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| Top 10 of 2002Aubin's Picks2002 staff picks  Review by: Aubin See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on December 31st 2002 RANDOM MUSINGS ABOUT 2002 It's been a difficult year, with American politicians - arguably the most important in the world - showing how easily they can scare the people into ignoring a failing economy, a cowboy president, and a spiraling into war. The current state in the United States reminds me of a quote from Julias Caesar which seems all too relevant, two millenia after it was originally said:
Speaking of war, what about bin Laden? What happened to tracking him down, at any cost? I distinctly recall the president making that promise, but instead, the focus seems to have shifted to Saddam. And no surprise, no one cares. Al Gore, a week or so before he retired from politics told a little joke which seemed to explain the bin Laden/Saddam situation:
So where does that leave the world going into 2003? Well, a quarter of the world is now involved in armed conflict, Bush and his republicans control the United States - so much for checks and balances - and civil liberties are out in the window. But thank god, Friends has been renewed for another season. Well, now that I've said my piece, here's the top ten. THE TOP TEN RECORDS OF 2002 ACCORDING TO AUBIN These are in no particular order, each record has it's strengths, and these are just the more interesting, unique and memorable albums I listened to this year. 1. Time in Malta - A Second Engine (Equal Vision) This one came completely out of nowhere. I had never heard of them, and had Equal Vision not sent me a copy, it's possible I wouldn't. A wholly original record, intense, melodic, and nearly flawless in execution. I have a longer review here. 2. Eighteen Visions - Vanity (Trustkill) As a big fan of their previous recordings, Vanity was somewhat of a surprise to me. Downplaying their metal/hardcore sensibilities to add more melody and, well, calm, to the record was an unlikely path, but the band succeeded admirably. The intensity, heaviness, and schitzophrenic vocalizations were still there, but an ethereal sense seems to pervade the record. One of the most devastating, and simultaneously soothing records in recent memory. 3. Glassjaw - Worship and Tribute (Warner) Like Eighteen Visions, Glassjaw moved into unfamiliar terrority with their second major label record. While not as flat out chaotic as Everything You Ever Wanted to Know..., Worship is a stunningly solid record, from one of the few major label metal/hardcore bands worth listening to. 4. As Friends Rust - A Young Trophy Band... (Equal Vision) I know it's an EP, but the Rust once again demonstrated why they are one of my favourite bands; it's a bittersweet record, because vocalist Damien has left the band, choosing to end with one of his finest performances. 5. Jawbreaker - etc. (Blackball) It's a rare thing for a B-sides album to make a list like this, to be honest, the majority of B-sides records are mostly curiousity fodder, more so than the daring, incredible collection was Etc. Of course, Jawbreaker is one of the most important and influential bands in this scene, so I'm not that surprised. 6. Lawrence Arms - Apathy and Exhaustion (Fat Wreck Chords) After a few strong records, the Lawrence Arms makes their Fat debut one to remember. The dueling snotty/smooth vocals, the stellar production, and the memorable songwriting make for arguably the best record on Fat this year. 7. Consumed - Pistols at Dawn (Golf Records UK) A major maturing for the formerly Fat, always British band. While not even released on this side of the ocean, which is our loss, Pistols at Dawn shows a powerful, darker side to the metal-tinged band. I hope that someone elects to release the album domestically, because it easily surpases their last full length, which was one of Fat's most memorable releases. 8. Killswitch Engage - Alive or Just Breathing (Roadrunner) This is the other major label hardcore/metal band worth listening to. 9. Over It - Timing is Everything (Lobster) Jordan from pastepunk.com reviewed this one, so check it out, because I couldn't say it better myself. 10. Thrice - The Illusion of Safety (Hopeless) Everything good about hardcore, metal, punk and pop is in here. Everything bad isn't.
Side A.
2. Norma Jean - Memphis Will Be Laid To Waste (Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child) 3. Thursday - Jet Black New Year (Five Stories Falling) 4. You're So Last Summer - Taking Back Sunday (Tell All Your Friends) 5. Dillinger Four - Noble Stabbings (Situationist Comedy) 6. Get Up Kids - Overdue (On a Wire) 7. Common Rider - Firewall (This is Unity Music) 8. Lawrence Arms - Presenting the Dancing Machine (Uncontrollable Fatulence) 9. Dillinger Four - Noble Stabbings (Situationist Comedy) 10. Staring Back - Version 2.0 (On) Side B.
2. Ben Kweller - Wasted and Ready (Sha Sha) 3. Weezer - Keep Fishin' (Maladroit) 4. All-American Rejects - The Last Song (Self-Titled) 5. Divit - William (Broadcaster) 6. Alkaline Trio - Queen of Pain (Alkaline Trio/Hot Water Music Split) 7. Brand New - Am I Wrong (Safety in Numbers Split) 8. Flogging Molly - What's Left Of This Flag (Drunken Lullabies) 9. Foo Fighters - All My Life (One By One) 10. The Stereo - Two Weeks Notice (Rewind Record) TEAR-JERKING, PAINFUL, DISAPPOINTMENTS Keep in mind that a disappointment doesn't necessarily mean a bad record, but that I had high hopes which sadly, weren't met by the record. (Well, Except for Gusto, which was in fact an awful record, for any band.)
1. Jets to Brazil - Perfecting Loneliness 2003 To end the lists on a hopeful note, 2003 should be an incredible year, many, many new records to look forward to, including - but not limited to - NOFX, Thursday, The Weakerthans, Social Distortion, Rancid, The Descendents, Alkaline Trio, Further Seems Forever, Saves the Day, The International Noise Conspiracy. Let me just restress one of those. The Descendents are putting out another record. JOE STRUMMER (1952-2002) Finally, to end this piece, I wanted to write something about Joe Strummer. I wrote this bit five times. I usually don't have to scrap so many, but this is a staggeringly jarring and tragic event. In spite of the many great things that have happened, great music that has been released, and bands I was fortunate enough to see, this year will remain in my memory as the year Joe Strummer died. Joe was the elder statesman of punk rock, while some of his contemporaries milked their past glories with every resurgence of punk into the mainstream, Joe was happy to leave the legacy of the Clash intact. He was content to write new music, move in new directions, and provide the kind of quiet dignity that we could only hope people would strive for. From his later work in the Clash, to his soundtracks, and his tracks with the Mescalaros, Joe was constantly moving in new directions, and pushing boundries. As I sit here, listening to my copy of The Clash UK, I'm dumbfounded by how fresh, and new the music still sounds, even though everyone from Operation Ivy to Rancid to Kid Dynamite, to Alkaline Trio have taken inspiration from these songs. Even if you've never listened to the Clash, if you listen to this music, you've felt Joe's influence. We have lost too many musicians these past years, Joey, Dee Dee, it goes on; the list is far too long. Thankfully, Joe left us a rich, dynamic body of work, and as bands decades from now quote the Clash as an influence, we'll still remember him fondly. Please login or register to post comments. What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
not that it matters, but no one mentioned coheed and cambria's debut o n EVR. i thought that album was incredible, and i don't mean it in the "my band is better than your band" way...in all honesty i was awed at their work 2002's best: my top nine (?): the best recordings of all time are no doubt the Watergate Tapes... THAT IS OUR PRESIDENT... Band that is better than any band to form in the last twenty years- The Killing Tree - Romance of Helen Trent "that guitar player was in grade, so he's automaticall way fucking cool than you. hahah" okay, so i tried to resist the temptation of contributing my list to what is already a hugely masturbatory thing, though somewhat interesting as well. anyways, i'll reserve my judgements and thoughts on the bizarre similarities between almost everyone's list, and instead try to encourage everyone to look harder for good music. as a disclaimer, i'm not as punk as i used to be. in no particular order: oh NOW i get it... youre a complete fucking idiot... Can I get a copy of the playdough cd? "2.avril lavigne -- i saw that guitarist of her's wearing a Propagandhi shirt. haggard... " I don't know whether or not anyone has already mentioned this (and don't care, either), but that Drums of War quote is most assuredly NOT Julius Ceaser. Pretty commonly believed misattribution, though, so I don't blame you* "*****WussEmoRock*****'s TOP 10 CD'S OF 2002 Band of the year - Lawrence ARms Ask your mommy she's always up to the task. twat I'm trying to fuck myself right now, I can't get it to bend in that direction though. Help! Here's my top 5 cd's of 2002: "Oh man, WussEmoRock has different tastes than us? Lets talk shit about him and make threats of bodily harm over the internet. Dude, we are sooo punk!" Cool list wuss, Simple Plan and Allister on the best of the year? Allister at #2? SIMPLE PLAN ROCKS BRO. gjfbgjgjfghjfgjrfngrignringirgireginedfgvldknsngjfdnbgjdfac;grun gtiuohoubn "*****WussEmoRock*****'s TOP 10 CD'S OF 2002 This is a good recap of 2003, but a few point. 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. wuss, why are you so concerned that everyone on this site see your horrible "best of"? god, it should be considered vandalism. Bad Religion- best album of the year, hands down...later!!! can some of you guys pleaseeeeeeeeeee be ashamed of yr pour taste as to not make me want to *search and destroy* ha! that joke ruled.....but seriosuly thrice?.....c'mon....ya kno punk rock not shabby metal outakes....if i hear one more twangy strung out inspired metal guitar riff in a "punk rock band" i'm going to shoot you. CAUSE ITS YR FAULT FOR BUYING IT *****WussEmoRock*****'s TOP 10 CD'S OF 2002 I don't get Over it either. Okay, I went to Lobster Records and downloaded a Over It MP3. I don't see why this in your top ten. I think it's pretty bland and sounds like all the other pop bands that try to have a rock feel to them. ack, for christs sake, i forgot the Dischord box set. off the top of my head here are some of my favorite releases of 2002. i know i'll forget a lot of shit. armchair martian goddamnit I am looking forward to the new Good Riddance and Rise Against albums most in 2003. The new descendents record will hopefully be good, hopefully with the angry energy of "Milo Goes To College"...."Everything Sux" had "some" great songs (ie. title track) but a lot of munotonous ones as well. I'm kind of tired of Rancid, but the new record might be worth a listen if it is anything like the last awesome record. There's a new Rollins Band record coming out in summer or fall. Anyway, I think the new Rise Against will be a classic, the new Good Riddance will be another kick ass album. I was never really into Lagwagon so I can't say I'm looking forward to that one. I'll check out the new F Minus. Death By Stereo's new album will destroy. I'm interested in hearing the new NOFX song about Bush (aka the stupidest man alive). And, finally, AFI's major label debut will be interesting. hahaha! Ataris? Are you fucking serious? Please tell me you're retarded because then I would feel a lot better. But if you aren't, then you should be. Go fuck yourself. does anyone know what's going on with Against All Authority? damn, they rawk. bands with good releases this year. how about we all just shut the fuck up and listen to our CDs. you wouldn't be ranting on and on if you didnt think you had something to prove, so drop the acts. funny I thought it was music No facts?! hahahaha. This is a punk site....half of punk rock is about protest and activism. These topics are VERY suitable here. Have you ever had an original thought ever in your life? Here's what you should do, stop reciting lectures from your college professors and come up with your own ideas. Nice to see mommy and daddy are spending all that money so you can "borrow" your professor’s ideas and make them your own. What the fuck does George bush have to do with the top 10 punk albums of 2002? Did he pass some new anti punk law? Umm nope. So why don't you stick to what's relevant? I'm sure you've had to write an essay or two. I'm not saying I like the fact that Yosemite Sam is our president, but I come to this site to get away from all that shit. Music is escapism and you're not helping. Do you see this hypocrisy? If I comment on Christian music you people say I have no class and should shut the fuck up. But you can comment all you want on shit you have no facts on? Bitch please. Just stick to reviewing records. twat mick fletcher from lancaster england's By the way...the fact that a kid can be pulled out of school and detained by the FBI for wearing a "Not My President" shirt with crosshairs on the presidents head is sad. That's freedom of speech...even if the constitution doesn't say so. I think I'm gonna do it just to see the reaction. Fucking fat cats. For that whole argument about "democrats & republicans"...I don't like either much. Bush is just pathetic....I think it's sad that we have someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth as president. The whole republican party is ignorant...interested in their interests only, not giving a damn about the people they step on. The democrats have some good ideas, but it was Gore and his wife who tried to censor music and keep Ice T from putting Cop Killer on his record, which they unfortuantely suceeded in. To me they are both coniving conservative morons. If anyone of you think your government or ANY government works then you are sorely mistaken. What do i think is the answer? I honestly don't know, but government certainly isn't it. Neither is war or violence. Flogging Molly - Drunken Lullabies From way down there... I liked Gusto. Lick my balls shithead. Find all the people that liked Gusto. who said that the caeser quote is not a fake? you just made an ass of yourself. check out that http://www.snopes.com link that someone below posted. Call this a footnote... first of all, IN*DK was damn good, but I didn't like it as much as the other projects by (largely) the same members (Choking Victim, Leftover Crack) Let me say what he said again A gallup poll said that Bush has the lowest IQ of any president, you say? That's funny. Here I thought that Gallup... uh, you know, did polls. And the last time I checked, polls don't give any indication of IQ, merely the public's opinion. Weird how I could have been totally misinformed. It must have been the government lying to me. Sorry..but you're still wrong about the quote. "I think Gusto is too complex" Atreyu released a good CD in 2002 it is definitely one of my favorites of the year. the quote from that ceaser dude is not a fake, its just that its always in latin and this is first time i have seen it in english, anywaze the dude who wrote about some barbera streisand or however you spell it, you obviously dont pay much attention to anything at all.. she is a republican who funds republicans and bush is also a republican and the thing about it being fake is a just propaganda to change the subject away from what a jackass he really is. i also saw some gallup poll thing that said he has the lowest IQ of any president we ever had.. go figure.. dont believe everything you read. governments like to play down anything that makes them look bad. my top ten: Oh god, the Flaming Lips AND Wilco released the TWO BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR and not one of perons mentioned them....shame on all of you When it comes to the BYO splits released this year, AntiFlag/Bouncing Souls and Nofx/Rancid, which do you think is betteer? 5 favorites of 2002(check them out): to the guy down down a few...i thought hatbreeds new album was pretty damn nice! what didnt ya like about it? why the hell does everyone have the NOFX/Rancid split in the top ten?!?! Tha's appauling, donnt get me wrong...both good bands but that cd sucks cock. there's only one good song on it and that's "radio". rancid seriously half-assed that piece of shit..they sound horrible ARMCHAIR MARTIAN - WHO WANTS TO PLAY BASS? Yeah, I noticed the D4 song thing too, I was actually just about to mention it... to all the people who have wriiten "you probably dont care" followed by their top lists of 2002... youre right, we dont. why would someone want to read hundreds of these things? I think Gusto is too complex and it doesn't sound like every other record they put out so people get confused and angry. I like old guttermouth, but this is better music. Thanks for the great site guys. I've yet to find a place where I can get more/better punk rock info on a daily basis. This is like my morning paper. Anyways, here's my top ten in no particular order:
Nice list..but the Caesar quote is a phony which did not appear until after 9/11. NOT THAT YOU CARE, BUT: I would like to round up everyone who enjoys Gusto and send them off to an desert island to ensure this kind of thing never happens again. I agree gusto isn't like old guttermouth, it's a lot better. MY TOP 10 ALBUMS OF THE YR: I think that Julius Caesar quote is false, as I remember Barbara Streisand flubbing it late last year. Check this URL - http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/10/03/1033538721280.html - or search for streisand shakespeare quote on google for more. Has anyone else tried to order the LTJ cereal box today? I thought it went on sale today? I can't find it on FBR's website. That Ten Foot Pole was easily their worst to date and coud be included on the disappointments of 2002... - bigjerk People are forgetting that Strung Out, Ten Foot Pole, and Finch all released great CD's this year... good call on the lawrence arms, the most listenable album of the year and yes, mentioning Vallely twice was not an accident Not too shabby a year-end review if i must say so myself. Here's my Top 10(in no particular order): i think i like your list the least of the three I can't believe you all wrote those lame ass "trying to sum it all up" opening paragraphs. How stupid. You're not THAT important. I already posted a top ten, but I just wanted to mention that The Lawrence Arms seem to have impressed just about everyone. In my humble opinion, they released the best record on Fat Wreck, and I dare say this...the best cd of the year. These Chicago boys of mine are becoming huge. Does anyone else see them stealing the spotlight when it comes to FAt Wreck? Killswitch Engage motherfucker i don't care what anyone says, gusto is still a good album Lawrence Arms "apathy and exhaustion" I'm suprised no one mentioned Taking back sunday. I don't really even listen to music like that, but I listen to that record more than anything at all this year. Hey guy below me, why don't you try focusing you criticism towards something that isn't so petty and trivial. Because, you sound like an ass. I can't believe you all wrote those lame ass "trying to sum it all up" opening paragraphs. How stupid. You're not THAT important. the new alkaline trio will be good. the reissue of jawbreaker's dear you will be amazing. new cursive. new blueskiesburning. new planes mistaken for stars. im excited for 2003. DREDG...whats wrong with you people!? Dillinger Four-Situationist Comedy Here's my top ten in no particular order How can you leave the H2O E.P. off of the top 10. Its only an E.P. but it still rips. These guys are so much better and more mature now then when their old shit came out. Dont forget H2O!!! what about armchair martian - who wants to play bass? MY TOP 10 ALBUMS OF THE YR: pssst, the cash is in the post ;) an american paradox is strung out's worst and weakest record. if they went back to playing metal i'd like them again. hey to the person who said Over It can't be better than Strung Out because they're on a smaller label: are you kidding? just because they're not on Fat doesn't mean they're not one of the most amazing releases of 2003 why is everyone forgetting Dee Dee? granted, Joe was recent and all, but you can't leave out Dee Dee You like Vanity? I think 18 Visions got annoying with that album. 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! Top 10ishes? Not in any order, here's mine. nice, over it is there and thrice illusion of safety. How could you possibly say indk was a bad cd? granted it wasn't anything new, it doesn't change ezra's ability to create amazing songs. god bless indk, leftover crack, choking victim, and any other variety of bands stza and ezra decide to create. Bouncing Souls/Anti-Flag split (enough said) Wow, InDk is a disapointment... INDK is a disappointment compared to CV/LoC? If you think about it that way... but INDK isn't an extension of those bands.. Ezra just happens to be/have been in them. His writing style is MUCH more personal and MUCH less "shock rock" type stuff.... if you haven't, go to mglory.org and check out his other band: Morning Glory. This guy is my hero. Fantastic review mate. I like how you included various quotes and a summary of the year that was, I only have 2 of your Top 10 in my Top 10 but I certainly will go check out some of these bands in your list, whom I haven't heard yet I'm very glad to see that thrice and over it made your list, good choices, but, you all forgot staring back. finally someone mentioned glassjaw. thank you. I wish Aubin did reviews more often... How the Hell does one place Over It ahead of Strung Out. Come on. Lobster records does some good stuff, but in no way would most of these bands find a slot on the Fat roster. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Strung Out's "An American Paradox". I'm happy The Larry Arms are finally getting a lot of props though. I was also a big fan of Avenged Sevenfold's "Sounding The Seventh Trumpet"...but all in all, great Top 10's Aubin, Scott, and Adam! Cheers to a new year! Regarding IN*DK, I do like the album, it's a fine piece of work, but in comparison to Choking Victim and Leftover Crack, it seemed lacking. It was only a disappointment in comparison to those. Hmmm nobody said whippersnapper...sure it came out in the beginning of the year, but it certainly deserved a spot in the top ten INDK a disappointment?? Good idea with the mix tape. That was nice The tribute to Joe was a nice touch. I enjoyed reading this a lot, some great insight into not only the music that was released this year, but also the state of our nation. nice work Aubin. Only 1 of your top 10 is in my top 10. this was such a great year for music. Noble Stabbings is that good eh I like the top part. Good job. wow, you mentioned time in malta! nice work. Thank you for mentioning AFR. The DVD with Strike Anywhere is fucking mindblowing. |
