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Delirium Cordia

Delirium Cordia

by Fantômas
January 27, 2004
Mike Patton (Faith No More) returns for his third studio album (which consists of a single, 74-minute song!) with his more experimental outfit Fantomas.
Metascore:
65
User Score:
8.6
Obrigado Saudade

Obrigado Saudade

by Mice Parade
January 27, 2004
Mice Parade is the solo moniker adopted by Adam Pierce (drummer for the east coast indie rock band The Swirlies) for his forays into electronica and post-rock. Although he has expanded Mice Parade into a full-band effort on some previous releases, Pierce recorded this fourth studio LP mainly on his own.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Cast Of Thousands

Cast Of Thousands

by Elbow
January 27, 2004
The Manchester band follow their Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut 'Asleep In The Back' with this ambitious 11-track sophomore disc.
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
Kamikaze

Kamikaze

by Twista
January 27, 2004
The Chicago rapper's long-awaited follow-up to 'Adrenaline Rush' features contributions from Kanye West, Toxic, Cee-Lo and R. Kelly.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
7.7
Margerine Eclipse

Margerine Eclipse

by Stereolab
January 27, 2004
'Margerine Eclipse' marks the London-based band's first LP since the death of long-time member Mary Hansen, as well as the once-prolific group's longest-ever gap between albums (2 1/2 years).
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
Baby Monkey

Baby Monkey

by Voodoo Child
January 27, 2004
Voodoo Child is the electronic dance music alter-ego for Moby, and this is his first full album under that name, after a series of singles released during the 1990s.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
8.0
No More Songs About Sleep And Fire

No More Songs About Sleep And Fire

by Poster Children
January 27, 2004
The veteran Illinois-based college-radio favorites offer up more new wave (or is that post new wave or new new wave?) tunes on their eighth studio LP.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
tbd
Apropa't

Apropa't

by Savath & Savalas
January 27, 2004
Savath & Savalas is a side project from avant-garde hip-hop producer Scott Herren (aka Prefuse 73) that here incorporates elements of post-rock, Latin pop and jazz rhythms, and other world music elements. Aiding him are drummer John Herndon (Tortoise) and vocalist Eva Muns.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Join The Dots: B-Sides And Rarities, 1978-2001

Join The Dots: B-Sides And Rarities, 1978-2001

by The Cure
January 27, 2004
This 70-track, 4-disc collection is just what the title says: every Cure B-side and compilation track, in chronological order, from 1978-2001, each newly remastered and accompanied by extensive liner notes by Robert Smith.
Metascore:
69
User Score:
8.5
Silence Is Easy

Silence Is Easy

by Starsailor
January 27, 2004
The sophomore effort for the English quartet includes two tracks produced by the legendary (and allegedly homicidal) Phil Spector, with the remainder handled by John Leckie and Danton Suppie.
Metascore:
53
User Score:
7.2
Nightfreak And The Sons Of Becker [EP]

Nightfreak And The Sons Of Becker [EP]

by The Coral
January 26, 2004
This limited edtion 11-song low-fi mini-album was recorded with producer Ian Broudie over the course of a week.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
7.2
Boy In Da Corner

Boy In Da Corner

by Dizzee Rascal
January 20, 2004
This is the debut disc for the 18-year-old London-based rapper (born Dylan Mills), who has been heralded by (among others) Uncut magazine as "good as any MC currently active on Earth."
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.8
Secret Wars

Secret Wars

by Oneida
January 20, 2004
Brooklyn's Oneida has been around a bit longer (since 1997) than some of their fellow bands in the New York neo-garage/punk/new wave scene, and 'Secret Wars' marks their sixth LP.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.0
Punk Rock

Punk Rock

by Mekons
January 20, 2004
'Punk Rock' is just that, combining new recordings of some of the band's edgier late-70s output with live performances culled from their 25th anniversary tour in 2002.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
tbd
Underachievers Please Try Harder

Underachievers Please Try Harder

by Camera Obscura
January 20, 2004
'Underachievers' is the first U.S. release for the Glasgow, Scotland-based band, who mine some of the same musical territory as fellow Scots Belle & Sebastian (as well as drawing more than a few Nick Drake comparisons).
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.2
Leave Your Name

Leave Your Name

by Statistics
January 20, 2004
This electronic-rock effort marks the full-length solo debut for Omaha, Neb.-based Denver Dalley of Desaparecidos.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.2
Land Air Sea

Land Air Sea

by The Special Goodness
January 20, 2004
Originally self-released in March 2003, 'Land Air Sea' returns in 2004 in a resequenced and remixed version (on Epitaph) for this side project from members of Weezer and Rocket From The Crypt.
Metascore:
59
User Score:
tbd
Immortal Memory

Immortal Memory

by Lisa Gerrard & Patrick Cassidy
January 20, 2004
Known for her work as half of the 4AD group Dead Can Dance, as well as more recent efforts scoring such films as Gladiator and Whale Rider, Lisa Gerrard here unites with Irish classical composer Patrick Cassidy for ten new tracks, including songs sung in Aramaic, Latin and Gaelic.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
tbd
Heron King Blues

Heron King Blues

by Califone
January 20, 2004
The latest LP from the Chicago-based experimental indie-rockers returns the same four-piece lineup (led, as always, by Tim Rutili) from 2003's Quicksand/Cradlesnakes.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
7.0
Cellar Door

Cellar Door

by John Vanderslice
January 20, 2004
Popular San Francisco-based indie producer and former MK Ultra frontman John Vanderslice returns with his fourth solo album.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
6.0
Educated Guess

Educated Guess

by Ani DiFranco
January 20, 2004
The singer-songwriter's latest is a solo release in every sense of the word, as DiFranco wrote, produced, played, and sang everything on the album (not to mention releasing it on her own record label).
Metascore:
67
User Score:
6.9
Pyramid Electric Co.

Pyramid Electric Co.

by Jason Molina
January 20, 2004
The Songs: Ohia leader offers seven new tracks on this completely solo release, the first he has recorded under his own name. It is the result of a single session in Omaha with engineer Mike Mogis (who worked with Molia on the 'Ghost Tropic' album).
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.7
Legion Of Boom

Legion Of Boom

by The Crystal Method
January 13, 2004
The third album for the Los Angeles-based electronica duo of Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland includes guest appearances by Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit), Lisa Vennum-Kekaula (The BellRays), Jon Brion and Milla Jovovich.
Metascore:
58
User Score:
7.6
Phantom Planet

Phantom Planet

by Phantom Planet
January 6, 2004
Jason Schwartzman has departed, but the Los Angeles band continues on with a third album.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.6
OST

OST

by Cold Mountain
December 16, 2003
Producer T-Bone Burnett compiled this collection of traditional Americana, country and blues tunes to complement Anthony Minghella's Civil War epic. Among the performers here are Alison Krauss and the White Stripes' Jack White.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
Tasty

Tasty

by Kelis
December 9, 2003
Kelis' third LP (second in the States) features production from the Neptunes, Dallas Austin and Andre 3000.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.3
Splinter

Splinter

by The Offspring
December 9, 2003
This is the seventh album for these Orange County alt-rockers.
Metascore:
60
User Score:
7.3
Love Is Hell, Part 2 [EP]

Love Is Hell, Part 2 [EP]

by Ryan Adams
December 9, 2003
Adams' 'Love Is Hell' 2-part album concludes with seven more tracks.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.5
Democrazy

Democrazy

by Damon Albarn
December 8, 2003
This limited-edition release from the Blur frontman consists of 14 original solo demos (recorded in hotel rooms during a recent tour) spread over four sides, each one clearly a work in progress.
Metascore:
45
User Score:
7.1
The Diary Of Alicia Keys

The Diary Of Alicia Keys

by Alicia Keys
December 2, 2003
The neo-soul singer returns two years after the success of 'Songs In A Minor' with this sophomore disc.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.6
Atlas

Atlas

by Kinky
December 2, 2003
The eclectic Mexican five-piece returns with a sophomore LP.
Metascore:
76
User Score:
7.7
This Is Not A Test!

This Is Not A Test!

by Missy Elliott
November 25, 2003
Missy Elliott reunites with producer Timbaland for her fifth album, which features vocal contributions from Nelly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous and R. Kelly.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.3
Life On Display

Life On Display

by Puddle Of Mudd
November 25, 2003
The Nirvana-esque four-piece returns with a follow-up to their 2001 major-label debut 'Come Clean.'
Metascore:
37
User Score:
4.8
Folklore

Folklore

by Nelly Furtado
November 25, 2003
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter's sophomore effort comes a full three years after her debut, 'Whoa, Nelly!'
Metascore:
60
User Score:
8.7
Take A Look In The Mirror

Take A Look In The Mirror

by Korn
November 21, 2003
The California nu-metal band offers a back-to-basics approach on this sixth LP.
Metascore:
49
User Score:
8.3
Maryland Mansions

Maryland Mansions

by Cex
November 18, 2003
Rjyan Kidwell's second release of 2003 (third, if you count his all-instrumental alternate version of 'Being Ridden') features 8 new songs that run the gamut from rap to industrial rock to glitchy electronica.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Once In A Lifetime

Once In A Lifetime

by Talking Heads
November 18, 2003
This 3-disc attractively-packaged retrospective on the groundbreaking New York band includes completely remastered tracks from each of their studio LPs as well as the same previously-unreleased-on-CD demos and new tracks included on the earlier 2-disc Sand In the Vaseline complilation. Also included are never-before-released alternate versions of five songs. The set also contains a DVD with an updated version of the Talking Heads music video compilation Storytelling Giant, with three additional videos not found on the original VHS release.
Metascore:
83
User Score:
8.3
I Can't Stop

I Can't Stop

by Al Green
November 18, 2003
The Reverend returns to his roots, reuniting with the same producer (Willie Mitchell), Memphis studio (Hi Records' Royal Studios) and session musicians that made him a legend during the 1970s.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Let It Be... Naked

Let It Be... Naked

by The Beatles
November 18, 2003
Originally intended as a loose, spontaneous recording called 'Get Back,' 'Let It Be' was eventually released (after the band's breakup) after being shelved and then reproduced/enhanced by Phil Spector, leaving many fans (and an angry Paul McCartney) wondering, "what if?" This new release answers that question to a certain extent, with an altered track listing (which adds "Don't Let Me Down") containing some de-Spectorized versions as well as some originals that have been remixed and remastered.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
8.3
blink-182

blink-182

by blink-182
November 18, 2003
Definitely not your typical blink-182 album, this eponymous release finds the once-juvenile band finally showing a mature side, and winning critics over in the process. The Cure's Robert Smith guests on one track.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.7
In The Zone

In The Zone

by Britney Spears
November 18, 2003
The Pepsi spokesperson's fourth LP includes guest vocals from Madonna (on lead single "Me Against The Music") and production work from Moby, R. Kelly, the Matrix, and Guy Sigsworth (but no Max Martin).
Metascore:
66
User Score:
8.1
The Black Album

The Black Album

by Jay-Z
November 14, 2003
The hugely successful Brooklyn rapper worked with an A-list of producers (including Just Blaze, Kanye West, Aqua, Eminem, Rick Rubin and The Neptunes) on what he has stated will be the final release of his career. (Sure it will.)
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.7
Beg For Mercy

Beg For Mercy

by G-Unit
November 14, 2003
Rapper 50 Cent's backing posse attempts to capitalize on the runaway success of their leader's 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' with this, their own debut LP (which does indeed feature 50 Cent on each and every track).
Metascore:
62
User Score:
7.8
Kid Rock

Kid Rock

by Kid Rock
November 11, 2003
The sixth album for the Detroit rocker is more party-rock than rap-metal, although some hip-hop elements are retained from previous outings. Included is a cover of "Feel Like Makin' Love."
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.7
Try This

Try This

by P!nk
November 11, 2003
Following the unexpected critical and commercial success of M!ssundaztood, Pink returns with a third, even more rock-oriented album. Linda Perry returns to helm just a few tracks, with the bulk of the producing/writing chores falling to Rancid's Tim Armstrong.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
7.7
Blood In My Eye

Blood In My Eye

by Ja Rule
November 4, 2003
'Blood' represents the New York rapper's attempt to lash back at 50 Cent, who has spent the better part of the past year targeting Rule.
Metascore:
45
User Score:
6.4
Spokes

Spokes

by Plaid
November 4, 2003
The fourth album for the London-based duo of Ed Handley and Andy Turner contains ten new tracks that promise to recall the darker mood of their work together in the Black Dog.
Metascore:
72
User Score:
6.2
Pieces of April [Soundtrack]

Pieces of April [Soundtrack]

by Stephin Merritt
November 4, 2003
Stephin Merritt's soundtrack to the film "Pieces of April" includes previously released tracks from his bands The 6ths and Magnetic Fields, as well as four brand new songs from the latter.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
tbd
Payable On Death

Payable On Death

by P.O.D.
November 4, 2003
The born-again Christian rap-metal band returns with a follow-up to their 2001 hit 'Satellite.' Jason Truby replaces departed guitarist Marcos.
Metascore:
54
User Score:
7.7
Dangerous Magical Noise

Dangerous Magical Noise

by The Dirtbombs
November 4, 2003
This is the third full-length for the Detroit garage rockers led by guitarist Mick Collins (ex of the Gories) and featuring a supersized rhythm section of two bass players and two drummers. Included in early versions are bonus covers of Brian Eno's "King's Lead Hat" and Robyn Hitchcock's "Executioner of Love."
Metascore:
80
User Score:
tbd
Afterglow

Afterglow

by Sarah McLachlan
November 4, 2003
The Canadian singer-songwriter emerges from a period of inactivity with her first album of new material since 1997's 'Surfacing.' Frequent collaborator Pierre Marchand returns as producer.
Metascore:
55
User Score:
7.9
Ghosts Of The Great Highway

Ghosts Of The Great Highway

by Sun Kil Moon
November 4, 2003
'Ghosts' marks the debut of the latest band from Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters). Filling out the lineup are RHP drummer Anthony Koutsos, American Music Club drummer Tim Mooney, and bassist Geoff Sanfield (Black Lab).
Metascore:
84
User Score:
8.6
The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

by Explosions in the Sky
November 4, 2003
This five-song album is the second release from the Austin, Texas instrumental quartet known for their fierce live shows.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Love Is Hell, Part 1 [EP]

Love Is Hell, Part 1 [EP]

by Ryan Adams
November 4, 2003
Love Is Hell, Part 1 is one-half of the planned 'Love Is Hell' full-length that Adams had intended as his official follow-up to 2001's 'Gold' until Lost Highway refused to release it intact (instead encouraging the singer to record a more upbeat LP, 'Rock n Roll'). John Porter (The Smiths) produces.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.7
So Much For The City

So Much For The City

by The Thrills
November 4, 2003
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, The Thrills incorporate the sounds of California rock from the 1960s and 70s (the Byrds, Beach Boys) as well as a bit of Beatles thrown in for good measure on this debut album, already a hit in the UK (and a nominee for the Mercury Music Prize).
Metascore:
72
User Score:
7.4
Rock'n'Roll

Rock'n'Roll

by Ryan Adams
November 4, 2003
Recorded in just two weeks after Adams (rather, his record company) scrapped plans to release 'Love Is Hell' as his official follow-up to 'Gold' (the former will instead appear as a 2-part EP), 'Rock'n'Roll' features guest appearances from Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Melissa Auf Der Mauer (Hole) and Parker Posey (every indie film in the last 15 years).
Metascore:
66
User Score:
6.8
Shock'n Y'All

Shock'n Y'All

by Toby Keith
November 4, 2003
The country singer seeems to enjoy pushing buttons (albeit with a sense of humor), and he continues his recent forays into politicized music with this latest LP, which features songs such as "American Soldier" and "The Taliban Song."
Metascore:
71
User Score:
4.5
The Preacher's Son

The Preacher's Son

by Wyclef Jean
November 4, 2003
Wyclef's fourth solo disc finds Patti LaBelle, Missy Elliott, Buju Banton, Redman, Carlos Santana (among others) making contributions.
Metascore:
61
User Score:
8.2
Skull Ring

Skull Ring

by Iggy Pop
November 4, 2003
Skull Ring marks Iggy Pop's first appearance with his original band The Stooges in 30 years, as they provide backing on four tracks here. Also guesting are members of Green Day and Sum 41.
Metascore:
74
User Score:
8.0
Per Second, Per Second, Per Second... Every Second

Per Second, Per Second, Per Second... Every Second

by Wheat
November 4, 2003
The Massachusetts-based trio's fourth album is their first for a major label. Dave Fridmann produces.
Metascore:
66
User Score:
tbd
The Instinct

The Instinct

by Denali
October 28, 2003
The Virginia band's sophomore disc has a more immediate sound compared to their trip-hoppy self-titled debut.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
tbd
Wig In A Box: Songs From & Inspired By Hedwig & The Angry Inch

Wig In A Box: Songs From & Inspired By Hedwig & The Angry Inch

by Various Artists
October 28, 2003
Exactly what the title says it is, this 16-track disc features songs from the Hedwig soundtrack (as well as new compositions inspired by the musical) interpreted by your favorite indie artists, including Yo La Tengo (with Yoko Ono!), Spoon, Robyn Hitchcock, The Polyphonic Spree, Frank Black, The Breeders, Bob Mould, and more.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
tbd
Room On Fire

Room On Fire

by The Strokes
October 28, 2003
This eagerly-awaited second LP for the heralded/hyped New York five-piece was produced by Gordon Raphael (who also produced their debut 'Is This It?') after aborted sessions working with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
8.7
Chutes Too Narrow

Chutes Too Narrow

by The Shins
October 21, 2003
Phil Ek produced this sophomore effort for the Albuquerque-based group led by James Mercer (also of Flake), who wowed critics in 2001 with their 1960s-flavored debut 'Oh, Inverted World.'
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.3
Dead Man Shake

Dead Man Shake

by Grandpaboy
October 21, 2003
Paul Westerberg's blues-playin' alter ego returns with a second album (following 'Mono,' which was packaged with Westerberg's 'Stereo' release).
Metascore:
67
User Score:
tbd
Closer

Closer

by Plastikman
October 21, 2003
Techno pioneer Richie Hawtin returns with his first Plastikman album in five years. Unlike his DJ sets, 'Closer' is a dark, minimalist, challenging affair (note how often the word "paranoia" pops up in reviews).
Metascore:
73
User Score:
6.8
Today Is The Day [EP]

Today Is The Day [EP]

by Yo La Tengo
October 21, 2003
More "rocking" than recent LP 'Summer Sun,' this six-track EP includes four new songs plus alternate versions of "Cherry Chapstick" and the title cut.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
tbd
Cedars

Cedars

by Clearlake
October 21, 2003
This sophomore LP (and U.S. debut) for the English band was produced by the Cocteau Twins' Simon Raymonde.
Metascore:
80
User Score:
8.2
Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?

Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?

by The Unicorns
October 21, 2003
This is the second album for the lo-fi indie-pop trio based in Montreal, Canada.
Metascore:
77
User Score:
7.9
Come Feel Me Tremble

Come Feel Me Tremble

by Paul Westerberg
October 21, 2003
Named after a recent documentary about him, Westerberg's latest home-recorded solo disc contains some of the songs first heard in that film, as well as new material. It was released concurrently with 'Dead Man Shake' by his alter-ego, Grandpaboy.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
7.6
Kish Kash

Kish Kash

by Basement Jaxx
October 21, 2003
The third album for the house duo of Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton features contributions from Dizzee Rascal, Me'Shell NdegeOcello, JC Chasez and Siouxsie Sioux.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.0
Wherever I Am I Am What Is Missing

Wherever I Am I Am What Is Missing

by Laika
October 21, 2003
The London, England band's fourth LP finds them stripping away some of the layers (and extra musicians) found on previous outings for a more organic trip-hop approach.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
tbd
Coverage

Coverage

by Mandy Moore
October 21, 2003
On this LP of covers (her fourth disc overall), 19-year-old actress/singer Mandy Moore tackles such songs as The Waterboys' "Whole Of The Moon," XTC's "Senses Working Overtime," Joe Jackson's "Breaking Us In Two" and Cat Stevens' "Moonshadow." Be afraid.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
6.8
Echoes

Echoes

by The Rapture
October 21, 2003
The Brooklyn band's dance/punk/80s hybrid debut follows months of hype and anticipation fed by several years of touring. Included here is the single "House Of Jealous Lovers."
Metascore:
76
User Score:
8.2
Everything To Everyone

Everything To Everyone

by Barenaked Ladies
October 21, 2003
The witty Canadian band with a devoted fanbase is back with their first album since the poorly-received 'Maroon.' Ron Aniello (Guster, Lifehouse) produces.
Metascore:
56
User Score:
8.5
Logic Will Break Your Heart

Logic Will Break Your Heart

by The Stills
October 21, 2003
The Montreal, Canada-based quartet (basically, 2003's version of Interpol) follows its acclaimed, 80s-influenced EP "Rememberese" with this debut full-length. "Still In Love Song" is the only song from that EP to reappear here.
Metascore:
79
User Score:
8.5
Streetcore

Streetcore

by Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros
October 21, 2003
The former Clash leader was nearing completion of this fourth and final solo album when he died of a heart attack in 2002. It includes covers of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" (recorded without his backing band the Mescaleros) and Bobby Charles' "Before I Grow Too Old," as well as eight Strummer originals veering from reggae to rock.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.5
12 Memories

12 Memories

by Travis
October 14, 2003
The fourth album from the Glaswegian rock band is their darkest to date.
Metascore:
64
User Score:
7.9
At Crystal Palace

At Crystal Palace

by Erase Errata
October 14, 2003
Picking up on the sounds of late 70s / early 80s post-punk and no-wave, this all-female Bay Area quartet drew positive notices for their debut 'Other Animals' and now return with a sophomore LP two years later.
Metascore:
73
User Score:
tbd
The Lemon Of Pink

The Lemon Of Pink

by The Books
October 14, 2003
The experimental collage artists combine samples, vocals (courtesy of Anne Doerner) and acoustic instrumentation on this second release.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.7
Comfort Woman

Comfort Woman

by Me'Shell Ndegéocello
October 14, 2003
The soul singer's fifth LP is less political than previous efforts, as may be expected from a disc that lists three tracks titled "Love Song."
Metascore:
70
User Score:
8.2
Coral Fang

Coral Fang

by The Distillers
October 14, 2003
The punk outfit led by Brody Armstrong (oops--make that Brody Dalle, now) makes its major-label debut with 'Coral Fang,' the band's third release overall.
Metascore:
71
User Score:
8.2
Singing Bones

Singing Bones

by The Handsome Family
October 7, 2003
The husband and wife duo of Brett and Rennie Sparks return with their sixth CD of dark, country-tinged folk-rock.
Metascore:
85
User Score:
8.7
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
The Ladybug Transistor

The Ladybug Transistor

by The Ladybug Transistor
October 7, 2003
This self-titled disc (the band's fifth studio recording) was recorded in Arizona with Calexico/Giant Sand producer Craig Schumacher.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.2
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
Chicken & Beer

Chicken & Beer

by Ludacris
October 7, 2003
Perhaps the most successful Dirty South rapper, Ludacris returns with his third Def Jam release.
Metascore:
75
User Score:
8.7
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
8 Million Stories

8 Million Stories

by Soul Position
October 7, 2003
This is the full-length debut for the Ohio-based duo of acclaimed hip-hop producer RJD2 and emcee Blueprint.
Metascore:
82
User Score:
7.0
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
Amorino

Amorino

by Isobel Campbell
October 7, 2003
This is the debut solo release from the former Belle and Sebastian / Gentle Waves vocalist and cellist.
Metascore:
68
User Score:
6.2
Birth Of A Prince

Birth Of A Prince

by The RZA
October 7, 2003
The Wu-Tang producer returns to his RZA moniker with this latest solo release, after two previous albums under the "Bobby Digital" name.
Metascore:
62
User Score:
8.7
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
Some Of My Best Friends Are DJs

Some Of My Best Friends Are DJs

by Kid Koala
October 7, 2003
Turntablist Eric San (aka Kid Koala) finally emerges with a follow-up to his acclaimed 2000 debut 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' after spending a few years touring, writing a comic book, and serving in the band Gorillaz.
Metascore:
78
User Score:
8.6
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