The noughties were no nineties, but they were the last great decade of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Spoon, the White Stripes, Jenny Lewis/Rilo Kiley, Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes, Ryan Adams, Ben Kweller, the Strokes, Kings of Leon, AC Newman/the New Pornographers, and LCD Soundsystem were the aces in the deck for me, then and now. Plus, Arcade Fire and Vampire Weekend both released excellent debut albums. I also like a lot of Death Cab and Decemberists albums from this decade, but none of them made the cut, which surprised even me.
This is a really great list and features sooo many albums that I love. Just want to shout out your inclusion of those Ben Kweller albums. His self-titled is a tremendous album, in particular. Also, I haven't given that Whigs album a listen in a bit - should rectify that soon.
Great list - particularly appreciate the Lucinda and Rilo Kiley appreciation. Need to check out that Drive-By Truckers album; keep meaning to properly dive into their work.
Interesting list, brings back some memories of bands I have forgotten about, like hot chip. I’d say the early 00s is when I pretty much stopped buying music. I honestly still don’t. I listen primarily to streaming radio (both commercial and public).
Would love to know about any favorite album or albums of yours from the 2000s that didn't make my list. There were 10-20 albums I really wanted to include, but couldn't make room for.....
If you want to know just about everything there is to know about Drive-by Truckers, check out my book "Secret Stars: The Greatest Underdogs of the Rock 'n' Roll Era". I devote the final chapter of the book to them and interviewed Patterson Hood extensively. They have a remarkable story and a mostly amazing body of work. The double album, Southern Rock Opera, is what put them on the map, but honestly, I like many of their albums more than that one, including the first two with Jason Isbell in the band ("Decoration Day" and "The Dirty South") and "American Band" from 2016, which is one of the top ten rock albums of the 2010s for me. "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" is a 19 song, 75 minute double album. The only song I skip is a short one called "You & Your Crystal Meth."
Indeed. I try to separate the art from the artist, but Ryan Adams doesn't make it easy. He's not just a creep with women either. Just ask Julian Casablancas of the Strokes. Something to do with heroin. I can't remember the details.
The same producer/co-writer who did the first two Sheryl Crow albums did the Shelby Lynne: Bill Bottrell. Underappreciated talent. Really knew how to bring out the best in female artists. A better version of Jack Antonoff for my money.
What was your favorite album of the 2000s that didn't make my list? I bet it would have made my top 150.....
This is a really great list and features sooo many albums that I love. Just want to shout out your inclusion of those Ben Kweller albums. His self-titled is a tremendous album, in particular. Also, I haven't given that Whigs album a listen in a bit - should rectify that soon.
Great list - particularly appreciate the Lucinda and Rilo Kiley appreciation. Need to check out that Drive-By Truckers album; keep meaning to properly dive into their work.
Too bad Ryan Adams is such a creep.
Interesting list, brings back some memories of bands I have forgotten about, like hot chip. I’d say the early 00s is when I pretty much stopped buying music. I honestly still don’t. I listen primarily to streaming radio (both commercial and public).
Would love to know about any favorite album or albums of yours from the 2000s that didn't make my list. There were 10-20 albums I really wanted to include, but couldn't make room for.....
If you want to know just about everything there is to know about Drive-by Truckers, check out my book "Secret Stars: The Greatest Underdogs of the Rock 'n' Roll Era". I devote the final chapter of the book to them and interviewed Patterson Hood extensively. They have a remarkable story and a mostly amazing body of work. The double album, Southern Rock Opera, is what put them on the map, but honestly, I like many of their albums more than that one, including the first two with Jason Isbell in the band ("Decoration Day" and "The Dirty South") and "American Band" from 2016, which is one of the top ten rock albums of the 2010s for me. "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" is a 19 song, 75 minute double album. The only song I skip is a short one called "You & Your Crystal Meth."
Eager to hear what you think.
Indeed. I try to separate the art from the artist, but Ryan Adams doesn't make it easy. He's not just a creep with women either. Just ask Julian Casablancas of the Strokes. Something to do with heroin. I can't remember the details.
The same producer/co-writer who did the first two Sheryl Crow albums did the Shelby Lynne: Bill Bottrell. Underappreciated talent. Really knew how to bring out the best in female artists. A better version of Jack Antonoff for my money.
What was your favorite album of the 2000s that didn't make my list? I bet it would have made my top 150.....
So much good stuff here.
Bloc Party's "Silent Alarm" probably biggest omission imo.
100% agree on Okkervil River.
I'm writing up a "vinyl that needs repressed" article and Beulah is top of the list.
Love seeing Shelby Lynne make the cut! I’m not sure I’ve ever ran into anyone else that knows about it, much less rates it highly.
I was late to the ‘Slow Wonder’ party, but I’m happy to be here now. It’s fantastic.
That’s also an incredible run by Spoon.