Back in time

1. ‘Turn On The Bright Lights’ by INTERPOL (New York City)

Released: 20 August 2002

The band’s jarring debut album with single NYC
as one of my all-time favorite rock standouts.

AllMusic said: “One might go into a review like this one wondering
how many words will pass before Joy Division is brought up. In this
case, the answer is 16. The music made by both bands explores the
vast space between black and white and produces something pained,
deftly penetrating, and beautiful.” Score: 5/5.

Stream album here…

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2. ‘Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots’ by THE FLAMING LIPS (Oklahoma)

Released: 16 July 2002 – their 10th LP

One of the best works by one of the
best bands ever, on record and live.

Alternative Press said: “Smartly packaged pop that’s
as slick as Stereolab, but human enough–thanks to Coyne’s
earnestness and sincerity, to malfunction in all the right places.”
Score: 9/10.

Stream here…

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3. ‘Songs For The Deaf’ by QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE (L.A. California)

Released: 27 August 2002 – their third full length
With Dave Grohl on drums

The macho stoner rockers speeding like a hot-rod
on the run in the blistering Los Angeles desert.

Mojo Magazine: “All the elements which made its
predecessor so great are here, but in excelsis, and
occasionally excess.” Score: 8/10.

Steam up here…

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4. ‘Highly Evolvded’ by THE VINES (Sydney, Australia)

Released: 14 July 2002

Red-hot-blooded debut longplayer by these Nirvana fans from down
under, fronted by fanatic demon-fighter frontman Craig Nicholls

NME wrote: “They’re a shaggy-haired, surf’s up pop
band and painfully vulnerable all at the same time.”
Score: 4/5.

Turn it up…

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5. ‘Source Tags And Codes’ by …. AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD

Released: 26 February 2002 – third LP

Post-punk madness and prog-rock-noise from Austin, Texas.
Heavy on record, manic on stage (saw them about a dozen
times live smashing up their instruments now and then).

Uncut Magazine said: “Compared to so many noisemongers,
TOD understand that restraint enables unleashed firepower to
be exhilarating and awesome.” Score: 8/10.

Cracked-up noise…

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