Album Releases by Genre

Out of Season

Out of Season

by Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man
October 7, 2003
The first solo outing for Portishead's Beth Gibbons finds her teaming up with former Talk Talk bassist Paul "Rustin' Man" Webb on a largely acoustic, melodic collection of 10 tracks.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.4
Sleep/Holiday

Sleep/Holiday

by Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
October 7, 2003
The Welsh band returns with 12 new tracks of indie rock mixed with folk, pop, and psychedelia.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Autumn Was A Lark

Autumn Was A Lark

by Portastatic
October 7, 2003
This odds'n'ends disc compiles covers recorded by Mac McCaughan and his touring band in the studio, acoustic tracks recorded from college radio broadcasts, and one new song.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
tbd
A People's History Of The Dismemberment Plan

A People's History Of The Dismemberment Plan

by The Dismemberment Plan
October 7, 2003
This final release from the now disbanded Washington, D.C. group is a remix album, but with a twist: all of the tracks were remixed by fans in response to an invitation on DP's website, with the best entries selected for inclusion on this disc.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.5
Hold On Love

Hold On Love

by Azure Ray
October 7, 2003
Crooked Fingers' Eric Bachmann returns as producer for the third album from the duo of Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.8
Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn

Winter Hymn Country Hymn Secret Hymn

by Do Make Say Think
October 7, 2003
The Toronto, Canada-based quartet returns with a fourth LP of psychedelic post-rock instrumentals, divided, as the title suggests, into three movements.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.5
Instant O In The Universe [EP]

Instant O In The Universe [EP]

by Stereolab
October 7, 2003
This five-song EP represents the first new studio material for the once prolific English band in two years (and first since the death of longtime member Mary Hansen). A new LP awaits in early 2004.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
7.0
Transatlanticism

Transatlanticism

by Death Cab for Cutie
October 7, 2003
This is the fourth album for the Washington-based indie group led by Ben Gibbard (also of the Postal Service) and Chris Walla.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Dear Catastrophe Waitress

Dear Catastrophe Waitress

by Belle and Sebastian
October 7, 2003
The veteran Scottish band's first album for Sanctuary (after a long run on Matador Records) is also their first without singer/cellist Isobel Campbell. The 12 tracks here were produced by Trevor Horn.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.0
Get Born

Get Born

by Jet
October 7, 2003
'Get Born' marks the debut of the Australian garage-rock quartet Jet.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.2
The Evening Of My Best Day

The Evening Of My Best Day

by Rickie Lee Jones
October 7, 2003
'Evening' represents Jones' first album of self-penned material in six years. The roster of guests includes Nels Cline, David Hidalgo, Grant Lee Phillips and Bill Frisell.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.6
Systems/Layers

Systems/Layers

by Rachel's
October 7, 2003
The fifth LP for the chamber-pop trio is a collaboration with the New York-based progressive theater collective SITI Company.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.3
Breathe

Breathe

by Leaves
September 23, 2003
This debut album for the Icelandic band (who draw more comparisons to Coldplay than to their countrymates Sigur Ros) was released in the UK in 2002 to some acclaim, prompting a major label deal with DreamWorks and a U.S. rerelease in 2003.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
tbd
stellastarr*

stellastarr*

by stellastarr*
September 23, 2003
The New-York four piece makes its full-length debut with this 10-track effort that has drawn comparisons to the usual suspects (Joy Division, The Cure, The Pixies, et al) as well as to newer bands who also draw from the same sources (Interpol, Hot Hot Heat, et al).
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.3
With The Tides

With The Tides

by South
September 23, 2003
The trio worked with producer Dave Eringa (Ash, Manic Street Preachers, Kylie Minogue) for this sophomore release.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.4
The Fire Theft

The Fire Theft

by The Fire Theft
September 23, 2003
Former Sunny Day Real Estate members Jeremy Enigk, William Goldsmith and Nate Mendel make their debut as The Fire Theft with this 13-track disc, co-produced by Brad Wood.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
7.8
Gallowsbird's Bark

Gallowsbird's Bark

by The Fiery Furnaces
September 23, 2003
Unlike Jack and Meg White, this brother-sister garage-blues duo really are brother and sister. 'Gallowsbird's Bark' marks the full-length debut for New Yorkers Eleanor and Matthew Friedberger after several years touring with the likes of Spoon, The Kills and French Kicks.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.3
Spoon And Rafter

Spoon And Rafter

by Mojave 3
September 23, 2003
This is the fourth album for the Neil Halstead-fronted band, who have taken on a more alt-country feel since their origins in Slowdive.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.6
Some Devil

Some Devil

by Dave Matthews
September 23, 2003
The first solo release for Dave Matthews (that's right, it's not the Dave Matthews Band this time out) finds him working with artists such as Tim Reynolds and Trey Anastasio (Phish).
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.6
The Long Road

The Long Road

by Nickelback
September 23, 2003
The Canadian grunge act attempts to duplicate the multi-platinum success of 2001's 'Silver Side Up' with this latest release.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
4.9
North

North

by Elvis Costello
September 23, 2003
'North' is a song cycle of piano-based ballads dealing with the ups and downs romance--both the ending of one releationship and the subsequent beginning of a new love.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.3
Results May Vary

Results May Vary

by Limp Bizkit
September 23, 2003
The critics were not kind to this follow-up to 'Chocolate Starfish...,' which sees the band with a new guitarist (who won the slot in a competition held at various Guitar Centers!) replacing the departed Wes Borland.
Metascore:
33
User Score:
4.2
Identity Crisis

Identity Crisis

by Shelby Lynne
September 16, 2003
Don't be fooled by the title: While 'Identity Crisis' would have perfectly suited her poorly-received predecessor, 2001's Glen Ballard-produced 'Love, Shelby,' that's not the case here, as these 12 self-produced tracks are more likely to connect with fans of her breakthrough disc 'I Am Shelby Lynne.'
Metascore:
83
User Score:
6.3
Permission To Land

Permission To Land

by The Darkness
September 16, 2003
'Permission To Land' is the debut LP for the rock four-piece from Norfolk, England (and we're talking the big, loud, stadium-rock end of the rock continuum, not the indie-rock end).
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.4
Ima Robot

Ima Robot

by Ima Robot
September 16, 2003
The roster of this Los Angeles outfit (who make their debut with this self-titled release) includes members of Beck's touring band (Medal-Johnsen and Joey Waronker).
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.7
In Reverie

In Reverie

by Saves the Day
September 16, 2003
Less punk, more pop is the motto for the fourth album by the New Jersey emo band led by singer-songwriter Chris Conley.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.6
Reality

Reality

by David Bowie
September 16, 2003
'Reality' finds a now 56-year-old David Bowie working once again with longtime producer Tony Visconti. Included among the 11 tracks is a cover of Jonathan Richman's "Pablo Picasso."
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.3
Thirteenth Step

Thirteenth Step

by A Perfect Circle
September 16, 2003
Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan's side project returns with a second LP on which he's backed by Jeordie "Twiggy Ramirez" White (Marilyn Manson), Billy Howerdel (Tool's guitar tech) and Josh Freese (Guns N' Roses).
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
Team Boo

Team Boo

by Mates of State
September 16, 2003
This is the third album from the husband-wife duo of Kori Gardner (keyboards) and Jason Hammel (drums). Spoon's Jim Eno produced, along with John Croslin.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
7.7
Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus

by Enon
September 9, 2003
John Schmersal and Enon return with their third LP, which features an increased vocal presence by Toko Yasuda.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
4.8
Feel It

Feel It

by Some Girls
September 9, 2003
The girls in question on this debut disc are Blake Babies veterans Juliana Hatfield (guitars, vocals) and Freda Love (drums) plus bassist Heidi Gluck (The Pieces).
Metascore:
77
User Score:
tbd
The New Romance

The New Romance

by Pretty Girls Make Graves
September 9, 2003
The Seattle hard rock band's sophomore album was produced by Phil Ek (Modest Mouse, Built To Spill).
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.4
Hot Shit

Hot Shit

by Quasi
September 9, 2003
The duo of Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney) return with their fifth LP.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Lost in Translation OST

Lost in Translation OST

by Original Soundtrack
September 9, 2003
The soundtrack to Sofia Coppola's second feature film includes the first new music in over ten years from My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields (who scored much of the film), new music from Air, and older tracks from Squarepusher, Jesus And Mary Chain, and Death In Vegas.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
Whenever You're Ready

Whenever You're Ready

by Swell
September 9, 2003
The seventh LP for the San Francisco-based band sees the fractured band reunited, as singer and co-founder David Freel is rejoined by drummer Sean Kirkpatrick.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
tbd
Her Majesty The Decemberists

Her Majesty The Decemberists

by The Decemberists
September 9, 2003
This is the second album for the Portland, Ore.-based indie five-piece led by Colin Meloy.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
7.9
Yoko

Yoko

by Beulah
September 9, 2003
The San Francisco group's fourth album is its darkest in mood so far, perhaps a result of several changes in band membership since 2001's 'The Coast Is Never Clear.'
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.4
The Meadowlands

The Meadowlands

by The Wrens
September 9, 2003
The indie rockers took four years to record this third album.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Show Me Your Tears

Show Me Your Tears

by Frank Black & The Catholics
September 9, 2003
He's nothing if not prolific. Black's fourth album in two and a half years features 13 new tracks and appearances from some of his usual cohorts (Stan Ridgway, Joey Santiago).
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.7
Seal IV

Seal IV

by Seal
September 9, 2003
Never one for original album titles, Seal returns with just his fourth LP in his 12+ year recording career. Trevor Horn produces.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
8.7
The Decline Of British Sea Power

The Decline Of British Sea Power

by British Sea Power
September 9, 2003
Oft-compared to Joy Division, this unique British four-piece sports single-word names (Hamilton, Noble, Yan, and Wood), dons military apparel for their live shows, and tackles dark, weighty themes in their lyrics (Czech history, anyone)? 'The Decline' marks their full-length debut, drawing critical praise on both sides of the Atlantic.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.6
Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

by David Byrne
September 9, 2003
Byrne's latest release originated as the soundtrack to the film 'Young Adam' (itself based on the novel by Scottish beat writer Alexander Trocci). Since the film is set in Scotland, and since the former Talking Head himself was born there, he decided to enlist members of Glasgow-based groups such as Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian and The Reindeer Section to assist with this music (only a small portion of which actually is heard in the film).
Metascore:
79
User Score:
tbd
You Gotta Go There To Come Back

You Gotta Go There To Come Back

by Stereophonics
September 9, 2003
The Welsh band self-produced this fourth studio album.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
7.3
The Wolf

The Wolf

by Andrew W.K.
September 9, 2003
America's favorite party animal attempts to move past the frat party/beer commercial sound of his hit debut album with this slightly more mature follow-up. Slightly.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.9
Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace

by Spiritualized
September 9, 2003
A quick follow-up by Spiritualized standards, 'Amazing Grace' finds Jason Pierce with a new record label (his own Spaceman Records imprint) and a more immediate, less orchestral sound than on 2001's 'Let It Come Down.'
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.6
It Still Moves

It Still Moves

by My Morning Jacket
September 9, 2003
The Southern rockers make their major-label debut with this 12-track effort.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
5

5

by Town & Country
September 9, 2003
The fifth release from the Chicago-based outfit continue their foray into "modern classical" composition using acoustic instruments.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
tbd
Amateur Night In The Big Top

Amateur Night In The Big Top

by Shaun William Ryder
September 2, 2003
'Amateur Night' marks the first solo release for the former frontman of the Happy Mondays and Black Grape. Cabaret Voltaire's Stephen Mallinder co-produced.
Metascore:
51
User Score:
8.5
The Other Side Of Daybreak

The Other Side Of Daybreak

by Beth Orton
September 2, 2003
This compilation consists chiefly of alternate versions of tracks from her recent LP 'Daybreaker,' including live recordings and remixes by Two Lone Swordsmen and Four Tet.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
tbd
Passionoia

Passionoia

by Black Box Recorder
September 2, 2003
This is the third LP for the English trio of vocalist Sarah Nixey, former Auteurs frontman Luke Haines and former Jesus & Mary Chain member John Moore. Together, they sound a bit like Saint Etienne, but with a much more political and satirical approach to their lyrics.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
6.9
Chain Gang Of Love

Chain Gang Of Love

by The Raveonettes
September 2, 2003
Denmark's Raveonettes--now including two new members in addition to founders Sune Rose Wagner, Sharin Foo and their drum machine--make their major-label debut with this 13-track effort produced by Richard Gottehrer (Blondie). As on their debut EP, all songs are restricted to a single key (here, b-flat major) and must be shorter than 3 minutes.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.0
Take Them On, On Your Own

Take Them On, On Your Own

by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
September 2, 2003
The London-by-way-of-Los-Angeles-by-way-of-San Francisco rockers known as JAMC--er, make that BRMC--return with their second LP, which actually finds the group distancing themselves (at least a little) from the Jesus and Mary Chain-influenced sound of their debut.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers

Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers

by The National
September 2, 2003
This is the second album for the Brooklyn- (formerly Ohio-) based indie rockers fronted by singer Matt Berninger.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Dressy Bessy

Dressy Bessy

by Dressy Bessy
August 26, 2003
This is the third studio album for the Denver-based indie pop band led by Tammy Ealom.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.1
1972

1972

by Josh Rouse
August 26, 2003
The fifth album from the Nebraska-born singer-songwriter is indeed influenced by the music of 1972 (the year Rouse was born).
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.7
The Wind

The Wind

by Warren Zevon
August 26, 2003
Diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2002, veteran singer-songwriter Warren Zevon decided to record one final album. This 11-track effort includes contributions from numerous Zevon friends, including Ry Cooder, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Tom Petty, and Dwight Yoakam.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.5
Heart

Heart

by Stars
August 26, 2003
This is the second LP for the Montreal-based indie-pop quartet featuring actor Torquil Campbell, Evan Cranley (also a member of Broken Social Scene), Amy Millan and Chris Seligman.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.5
Reconstruction Site

Reconstruction Site

by The Weakerthans
August 26, 2003
This is the third album for the Winnipeg, Canada-based group led by former Propagandhi member John K. Samson.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.7
truANT

truANT

by Alien Ant Farm
August 19, 2003
This sophomore disc for the Southern California alt-metal outfit was produced by Robert and Dean DeLeo of the Stone Temple Pilots.
Metascore:
63
User Score:
7.7
Shine A Light

Shine A Light

by The Constantines
August 19, 2003
The Ontario, Canada band makes its Sub Pop (and U.S.) debut with this, their second LP, which mixes alternative rock with punk and soul.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.6
Indestructible

Indestructible

by Rancid
August 19, 2003
The Bay Area punk band returns with its first album in three years.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.5
Earthquake Glue

Earthquake Glue

by Guided by Voices
August 19, 2003
The ever-prolific Robert Pollard returns with a brand-new GbV studio disc (the 15th or so since 1987), retaining the core group of musicians that has been with him for the last few albums.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
Greendale

Greendale

by Neil Young
August 19, 2003
Credited to Neil Young & Crazy Horse (expect electric rather than acoustic), this latest offering by the 57-year-old rocker is a 10-song concept album about the lives of the fictitious Green family.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
8.6
Bazooka!!!

Bazooka!!!

by The Star Spangles
August 19, 2003
Signed to a major-label deal after just one single, New York punk foursome The Star Spangles make their full-length debut with Bazooka!!!
Metascore:
68
User Score:
tbd
Youth & Young Manhood

Youth & Young Manhood

by Kings of Leon
August 19, 2003
This is the debut full-length for the Nashville-based rock band consisting of three brothers (the sons of a preacher) and their cousin.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
Welcome To The Monkey House

Welcome To The Monkey House

by The Dandy Warhols
August 19, 2003
The fourth release for the Portland, Ore. four-piece is a trip through 70's glam- and 80s synth- rock, complete with contributions from Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes (the latter produced much of the album), Chic's Nile Rogers, Bowie/T. Rex producer Tony Visconti, and, well, Evan Dando.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
7.8
A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar

A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar

by Dashboard Confessional
August 12, 2003
This is the fourth album for the Florida-based emo band led by Christopher Carraba.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.5
Haha Sound

Haha Sound

by Broadcast
August 12, 2003
This is just the second full-length recording for the Birmingham, England experimental pop outfit founded in 1995. Included here is the track "Pendulum" from the recent EP of the same name.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Voice Of Treason

Voice Of Treason

by Soledad Brothers
August 11, 2003
If you think the concept of a guitar-drums blues duo from Detroit sounds a bit, well, familiar, consider this: Soledad Brothers guitarist Johnny Walker allegedly is responsible for teaching the White Stripes' Jack White how to play guitar. This is the Brothers' third studio LP.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Quebec

Quebec

by Ween
August 5, 2003
The eighth studio album for Gene and Dean Ween is their strangest (and definitely most eclectic) in quite some time. (And many Ween fans will probably see that as a good thing.)
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.6
Get The Picture

Get The Picture

by Smash Mouth
August 5, 2003
The fourth album for the Bay Area band finds them once again in light, summertime pop mode.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
7.0
D-D-Don't Don't Stop the Beat

D-D-Don't Don't Stop the Beat

by Junior Senior
August 5, 2003
This party album from the Danish band Junior Senior has garnered attention throughout Europe with its mix of garage rock, pop and disco.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
7.1
Killing Joke [2003]

Killing Joke [2003]

by Killing Joke
August 5, 2003
The first album in seven years for the UK punk outfit founded in 1978 features newly reunited members Jaz Coleman, Youth and Paul Raven, with Dave Grohl filling in on drums.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.6
Truly She Is None Other

Truly She Is None Other

by Holly Golightly
July 29, 2003
A former member of Billy Childish's band Thee Headcoatees, Holly Golightly has gained a wider following in recent months due to her guest appearance on The White Stripes' 'Elephant.' New devotees will have a lot to discover: this is her ninth solo album since 1995.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
tbd
Lovers

Lovers

by The Sleepy Jackson
July 29, 2003
The Australian rockers, who have attracted attention in their homeland and in Europe with their early EPs, make their full-length debut with this LP.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.2
Living Outside

Living Outside

by Sense Field
July 22, 2003
Producer Brad Wood (Liz Phair) helms this latest release for the emo-rockers, which includes a cover of The Cure's "A Letter to Elise."
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.6
Phantom Power

Phantom Power

by Super Furry Animals
July 22, 2003
The quirky Welsh quintet's sixth album was produced by Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys).
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.9
It's All In Your Head

It's All In Your Head

by Eve 6
July 22, 2003
This is the third album for the Los Angeles alt-rock trio led by singer Max Collins (who lately is best known for an indecent exposure incident in a Pittsburgh hotel lobby).
Metascore:
58
User Score:
8.7
Strays

Strays

by Jane's Addiction
July 22, 2003
A reunited Jane's Addiction (sans bassist Eric Avery) is back with their first studio recording in 13 years.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.5
Skywatching

Skywatching

by Pete Droge
July 15, 2003
The fourth LP for the singer-songwriter (who is also a member of The Thorns) is his first without longtime producer Brendan O'Brien, as Droge handles production chores himself.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Quixotic

Quixotic

by Martina Topley-Bird
July 14, 2003
Best known as the female vocalist on Tricky's first three albums, Martina Topley-Bird finally arrives with her first solo release, which earned her a Mercury Music Prize nomination. Guest collaborators include the Tricky kid himself, as well as David Holmes and Josh Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age).
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.8
The Violet Hour

The Violet Hour

by The Clientele
July 8, 2003
The London-based band follow their singles collection ('Suburban Light') with this, their first true studio LP, which continues their hazy, 60s-influenced sound developed in those earlier songs.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.5
A Drug Problem That Never Existed

A Drug Problem That Never Existed

by Mondo Generator
July 1, 2003
This is the second Mondo Generator recording for Nick Oliveri and Josh Homme (Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age), who are joined here by Brant Bjork (Kyuss) and Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees).
Metascore:
70
User Score:
tbd
Heroes & Villains

Heroes & Villains

by Paloalto
July 1, 2003
The Los Angeles- (no, not Bay Area-) based alt-rock band led by singer-songwriter James Grundler returns with a Rick Rubin-produced sophomore LP.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.1
New York Noise

New York Noise

by Various Artists
June 30, 2003
This 16-track compilation offers an impressive sampling of the New York underground scene from the late 1970s and early 80s, including cuts from "no-wave," post-punk, experimental and hip-hop artists such as ESG, Material, DNA, Defunkt, and Liquid Liquid.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
tbd
Answers

Answers

by Ui
June 24, 2003
The New York-based but Chicago-sounding post-rock outfit (think Isotope 217 or Tortoise) founded by Sasha Frere-Jones offers 13 new tracks on their first LP since 1998, and their first with new bassist (one of two) Erik Sanko of Skeleton Key.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
Terroir Blues

Terroir Blues

by Jay Farrar
June 24, 2003
This is the second solo LP from the co-founder of such legendary alt-country bands as Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.2
Keep It Together

Keep It Together

by Guster
June 24, 2003
The Boston-based trio has developed a devoted following over the course of three albums and ten years of touring. This fourth album, produced by Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo), adds additional elements such as bass and drums to their ususal mix of two acoustic guitars and bongos.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
De-Loused In The Comatorium

De-Loused In The Comatorium

by The Mars Volta
June 24, 2003
'De-Loused' is the heavily anticipated debut LP from the group formed by former At The Drive-In members Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.9
Blemish

Blemish

by David Sylvian
June 23, 2003
Sylvian's first studio recording since 1999's 'Dead Bees on a Cake' is much darker and more spare than that recording. The former Japan leader is joined by guitarists Derek Bailey and Christian Fennesz on several tracks.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.5
I Am The Fun Blame Monster

I Am The Fun Blame Monster

by Menomena
June 20, 2003
The quirky, Portland, Ore.-based indie rock trio recorded this highly-regarded genre-twisting debut album with the aid of a homemade software program.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
8.7
Scorpio Rising

Scorpio Rising

by Death in Vegas
June 17, 2003
The third album from the London-based duo of Richard Fearless and Tim Holmes, much like its predecessor (1999's 'Contino Sessions'), mixes electronica and rock with a variety of celebrity guests handling vocals. This time out, the voices come from Hope Sandoval, Paul Weller, Dot Allison and Liam Gallagher.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.9
The Magic Magicians

The Magic Magicians

by The Magic Magicians
June 17, 2003
The duo of 764-HERO guitarist/vocalist John Atkins and Black Heart Procession drummer Joe Plummer return with a second LP.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
tbd
Happy Songs For Happy People

Happy Songs For Happy People

by Mogwai
June 17, 2003
Don't let the title fool you; the Glaswegian instrumental post-rockers are just as dour as ever on this fourth studio LP.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
If We Meet In The Future

If We Meet In The Future

by Saloon
June 17, 2003
This sophomore LP for the Reading, England band continues the retro-futuristic pop sound (frequently compared to Stereolab) from their debut, with vocals sung in English, Spanish and French.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
tbd
Promise Of Love

Promise Of Love

by American Analog Set
June 17, 2003
The Austin, Texas-based drone-pop qunitet--known to friends and reviewers as AmAnSet--returns with their fifth LP.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.8
Decoration Day

Decoration Day

by Drive-By Truckers
June 17, 2003
The Southern rock band led by Patterson Hood follow up their 2-disc concept album about Lynyrd Skynyrd ('The Southern Rock Opera') with this less conceptual but equally rocking LP.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.7
Twice

Twice

by The Tyde
June 17, 2003
'Twice,' which, yes, follows 2001's 'Once,' is the second album for the Los Angeles-based band that features three members of Beachwood Sparks. While the Sparks employ a 60's California pop sound, the Tyde tend to echo somewhat more recent British groups such as Felt.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
tbd
Waiting For The Moon

Waiting For The Moon

by Tindersticks
June 17, 2003
The sixth studio LP for the distinctive English band is preceded by the EP "Don't Even Go There" (which shares one track with the album).
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Deja Entendu

Deja Entendu

by Brand New
June 17, 2003
This sophomore disc finds the young emo band expanding on its sound with the help of producer Steven Haigler (Pixies, Quicksand).
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.8