1. The White Stripes Elephant (V2)
The contradiction is almost subversive. Jack White's stripped-down style versus his squealing garage riffs are redolent of pre-Beatles R&B rock and skronk. Check out "Seven Nation Army" for the ultimate in chunky guitar cool. Wayne Yuzik, Saskatoon SK
Simple and formulaic but still ear candy. Cassy Robinson-Cohen, Westmount QC
Kicking the crap out of TheoryofaNickleCreed since Jesus was a cowboy! John Jarvie, Sackville NB
No other record came close to sounding as good as this record. No computers involved, recorded in a few days, totally analog. Nobody makes records like the White Stripes. Ryan Smith, Fredericton NB
It is a mini-history of the progressive of blues from the 1930s to now. Just like any great classic rock album, you're sick of it but it is imprinted on your soul. Trell Huether, Toronto ON
Finally, a top 40 band that's innovative. Dave Mercer, Waterloo ON
2. Radiohead Hail to the Thief (Parlophone)
Non stop innovation of emotion through music. Analog can be overdone, but somehow they manage to mix it up. Matt Nash, Stoney Creek ON
More accessible, but no friendlier than its predecessors. Wonderfully crafted songs, and a triumphant return of the guitars. Jason Howes, Regina SK
Excellent album, once again proving Radiohead as both a musically knowledgeable and trendsetting group in today's commercial music marketplace. Chris Cameron, Winnipeg MB
Lingers in your mind long after you listen to it. Catchy and enjoyable. A new level of Radiohead's constant progression. Combines their newer albums with the best of their older material. Nick Meyer, Bolton ON
Most insightful record of the year. Ayako Ohtake, Edmonton AB
These songs are like beautiful worms that burrow into my brain an illuminate my very soul. Joe Torchinsky, Vancouver BC
3. The Weakerthans Reconstruction Site (Epitaph)
The Weakerthans made a seamless transition when jumping to indie/major Epitaph. They continue to make great, emotionally-charged music that serves like a warm blanket on nights where sorrow creeps in. Damon Sklar, Regina SK
After the last two albums being about drinking and throwing out birthday cards it seems Reconstruction Site is encouraging listeners to listen to their pets, phone their siblings and travel to Antarctica. Which is really nice. Kendra Goertzen, Winnipeg MB
Astonishing lyrics, exceptional melodies, sympathetic felines, forgotten Arctic explorers, and possibly the greatest urban lament since the Clash's "London Calling." Truly, what more could you ask for in an album? Chris Sanagan, Toronto ON
Who else can infuse the most incredible, analyse-able, and politically-charged lyrics with melodies and riffs that you can hum to yourself? Iris Li, Calgary AB
Does anyone ever expect anything less than Album of the Year of this band? Stephen Fallis, Kamloops BC
Finally something Epitaph can be really, really proud of. F. Claus Nader, Toronto ON
4. Broken Social Scene You Forgot It In People (Arts & Crafts)
You know an album is great when it gets progressively better with every listen and then you soon realise that your job, your parents or any school work you have due soon is not nearly as important as starting the album and getting to at least track 12. Greg Jackson, Surrey BC
The Toronto renaissance is on again. Not since post-grunge Toronto have I been excited about the Toronto indie scene. Carlo Ang, Toronto ON
Absolutely brilliant and refreshing. Bill Hountalas, Whitby ON
Oh my god. This is changing everything! James Cumberland, Vancouver BC
5. The Strokes Room On Fire (RCA)
If bacon is the candy of meat, the Strokes remain music to hurt your teeth by. Devon Smither, Edmonton AB
Yes, their second album is better than their first. Get over it. Zaheen Karim, Ottawa ON
Sophomore jinx successfully averted. Ryan Rodier, Saskatoon SK
It's got a good beat, and you can bug out to it! Jason Widgington, Montreal QC
One of the most highly anticipated releases of 2003, and the Strokes came through for us. Who knows? Had they stuck with original producer choice Nigel Godrich, Room On Fire may have ended up being the failure everyone was waiting for. Nigel Moor, Thunder Bay ON
Simply on fire, every song takes the Strokes in a slightly different direction. This is smart evolution by a group of perfect songwriters. Dimitri Antonakis, Brandon MB
6. Sam Roberts We Were Born In A Flame (Universal)
Beautifully poetic and realistic at the same time. This guy knows what he's talking about and knows how to say it. We'll hopefully see some more (and equally great) stuff from him in the next year. Jen Gutcher, Timmins ON
Bought the album partly to support Canadian artists, but soon realised Canadian or not this guy is awesome. Craig Stewart, Mississauga ON
It was the most popular CD in the player in my vehicle. I listened to this entire album over and over again. Colin McGuire, Calgary AB
Sam's on fire. Brad Pine, Niagara Falls ON
7. The New Pornographers Electric Version (Mint)
Most songwriters use verses as something to do before the chorus hits. Carl Newman proves he is definitely not "most songwriters." Daniel Sylvester, Tecumseh ON
I imagine my speaker is a pasta maker spraying out glittery streams of crystallised sugar when I put this on. Canadian bands kicked ass so hard this year it was very gratifying. Maybe we're all getting over the what-does-it-mean-to-be-Canada garbage, not giving a shit, and just making good music, regardless of how it will be categorised or of what niche it will fill. A great year for new sounds and individual visions. Neil Butler, St. John's NF
While Mass Romantic was a peppy and engaging summer album back in 2001, it got a little worn down by repeated airplay, and repeated listening. The songs on Electric Version are consistent with Mass Romantic but go beyond the precedent set with songs that hold up with repeated listening and even get better the more you hear them. Graig Kent, Toronto ON
Electric Version absolutely refuses to leave my CD player. Lucky me. David Henwood, Halifax NS
The New Pornographers have outdone themselves and that is an incredible feat. Neko Case's soaring vocals, Carl Newman's beautiful lyrics and easily the best backing band ever makes for an unconventional yet brilliant album. Electric Version is so good I honestly can't think of how to put my feelings for it in to words. How's this: The fact that this album exists makes waking up in the morning less difficult, and my life itself somehow better. I only wish I were being hyperbolic. Christian Kelley, Toronto ON
8. The Constantines Shine A Light (Three Gut)
This is the album I was waiting for. Dominic Sauvageau, Montreal QC
Brilliant, start to finish. Blue-collar rock for independents. Robbie Richardson, Winnipeg MB
To sum it up in three simple words: absolutely fucking brilliant. Shawn Depres, Dundas ON
A worthy follow-up to their debut, with lyrics about the Don Valley Parkway, and Scarborough, Shine A Light will eventually be looked at as not only a classic Toronto album (in a year when Toronto bands produced some killer albums) but also a classic Canadian album. Matt Capel, Owen Sound ON
Just wicked. We should all be proud. Tara MacDonald, Vancouver BC
9. The Dears No Cities Left (Maple Music)
Bar none, the best album of the year and the best Canadian album in recent memory. David Breakenridge, Sherwood Park AB
Such a marvellous improvement from End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, which already was a great album. Senor Lightburn seems to have perfectly mastered his voice, now being able to make you feel, at times, his pain as if your heart had been broken exactly like his and at other times shines the light of hope far in the distance, bringing you closer and closer to well being. And within all these emotions are the near perfect pop songs while retaining moments of experimentation arguably translated as these moments of life where you think you're losing it but regain control, sometimes at the last second. Simon Lemieux, Sherbrooke QC
This album is amazing. Never hearing the Dears before seeing them open for Matt Good, I didn't no what to expect. After seeing them play I felt I had just witnessed a miracle and a blessing for Canadian music. This album is a step ahead of a lot of the current pop/rock albums out there. So much harmony and melodic riffs to leave your jaw hanging. Cody Kuchirka, Saskatoon SK
10. The Joel Plaskett Emergency Truthfully, Truthfully (Maple Music)
No one could bring about the resurgence of indie rock better than Joel Plaskett, and with the blend of Thrush Hermit-style melodies and some matured lyrics, this album is a gem. Daniel Souliere, Ottawa ON
When will this country finally take notice of this guy? He has more talent than OLP, the Tea Party and Moist combined, and for some ungodly reason he keeps on getting ignored. Wake up, Canada! David Hayden, Halifax NS
This is an album not only for Thrush Hermit fans still singing "North Dakota" in the shower, but also for any fan of truly amazing rock and roll music. Truthfully, Truthfully is full of toe-tapping gems, beautiful ballads and everything else in between that is bound to make you fall in love with Joel all over again! Lindsay Lynch, Toronto ON
The contradiction is almost subversive. Jack White's stripped-down style versus his squealing garage riffs are redolent of pre-Beatles R&B rock and skronk. Check out "Seven Nation Army" for the ultimate in chunky guitar cool. Wayne Yuzik, Saskatoon SK
Simple and formulaic but still ear candy. Cassy Robinson-Cohen, Westmount QC
Kicking the crap out of TheoryofaNickleCreed since Jesus was a cowboy! John Jarvie, Sackville NB
No other record came close to sounding as good as this record. No computers involved, recorded in a few days, totally analog. Nobody makes records like the White Stripes. Ryan Smith, Fredericton NB
It is a mini-history of the progressive of blues from the 1930s to now. Just like any great classic rock album, you're sick of it but it is imprinted on your soul. Trell Huether, Toronto ON
Finally, a top 40 band that's innovative. Dave Mercer, Waterloo ON
2. Radiohead Hail to the Thief (Parlophone)
Non stop innovation of emotion through music. Analog can be overdone, but somehow they manage to mix it up. Matt Nash, Stoney Creek ON
More accessible, but no friendlier than its predecessors. Wonderfully crafted songs, and a triumphant return of the guitars. Jason Howes, Regina SK
Excellent album, once again proving Radiohead as both a musically knowledgeable and trendsetting group in today's commercial music marketplace. Chris Cameron, Winnipeg MB
Lingers in your mind long after you listen to it. Catchy and enjoyable. A new level of Radiohead's constant progression. Combines their newer albums with the best of their older material. Nick Meyer, Bolton ON
Most insightful record of the year. Ayako Ohtake, Edmonton AB
These songs are like beautiful worms that burrow into my brain an illuminate my very soul. Joe Torchinsky, Vancouver BC
3. The Weakerthans Reconstruction Site (Epitaph)
The Weakerthans made a seamless transition when jumping to indie/major Epitaph. They continue to make great, emotionally-charged music that serves like a warm blanket on nights where sorrow creeps in. Damon Sklar, Regina SK
After the last two albums being about drinking and throwing out birthday cards it seems Reconstruction Site is encouraging listeners to listen to their pets, phone their siblings and travel to Antarctica. Which is really nice. Kendra Goertzen, Winnipeg MB
Astonishing lyrics, exceptional melodies, sympathetic felines, forgotten Arctic explorers, and possibly the greatest urban lament since the Clash's "London Calling." Truly, what more could you ask for in an album? Chris Sanagan, Toronto ON
Who else can infuse the most incredible, analyse-able, and politically-charged lyrics with melodies and riffs that you can hum to yourself? Iris Li, Calgary AB
Does anyone ever expect anything less than Album of the Year of this band? Stephen Fallis, Kamloops BC
Finally something Epitaph can be really, really proud of. F. Claus Nader, Toronto ON
4. Broken Social Scene You Forgot It In People (Arts & Crafts)
You know an album is great when it gets progressively better with every listen and then you soon realise that your job, your parents or any school work you have due soon is not nearly as important as starting the album and getting to at least track 12. Greg Jackson, Surrey BC
The Toronto renaissance is on again. Not since post-grunge Toronto have I been excited about the Toronto indie scene. Carlo Ang, Toronto ON
Absolutely brilliant and refreshing. Bill Hountalas, Whitby ON
Oh my god. This is changing everything! James Cumberland, Vancouver BC
5. The Strokes Room On Fire (RCA)
If bacon is the candy of meat, the Strokes remain music to hurt your teeth by. Devon Smither, Edmonton AB
Yes, their second album is better than their first. Get over it. Zaheen Karim, Ottawa ON
Sophomore jinx successfully averted. Ryan Rodier, Saskatoon SK
It's got a good beat, and you can bug out to it! Jason Widgington, Montreal QC
One of the most highly anticipated releases of 2003, and the Strokes came through for us. Who knows? Had they stuck with original producer choice Nigel Godrich, Room On Fire may have ended up being the failure everyone was waiting for. Nigel Moor, Thunder Bay ON
Simply on fire, every song takes the Strokes in a slightly different direction. This is smart evolution by a group of perfect songwriters. Dimitri Antonakis, Brandon MB
6. Sam Roberts We Were Born In A Flame (Universal)
Beautifully poetic and realistic at the same time. This guy knows what he's talking about and knows how to say it. We'll hopefully see some more (and equally great) stuff from him in the next year. Jen Gutcher, Timmins ON
Bought the album partly to support Canadian artists, but soon realised Canadian or not this guy is awesome. Craig Stewart, Mississauga ON
It was the most popular CD in the player in my vehicle. I listened to this entire album over and over again. Colin McGuire, Calgary AB
Sam's on fire. Brad Pine, Niagara Falls ON
7. The New Pornographers Electric Version (Mint)
Most songwriters use verses as something to do before the chorus hits. Carl Newman proves he is definitely not "most songwriters." Daniel Sylvester, Tecumseh ON
I imagine my speaker is a pasta maker spraying out glittery streams of crystallised sugar when I put this on. Canadian bands kicked ass so hard this year it was very gratifying. Maybe we're all getting over the what-does-it-mean-to-be-Canada garbage, not giving a shit, and just making good music, regardless of how it will be categorised or of what niche it will fill. A great year for new sounds and individual visions. Neil Butler, St. John's NF
While Mass Romantic was a peppy and engaging summer album back in 2001, it got a little worn down by repeated airplay, and repeated listening. The songs on Electric Version are consistent with Mass Romantic but go beyond the precedent set with songs that hold up with repeated listening and even get better the more you hear them. Graig Kent, Toronto ON
Electric Version absolutely refuses to leave my CD player. Lucky me. David Henwood, Halifax NS
The New Pornographers have outdone themselves and that is an incredible feat. Neko Case's soaring vocals, Carl Newman's beautiful lyrics and easily the best backing band ever makes for an unconventional yet brilliant album. Electric Version is so good I honestly can't think of how to put my feelings for it in to words. How's this: The fact that this album exists makes waking up in the morning less difficult, and my life itself somehow better. I only wish I were being hyperbolic. Christian Kelley, Toronto ON
8. The Constantines Shine A Light (Three Gut)
This is the album I was waiting for. Dominic Sauvageau, Montreal QC
Brilliant, start to finish. Blue-collar rock for independents. Robbie Richardson, Winnipeg MB
To sum it up in three simple words: absolutely fucking brilliant. Shawn Depres, Dundas ON
A worthy follow-up to their debut, with lyrics about the Don Valley Parkway, and Scarborough, Shine A Light will eventually be looked at as not only a classic Toronto album (in a year when Toronto bands produced some killer albums) but also a classic Canadian album. Matt Capel, Owen Sound ON
Just wicked. We should all be proud. Tara MacDonald, Vancouver BC
9. The Dears No Cities Left (Maple Music)
Bar none, the best album of the year and the best Canadian album in recent memory. David Breakenridge, Sherwood Park AB
Such a marvellous improvement from End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, which already was a great album. Senor Lightburn seems to have perfectly mastered his voice, now being able to make you feel, at times, his pain as if your heart had been broken exactly like his and at other times shines the light of hope far in the distance, bringing you closer and closer to well being. And within all these emotions are the near perfect pop songs while retaining moments of experimentation arguably translated as these moments of life where you think you're losing it but regain control, sometimes at the last second. Simon Lemieux, Sherbrooke QC
This album is amazing. Never hearing the Dears before seeing them open for Matt Good, I didn't no what to expect. After seeing them play I felt I had just witnessed a miracle and a blessing for Canadian music. This album is a step ahead of a lot of the current pop/rock albums out there. So much harmony and melodic riffs to leave your jaw hanging. Cody Kuchirka, Saskatoon SK
10. The Joel Plaskett Emergency Truthfully, Truthfully (Maple Music)
No one could bring about the resurgence of indie rock better than Joel Plaskett, and with the blend of Thrush Hermit-style melodies and some matured lyrics, this album is a gem. Daniel Souliere, Ottawa ON
When will this country finally take notice of this guy? He has more talent than OLP, the Tea Party and Moist combined, and for some ungodly reason he keeps on getting ignored. Wake up, Canada! David Hayden, Halifax NS
This is an album not only for Thrush Hermit fans still singing "North Dakota" in the shower, but also for any fan of truly amazing rock and roll music. Truthfully, Truthfully is full of toe-tapping gems, beautiful ballads and everything else in between that is bound to make you fall in love with Joel all over again! Lindsay Lynch, Toronto ON