t-shirt. So if you know Adam Levin, please tell him I've been waiting for it since October, and I've already paid him for it.

A Hot Water Music/Hot Rod Circuit/Hot Hot Heat/Red Hot Valentines tour - for obvious reasons.

No Knife coming to the Midwest [please!].

Motion City Soundtrack blowing the fuck up.

Punknews.org winning an award or two [or ten].

People actually buying me something off my Amazon.com wishlist [come on, I don't get paid for this site, have a little heart].

Seriously, Mr. Levin, send me my t-shirt.

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Le_MAD (February 2, 2003)

Thrice is really uninteresting.

bandaidemily (January 8, 2003)

scott....i didn't see taking back sunday on there once. i'm saddened...but i bow down to your picks: motion city soundtrack, ben kweller, ben folds (should've made the cut, bro), third eye blind, BRAND FUCKING NEW...

whoa, i just choked on my water. rock.

Anonymous (January 8, 2003)

you listed JTB as your #1 disappointment, but brand new was your favorite show. you are a fucking moron

waste_elite (January 8, 2003)

i dig hot snakes and rocket from the crypt, but NOBODY compares to drive like jehu.

soulbleed (January 8, 2003)

For the most part, I actually agree with the things said in this review of 2002. However, putting Promise Ring at #1 was again a disappointing move. Wood & Water probably would be #1 on my 'Worst Followup Album' award, and if not, a close 2nd.

Anonymous (January 7, 2003)

I could swear that I saw someone had a PUNKORAMA disc on their best of??? C'mon buddy expand those tastes a little. If you have a cd sampler as one of your best albums of the year, you need to buy more cds. Now, get to work.

Anonymous (January 7, 2003)

Dude you're dumb.
The Hot Snakes was not a dissapointment in fact they put on the best show I saw all year and put out close to the best album of the year. The new promise ring album is ok, for sure not album of the year. It seems as more of an album for people to say "hey I still like them because I'm more musically mature than those who aren't fans anymore"
In closing Jehu, Hot Snakes and RFTC are it. end

waste_elite (January 7, 2003)

the get up kids on the best of and hot snakes on the "disappointments"...

i don't even know what to say to that

Anonymous (January 6, 2003)

fuck boobie shit dick

Anonymous (January 5, 2003)

LAST YEAR I CAME ON TO THE PUNKNEWS.ORG SITE TO READ THE TOP 10 OF 2001, AND I GAVE MY TWO CENTS AND LEFT MY TOP TEN OF 2001, WHICH INCLUDED METAL ALBUMS ALONG WITH PUNK ALBUMS. I DID THAT BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT BOTH STYLES ARE VERY HARD AND AGGRESSIVE, AND RAD. AND MANY OF MY FRIENDS , WHO VISIT THIS SITE, ALL LOVE METAL TOO. SO THIS IS MY PERSONAL OPINION ON THE TOP 10 OF 2002. SO I'LL GIVE YOU MY TOP FIVE OF METAL AND TOP 5 OF PUNK.

METAL
------
5) IRON MAIDEN - ROCK IN RIO
4) Dream Evil - Dragonslayer
3) Shadows Fall - THE ART OF BALANCE
2) Blaze - Tenth Dimension
1) MUDVAYNE - THE END OF ALL THINGS TO COME

PUNK..ETC
---------
5) Reel Big Fish-Cheer Up!
4) No Use For A Name Hard Rock Bottom
3) Lawerence Arms Apathy and Exhaustion
2) finch - what it is to burn
1) THE USED

THANKS.

layawayplan (January 5, 2003)

just because nobody else has mentioned my #1, here's my list:

Choke - There's A Story to this Moral
Sparta - Wiretap Scars/Austere (I include Austere because Vacant Skes is my favourite sparta song)
Bad Astronaut - Drinking Problem
Christiansen - Forensics Brothers and Sisters!
The Lawrence Arms - Apathy & Exhaustion
Hot Water Music - Caution
Raised Fist - Dedication
Snapcase - End Transmission (this album made me a Snapcase fan)
Chore - The Coastaline Fire
Millencolin - Home from Home

Does anyone else wonder why Scott's "Top 10" list actually has 13 entries?

CaptainCrunch (January 5, 2003)

THis score is for SOYBOMB and his love for Andrew WK. Rock on brother.

SOYBOMB (January 5, 2003)

If "punk" means arrogant jackass I'm glad Andrew W.K. isn't punk.

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

Anonymous (January 5, 2003)

YOUR REVIEW MAKES ME ANGRY!! you suck you should program shitty shows for muchmusic you fag

Anonymous (January 5, 2003)

You picked THE PROMISE RING AS NUMBER ONE! and put Radio 4 and Hot snaknes in the worst 10...haha..ahh..its funny...this is what happens when new age kids get websites...

Anonymous (January 5, 2003)

top 10 albums of 2002
1. thrice - illusion of safety
2. belvedere - twas hell said former child
3. strung out - american paradox
4. finch - what it is to burn
5. bad religion - the process of belief
6. the used - s/t
7. no use for a name - hard rock bottom
8. thursday - full collapse
9. ten foot pole - bad mother trucker
10. satanic surfers - unconsiousley confined

Anonymous (January 5, 2003)

BURN BURN PLEASE PUT IT ALL BACK IN THE CLENSING FIRE BURN MUTAFUKA!

14 y/o girls rule my pants off my legs and in yr face.

WussEmoRock (January 5, 2003)

*****WussEmoRock*****'s TOP 10 CD'S OF 2002

10) Finch - What It Is To Burn
9) Brand New - Your Favorite Weapon
8) Yellowcard - The Underdog E.P.
7) Simple Plan - No Helmets, No Pads...Just Balls
6) Something Corporate - Leaving Through The Window
5) Reel Big Fish - Cheer Up!
4) Staring Back - On
3) Taking Back Sunday - Tell All Your Friends
2) Allister - Last Stop Suburbia
1) Thrice - The Illusion of Safety

Anonymous (January 5, 2003)

Scott, I looked at your Amazon wish list. Against Me's Disco Before the Breakdown? The damn thing is $2.25 if you mailorder from No Idea--get off your ass and buy it instead of trying to coerce us into showering you with gifts. All kidding aside, it's $2.25 from No Idea! However, I could understand wanting someone else to buy it for you because it isn't that good. I was really disappointed with it and hope it isn't a representation of any new album they would be putting out. The only comparison between Against Me and American Steel is Tom's vocals sound just like Ruairi. Against Me is also pretty much electric now.

WussEmoRock (January 5, 2003)

Nothing is wrong with AWK. His music is so so, but it is definetely very fun to listen to, puts you in a great mood, and to see his smile while he is playing live the entire time just sets everything else aside and puts you in a whole new world. AWK is pure awesome.

*****Wuss-Emo-Rock*****

Anonymous (January 4, 2003)

andrew wk is as punk as billy corrigan

Anonymous (January 4, 2003)

i'm glad an Andrew W.K. fan wants to slit my throat. he's the punkest mother fucker i've ever looked at... yea right. listen to Heavy Petting Zoo or Punk in Drublic and then listen whatever the fuck Andrew W.K.'s album is called and tell me who belongs on PUNKnews.org. dickhead...

Anonymous (January 4, 2003)

Wow, I'm surprised to see the Braves mentioned here. I've played with them a few times, they're great guys and and really good band. I hope they get the recognition they deserve.

Anonymous (January 4, 2003)

To the guy commenting on D4 below...

I agree their albums are uneven. The first one (Midwestern Songs...) was amazing, but after that the albums have just been filled with half amazing tracks and the other half really boring tracks.

The newest album is okay I think. Might be better if I listened to it more, but I'm really bored with what they're doing currently. Notice how just about every song has a mosh breakdown?

And they use those at live shows, believe me....

-bivouac

TheBouncingSoul (January 4, 2003)

i love when an anonymous poster pokes fun at my name....hysterical

Anonymous (January 4, 2003)

You want to talk about good shows, I have been to some good shows in 2002.

1.The Inland Invasion Tour (Glenn Heleln Blockbuster Pavillion - Devore, CA.)
(Lineup: The Sex Pistol, Circle Jerks, Social D, Bad Religion, Pennywise, TSOL, Vandals, The Distillers, The Adolescents, X, The Damned, The Buzzcocks, and I know I am forgetting some others.)

2.NOFX, RANCID, F- (The House of Blues - Hollywood, CA.)
NOFX, RANCID, and F-(The Glass House - Pomona, CA.)
NOFX, RANCID, F- (The Grove - Anaheim, CA.)

3.Deviates (The Troubadour - West Hoolywood)

4.The Bouncing Souls, Anti-Flag (Cane's - San Diego, CA.)

5.Pennywise, The Vandals (Long Beach Arena - Long Beach, CA.)

6.Bad Religion, Hot Water Music (The Grove - Anaheim, CA.)

7.The Vandals (The Palace - Hollywood, CA.)

And in the month of January 2003.
Social D (House of Blues - Hollywood - CA.)
AFI (House of Blues - Anaheim, CA.)

Anonymous (January 4, 2003)

"I know everyones going to rant about NOFX because most of these songs have already been released, however, these songs are fucking rad. alot better than Andrew W.K. "

I honestly want to slit your throat.

SOYBOMB (January 3, 2003)

bahahahahahahah towards the person who posted knocked AWK in the name of NOFX

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

And your name is "TheBouncingSoul". So I confirm, you suck.

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

THE GHOST!!!!

hoooooraaaaaayyy, they are not only amazing but great guys.

THE GHOOOOOOOOSSSSSTTTT!!

seriousyly, you WILL hear more about these guys in 2003.

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

last i checked, this was PUNKnews.org. my picks:

10. Bouncing Souls/Anti-Flag split

9. Goldfinger- Open Your Eyes (those guys still keep it real)

8. Dropkick Murphy's- Live on St. Patrick's Day

7. Hot Water Music- Caution

6. Strung Out- An American Paradox

5. Punk-O-Rama 7

4. Sick of it All- Live in a Dive

3. Avail- Front Porch Stories

2. NOFX/Rancid SPLIT

1. NOFX- 45 or 46 Songs that weren't Good enough to go on our other records

I know everyones going to rant about NOFX because most of these songs have already been released, however, these songs are fucking rad. alot better than Andrew W.K.

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

Good picks. But there is no doubt in my mind that Yakee Hotel Foxtrot is this year's best record none. Spectacular.

Mine (as if you care...):

10. Enon: High Society
9. Keith Fullerton Whitman: Playthroughs
8. ...Trail of Dead: Source Tags and Codes
7. Tom Waits: Alice
6. Isis: Oceanic
5. Elvis Costello: When I was Cruel
4. The Doves: The Last Broadcast
3. Interpol: Turn on the Bright Lights
2. Blackalicious: Blazing Arrow
1. Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Enon's High Society is great. But, damn it makes me miss Brainiac!

Also, it's great to see the Larry Arms get so much recognition. They kick much ass - but you already knew that, didn't you?

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

I don't see what all of you like about The Stereo. They are god-awful.

-sickboi

TheBouncingSoul (January 3, 2003)

i like finch.....and thrice.....wow, i suck

give them a damn chance

evildeadalive (January 3, 2003)

I really liked both the new Hotsnakes and F2F albums...

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

Finally, Raised Fist gotta be in the top ten.

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

Finch are also terrible.

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

I really don't understand what people sees in thrice. They clearly suck.

Anonymous (January 3, 2003)

"The Promise Ring" is NOT a punk band. They play 4/4 time pop rock.

recordings (January 3, 2003)

FINALLY some kid mentions one man army!
(good call, anonymous guy)

they dont play that onr guy screamy-one guy melodic, white belt with black shirt, shag hair, boot cut jeans and shiny leather loafers rock....but theyre better than all of them.

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

reinventing axl rose should've been on everyone's list

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

heres the top 10, no others are acceptable

7. Against Me!- "Disco Before the breakdown" 3 songs of goodness

6. Radon- "We Bare All" its a collection, but it was released this year, so shut up

5. Dillinger Four- "Situationist Comedy"

4. Sparta- "Wiretap Scars"

3. Dillinger Escape Plan- "Irony is a dead scene" This would have been #1 if it wasnt so short, so even though its an EP it belongs.

2. Hot Water Music- "Caution"

1. Against Me!- "Reinventing Axl Rose"

Turns out they only made 7 good records this year
-Kevin

waste_elite (January 2, 2003)

i agree, personally i thought the new hot snakes album was really good

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

Maybe this was already said....

But I think your critique of the Hot Snakes "Suicide Invoice" should fall under albums you didn't get. I'm not even into this kind of thing and I think it's amazing. This is maybe the first bad review I've seen of it...and it blows their first one away if you ask me, too...

And yeah, to respond to another poster, the new Spoon album is great. Did you see them in Rolling Stone last month? Too bad if you ask me.

-bivouac

evildeadalive (January 2, 2003)

Third Eye Blind? Give me a fucking break. At least don't admit you like that shit on here.

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

spoon's new cd is fantastic

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

btw, tricky automatic ten star system...

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

how can something be a disappointment when you never liked a band in the first place? disappointment means you have positive preconceived notions, and scott admitted time and time again to not liking nor knowing much about Face to Face. hmm. odd.

maverick (January 2, 2003)

I have not gotten that 7" yet, since I haven't seen them live since August. I need to get that pronto.

-Scott

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

have you got THE BRAVES "letters of london" 7"? it's great, better than the album.

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

top 5 overlooked but amazing punkrock records..
kings of nuthin- fight songs for fuckups
one man army- rumours and headlines
river city rebels- no good no time...
distillers- sing sing death house
indk- rent 4 sale

dongrom (January 2, 2003)

What the fuck?! I love that Face To Face CD, I think it is fucking great. I would put it near, if not at the top of my "Best of 2002" list.

DonGrom

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

Hey, you can't just slip in Third Eye Blind and not expect to get shit. What the fuck are you thinking. C'mon now, it's not ok to listen to Third Eye Blind and not be embarrassed. Good list regardless.

TheBouncingSoul (January 2, 2003)

hey pope_schlomo, how can you call good charlotte and simple plan disappointments? what the hell were you expecting, black metal?

Anonymous (January 2, 2003)

D4's albums are usually uneven, and the new one is no exception. But take another listen to "Sellthehouse...." on the new one (track 5, I think) and see if you can contain yourself from destroying things.

--Cos

burstandbloom (January 2, 2003)

Hey Scott, I'd like one of those aforementioned mixed tapes/cds!

Melissa

pope_schlomo (January 2, 2003)

Here's my Top 10(in no particular order):

1. Bad Religion - The Process Of Belief

2. Hot Water Music - Caution

3. Red Animal War - Black Phantom Crusades

4. Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf

5. Against Me! - Reinventing Axl Rose

6. The Hope Conspiracy - Endnote

7. Jawbreaker - Etc.

8. Bad Astronaut - Houston, We Have A Drinking Problem

9. Common Rider - This Is Unity Music

10. Lawrence Arms - Apathy Exhaustion

Honorable mentions:
*Dillinger Four(they would be no. 11)
*Sixer
*Trapdoor Fucking Exit
*The Killing Tree, The Killing Tree, The Killing Tree
*The Anniversary
*The Get Up Kids
*Raised Fist
*Snapcase
*Over It(they would be no.12)
*Foo Fighters
*The Stereo
*Cadillac Blindside
*Big D and The Kids Table
*Drexel
*Pretty Girls Make Graves
*Eighteen Visions

Disappointments:
Simple Plan, NFG, Goldfinger, Audioslave, Good Charlotte Good Charlotte Good Charlotte, Guttermouth, Warped Tour, pants

Everyone have a good 2003!

Ramo
(Next time Scott, use the power of threats to get your presents in 2003)

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

shit i was wrong about #1 haha. oh well.

-reeko

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

1) his name's trent locht

2)did you guys happen to know that this website was rated as both the best website on the internet AND the site with the best message board by alternative press readers? check it out in the new issue.

-reeko

p.s.- good top 10s by everybody

Luzzew (January 1, 2003)

IMHO, the new Cursive album is better than Domestica.... it is so good, it hurts.... get it however you can.... but buy it too, as they're a band that deserves your support...

WEZ

CallingLondon (January 1, 2003)

anyone else agree that the new spoon album was one of the best of the year? i think it was.

waste_elite (January 1, 2003)

so...

does anyone listen to punk anymore?

SOYBOMB (January 1, 2003)

Yes, an AWK mention on a list!

I must get that Foo Fighters album... Everyone seems to be praising it.

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

DREDG...good way to forget the best disc of the year.

Bryne (January 1, 2003)

Here's my top ten in no particular order

Queens of the Stone Age - Songs for the Deaf

Hot Water Music - Caution

Snapcase - End Transmission

Nerf Herder - American Cheese

Foo Fighters - One by One

Bad Religion - The Process of Belief

The Stereo - Rewind Record

Thrice - The Illusion of Safety

Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet

Dillinger Escape Plan - Irony is a Dead Scene

Honorable mentions include Finch, Avenged Sevenfold, Weezer, and Sparta.

My biggest disappointment by far, was Audioslave.

pwfanatic (January 1, 2003)

the bandits of the acoustic revolution EP deserved to make the list. even if you don't like the music, the cardboard and tape case makes it a winner.

greg0rb (January 1, 2003)

Melissa is definitely right about Bad Astronaut. Great album, needs to be on the list. otherwise, very nice list there scott! Very thorough.

-Greg

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

what the fuck is up with a;udioslave being in anyones top 10? go to www.pitchforkmedia.com for a great review i couldnt have written better myself about this god aweful shit band.

TheBouncingSoul (January 1, 2003)

"As a long time Face to Face fan, "How to Ruin Everything," nearly ruined everything (not really, f2f still rocks live). But, what a dissapointment."

i really don't get it....i think that album was great, how was it disappointing?

burstandbloom (January 1, 2003)

-The Mountain Goats'** "Tallahasse"

I hate that

burstandbloom (January 1, 2003)

Scott, you rock. Yours was the only Top 10 List that mentioned Cursive, and you did so twice. Right on.

Some more rockin' releases that nobody mentioned:
-Coheed and Cambria's "Second Stage Turbine Blade"
-Bright Eye's "Lifted..."
-The Good Life's "Black Out"
-Q and not U's "Different Damage"
-The Mountain Goat's "Tallahassee"
-Bad Astronaut's "Houston We Have a Drinking Problem"

As a long time Face to Face fan, "How to Ruin Everything," nearly ruined everything (not really, f2f still rocks live). But, what a dissapointment.

Finally, as they are my top three most favorite bands, I'm desperately awaiting new Cursive, Descendents, and Weakerthans. Oh, and stick Lagwagon in there, too.

Melissa

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

4. Big D And The Kids Table - The Gipsy Hill EP

They don't get nearly enough of the recognition they deserve.

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

mates of states' my solo project destroys our constant concern

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

scott, your so confusing.

If I read adam's top 10 and its in line with aubins and yours, i dont care if I have to hack the site, I'm getting my ten on here. Fuck, I had one last year, and my egos gotten no smaller.

Thrice?

fuck.

wyzo

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

Greg's Top Ten

BEst ten fo 2002

10. All-American Rejects - S/T
9. Coheed and Cambria - Stage Stage Turbine Blade
8. Mustard Plug - Yellow #5
7. Bad Religion - Process of Belief
6. Thrice - Illusion of Safety
5. Ben Weasel - Fidatevi
4. Common Rider - This Is Unity Music
3. Anti-Flag - Mobilize
2. Hot Water Music - Caution
1. Lawrence Arms - Apathy and Exhaustion

5 Worse cds this year (so bad i'll only list the artist)

5. No Use for a Name
4. Reel Big Fish
3. Vandals
2. Guttermouth
1. Against Me!

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

thumbs up for mentioning the ghost...excellent band with a very promising future as well as the promise ring's albums which many 'didnt get'. bit disappointed with the comments on trail of dead, wilco and hot snakes but all in all a good list.

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

Let's get on the ball game here. The Pacific Northwest owned 2002: The Epoxies, The Spits, The Cripples, The Diskords, The Briefs, and the Exploding Hearts. I thought this was a punk website!

-Johnny B

Lumpycustard (January 1, 2003)

Top 10ishes? Not in any order, here's mine.

1. Thrice - Illusion of Safety
2. Hot Water Music - Caution
3. Over it - Timing is Everything
4. Strung Out - American Paradox
5. Audioslave - S/T
6. The Stereo - Rewind Record
7. Millencolin - Home fr. Home
8. Bad Religion - Process of Belief
9. Danko Jones - Born A Lion
10. Park - No Signal

Dissapointments?

1. NUFAN - Hard Rock Bottom
2. Face to Face - How to Ruin Everything
3. And You Will Know Us... - S/T
4. Viva Death - S/T
5. Unwritten Law - Elva
6. Slick Shoes - S/T
7. Goldfinger - Open Your Eyes
8. Midtown - Living Well...
9. Something Corporate - Leaving Thru...
10. No new Lagwagon, NOFX or Riddance.

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

Scott..that Radio 4 cd sounds NOTHING like the faint. Just doesn't.
-tbones

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

Where are the less than jake fans making noise about their new cd? Or afi?

Anonymous (January 1, 2003)

pretty good... but how come none of you have heard of from autumn to ashes? a static lullaby? skycamefalling? c'mon.

SOYBOMB (December 31, 2002)

1. The Lawrence Arms - Apathy and Exhaustion
2. Andrew W.K. - I Get Wet
3. MU330 - Ultra Panic
4. Big D And The Kids Table - The Gipsy Hill EP
5. Flogging Molly - Drunken Lullabies

There you have it, my top 5 favorite CD's of the past year.

I'm surprised none of you guys put AWK on your lists... His album is definitely one of the most fun albums I've heard all year.

Ah well, have a good year,
-SOYBOMB-

TheBouncingSoul (December 31, 2002)

my top shows of 2002

Top 5:

TOOL- 8/29/02, United Center, Chicago IL
Thursday- 11/7/02, The Rave, Milwaukee WI
Thrice- 10/25/02, The Metro, Chicago IL
Face to Face- 4/9/02, The Rave, Milwakee WI
Less Than Jake- 8/9/02, Davis Park, Rockford IL

others:

rise against- Waterfront Festival, Rockford IL
onelinedrawing- The Rave, Milwaukee
taking back sunday- Klub Phenomenon, Freeport IL
flogging molly- Warped Tour, Milwaukee WI
saves the day- The Rave, Milwaukee
piebald- Klub Phenomenon, Freeport IL
hey mercedes (twice).....my favorite being a free show at my school
finch- Warped tour, Milwaukee WI
hot water music- The Metro, Chicago IL
bad religion- Warped Tour, Milwaukee WI
alkaline trio- Warped Tour, Milwaukee WI
incubus- Allstate Arena, Chicago IL

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

yo scott....i heard no knife is suppose to turn with cursive in the spring...

Huey (December 31, 2002)

Scott! Bravo for commending WOOD/WATER. It's good to know that someone actually "got" that record. Here's my top five.

5. The Gloria Record - Start Here
4. Nada Surf - Let Go
3. Beck - Sea Change
2. The Promise Ring - Wood/Water
1. Sigur Ros - ( )

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

pretty good there scott. I'll be back soon enough everyone, take care.

*****Wuss-Emo-Rock***** (in Utah)

rayjay (December 31, 2002)

alright, gotta have my say here:

Top 10 Music Related Happenings This Year:
1. Dismemberment Plan - Change (De Soto/Architecture)
Okay, so this was released in 2001, the Australian release on Architecture was only a couple of months ago, and although I already owned the De Soto version, who cares? This is one of the best albums ever by one of the greatest bands in history.
2. Mogwai/...And you will know us by the trail of dead/Further - Live at the Metro, Sydney 11 October
Mogwai is the best (and loudest) band I have seen live, and it'll be a while til someone tops them.
3. Dillinger Escape Plan w/ Mike Patton - Irony is a Dead Scene (Epitah/Shock)
The most intense 20 minutes on disc. Patton is God and DEP rock. Need I say more? This blows me away without fail.
4. The (International) Noise Conspiracy/The D4 - Live at the Annandale Hotel, Sydney October 13
This rounded of a good weekend. Mogwai on the 11th, and T(I)NC and D4 on the 13th. Not quite loud enough, but rocking it was.
5. Q and not U - Different Damage (Dischord)
Took a while, but this album's quirkiness and depth had me hooked soon enough.
6. Sleater-Kinney - One Beat (Kill Rock Stars/Spunk/Inertia)
From a band that always seemed to dissapoint me, this really came as a very pleasant surprise. And like all good rock albums, it rocked. Quite hard in fact.
7. Seconds Away/Staying at Home Split EP (Humble Pie Records)
Frodus-esque Seconds Away and Braid-like Staying at Home transferred their solid live energy in a refreshing split.
8. Randy - Cheater EP (Burning Heart/G7 Welcomming Commitee)
This is where garage rock really is. Obnoxious, loud and damn fun.
9. Death Cab for Cutie - The Stability EP (Barsuk)
Turned up on the 2002 local release of the Photo Album here in Australia, it made a great album even better.
10. Mogwai/Arab Strap/Malcom Middleton - Live on Sydney Harbour 21 October
Sorry, but I can't get over how good Mogwai are. And what a setting it was. Hearing Helicon 1 as we passed under the Harbour Bridge was a real highlight of 2002

Honorable Mentions:
Cave-In - Tides of Tomorrow / Christiansen - Forensics, Brothers and Sisters! / Owen - No Good for No One Now / Warsawpack - Gross Domestic Product / The Black Sea - S/T EP / Mogwai and T(I)NC live at Livid (livid otherwise stunk)

Biggest Disappointments:
Bad Religion pulling out of Australian tour / No show from Death Cab in Australia in August / Weezer - Maladroit / Irrelevant's terrible new pop-punk sound (return to hardcore, dammit!) / the amount of horrible pop-punk taking over Australia (and that means you, one dollar short) / Missing Sleater-Kinney in Brisbane (I'm sure it would have been in the top 10 had I gone)

Biggest Hopes for 2003
The Dismemberment Plan doing anything at all / Black Sea album / New Weakerthans / Possible Propagandhi tour / New Alkaline Trio (they can win me back, I know it!)

CaptainCrunch (December 31, 2002)

YES YES YES The Stereo is great.

God bless Jamie Woolford

Worst album of the year - Good Charlotte and Simple Plan.....

Here's to a great 2003, thanks for a stellar site.

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

THANK YOU!! for putting the stereo in there..such an amazing band!

fAt mAn

evildeadalive (December 31, 2002)

I don't even know why I just read that...

TheBouncingSoul (December 31, 2002)

goddamnit scott, i open this up thinking and hoping to myself, man, i hope he can go through this list without ripping face to face.....bastard!

but you like hey mercedes, so its all good in the hood

shindo (December 31, 2002)

Aubin: for your information Adam is clean and sober... well... as far as "stoned" is concerned.

adam

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

The new ted leo is all over soulseek....you still have to buy it though.

recordings (December 31, 2002)

by the way, none of you guys liked the hope conspiracy? raised fist? one man army? snapcase?

ouch.

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

I'm just glad you mentioned Cursive and Rise Against's upcoming albums. I can't wait.

aubin (December 31, 2002)

I have to agree about the Queens of the Stone Age. Do you actually have to get stoned to enjoy it? That would explain why Scott and I don't get it, but Adam does, right?

recordings (December 31, 2002)

ahha no shit sickboi...my thoughts exactly.

recordings (December 31, 2002)

no. people just dont like them.

quite an extensive list here. i enjoyed the term *ego stroking*

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

Ben Kweller over Bad Religion? Whah?!?!

-sickboi

Anonymous (December 31, 2002)

thumbs up for having anniversary/get up kids up there, even though everyone else was too cool to admit how good they each were