1. Strokes Is This It (RCA/BMG)
All you pseudo non-conformists out there know that this is a good album, you just can't bear to admit it. -Sar Tar, Langley BC
I gave in to the hype and I felt good doing it. An enjoyable, angular take on rock'n'roll. -Brent Wilson, Prince George BC
This addictive, straight-ahead rocker from a bunch of rich New York art kids blew me out of my seat. I don't care if it has been picked apart by the critics who say it's been done before. I wasn't around when it happened the first time. -Stacey Abramson, Winnipeg MB
2. Radiohead Amnesiac (Capitol)
Can't believe the band I once hated (think "Creep") has evolved into one of my faves. Incredible songwriting skills by these boys. -Andy Gronberg, Abbotsford BC
Radiohead are perhaps the only band in the rarefied chart and popular position that continue to make the music they want, regardless of the various backlashes. -Ian Mathers, Guelph ON
3. Weezer The Green Album (Universal)
Sentimental depression-prone ectomorphs with vision problems are, as all sane people know, the only ones who can still be trusted with electric guitars. -Ian McNulty, Toronto ON
Excellent album, consistent with the rest. Only this one explores more directions it's heavy, yet poppy enough to keep your head bobbing. -Malaki Moffatt, Sydney NS
4. Björk Vespertine (Elektra)
Proving she can do just as well from this side of the Atlantic. From collaborations with Matmos to Harmony Korine, Bjork gets a little help from everyone to remind us why we loved her so much in the first place. -Michael Stewart, Montreal QC
Excellent album, all icy whispers and glacial paces. -Joel Finnis, Guelph ON
5. White Stripes White Blood Cells (Sympathy For the Record Industry)
Reminds me of the first time I heard the Pixies: sweet surprise and instant addiction. -Leanne Kemmler, Burlington, ON
Minimalist my ass. A two-piece band never sounded so large. Between Jack, Meg, and Quasi, more ex-husbands and wives should get together and make records. -Noah Love, Toronto ON
All you pseudo non-conformists out there know that this is a good album, you just can't bear to admit it. -Sar Tar, Langley BC
I gave in to the hype and I felt good doing it. An enjoyable, angular take on rock'n'roll. -Brent Wilson, Prince George BC
This addictive, straight-ahead rocker from a bunch of rich New York art kids blew me out of my seat. I don't care if it has been picked apart by the critics who say it's been done before. I wasn't around when it happened the first time. -Stacey Abramson, Winnipeg MB
2. Radiohead Amnesiac (Capitol)
Can't believe the band I once hated (think "Creep") has evolved into one of my faves. Incredible songwriting skills by these boys. -Andy Gronberg, Abbotsford BC
Radiohead are perhaps the only band in the rarefied chart and popular position that continue to make the music they want, regardless of the various backlashes. -Ian Mathers, Guelph ON
3. Weezer The Green Album (Universal)
Sentimental depression-prone ectomorphs with vision problems are, as all sane people know, the only ones who can still be trusted with electric guitars. -Ian McNulty, Toronto ON
Excellent album, consistent with the rest. Only this one explores more directions it's heavy, yet poppy enough to keep your head bobbing. -Malaki Moffatt, Sydney NS
4. Björk Vespertine (Elektra)
Proving she can do just as well from this side of the Atlantic. From collaborations with Matmos to Harmony Korine, Bjork gets a little help from everyone to remind us why we loved her so much in the first place. -Michael Stewart, Montreal QC
Excellent album, all icy whispers and glacial paces. -Joel Finnis, Guelph ON
5. White Stripes White Blood Cells (Sympathy For the Record Industry)
Reminds me of the first time I heard the Pixies: sweet surprise and instant addiction. -Leanne Kemmler, Burlington, ON
Minimalist my ass. A two-piece band never sounded so large. Between Jack, Meg, and Quasi, more ex-husbands and wives should get together and make records. -Noah Love, Toronto ON