© theother press e¢ Culture January 14, 2004 The Best of 2003 Amanda Aikman Culture Editor I'm not sure if the following list really rep- resents “the best” so much as it represents “some of the best” albums of 2003. You see, there were a lot of supposedly amaz- ing records released last year by artists like Iron Wine, American Analog Set, and the Shins that I haven't even had an opportu- nity to hear yet. What happens if after hearing those albums I have a drastic change of heart? I suppose I could proba- bly track down the literally dozens of OP readers and make a personal retraction, but I think instead I'll just call this “my top five favourite albums of 2003 that I have heard so far, subject to change upon hearing better albums” list. Not quite as catchy I know, but I'll sleep better at night knowing that I have been completely hon- est with you. The following albums include titles by both Canadian and international artists, although truth be told I could have easily filled a top-five list with BC artists alone. With such diverse and talented acts as Frog Eyes, ponyboy, the Salteens, Young and Sexy, and That Kelly Boy all staking claims in the local soundscape last year, there would certainly be more than enough quality material to choose from. But enough excuses already. For better or worse, and for the sake of brevity (some call it laziness, but I much prefer brevity) I have narrowed my selections to five, so without further adieu I give you “my top favourite albums of 2003 that I have heard so far, subject to change upon hear- ing better albums” list. 5. Death Cab for Cutie, Transatlanticism Ben Gibbard can sing. Ben Gibbard can} 7 make you cry | when he sings. Ben Gibbard can sing about leprechauns having pillow fights with Care Bears and still make it sound so achy-breaky and melancholically beautiful that you just want to hug him and tell him everything will be okay. Unfortunately the leprechaun/Care Bear song did not make the final cut on Transatlanticism, but the 11 songs that did are almost as good. There’s even one called “Expo’ 86.” 4, Grandaddy, Sumday Winona Ryder likes them so you should too. After all she was right about Wilco wasn't she? If that isn’t enough to rev you up, how about this? Sumday is chockfull of the signature dreamy, futur- pb ted istic pop that made Grandaddy’s previous album Sophtware Slump such a hit with the cool kids. “Now It’s On” is catchy with a capital K, “El Caminos In The West” will make you cry out with joy, and “Saddest Vacant Lot in All the World” will just make you cry. 3. The Weakerthans, Reconstruction Site When I first heard that the Weakerthans had signed with Epitaph I have to admit, I was a little nervous. But it turns out my fretting was all for not. Reconstruction Site is an intelli- gent, grown-up record by an [yp intelligent grown-up band. The boys > from Manitoba have successful- ly maintained the idealism and passion of their earlier days in bands like Propaghandi and Elliott, while tempering these energies with the wisdom, insight, and ability that comes with age. Plus the song “Reasons” could make the lame walk and the dead dance. 2. The Decemberists, Her Majesty the Decemberists When was the last time you did some- thing nice for your ears? Do you want to be transported and inspired? Are you a fan of well-crafted, original, and beautiful music? you read my review of this album in the very issue of |] the Other Press & that you are currently clutching in your sweaty little hands? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you know what you have to do. Go buy Her Majesty the Decemberists. Have 1. Martin Tielli, Operation Infinite Joy Shocking, I know. But I didn’t pick Martin Tielli’s album as number one sim- ply because I am in love with him. You see it’s one of those vicious-circle- type deals. I love i because he is brilliant, and his brilliance causes him to make amazing records, and his amazing records cause me to think he is brilliant, and I love him because he is brilliant. Trust me, once him youve heard this album’s_ explosive “Sergeant Kraulis” and heartbreaking “Ship of Fire,” you will love him too. But you cant have him—he’s mine. The Decemberists, Her Majesty the Decemberists Amanda Aikman Culture Editor Boy howdy, I am so shamelessly smitten with this album. If I hadn’t already donated the bulk of my student loan to various box- ing week sales I would buy each and every one of you a copy of your very own. As a consolation prize, you are all welcome to come on down to the Other Press office and listen to it with me any time you want. Ooh irll be so much fun! We'll make martinis and do each other's hair, and in between songs we'll debate impor- i. tant world issues of the If that doesn’t appeal to you, you should still make an effort to get your ears on a copy of this album as soon as you can. It’s no acci- dent that Her Majesty... has been popping up on “best of” lists this year more often than Ben and J-Lo have been popping up on Access Hollywood. This album has it all— from songs about Los Angeles to songs about New York. There’s even a big fancy ditty about pirates and a real pretty ballad about actors. Surprisingly, the band is from Portland yet they sound more British than a fish- day—like whether or not monger reciting King Lear at a Manchester United match. Somehow they manage to Billy Crudup — use words like “knickers,” “bowery toughs,” is the poor and “box your ears” without sounding man’ s_ affected at all—I don't how they do it. I tried to get in on the act by casually calling people “Guvner” and offering to clean their chimneys for a six pence but I guess I did it wrong because I didn’t sound cool at all. Theatrical, catchy, interesting, literate, original—this is the evolution of the pop album. Beautifully arranged, melodic, well- written music that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a tap in your toe. If you're tired of the disposable likes of Justin Timberlake, or don’t have the time to “rock star” up your hair enough to listen to The Strokes anymore, then you are ready. Its time to dive into the clever, vaudevillian dream that is The Decemberists—don't be ee ~% frightened, Britney will always be there when you get back. SWF seeks contributors for one- article stands or possible long-term relationships. Do you listen to CDs? Attend movies, plays, or con- certs? Read any good books lately? If so, I’d love to hear all about it. Be a culture writer for the Other Press! Don’t do it for the money, the glory, or the fame...do it for me, your lonely culture editor. Page 12 e http://www.otherpress.ca