Well, I wasn't going to start it, but am certainly ready to jump in! ;~) And I'll preface by saying that this is based only on what I heard. As always, there was tons of great stuff remaining undiscovered because of lack of exposure.
The absolute best: 1. Ryan Adams, "Gold": Never thought I'd ever hear a "new" album that captures what was so great about the best of seventies rock. Honest, catchy songwriting, emotional heartfelt vocals, unencumbered arrangements and production. 2. Ben Folds, "Rockin' The Suburbs": See most of above. The guy can write 'em, plays his heart out on the piano, and mixes up the profane with the profound. 3. Red House Painters, "Old Ramon": Their best yet, Kozolek's warmest and most accessible songs, feels like a well-worn pair of jeans. Criminally underplayed. 4. Jonatha Brooke, "Steady Pull": This should have hit huge..."Linger", "Digging", the title track, should have been big hits. Jonatha's tour should have expanded her audience base and sold multi-platinum copies. Down with J-Lo, up with J-Bro! The best of the rest: David Lahm, "More Jazz Takes on Joni Mitchell": Great stuff, very creative, extremely talented players, especially that rhythm section...Ratso rules! If you love Joni's music, and don't have this one, get it. REM, "Reveal": Surprisingly, not much of a hit. Guess they've just been around too long. Their original fans are grown up, and they're too old to be hip to the college crowd. Anyway, this is a wonderful comeback effort after the so-so "Up". Radiohead, "Amnesiac": This one, coupled with Kid A (they were recorded together) reminds me of the Hejira/DJRD combo. What an original adventure in soundscape! John Mayer, "Room For Squares": Just sounds so damn great, and the guy can play like Stevie Ray!! Joe Henry, "Scar": Like Tom Waits without the growl. Lucinda Williams, "Essence" & Gillian Welch, "Time The Revelator": Beautiful in their quiet stark majesty. Wonderful songs. Jimmy Eat World, "Bleed American": The most melodic rock/power pop I heard all year. India.Arie, "Acoustic Soul": Aptly named, gorgeous soulful voice and guitar. Gimmick free! Hopefully setting a trend. Biggest disappointment: Ani DiFranco, "Revelling, Reckoning": 2 CD's with about 6 (maybe) memorable songs. At least there's never too long a wait for the next one! Best pre-2001 record that I heard for the first time in 2001: Amy Correia, "Carnival". Bob
