It’s the beginning of a new quarter, and it’s my first issue doing the music reviews. As it is all my opinion anyway, I figured an introduction would be in order and what better time than the first issue of a new year to do a compilation list of the preceding year. So here it is: my favorites from 2002.1. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, “The Last DJ.” These guys never seem to slow down, and they always seem to get better. This album is great for anyone who is tired of hearing the same songs on the radio hour after hour, or for anyone who just plain likes rock and roll.
2. Bob Dylan, “The Bootleg Series, Vol. 5.” This album was recorded live in 1975, and it features alternate takes on some favorite songs. I particularly love the rewritten “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”
3. Wilco, “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.” I know this is on everyone’s list, but it should be. It’s fantastic.
4. Jay Bennett and Edward Burch, “The Palace at 4 am.” Former Wilco sideman, Bennett releases his solo album on the same day as YHF…and the Uncle Tupelo family continues to flourish, while never disappointing.
5. George Harrison, “Brainwashed.” George Harrison. What else can I say?
6. Elvis Costello, “When I Was Cruel.” The loud, angry, sarcastic Elvis is back and louder, angrier and more sarcastic than ever.
7. Paul Westerberg, “Stereo/Mono.” You go a few years without hearing anything from him, and then BAM, he drops a double album on you that’s better than anything he’s done since 1990. I guess there are a few surprises left in music.
8. Beck, “Sea Change.” This is also on everyone’s list, but it’s too good to leave off mine. What do I know?
9. Solomon Burke, “Don’t Give Up On Me.” Possibly the greatest soul singer alive.
10. Foo Fighters, “One By One.” With all the lame, unoriginal “hard rock” I am subjected to on a daily basis, I am glad to know that someone still gets it.
So that’s my list. I hope I didn’t come off too pretentious, if that’s possible while doing a list on my first chance as the new music reviewer. I just hope I’m not “Don Henley Pretentious.