The state of music in 2001 is healthier and more exciting than it has ever been. In fact, it’s quite overwhelming to continuously work through the list of bands that you just have to check out, since great ones are cropping up every week. It would be impossible for anyone to say they have a definitive list of the best records of the year, but you can’t blame some of us for trying. The following list of albums from 2001 serve as a starting point for finding your own musical groove and riding it wherever it takes you. For sure, music is more important and necessary than it has ever been.
With the recent revival of rock’n’roll in popular culture, because of bands like the Strokes, the White Stripes, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, next year could be the one everybody has been waiting for. Look out for Doves, who will release a classic album featuring future hit singles “Satellite” and “Hit the Ground” this spring, as well as promising releases from Primal Scream, Neil Young, and Lambchop. Oasis will have a new record in the shops by summer and will feature what looks to be the track of the year. Centered around a swirling sample and a catchy chorus, “The Hindu Times” will be a song we’ll all be singing by the end of 2002.
The 10 Best Albums of the Year
1. New Order-Get Ready
“I’m gonna live til’ I die/I’m gonna live to get high” sings Bernard Sumner at the exhilarating finale of Get Ready, expressing the updated mission statement of the rejuvenated legends. The comeback album of the year contained enough hooks to set it far above the rest of the competition, including loads of guitar, and two ace guest spots from Bobby Gillespie and Billy Corgan. New Order have crafted a softer, sweeter version of Primal Scream’s XTRMNTR-two records that should be the most celebrated of the new millennium.
2. Aphex Twin-Drukqs
Although he vowed to never let us hear his new double album until he died, the long overdue release of Drukqs came in October, fully equipped with our anti-poster boy’s wonderful surprises. Frantic drum’n’bass and haunting piano provide the foundation for forays into everything including 80’s funk, screaming, punishing static, and even his parent’s joyous answering machine take on “Happy Birthday.”
3. The Charlatans UK-Wonderland
Tim Burgess has always worn his heart on his sleeve. By closely referencing heroes like Deep Purple, Bob Dylan, and the Stones, the Charlatans music has become a celebratory homage to rock greatness. With Wonderland, they have turned to Prince and Curtis Mayfield to create the funkiest record of their career. Burgess sings in a falsetto over 10 rock’n’soul tracks that signal the increasing brilliance of these often-forgotten legends as they move towards the future while fondly glancing at the past.
4. Mercury Rev-All Is Dream
Since abandoning the sonic approach of their initial records, Mercury Rev have relied on recording simple ditties with a cinematic approach. Like 1998’s Deserter’s Songs, Jonathan Donahue’s yearning vocals are combined with epic orchestral arrangements. The biggest sounding record of the year was also the most fragile and comforting. “I know you need someone/And I can hear someone/Somewhere in this song.”
5. N*E*R*D-In Search Of
Two versions of this hip-hop masterpiece exist, with an electronic-based extravaganza released in the UK, and a live instrumental take finally appearing in the US. No matter which copy you track down, you’ll be getting the hip-hop record of the year. Like Outkast, the Neptunes (yes, those super-producing Neptunes) use R&B as their canvas, then splash it with funk, rock, rap, and disco. Further, lead single “Lapdance” is possibly the best ever excuse for being spotted at a strip club.
6.Bob Dylan-Love and Theft
After a dark and reflective Time Out Of Mind, we get the kinder, gentler Bob Dylan. Love and Theft is the sound of rock’s greatest veteran clearly enjoying himself. His voice has never sounded better and his lyrics are simply hilarious. Collectors should track down the limited edition double-disc featuring unreleased 60’s recordings of “The Times They Are A-Changin'” and “I Was Young When I Left Home.”
7. Leonard Cohen-
Ten New Songs
Leonard Cohen and his quiet serenity returned in 2001 with a beautiful album nine years in the making. As always, his lyrics will always make you laugh, and are sometimes better read than heard. “I fought against the bottle/But I had to do it drunk/I took my diamond to the pawn shop/But that don’t make it junk.” A true laureate of humanity and sex, Leonard Cohen is arguably the most simple and focused poet in music.
8. The Strokes-Is This It?
Indeed, this was it. Admitted throwbacks full of rebellious and independent spirit, the Strokes made the most important contribution to music in the last five years, in terms of transforming an audience. As the year crept on, “Last Nite” gradually made it’s way into heavy rotation on MTV and rock radio inspiring loads of kids, well schooled on their nu-metal, to ditch the sports-rock and sound like the Strokes. The Strokes are the beautiful sound of Limp Bizkit falling off the face of the earth.
9. Spiritualized-
Let It Come Down
Over a hundred musicians helped Jason Pierce complete his epic record after he sacked the previous incarnation of Spiritualized (Incidentally, those members went on to found the excellent Lupine Howl). Employing choirs and orchestras, Pierce crafted an uplifting handbook for those seeking a new beginning. Spiritualized still write lots of songs about Jesus, but themes of love, loss, and hope are comforting to anyone.
10. Ryan Adams-Gold
It may take quite some time to figure this out, but Ryan Adams is one of the greats. A prolific songwriter that borrows the best bits of the Stones, Dylan, and Springsteen, Adams gradually seduces with subtle charm and effortless swagger. His records are too long, but somehow, they’ll never leave your stereo and, eventually, will never leave your head.
