a little credit for the year 2003

everybody does it. magazines, websites, tv channels, papers, all kind of people around the world. so i thought i would do it too, a version of mine. warning though, this is entirely my own opinion. and if you don't agree, then, well, make your own version. to be honest i'm bad at reviewing, instead here i'm just noting what i think about them, but not actually reviewing them. that's why i don't see them as 'the best of' because it's very relative. so. these are, the CDs that deserve a good ovation - for they have been entertaining my ears very well - of the year 2003:

[+] the strokes - room on fire
you know this one's impossible to be missed. if it's not greater than their 2001's is this it, it's at least as good as the previous. i can't even choose which songs from this album that would be my favorite, because all of them are! well, maybe i can. reptilia is just simply irresistable. i dig this song. 12:51 too, and meet me in the bathroom. oh damn it, i like all of them, i can't even skip any song if i put this CD in my player. this album, is just simply, superb. superb. period. @

[+] late night tales - jamiroquai
the songs in this version of the late night tales series are compiled and commented by jay kay himself. if you listen to this, you'll be surprised that you have a great taste of music. and i'm being serious! of course, there's marvin gaye, and johnny hammond. but i guarantee, you won't be able to resist the commodores' girl, i think the world about you or kleeer's tonight's the night. and if you listen carefully to leon ware's what's your name, you will notice how jay kay got his style. basically, you will find the taste of funk and soul of the 70's and early 80's, and inevitably, jamiroquai's roots. pure funk, soul, and a little bit of jazz. @

[+] red hot chilli peppers - greatest hits
i was never really into rhcp, well, at least until i bought their greatest hits. listening to all their hits that i'd probably heard many times before through radio or mtv, i just realized how good they really are. and it's worth to note how they're getting better everytime, you can tell by their previously unreleased save the population. besides, it's nice to hear their voice again. @

[+] john mayer - heavier things
he is what i called, a very, very talented musician (along with chris carabba, dave matthews, ben folds, billy corgan, rivers cuomo, brandon boyd, jarvis cocker, thom yorke, duncann sheik, damon albarn, and others). although i personally like his first album (room for squares) better, nonetheless this album had confirmed him as what i've mentioned. clarity and home life are my favorite tracks, although you couldn't really tell because the songs are perfect for every mood. @

[+] dave matthews band - the central park concert (triple CD)
i am without any doubt whatsoever envy those bastards who were lucky enough to saw the real concert, live!! aaarrrggghhh!!! the concert, even though i could only enjoy it from this triple CD box, was, *sigh*, i would say, the best concert of the year! there. yes, i said 'the best'. don't believe me? buy the CD yourself! or better, turn back time and go to NYC and watch it by yourself! and you should go with me, because i didn't see it either! @

[+] counting crows - films about ghosts - the best of...
one good thing about buying a greatest hits compilation of a band is that you already knew the songs, and so you won't be dissapointed like when you're buying their regular albums. and this CD, i guess, represents what i've just said. and it's counting crows. classic. @

[+] the alternative album
there's doves' catch the sun. there's supergrass' pumping on your stereo. there's idlewild's when i argue i see shapes. there's placebo's you don't care about us. there are starsailor, the vines, the dandy warhols, hell is for heroes, and black rebel motorcycle club. need i say more? @

:: other CDs that missed the hall of fame:
* the chemical brothers - singles 93-03 (double CD)
they're great. especially during their times. apparently their time is over now.
* ministry of sound - the chillout session - summer collection 2003 (double CD)
nice, but i prefer smooth music's 2002's the chillout session. disc 2.
* zwan - mary stars of the sea
you see, this is billy corgan. this is a very great album. but i miss smashing pumpkins. a lot.
* les nubians - one step forward
i must say, their first album (princesses nubienness) is so much better than this one. it's great, but too world music for me.
* dashboard confessional - swiss army romance and a mark. a mission. a brand. a scar.
i heard both of them are good. too bad i haven't bought both of them, so i can't judge something that i haven't actually listen to, right? ::