Album Releases by Genre

Soft Spot

Soft Spot

by Clem Snide
June 17, 2003
The fourth album for the alt-country trio (whose song "Moment in the Sun" is the theme for NBC's "Ed") was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (American Music Club).
Metascore:
74
User Score:
tbd
Vulnerable

Vulnerable

by Tricky
June 17, 2003
If declining sales and waning critical support are any indication, then yes, Tricky is probably feeling quite vulnerable at this stage of his career. But that didn't stop him from releasing this seventh LP, which includes covers of The Cure's "Love Cats" and XTC's "Dear God."
Metascore:
60
User Score:
6.8
St. Anger

St. Anger

by Metallica
June 10, 2003
As the title implies, the metal band is just as, well, angry as ever on their first new studio album since 'Load' and 'Reload' appeared in 1996 and 1997. Just don't try downloading it for free--then you'll see some real anger.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
5.5
Sumday

Sumday

by Grandaddy
June 10, 2003
The best indie rock band to come out of Modesto, California in quite some time (well, ever, we'd think) returns with a long-awaited fourth LP, arriving a full three years after The Sophtware Slump thanks to worldwide tours and a lengthy recording process.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.7
Bare

Bare

by Annie Lennox
June 10, 2003
The former Eurythmics' singer's third solo album is her first collection of original songs since 1992's 'Diva.'
Metascore:
68
User Score:
7.8
O

O

by Damien Rice
June 10, 2003
This full-length debut for the Irish singer/songwriter has moved beyond his home country (where it was a massive hit) to attract critical praise and strong sales worldwide. Mostly self-produced and recorded, the disc also comes in specially-designed packaging including text, artwork and photographs.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.9
Everything Must Go

Everything Must Go

by Steely Dan
June 10, 2003
What sounds like a Steely Dan clearance sale is actually the veteran duo's first album of new material since their 2000 comeback effort 'Two Against Nature.'
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.5
Welcome Interstate Managers

Welcome Interstate Managers

by Fountains of Wayne
June 10, 2003
The New York-based indie-pop band, led by Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, returns with a long-awaited third LP.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
7.8
Hail To The Thief

Hail To The Thief

by Radiohead
June 10, 2003
Not quite the return to the "rock" side of Radiohead as originally believed (although pretty close), the band's sixth album (produced again by Nigel Godrich) retains some of the experimental electronica elements of its predecessors Kid A and Amnesiac. Note that each of the tracks on the album has an alternate title, as does the album itself (aka 'The Gloaming').
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
Me & Giuliani Down By the School Yard (A True Story) [EP]

Me & Giuliani Down By the School Yard (A True Story) [EP]

by !!! [Chik Chik Chik]
June 3, 2003
Search engines hate them, but !!! (pronounced "Chik Chik Chik," of course) are popular with live audiences for their funkier, dancier (yes, that's a word--trust us) approach to indie music. The Sacramento band shares three members with Out Hud, and this is their 2-song debut for Touch And Go (with a full album to follow in 2004).
Metascore:
83
User Score:
6.3
L' Avventura

L' Avventura

by Britta Phillips and Dean Wareham
June 3, 2003
Bassist Britta Phillips and guitarist Dean Wareham (each a member of the band Luna) offer a mix of originals and covers, including takes on songs by Madonna, the Silver Jews and the Doors, all produced by Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex).
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.3
Trouble No More

Trouble No More

by John Mellencamp
June 3, 2003
The Indiana rocker returns with his very first covers album, with versions of 12 roots/blues tunes.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
6.1
My Private Nation

My Private Nation

by Train
June 3, 2003
The San Francisco alt-rock band attempts to duplicate the success of 2001's 'Drops of Jupiter' with this, their third release.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
7.7
You Forgot It In People

You Forgot It In People

by Broken Social Scene
June 3, 2003
The Toronto, Canada indie-rock collective generated a great deal of praise for this 2002 sophomore effort, which was released in the U.S. in June, 2003 for the first time.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.9
In the Pursuit of Leisure

In the Pursuit of Leisure

by Sugar Ray
June 3, 2003
This lengthily-titled album marks a reunion for the band with producer David Kahne. Included here is a cover of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?"
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.2
Yes New York

Yes New York

by Various Artists
June 3, 2003
This compilation (whose name borrows from the similar 1978 Brian Eno-curated disc 'No New York') contains 16 tracks from artists at the forefront of the current New York indie scene, including The Strokes, Interpol, The Natural History, Radio 4, The Walkmen, The Rapture, Calla, Longwave, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Yeah Yeah Yeahs (credited to "Unitard") and The Rogers Sisters.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
tbd
Paper Monsters

Paper Monsters

by Dave Gahan
June 3, 2003
The Depeche Mode vocalist's first solo release finds him working with Sigur Ros producer Ken Thomas.
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.2
Run To Ruin

Run To Ruin

by Nina Nastasia
June 3, 2003
Recorded by Steve Albini, 'Run To Ruin' is the New York singer-songwriter's third LP. The Dirty Three's Jim White chips in on drums.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.3
Kill Them With Kindness

Kill Them With Kindness

by The Jealous Sound
June 3, 2003
The Los Angeles-based indie-rock band led by Blair Shehan (formerly of Knapsack) makes its long-awaited full-length debut after several years of touring with bands ranging from Death Cab For Cutie to the Foo Fighters.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
tbd
Ego War

Ego War

by Audio Bullys
June 3, 2003
Already being heralded as 2003's version of The Streets, the suburban London duo who compose the Audio Bullys combine everything from punk, ska, new wave, and house on this debut.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
7.8
Shootenanny!

Shootenanny!

by Eels
June 3, 2003
The Eels fifth album finds head Eel Mark Oliver Everett (aka "E") injecting more humor into his otherwise dark alt-rock tunes.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.6
In Rape Fantasy And Terror Sex We Trust

In Rape Fantasy And Terror Sex We Trust

by Joan of Arc
May 27, 2003
The hard-to-like band's second album of early 2003 was recorded during the same sessions that gave rise to 'So Much Staying Alive and Lovelessness.'
Metascore:
63
User Score:
tbd
Zoo Psychology

Zoo Psychology

by Ex Models
May 27, 2003
This is the second album from the post-punk outfit, one of the edgier, less-mainstream bands on the current New York underground circuit.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
5.5
How The West Was Won

How The West Was Won

by Led Zeppelin
May 27, 2003
About 30 years too late, Led Zeppelin fans finally have a good live album to add to their collections. This 3-disc set is culled from live performances in Los Angeles and Long Beach in June 1972, and includes a 25-minute version of "Dazed and Confused," and a 23-minute take on "Whole Lotta Love."
Metascore:
97
User Score:
8.9
Precollection

Precollection

by Lilys
May 20, 2003
The first album in four years for Kurt Heasley and his band continues his fixation with all things British.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
band red

band red

by KaitO
May 20, 2003
This is the sophomore disc for the Norwich, England rock band (led by excitable vocalist Nikki Colk) who at times recall a harder-rocking Electrelane or a UK version of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
The Thorns

The Thorns

by The Thorns
May 20, 2003
The Thorns is a collaboration between singer-songwriters Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge, with this disc marking their first release together.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.6
Rooney

Rooney

by Rooney
May 20, 2003
This is the debut LP for the Weezer-esque Los Angeles band led by Robert Carmine (otherwise known as the younger brother of actor/Phantom Planet bandmember Jason Schwartzman).
Metascore:
67
User Score:
7.3
From Every Sphere

From Every Sphere

by Ed Harcourt
May 20, 2003
Nominated for Britain's Mercury Music Prize for his 2001 debut 'Here Be Monsters,' DIYer Ed Harcourt returns with his second studio recording.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.8
Built On Squares

Built On Squares

by Starlight Mints
May 20, 2003
Another somewhat strange indie-pop band from Oklahoma (Flaming Lips, anyone?), the Starlight Mints return with 11 catchy new tunes on this sophomore release.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
6.0
Birds Of Pray

Birds Of Pray

by Live
May 20, 2003
Ed Kowalczyk & co. return for their sixth album, produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Something Corporate).
Metascore:
50
User Score:
7.6
14 Shades Of Grey

14 Shades Of Grey

by Staind
May 20, 2003
The alt-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 megahit, 'Break The Cycle.'
Metascore:
41
User Score:
6.9
Anthem

Anthem

by Less Than Jake
May 20, 2003
The Florida ska-punk band's third major-label release includes a cover of Cheap Trick's "Surrender."
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.5
Deftones

Deftones

by Deftones
May 20, 2003
This self-titled release is the fourth studio album for the California alt-metal outfit.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.5
Lowedges

Lowedges

by Richard Hawley
May 20, 2003
Named after a suburb of his native Sheffield, England, 'Lowedges' is the third solo release for the Pulp guitarist.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
tbd
Yours, Mine & Ours

Yours, Mine & Ours

by Pernice Brothers
May 20, 2003
Joe Pernice and company return with ten new indie-pop gems.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.4
Fire

Fire

by Electric Six
May 20, 2003
Featuring guitarists named Rock and Roll Indian and Surge Joebot, the latest indie-rock sensation to come out of Detroit combines punk, new-wave and disco on this debut full-length. Included here is a new version of their hit single "Danger! High Voltage" with the White Stripes' Jack White on backing vocals.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.5
Good Mourning

Good Mourning

by Alkaline Trio
May 13, 2003
The Chicago-based emo band returns with their fourth full-length.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.6
The Golden Age Of Grotesque

The Golden Age Of Grotesque

by Marilyn Manson
May 13, 2003
Manson's fifth album finds the shock-rocker turning to the glory days of vaudeville and burlesque for inspiration.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
8.0
Out Of The Vein

Out Of The Vein

by Third Eye Blind
May 13, 2003
The third album for the radio-friendly San Francisco-based alt-rockers is almost a concept album about breaking up with Charlize Theron, which--lest you think the band was getting wacky all of a sudden--band leader Stephan Jenkins actually did do recently.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.7
The Mess We Made

The Mess We Made

by Matt Elliott
May 13, 2003
Recording under his own name for the first time rather than his usual Third Eye Foundation (definitely not to be confused with Third Eye Blind), Bristol, England's Matt Elliott returns with a dark, moody collection of lo-fi, sample-based electronica.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.5
Alter

Alter

by Pleasure Forever
May 6, 2003
The San Francisco rock band formerly known as VSS and then Slaves returns with a second album for Sub Pop in their current Pleasure Forever incarnation.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Slideling

Slideling

by Ian McCulloch
May 6, 2003
This is the first solo album in over 10 years for the Echo & The Bunnymen frontman, who lately has developed a vocal fan in Coldplay's Chris Martin, who guests on this disc.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
tbd
Glass [EP]

Glass [EP]

by The Sea and Cake
May 6, 2003
This EP-sized companion-piece to One Bedroom contains three versions of tracks from that recent album (remixed by Stereolab, Carl Craig and Broadcast) as well as four new songs.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
tbd
Being Ridden

Being Ridden

by Cex
May 6, 2003
21-year old Rjyan Kidwell seems to have all the bases covered on his latest full-length, which might be considered your typical glitchtronica-indie-folk-hip-hop-emo-electro-party jam, if it weren't for the fact that there is absolutely nothing typical about it at all.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
tbd
Electric Version

Electric Version

by The New Pornographers
May 6, 2003
The Vancouver, Canada indie supergroup attempts to duplicate the success of 2000's 'Mass Romantic' with this sophomore release. Neko Case returns to handle vocal duties.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.8
Imperial

Imperial

by Robin Guthrie
May 6, 2003
'Imperial' marks the first-ever solo release for the Cocteau Twins' guitarist (who also runs record label Bella Union, works as a record producer, and is one-half of the band Violet Indiana). This ten-track instrumental disc sounds a lot like his work with that earlier band.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
tbd
Easy Listening

Easy Listening

by Cobra Verde
May 6, 2003
Otherwise known as the backing band for Robert Pollard in Guided By Voices, Cleveland's Cobra Verde combine numerous 70s rock influences on this, their third studio album. J Mascis guests.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
The Smell Of Our Own

The Smell Of Our Own

by The Hidden Cameras
May 6, 2003
If you can picture an explicitly gay version of the Polyphonic Spree recording church music, then you have a general idea of this unconventional debut album from Toronto, Canada's Hidden Cameras.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.3
What Sound

What Sound

by Lamb
May 6, 2003
The trip-hop duo continues to expand their sound on their third album, which features guest appearances from Michael Franti (Spearhead), Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Jimi Goodwin (Doves) and the Scratch Perverts.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.2
Think Tank

Think Tank

by Blur
May 6, 2003
The veteran Britpop outfit's first new album in four years is the result of tumultuous recording sessions in Morocco with producer Fatboy Slim, which saw a growing dispute between co-founders Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon culminate in Coxon's departure from the band. Fatboy Slim only wound up producing two tracks, with William Orbit handling some of the others.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
The Old Kit Bag

The Old Kit Bag

by Richard Thompson
May 6, 2003
On an indie label for the first time in almost two decades, the veteran British folk-rocker returns with a stripped-down sound, courtesy of producer John Chelew.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.4
On And On

On And On

by Jack Johnson
May 6, 2003
Professional surfer-turned-rocker Jack Johnson returns with his second LP of mellow alt-rock.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
8.5
Movement

Movement

by Gossip
May 6, 2003
This is the second full-length for the Olympia, Wash-based indie-punk trio led by powerful singer Beth Ditto.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.4
When I Pretend To Fall

When I Pretend To Fall

by The Long Winters
May 6, 2003
The one constant in the Seattle indie band The Long Winters is Alaska native John Roderick, who is joined on this sophomore effort by a host of musicians including Peter Buck (REM), Scott McCaughey (Minus 5) and Sean Ripple (American Analog Set), with Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie) and Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) co-producing.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
Fever To Tell

Fever To Tell

by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
April 29, 2003
This is the highly-anticipated debut LP for the New York art-punk trio, who have developed a fanbase and generated a great deal of publicity (not to mention a major-label deal) through a series of EPs and live performances.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.3
Song In The Air

Song In The Air

by Elliott
April 29, 2003
This is the third LP for the Louisville-based emo band known for their strong live shows.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.6
Counterfeit 2

Counterfeit 2

by Martin L. Gore
April 29, 2003
The Depeche Mode songwriter's second solo album is just like his first (1989's 'Counterfeit'): all covers. Here, he tackles Brian Eno's "By This River," The Velvet Underground's "Candy Says" (oh my), Nick Cave's "In My Time of Dying," Iggy Pop's "Tiny Girls," and seven other works by your favorite artists.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
8.1
Send

Send

by Wire
April 28, 2003
The legendary English band, now re-formed, reunited and reinvigorated, return with their first LP in over a dozen years, with a sound that recalls the punk energy of their 1970s albums while sounding completely modern. Note that 7 of the 11 tracks here are also found in some form on 2002's twin "Read & Burn" EPs.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.0
Night On My Side

Night On My Side

by Gemma Hayes
April 22, 2003
The debut album for Ireland's Gemma Hayes shows the twentysomething singer-songwriter attempting to synthesize her diverse influences, who range from My Bloody Valentine to Joni Mitchell. Dave Fridmann produces.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.6
The Complex

The Complex

by Blue Man Group
April 22, 2003
The multimedia collective known as the Blue Man Group, who can be seen and heard in ongoing theatrical productions in several cities, in television commercials for Intel, and even on a previous instrumental album 'Audio,' have released here something akin to a real rock'n'roll album. Their assortment of invented instrumentation is now accompanied by more traditional instruments, and vocals are provided by an array of guests, including Dave Matthews, Spalding Gray and Tracy Bonham. Included also are covers of "White Rabbit" and "I Feel Love."
Metascore:
60
User Score:
7.6
Monday At The Hug & Pint

Monday At The Hug & Pint

by Arab Strap
April 22, 2003
The dour Glasgow-based duo of Aidan Moffat and Malcom Middleton return for their fifth studio album, with guest contributions from members of Bright Eyes and Mogwai.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
All Around

All Around

by Oranges Band
April 22, 2003
The indie-rock combo led by Roman Kuebler (whose resume includes a stint as the touring bassist for Spoon) makes their full-length debut with this 12-track effort.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
High Dive

High Dive

by Maria McKee
April 22, 2003
Following her tenure as singer for roots-rockers Lone Justice, Maria McKee issued a series of three solo releases in the mid 1990s, and then remained relatively quiet for seven years until 'High Dive,' her self-released return.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
8.5
Shine

Shine

by Daniel Lanois
April 22, 2003
'Shine' is the first solo album in more than a decade for Daniel Lanois, best known for his production work for artists such as U2, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris, and Bob Dylan. Harris guests on vocals here, as does U2's Bono.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.3
Baby I'm Bored

Baby I'm Bored

by Evan Dando
April 22, 2003
The singer/songwriter/guitarist returns to the studio for the first time since 1996, when he recorded his final album as leader of the Lemonheads. Here, he's joined by Jon Brion on four tracks, as well as members of Giant Sand, Calexico, and Spacehog.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
8.1
I'm Staying Out

I'm Staying Out

by Caitlin Cary
April 22, 2003
This sophomore effort for the former Whiskeytown member was, like her acclaimed 2002 debut, produced by Chris Stamey. Mary Chapin Carpenter and Mitch Easter are among numerous guests on the album.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
tbd
Day I Forgot

Day I Forgot

by Pete Yorn
April 15, 2003
The sophomore LP for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter is similar in sound to his 2001 debut 'Musicforthemorningafter.'
Metascore:
58
User Score:
6.5
Lullaby For Liquid Pig

Lullaby For Liquid Pig

by Lisa Germano
April 15, 2003
After a five-year break from the music business, Lisa Germano returns with a new record deal and a new album, hoping to regain the cult following she developed through a series of critically-lauded releases for 4AD in the 1990s.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.3
Do Rabbits Wonder

Do Rabbits Wonder

by Whirlwind Heat
April 15, 2003
Championed (and signed) by the White Stripes' Jack White, this spare, Michigan-based keyboard-bass-drums trio has been labeled by Rolling Stone as this generation's Devo. White produced this debut LP, which was mixed by Mercury Rev's Dave Fridmann. And why the album title? According to the band's website, "We all love rabbits."
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.5
Black Eyes

Black Eyes

by Black Eyes
April 15, 2003
This debut album for the Washington D.C. punk five-piece (with a rhythm section stocked with two drummers and two bassists) has drawn comparisons to Liars, Fugazi, and Q and Not U.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
6.8
Say You Will

Say You Will

by Fleetwood Mac
April 15, 2003
If you prefer your Fleetwood Mac songs written by Lindsey Buckingham, your 16-year wait is over. Joining Buckingham on this brand-new, 18-track album are Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.7
Love & Distortion

Love & Distortion

by The Stratford 4
April 8, 2003
This is the sophomore release for San Francisco's atmospheric noise-pop band led by vocalist Chris Streng, whose previous band shared members with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
tbd
Mouthfuls

Mouthfuls

by Fruit Bats
April 8, 2003
Yet another experimental indie band to arise out of the Chicago scene, the Fruit Bats are the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Eric Johnson, who has played with Ugly Casanova, I Rowboat, and Califone. On this second Fruit Bats LP, he is joined by Gillian Lisee and producer Brian Deck.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.0
Summer Of The Shark

Summer Of The Shark

by Portastatic
April 8, 2003
Portastatic is a side project for Superchunk's Mac McCaughan (who also is part owner of Merge Records). On this, his first Portastatic LP since 1997, he is joined by Sleater-Kinney's Janet Weiss as well as members of Sparklehorse and Lambchop.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Faceless

Faceless

by Godsmack
April 8, 2003
The Boston-based punk-metal outfit returns with a third studio LP, produced by David Botrill (Tool).
Metascore:
50
User Score:
7.4
World Without Tears

World Without Tears

by Lucinda Williams
April 8, 2003
Recorded live in studio with her band and co-produced by Mark Howard, 'World Without Tears' marks the follow-up to Williams' acclaimed 2001 release 'Essence.'
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.4
thickfreakness

thickfreakness

by The Black Keys
April 8, 2003
The Akron, Ohio guitar-drums blues duo (needless White Stripes comparison omitted) of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney recorded this sophomore effort in a single 14-hour session.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.5
Boomkatalog One

Boomkatalog One

by Boomkat
April 8, 2003
The brother-sister duo of Kellin and Taryn Manning was signed to a major-label deal in part on the strength of Taryn's burgeoning acting career, which has seen her in roles on TV's "Boston Public" as well as "crazy/beautiful" and "8 Mile."
Metascore:
54
User Score:
6.9
C'Mon Lets Pretend

C'Mon Lets Pretend

by Sahara Hotnights
April 8, 2003
This 1999 debut album for the all-girl Swedish garage band gets a belated U.S. release (complete with new packaging and bonus tracks) to capitalize on the recent success of their American breakthrough, 2002's 'Jennie Bomb.'
Metascore:
76
User Score:
tbd
Summer Sun

Summer Sun

by Yo La Tengo
April 8, 2003
The days of hard-rocking Yo La Tengo appear to be over (at least on record), as the Hoboken, NJ trio continues along the atmospheric, lower-volume path begun on 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out.' Included among the 13 Roger Moutenot-produced tracks is a cover of Big Star's "Take Care" and the James McNew-sung "Tiny Birds."
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.5
The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye

by The Essex Green
April 8, 2003
The Brooklyn-based Elephant 6-style band (which shares some members with Ladybug Transistor) returns with a second LP.
Metascore:
81
User Score:
tbd
Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid

Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid

by Elefant
April 8, 2003
Another of the new new wave of New York bands, Elefant is fronted by Diego Garcia, who despite being born in Detroit and raised in Argentina, sounds awfully British on this short, ten-track debut.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.4
Fake Songs

Fake Songs

by Liam Lynch
April 8, 2003
Best known as the co-creator of MTV's cult hit sock puppet show "Sifl and Olly," Liam Lynch has also studied music at Paul McCartney's academy and is a published writer. 'Fake Songs,' his first album, includes "United States of Whatever" (the most popular song from S&O and now a minor alternative radio hit) and such tracks as "Fake David Bowie Song," "Fake Pixies Song," and "Fake Depeche Mode Song."
Metascore:
52
User Score:
7.0
Rainy Day Music

Rainy Day Music

by The Jayhawks
April 8, 2003
The seventh album for the Minnesota alt-country outfit features a smaller-than-usual lineup of songwriter/vocalist Gary Louris, bassist Marc Perlman and drummer Tim O'Reagan, joined by new guitarist Stephen McCarthy. Matthew Sweet and Jakob Dylan guest.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
8.2
Escapology

Escapology

by Robbie Williams
April 1, 2003
UK pop star Robbie Williams follows the success of Sing When You're Winning with this, his fifth and most adult-sounding LP.
Metascore:
53
User Score:
7.8
The Secret Of Elena's Tomb [EP]

The Secret Of Elena's Tomb [EP]

by ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
April 1, 2003
Trail of Dead fans waiting for the band's follow-up to 2002's 'Source Tags & Codes' will have to make do, for now, with this 5-track EP (which also contains three videos).
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.3
Sleeping With Ghosts

Sleeping With Ghosts

by Placebo
April 1, 2003
The UK glam-punk band returns with their fourth album.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
8.7
A Grown-Ass Man

A Grown-Ass Man

by Dump
April 1, 2003
The sixth solo release for Yo La Tengo bassist James McNew finds him playing all of the instruments on 13 tracks that veer from style to style but share a certain lo-fi charm. There are ten originals and three covers, including the unlikely album-closing take on Thin Lizzy's "Cowboy Song."
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Keep On Your Mean Side

Keep On Your Mean Side

by The Kills
April 1, 2003
"Coincidentally" released on the same day as the fourth album by the White Stripes, to whom the Kills are frequently compared, 'Mean Side' is the debut full-length for the UK blues-rock duo of VV (aka Alison Mosshart) and Hotel, who are backed by a drum machine (a la the Raveonettes).
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.6
Elephant

Elephant

by The White Stripes
April 1, 2003
For their major label debut (and fourth LP overall), the Detroit-based duo of Jack and Meg White offer up 14 new tracks, all recorded in London and (fortunately) showing absolutely no trace of major label production values. Meg White takes a rare turn behind the microphone on a couple of tracks, as does guest Holly Golightly on the closing "It's True That We Love One Another."
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.6
A.R.E. Weapons

A.R.E. Weapons

by A.R.E. Weapons
April 1, 2003
This is the full-length debut for the somewhat intimidating New York trio, who are frequently compared to Suicide.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.6
The Remote Part

The Remote Part

by Idlewild
March 25, 2003
The third album for the Scottish rockers is already a big hit with UK music fans, helped by the success of lead single "You Held the World in Your Arms."
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.7
Fear Yourself

Fear Yourself

by Daniel Johnston
March 25, 2003
The latest release from the prolific indie-rocker and artist was recorded with Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
tbd
Silver Lake

Silver Lake

by Vic Chesnutt
March 25, 2003
The unique singer-songwriter's 11th LP was produced by Mark Howard (Lucinda Williams).
Metascore:
84
User Score:
7.5
Are You Earthed?

Are You Earthed?

by Appliance
March 25, 2003
The English post-rock trio's third album finds them moving even further away from their Krautrock roots.
Metascore:
70
User Score:
tbd
Meteora

Meteora

by Linkin Park
March 25, 2003
This long-awaited follow-up to 2000's 'Hybrid Theory' contains 12 new tracks co-produced by Don Gilmore.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.8
6Twenty

6Twenty

by The D4
March 25, 2003
The New Zealand retro-rockers scored a major-label deal in the U.S. on the strength of this 2002 debut album, which received an American re-release in March 2003.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
tbd
Us

Us

by Mull Historical Society
March 18, 2003
This is the second album for the quriky Scottish indie-pop duo of Colin MacIntyre and Alan Malloy.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
tbd
Bad Timing

Bad Timing

by Grand Mal
March 18, 2003
The classic rock-influenced New York City group led by singer/songwriter Bill Whitten returns with its third album, produced by Mercury Rev's Dave Fridmann.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
tbd