Joel Atkinson's Best of 2002
contributing writer

10. Interpol- Turn On the Bright Lights [Matador]
I would put this album higher, except for the fact that they are essentially an early 80s Manchester tribute act. Nevertheless, they do a fine job of imitation. I would describe it, but you already know all about it.
09. Superdrag- Last Call For Vitriol [Arena Rock]
Yeah, the same group that did "Sucked Out". Want some big chunky rock 'n roll riffs? We have that. Want some tender Southern-tinged ballads? We have that too. I guess there's nothing too innovative here, but it's got enough hooks to satisfy me.
08. Fine China- You Make Me Hate Music [Tooth & Nail]
Though the production is a little muddy (the acoustic guitars sound strange to me), and they wear their influences a bit too proudly at times ("The World Wants Me Dead"), Rob Withem and Co. have turned in another 10 song batch of pop goodness, this time abandoning the drum machine joy of "When the World Sings" and going for a guitar-based approach. "Hug Every Friend" is one of the best singles of the year.
07. Denison Witmer- Philadelphia Songs [Burnt Toast Vinyl]
D-Witty, as I affectionately call him, has been fairly prolific of late. Only a year after the straightforward and accessible Of Joy and Sorrow comes this album, a more complex and sentimental affair. Essentially it's the same Denison as always, but the addition of The Six Parts Seven as a backing band adds a unique texture to these songs. He is also maturing as a songwriter; "I Won't Let You Down" and "Chestnut Hill" just grab me and won't let go.
06. Badly Drawn Boy- About a Boy soundtrack [Artist Direct]
Honestly, I haven't heard all of The Hour of Bewilderbeast, and from what I did hear, I'm in no great hurry to do so. But when my friend recommended this 'album' as being a lot better, I figured it was worth a shot. This is great orchestrated pop. It may not be a true album, and it has a couple missteps ("S.P.A.T.", anyone?), but the high points are astounding. You need to hear "Something To Talk About" and "Silent Sigh". Trust me.
05. Brendan Benson- Lapalco [StarTime]
This is like Matthew Sweet's little brother, only much better. Benson collaborated with Jason Falkner to produce this 12 song set that definitely nods a head to Chilton and Bell, but thankfully goes beyond the typical power pop album that sounds essentially like a Big Star/Raspberries/dBs tribute album. I'm usually skeptical about this sort of thing, but this album has more hooks than a shower curtain.
04. Spoon- Kill The Moonlight [Merge]
I loved Girls Can Tell, and I was expecting more of the same. Um, no. This thing is stripped almost bare in places. It works most of the time, especially in "Paper Tiger", a spooky little ballad composed of weird drum noises (no snare), keyboard, and a vocal. They can also still rock out if they want; "The Way We Get By" is a piano-driven fun fest. This the other side of the Spoon coin, but I think its just as shiny as the polished side. (Har har what a pun.)
03. Lambchop- Is a Woman [Merge]
Description: Stripped down and screwed up pop songs, composed of jazzy piano, acoustic guitar, assorted noises, and Kurt Wagner. Wagner tends to speak more often than sing, and his Nashville drawl is used to deliver such immortal lines as "I've got a used cowboy hat; you've got some weed." Doesn't sound too thrilling? Well, you've got to hear these songs. I like to put this on before going to bed, but I end up staying awake just to hear the CD. Maybe I should put on something boring like Yo La Tengo instead. If I owned any.
02. Wilco- Yankee Hotel Foxtrot [Nonesuch]
Like number 10, you probably know all about this. Well, most people seem to like this album for the experimental/noise aspects; I like it despite that. I don't even think it's as good as Summerteeth. But that doesn't mean there's not some great songs hiding in there. "Ashes of American Flags" is the only song that I find the "let's mess this thing up" approach actually works. This is still a great album. You should buy it, right after you buy...
01. The Flaming Lips- Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots [Warner Bros.]
The first time I heard The Soft Bulletin, I was blown away. Obscenely overproduced and gorgeous songs about scientists and bugs. How could you follow up THAT? Well, three years later, the Lips have done so. It has a much different feel. More emotional, though still just as silly. It may not have the high points of The Soft Bulletin, but overall I think it's more consistent. I can't really pick a favorite song, but if forced I would have to say either "Ego Tripping At the Gates of Hell" or "Fight Test". This is a beautiful record.

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2002 White Elephant Productions