Dos - Top 50 albums of the 00′s
Tres bien merci! That’s exactly how we feel when we listen to these next few records from our top 50 albums of the 00’s.
40 – Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
In a scene where emotional honesty can cripple an artist, Frank Ocean’s Thinkin’ Bout You cemented his legend being one of the first black R&B stars to admit feelings of attraction to a member of the same sex.
The single itself is an emotional rollercoaster, yet Frank doesn’t dwell on what people may or may not think of him throughout the remainder of Channel Orange. Pyramids is a progressive keyboard jam, Lost lyrically flirty (“Double D, big full breast on my babe”) and Bad Religion a theatrical gospel ballad demonstrating his range of influences and versatile voice.
Ultimately what makes CO such a great listen is its emotional charm, lyrical vitality and the soulful charisma of Ocean himself. A modern legend.
39 - Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000, Interscope, Aftermath, Shady)
Parents at the beginning of the 00’s had a real nuisance on their hands; the angst ridden Slim Shady. Thanks to the enigmatic rapper, teenagers all over the world were getting their first true taste of what can only be described as musical filth.
Written after his breakthrough album The Slim Shady LP, TMMLP increasingly focused on the rappers rise to fame and family life, including some of his most violent lyrics to date:
“They say I can’t rap about coke no more
Slut, you think I won’t choke no whore
‘til the vocal chords don’t work in her throat no more?!”
Crude perhaps, but it’s the release that made us into the badass teenagers we were.
38 - Eluvium- Copia (2007, Temporary Residence)
Eluvium has always written music that appeals to the reflective mindset. With Copia, Eluvium (aka Matthew Cooper) exceeded better than ever before.
An album of contemporary classical ambience, Copia has the ability to sweep up its listener into a haze of looping relaxation with an emphasis on progression and subtle layers over boisterous vanity.
Whilst the majority of the album consists of atmospheric droning, the albums standout track, Piano Ballet, showcases Eluvium’s ear for graceful minimalist piano.
In creating Copia, there is an artistic realisation that beauty often comes from the simpler things in life.
37 - The Gaslight Anthem- The 59’ Sound (2008, SideOneDummy)
Before you've even put the CD into your music player, the tracklist of The 59’ Sound gives you a pretty good indication of what to expect from The Gaslight Anthem’s second outing; a pop punk album of blues, massive sing-a-long chorus’, an appreciative nod towards Springsteen and most importantly, ever-enduring style.
Importantly, T59S demonstrates TGA’s mastery of writing danceable punk without compromising the often dark lyrical undertones of Brian Fallon.
Add to this classic tales of cars, slicked back hair, homemade tattoos and the scratched vinyl of opener, Great Expectations and you have an unashamedly stylish release, inspired by visions of vintage America.
36 - The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt (2010, Dead Oceans)
Such is the power of music that it empowers individuals to lift themselves out of their darkest moods. No way is this philosophy more evident than with the second offering from TTMOE, where Kristian Matsson combines catchy folk with stunning, heart-warming lyrics.
While folk isn’t always associated with guitar virtuosity, Matsson’s best moments come from his speedy fingerpicking which he delivers with undeniable skill and certainty. Along with the imagery of his lyrics (“Oh darling when it’s you I see in headlights driving down the golden highway. And salvation in the beauty of some brace”) his scrawl of a voice evokes endless likeability.
Music that is so pure and honest is something that can lift anyone out of their darkness.
35 - Ludovico Einaudi – In a Time Lapse (2013, Decca)
In writing In a Time Lapse, Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi wholeheartedly experimented with classical minimalism, the results of which give the strongest sense of nostalgia and enticement.
Such music should be used as a reminder of the most colourful moments in life; Discovery At Night could be the soundtrack to finding a long lost friend, Run with its explosion of strings a theme for adventure and daring escapade and Circles (with lyrics by Greta Svabo Bech) a song of ideological romanticism.
Soothing and carefree, this is minimalism that isn’t afraid to bask in its own beautiful glory.
34 - The Antlers – Hospice (2009, The Antlers Music, Frenchkiss)
Much like Neutral Milk Hotel’s In an Aeroplane Over the Sea, The Antlers second album Hospice, although irrevocably sad, is something that you can’t help but fall in love with.
A concept album, Hospice tells the story of the romance of a hospice worker and his patient, who both fall in love despite the woman’s terminal cancer. Dealing with themes of love, death, disease and depression it is lyrically immense with piano, horns and synthesizers all lending themselves to the mix perfectly:
“Someone, oh anyone, tell me how to stop this. She’s screaming, expiring and I’m her only witness. I’m freezing, infected and rigid in that room beside her”.
It’s the hardest piece of music to listen to on this list. But on the rare occasion we play it, there’s barely a second where our spine isn’t tingling.
33 - Baroness – Blue Record (2009, Relapse)
With a twin-guitar attack that would make Thin Lizzy proud, Baroness’ Blue Record, although an all-out metal assault, pays homage to blues, folk and country music in typically awesome fashion.
Interlaced by 3 interludes, the seven tracks presented demonstrate an authenticity, tone and multiculturalism you’d expect from a band from Georgia. Whilst its metal influences are full of gritty Southern soul and barked vocals, its folk influences (Steel That Sleeps.../ Blackpowder Orchard) show an impassioned belief in widening the sphere of metal music.
Along with its outstanding artwork by frontman John Baizley, it’s one of the best metal albums we’ve ever heard.
32 - Sigur Ros – Agaetis byrjun (2000, Fat Cat)
Sigur Ros’ Agaetis byrjun hovers somewhere between the simplicity and allure of looping minimalism and intelligent dexterity of heavily layered ‘postrock’. And the results are stunning.
Their breakthrough album, Ab’s guitar-bowed soundscapes and falsetto vocals have since become their synonymous trademark – both gorgeous but eerie in equal measure.
Showing ethereal similarities to Cocteau Twins, SR would explore further their dreamy sound including the use of their gibberish language Hopelandic and increasingly orchestral arrangements throughout.
It’s an album which is deep and textured. And it’s the work of a band coming of age.
31 - Kvelertak – Kvelertak (2010, Indie)
With the attitude of The Clash, artful playfulness of Bowie and punk aesthetics of Neurosis, Kvelertak combined catchy and chaotic metal with uncompromising rock and roll.
With its black metal influenced snarls, “YAAHHS” and space age style solos and riffs, it’s a record which makes you feel like you’re in the studio with the band, getting spat at in the face as they destroy their rehearsal room. It’s also the perfect platform for drinking too much whisky and not giving a shit about what a dick you looked like the next day.
And with artwork we could stare at all day, John Baizley proves once again why he’s one hell of an alternative artist.