Top 10 of 2001 - Chris Gorman's Picks (Cover Artwork)

Top 10 of 2001

Chris Gorman's Picks (2001)

reader picks


OK it seems like the cool thing to do, so Im gonna submit my top 10 albums. I figure you are all gonna think I suck after this, but after I reviewed Bif Naked, I think I can handle anything.

In no particular order:

1. System Of a Down - "Toxicity"
In a pop culture obsessed with nu-metal shit like Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, etc, its good to see a band saying something meaningful and intelligent. They bring a much needed dose of originality to the playing feild.

2. Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade - "Live Frogs: Set 2"
My favorite bassist had the nads to actually cover Pink Floyd's "Animals" in its entirety, and he did it well. Anything this man touches turns to gold.

3. Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - "Global A Go-Go"
I was disappointed with Joe's "Rock Art and the X-Ray Style", but this restored my faith. The man is still a master song-writer, although he has chilled out a bit in his old age. This is my favorite driving album, and the opening track "Johnny Appleseed" is absolutely killer.

4. Jimmy Eat World - "Bleed American"
I was not prepared to like this album, thinking it was just going to be a cliche "emocore" album, but I was very wrong. I wouldn't even go so far as to call this band emo, but I will call them good. Pop rock that I can stand.

5. Sense Field - "Tonight And Forever"
I don't know what it is about this album that I love, but I have playing it constantly. A lot like Jimmy Eat World, but sappier, if that is possible. Some of the most beautiful music to come out this year.

6. Further Seems Forever - "The Moon Is Down"
Yeah yeah, this is like the most cliche emo ever, but I can't get the track "Snowbirds and Townies" out of my head. For all its sappy boy loves unattainable girl trappings, its a quality album.

7. White Stripes - "White Blood Cells"
Minimalist gararge rock baby! Just try to deny tracks like "Hotel Yorba" and "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground". Really cool and different.

8. Tenacious D - "S/T"
These guys actually have musical talent, and they are downright hilarious to boot. Of course, it helps to be in on some of the old jokes, but nonetheless, this is a great party CD. Check out "Fuck Her Gently", "Friendship" and "Wonderboy".

9. Gorillaz - "St/T"
Techo-pop-hip hop-rock by cartoon characters. It almost sounds too cheezy to be good, but it is great. Del Tha Funky Homosapien proves himself to be one of my favorite rappers, and Dan the Automater comes up with some really creative beats. Recommended.

10. Green Day - "International Superhits"
Yeah, its a greatest hits album from a band thats still around, but come on. Each track on here is good, and despite the glaring ommision of "Going To Pasalaqcua", its near perfect. Technically, this is Green Day's best CD ever. I dont expect a lot of you to agree on this one.

So there you have it. As if you all care. But yeah.