The new Zwan album is good, it's not great, but it is still a solid rock album. It has gotten better each time I have listened to it. I like that there are three guitars on it - well layered, imo (plus it has Jimmy Chamberlain on the drum kit - he is always great). It's not deep, depressing and moody like Corgan's previous work. I think it's more happy and upbeat than I expected. I like several of the tracks a lot - sorry, don't know their names though.

I'd recommend it.

Yancey, when is the new Rapture album coming out to the public?

I'm not sure. Next month, I think.

2003 see my sig nah, just kidding I know it ain't out yet

So far what I've bought or received from one of my label reps this year, as best I can remember.

1 - Allman Brothers - Hittin' the Note
great to have Warren Haynes back in the band, although I still prefer Gov't Mule, this is classic Allman's.
2 - Evenescence - Fallen
what a nice change in the face of nu metal/alternative, women lead with a beautiful voice.
3 - Linkin Park - Meteora
growing on me with every listen, some very angry chester in this release, not Hybrid Theory quality, but still very good.
4 - Zwan - Mary Star of the Sea
really enjoyed this release, felt more like old pumpkins, more energy, kind of upbeat as well.
5 - Stereomud - Every Given Moment
no where near on par with the first album "perfect self", still good to get you moving, but nothing to memorable.
6 - Cold - Year of the Spider
been listening to this advance for a couple months, but nothing really to write home about.
7 - Godsmack - Faceless
basic godsmack, grooving but vocally lacking, no substance, no feeling or real energy in Erna's vox. They hit it with the first release, but "awake" and "faceless" have failed to capture the same vibe.


Overall, hasn't been a great year for me yet. The last 3-4 months of 2002 produced a big dent in my wallet for music with some really great stuff IMO. My favorite being Audioslave.

There is a bunch of stuff that I've heard this year, but haven't bought. But haven't spun enough to make a solid opinion yet.

Nothing -- haven't yet bought a CD this year

White Strips & Zwan -- two excellent CDs.

Being a Zwan fan, I expect more from their upcoming "dijali zwan" acoustic CD/DVD. Remember, they have performed over 150 original songs live. The 14 tracks on the CD aren't necessarily their best songs, they just fit together well as a set. Plus, the other band members are beginning to contribute much more to the new songs.

If you're interested, try to find MP3s of "Riverview" and "Spilled Milk" from the british radio broadcast, they're excellent and near studio quality.

Supersuckers: "M**F**ers Be Trippin'" Great loud catchy rock with some good lyrics. Their best album since "Smoke Of Hell".

Turbonegro: "Scandinavian Leather" If you like Rocket From The Crypt and Redd Kross, you'd love these Norwegian (sp?) guys. Like the Supersuckers, they're loud, catchy rock.

Be on the lookout for the new Dragons (Sin Salvation) and Wildhearts albums...

In no particular order...

Trey Anastasio - Plasma: Great live disc. Mostly tunes that haven't been released before...many of which are stronger than the songs on his studio album (particularly "Curlew's Call" and "Plasma").

Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Pig Lib: Great disc...equal parts catchy rock and improvisation...much better than his debut.

moe. - Wormwood: One of the best "studio" albums ever released by a jamband. Songs were recorded live and overdubbed (heavily) in the studio...best of both worlds. I'd recommend this disc to just about anyone.

The Minus 5 - Down with Wilco: I didn't really like this album much at first, but it makes a fine counterpart to Summerteeth and YHF...extremely tuneful, a little sarcastic and really great.

Simian - We Are Your Friends: I think this came out in '03. I love it. Kinks style rock mixed with a bit of electronica. Amazing album.

The White Stripes' Elephant. It's the only 2003 release I've bought so far, and I love it.

Just picked up the Evanescence cd and it has risen to the top of the list.

I can't stand Evanescence.

The new Notwist disc called Neon Golden very good.

Johnny Marr + The Healers - Boomslang is right up there too.

The Angels of Light - Everything Is Good Here/Please Come Home
The Blood Brothers - Burn Piano Island, Burn
Broken Social Scene - You Forgot It In People (This is 2002, but everyone includes it as 2003, so what the hell)
Cat Power - You Are Free
Crooked Fings - Red Devil Dawn
Deerhoof - Apple O'
The Delgados - Hate
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Pig Lib
Manitoba - Up in Flames
The New Pornographers - Electric Version
Prefuse 73 - One Word Fire Extinguisher
Songs: Ohia - Magnolia Electric Co.

Ok, I haven't heard the new Anthrax, Soilwork, Black Label, or Opeth yet. So with that in mind:

Lamb of God - "As Palaces Burn"
AFI - "Sing the Sorrow"
Cradle of Filth - "Damnation and a Day"
Sworn Enemy - [name escapes me at the moment]
Boy Sets Fire - "Tomarrow Comes Today"