The end of the year always brings a host of retrospectives and Top 10s and the Smoky Mountain News is no different, or perhaps we are. Instead of orchestrating something trite — an editor’s picks or singular Best Of list — we decided to give the music industry its own voice and a local voice at that.

We contacted 10 of the area’s musical authorities ranging from record store owners to musicians, radio station managers to critics and asked them each what would be on his or her own personal Top 10 Albums of the Year list. We’re not talking sales here, we’re not talking radio play, we’re talking about what you’d find in these fine folks’ CD collections at home.

The responses could not have been more varied. Pavarotti, Pantera, Sixpence None The Richer, Roy Rogers, Radiohead, Kenny Roby, Lucinda Williams, Randy Newman, OutKast and Drive-by Truckers all make an appearance. And that’s just to name a few.

So sit back and relax. Get out a pen and make note of the albums you’ve already got and the albums you should go out and get.

Jay Hardwig, also known as The Great Gordo, is an Arts & Entertainment writer for the Smoky Mountain News.

Drive-By Truckers, Decoration Day

1 ° A sprawling, drawling, and yes, thoughtful album by the upstart Alabama band that’s bound and determined to rehabilitate Southern Rock. If this album’s any indication, they’re doing just fine. Come for the muscle, stay for the heart. Choice cut: “Pin Hits the Shell.”

Greg Trooper, Floating

2 ° A subtle, strong album filled with great songs. Trooper deserves more fans and, what the heck, a big shiny trophy for his mantle. Honest, rich, and real. Choice cut: “Tears Break Through.”

Todd Snider, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms

3 ° A live release from the singer-songwriter-raconteur who spins a fair amount of insight beneath his heartfelt slacker anthems. A heckuva fun listen. Choice Cut: “The Ballad of the Devil’s Backbone Tavern.”


Taj Mahal, Hanapepe Dream

4 ° Another dreamy, low-key album of hula blues from the goodwill ambassador of the African folk diaspora. Lovely, lilting, happy, sassy, and wise. Choice cut: “Great Big Boat.”

Randy Newman, American Songbook, Vol. 1

5 ° Newman’s gotten a lot of attention lately for his soundtrack work, but his strongest (and most cynical) songs come from the late 60s and early 70s. You can find many of them here, without the heavy orchestration that sometimes bogs down his studio work. Just a man, a piano, and a clutchful of sad and savage songs. Choice cut: “Marie.”

Lucinda Williams, World Without Tears

6 ° A slow, aching, miserable, gut-wrenching, beautiful, wondrous, sublime release from the modern master of the white blues. Choice cut: “These Three Days.”

Barbarito Torres, Barbarito Torres

7 ° I never would have heard this if he hadn’t come to town, but I’m sold. Torres was the laud (lute) player for the Buena Vista crew, and like the rest of ‘em, he’s a virtuoso. His self-titled release has a more relaxed, rural feel than your standard Havana jazz; it’s filled with nimble strings and finger things. Choice cut: “La Comparsa.”

Danny Barnes, Dirt on the Angel

8 ° Another fine batch of songs from the Great Gordo’s favorite far-west banjoman. I may not have launched Barnes to global stardom this year, but not for lack of trying. Choice cut: “Dirt on the Angel.”

Malcolm Holcombe, Another Wisdom

9 ° In helping collect these lists, I was pleased to see the latest from our backyard poet on so many Top 10s. Pleased, but not surprised. Another Wisdom is filled with great songwriting, and delivered with a sly, understated confidence. Choice cut: “Love Abides.”

Calexico, Feast of Wire

10 ° A sonic sunset ride with Tuscon’s favorite Afro-Peruvian-Portuguese jazz-surf-twang-Spaghetti Western collective. Delicate, distinct, and engaging. Choice cut: “Sunken Waltz.”

Brian and Susan Haynes are the owner/operators of Almost Blue, the big blue record store on the corner of Patton and Coxe in downtown Asheville.

Jayhawks, Rainy Day Music

1 ° Ranks with any of their earlier classics. Easily one of the bet albums of the year.

Ry Cooder and Manuel Galban, Mambo Sinuendo

2 ° Instrumental Latin-lounge music from two guitar monsters.

Gillian Welch, Soul Journey

3 ° Her best album since Revival.

Lucinda Williams, World Without Tears

4 ° Brave, daring release from the queen of adult rock and roll.

Thad Cockrell, Warmth and Beauty

5 ° It's one of those records that is good the first time, but the more you listen the better it gets.

White Stripes, Elephant

6 ° Another great release from the former husband/wife, guitar/drum duo. Turn it up.

Malcolm Holcombe, Another Wisdom

7 ° Great lyrics, great singing, great songs.


Black Keys, Thickfreakness

8 ° Sophomore effort from Akron, Ohio, blues-rock duo with a loud, dirty, sound.

Grandaddy, Sumday

9 ° Effortless power pop with many great songs. Repeat listening pays off on this one.

Kenny Roby, Rather Not Know

10 ° Songs of love, death and faith by another of North Carolina's unnoticed, but exceptional talents.

David Holt is a musician, storyteller, historian, and host of public television’s Folkways. He founded the Appalachian Music Program at Warren Wilson College back in 1975, and recently teamed with Doc Watson on last year’s Grammy winning Legacy.

Roy Rogers, Slideways

1 ° Roy is one of the best electric slide guitar players around. In this, his first all-instrumental CD, Rogers puts together a rocking set of original blues. If you’re a guitar player, there is a lot to learn here. If you love kicking slide guitar, you’ll wear this one out.


Various Artists, Martin Scorcese Presents the Blues: A Musical Journey

2 ° You might call this a greatest hits collection of early to modern blues — it’s a 5 CD set with a 59 page booklet. While I have a lot of these songs on other CDs it is a pleasure to hear them all together in one compilation. Scorcese is presenting an historical overview... so you get some of the best songs ever recorded — Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground,” Memphis Slim’s “Mother Earth,” and BB King’s “The Thrill is Gone” — as well as a few twists like Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61.”

William Howse and Jack Pearson, William Howse and Jack Pearson

3 ° William Howse is a truly great black blues singer and harmonica player. He works a day job and doesn’t perform very often... which is a shame. Jack Pearson is one of Nashville’s finest slide guitar players and for years played with the Allman Bros. His acoustic work behind Howse on this self-titled CD is subtle, soulful and a perfect compliment. This is some of the best original acoustic blues you are likely to come across.

Delta Moon, Delta Moon Live

4 ° This Atlanta blues-based band tours Asheville occasionally...don’t miss them when they come around. This CD captures the spontaneity of their live show. With great singing by Gina Leigh and Tom Gray and two slide guitar leads...this band explores the funky groove between electric and acoustic blues.

Michael Reno Harrell, Closer Home

5 ° In my book, Michael Reno is the one of the best Southern songwriters we have. More people need to take note of this and support his concerts and CDs. You just don’t hear many better songs than “Cotton Mill Dress.” Michael paints vivid pictures with words. His songwriting covers everything from grit to wit.

Lee Sexton, Whoa Mule

6 ° Lee Sexton is a 75 year-old clawhammer banjo player and singer from Limefork, KY. Not only is Lee one of the best old time banjoists around, he is a natural-born character and a true man of the mountains. Lee can play a haunting version of “Little Maggie” or drive you right out of your chair and onto the dance floor with Whoa Mule. This CD contains 35 songs. It is a must have for any lover of banjo.

Various Artists, Old Time Mountain Blues: Rural Classics, 1927-1939

7 ° The blues were a major influence on Anglo musicians in the Southern Mountains. This CD reissues 78 rpm recordings that document the first generation of white country musicians to hear the blues. There is some amazing playing here, like WNC’s own Clarence Green playing “Johnson City Blues” and Dock Boggs on “Down South Blues.” Like the title says, these are true rural classics.

Kirk Sutphin, Grandpa’s Favorites

8 ° Over the last 30 years, regional old-time mountain music has largely been homogenized. On Grandpa’s Favorites, Kirk Sutphin delivers the sound and style of the traditional music in Surry County, NC--a sound he learned from some of the masters of that area, Tommy Jarrell and Earnest East. Now Kirk has become a master of the old-time fiddle and banjo himself. He has captured the regional nuances of the music and filled it with joyful spirit.

Rodney Crowell, Fate’s Right Hand

9 ° On Fate’s Right Hand, you get the feeling Rodney is writing just for himself--not for mass consumption or in an attempt to create a radio hit. Here is a top songwriter singing about his demons at middle age, and his songs demand repeated listening. The production is first class, with some of Nashville’s finest making up the band.


Joe Ebel, Primebel

10 ° After listening to all the intense music of the preceding nine selections you may need a little cooling down and Primebel is just the thing. Asheville's Joe Ebel has created a soothing yet soulful blend of violin, guitar and other acoustic instruments, played by some of the region's finest musicians. This is a creative selection of original instrumentals you can listen to closely or just put on to let your thoughts float away.

Adam Heffernan directs musicals and plays and occasionally sits in on harmonica with several bands. He's currently the Artistic Director of Highlands' Instant Theatre Company.

Rufus Wainwright, Want One

1 ° Fresh from a stint in rehab, this third album (and best) by Louden's son is full of gorgeous harmonies and rich full orchestra arrangements. He's a modern day George Gershwin for the pop-rock set.

Outkast, SpeakerboxXx/The Love Below

2 ° Not only the best hip-hop album of the year, but the best in the last ten years (Since Snoop & Dre's Doggystyle, anyway). An absolute masterpiece.

Glen Phillips, Live at Largo

3 ° The former Toad the Wet Sprocket front man goes solo acoustic for this beautiful collection of old and new recorded at L.A.'s legendary Largo.


Jack Johnson, On and On

4 ° Simple and smooth. He could be Ben Harper's younger, whiter brother. On and On will make you feel like you're on a really great vacation.

Fountains of Wayne, Welcome Interstate Managers

5 ° Forget the gimmicky "Stacy's Mom" and buy this album for 15 other indie-rock gems.

Badly Drawn Boy, Have You Fed the Fish

6 ° Not taking a break after the remarkable soundtrack for “About a Boy,” Damon Gough's third is chock-full of lush melodies and clever (and personal) lyrics. Elliot Smith fans cheer up, your new prince has arrived.

A Mighty Wind, Soundtrack to the Film

7 ° Simply Hilarious. For any fans of the recent film, this is a must own. Try not to lose it on the Folksmen's cover of the Stone's “Start Me Up.”

Death Cab for Cutie, Transatlanticism

8 ° Intelligent, beautiful and heartbreaking. This Seattle quartet's 3rd album will make even the most stubborn indie-rock geek weep.

Hip Tanaka, Splinter

9 ° Boston lost a great band this year, but not before they released this revolutionary collection of eclectic pop songs that could teach Weezer a lesson or two.

Radiohead, Hail to the Thief

10 ° While not as life changing as Kid A, this new effort by the best progressive rock band on the planet merits multiple obsessive listens.

Joe Rothenberg-Lapaz is the guitarist and lead singer for the Latin band Son De Cuba.

Amadito Valdes, Bajando Gervasio

1 ° Amadito displays many of the genres which have brought Cuban music to such a high status internationally. His versatility as the best proponent of the Cuban Timbal is demonstrated throughout the CD. The CD is nominated for a Grammy.

Ruben Blades, Mundo

2 ° Ruben is simply genius on this CD. He combines his Irish and Panamanian roots to perfection. His lyrics are socially motivated and his statements are poignant. This CD is danceable, intellectual and artistic all at the same time.

Howard Shore, “The Return of the King” Soundtrack

3 ° The Beethovens and Mozarts of today are composing movie scores. Even if you don’t care for the film, the soundtrack is definitely spectacular.

Luciano Pavarotti, Ti Adoro

4 ° There is no one like Luciano when it comes to making a beautiful melody more beautiful. “Notte” simply reaches the heart. Pavaroti is still the best of the tenors.

Aretha Franklin, So Damn Happy

5 ° If you’re into rhythm as much as I am, this album is loaded. Pure energy! “No Matter What” is my favorite cut. She is a living legend with all the tools to still make it work.

Jaco Pastorius, Word of Mouth Revisited

6 ° A must for every bass player. Victor Bailey and others truly come forward to represent one of the greatest true electric bassists of all time. “Jaco Speaks” is my favorite cut on the CD.

Less Than Jake, Anthem

7 ° Wow! If I were a less then middle age, this is the stuff I’d be playing. Tremendous creative energy.

Yo Yo Ma/Pinchas Zuckerman, Bocherini Concerto In B Major

8 ° Yo Yo Ma brings out the best in this Bocherini beauty. I have never heard it performed with such brilliance

Sting, Sacred Love

9 ° Sting’s creativity is very refreshing! “Stolen Car” is very old school rock and I am old school rock. Sting has a way of spinning used formats into vibrant new ground.

Alicia Keys, Diary of Alicia Keys

10 ° The cut “Wake Up” really displays her ability to put forward the entire package. She is a perfect 10 so that’s where I placed her.

Kim Clark is WNCW’s Program Director, and hosts the station’s music mix from noon-3 p.m. on weekdays.

The Jayhawks, Rainy Day Music

1 ° This record sounds like it could have been released during the golden age of pop radio in the late 60s/early 70s. Great jangly pop tunes, soulful singing, hooks aplenty. What can I say? It’s a classic.


Jim Lauderdale & Donna The Buffalo, Wait Til Spring

2 ° This improbable pairing works in every way. Jim Lauderdale shows up with a pile of catchy tunes as usual, and Donna The Buffalo proves to be the perfect foil for his humorous style. Almost every tune is an instant singalong, and Donna The Buffalo’s jamming style makes sure you’ll be moving too.

Malcolm Holcombe, Another Wisdom

3 ° For many years, the mantra of fans of this talented singer songwriter was “O, Malcolm, Where art thou?” Lauded by Rolling Stone magazine many years ago, Malcolm seemed poised to make it big. But life got in the way, and his muse was derailed for a few years. Now all of us who have been rooting for Malcolm Holcombe have cause for celebration. I dare you to find a better songwriter, or a musician who can pack as powerful a punch with his voice and guitar work

Joe Jackson, Vol. 4

4 ° To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of his masterwork Look Sharp, Joe Jackson reunited the band from those sessions and basically took up where he left off. After all his artistic detours, it’s great to have Joe back. Put this one on, close your eyes, and pretend it’s 1977 all over again.

Joan Baez, Dark Chords On A Big Guitar

5 ° Joan Baez plucks gems from the modern American songbook and puts her unmistakable stamp on them. In her hands, Gillian Welch’s “Caleb Meyer” takes on a middle eastern feel, and Joe Henry’s “King Of The Highway” goes from zero to sixty with the first note. With a voice like hers, Baez doesn’t need to write songs. Any one she chooses to sing instantly becomes hers.

Roseanne Cash, Rules of Travel

6 ° Roseanne Cash has traveled many roads since her last release ten years ago. She’s raised a family, seen the hands of time ravage her father, and lost the use of her voice for many of those ensuing years. It’s not an overstatement to say that her soul has been poured into each track. Every tune is solid, with the duet with Steve Earle on “I’ll Change For You” a highlight. But chills still come over me when I hear the eerily prophetic “September When It Comes,” performed with her father.


David Childers and The Modern Don Juans, Room 23

7 ° The rock ‘n roll lawyer from Mount Holly, NC has released perhaps his best album yet. The first half of the disc sounds like it should be blaring from the jukebox at a seedy (yet cool) honky tonk, and the second half of the album is comprised of hooky, to-the-point rock ‘n roll. “Think I’m Going To Make It” makes me want to dance – hard.

Kate Campbell, Twang On A Wire

8 ° Many of us have fond memories of country radio when ladies like Lynn Anderson, Loretta Lynn, and Tanya Tucker dominated the airwaves. Kate Campbell breathes new life into that sound, staying true to the original arrangements while at the same time freshening them up with her crystal-clear vocal style. Campbell’s version of Dolly Parton’s “Down From Dover” eclipses Dolly’s original, in my opinion.

Jim Bianco, Well Within Reason

9 ° Take Dave Matthews, strip away the pretense, add a healthy dose of catchy rootsy songwriting, and you have the debut release from Jim Bianco. His live session in WNCW’s Studio B this summer was one of the best of the year. If we lived in a just world, Bianco’s “Southpaw” would be a huge hit.

Donna Hughes, Same Old Me

10 ° This is the first bluegrass album to ever make it into my personal Top Ten. Donna Hughes was trained in classical music, and that influence leads her to employ unusual (for bluegrass) chord changes in her music. “Never Gonna Change” is one of my favorite songs of the year—of any genre.

Marshall Ballew, known for his wicked guitar, is — among other things — a former DJ for WNCW, a retailer at In Your Ear record store and the president of the Smoky Mountain Music Association.

Grateful Dead, Dick’s Picks #29

1 ° A four-disc box of two shows, two days apart in 1977 in Atlanta and Florida. A perfect example of what set the Dead apart from everybody else — songs of joy and loss and a level of improvisation and invention in real time that became the blueprint for the entire jam band movement of today. Further proof positive of Bill Graham’s statement: “There is nothing like a Greatful Dead concert.”

Blue Man Group, The Complex Rock Tour Live (DVD)

2 ° Far and away the most entertaining show I saw this year. This DVD is a percussive celebration of the joy and absurdity of every rock concert. Brimming with sarcasm and humor, it is a must have for any drummer on your gift list.


Richard Thompson, The Old Kit Bag

3 ° Another treasure box from a true master of songs dealing with the vagaries of love and life, performed with masterful wit and bite. Note: hangers-on and scenesters, listen closely to “I’ll Tag Along” and try to learn the lessons.

Emmylou Harris, Stumble Into Grace

4 ° Emmylou has finally come into her own as a songwriter with an album filled with such longing and hope that I only hope everyone is as touched by it as I was (if they’re lucky).

Led Zeppelin, How The West Was Won

5 ° A long-awaited helping of Zep at the top of their game reaffirms why so many of us wore out all their LP’s back in the 70s.

Frank Zappa, Halloween (DVD)

6 ° An audio DVD of some of Frank’s finest moments before his rabid NYC faithful... Not for the faint of heart (or hearing).

Sonny Landreth, The Road We’re On

7 ° A highlight of this year’s Christmas Jam in Asheville, Sonny offers a blues-soaked journey through his Lousiana-bred roots and branches.


Randy Newman, The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 1

8 ° An overview of one of our finest songcrafter’s catalog with some of the most insightful and wiseass music of the last 30 years.

Jorma Kaukonen, Quan

9 ° The re-release of this 1974 classic with extra songs was another gift from one of my all time favorites.

Beatles, Let It Be – Naked

10 ° After buying every Beatles record the day it came out, a new Beatles disc was bittersweet manna from rock n’ roll heaven.

Patrick Moore is the General Manager and Vice President of 96.7 WNCC and 1050 WFSC in Franklin.

Sixpence None the Richer, Divine Discontent

1 ° Sixpence has a light rock sound and their lyrics show their Christian faith without beating you over the head. This is an excellent CD with a great remake of “Don't Dream It's Over.” This album is good from start to finish.

Kenny Chesney, No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem

2 ° Managing a country station in Franklin I couldn’t help hearing Kenny Chesney all over the radio this year. With hit songs “Big Star,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” and “Young” this album continued the trend of country music with a strong rock influence.

Sonicflood, Cry Holy

3 ° Sonicflood is a contemporary Christian group that specializes in contemporary worship. Musically, the group is rock-solid, mixing praise worship and rock together for a great blend of enjoyable grooves. Each track is filled with toe tapping songs that you can listen to over and over.

Toby Keith, Shock'n Y'all

4 ° Once again Toby Keith turned out some of the top country songs in 2003. The thing I most enjoy about listening to Toby is that he is so funny. He writes songs about the funny things in life that most of us don’t even think about on a daily basis. Plus, his ongoing battle with the Dixie Chicks was interesting to watch and hear about.

Johnny Cash, American IV – The Man Comes Around

5 ° Johnny Cash had such a huge impact on many genres of music. This album, along with his death this year, solidified his spot as one of the greatest musician ever. His music never seems to get old or boring.

John Mayer, Heavier Things

6 ° John Mayer continues his unique sound and interesting lyrics with this sophomore album. This is an album I can play from start to finish. Mayer’s rock and soulful sound are what make the album worth while for me.


Sarah Evans, Restless

7 ° Sarah Evans has that contemporary country/pop sound that she always manages to balance. Her sweet voice along some great tracks on the album make it her best to date.

Switchfoot, Beautiful Letdown

8 ° A Christian rock band that has caught the attention of secular listeners, Switchfoot continues their success with Beautiful Letdown. It’s anything but a letdown. After featuring many songs on the hit movie “A Walk To Remember,” Switchfoot brings their interesting style and diversity to this album.

Ruben Studdard, Soulful

9 ° Ruben! Ruben! Ruben! I’ll admit I got caught up in American Idol and Ruben’s smooth sound is a nice change to rock and country. The tracks are full of “soul” and Ruben displays the range and smooth sound that helped him win American Idol.

Brad Paisley, Mud On The Tires

10 ° Brad Paisley has to be one of the best guitar playing country singers in Nashville. This album shows off his incredible guitar abilities along with some great lyrics. “Celebrity” is a funny song about the crazy things celebrities do like wrecking a Ferrari.

Sarah Kucharski is the arts and entertainment editor at the Smoky Mountain News

Beth Orton, Pass In Time: The Definitive Collection

1 ° The six-foot tall Siren Beth Orton recently earned acclaim for her album Daybreaker, but she’s been teaming up with the likes of the Chemical Brothers (“Where Do I Begin”) and William Orbit (“Water From A Vine Leaf”) for years. The Definitive Collection provides an incredible overview of her work and includes the unearthly “She Cries Your Name.” Prepare to be undone.


Radiohead, Hail to the Thief

2 ° Radiohead has been getting a run for their money from countrymen Coldplay who have made a strong bid for the title of Most Introspective Brits. But Radiohead is at the top of their game with Haif to the Thief, melding together Yorke’s haunting vocals with off-kilter instrumentals with songs like “2+2=5” proving that the sum indeed is greater than the parts.

The Chemical Brothers, Singles 93-03 (Bonus Disc)

3 ° Formerly known as The Dust Brothers, The Chemical Brothers have collected 24 of their trippiest beats. The album without the bonus disc is really just a greatest hits type of thing, but with the bonus disc... Ready. Set. Disco. Check out rarities “If You Kling To Me I’ll Klong to You” and “Morning Lemon.”

Lucinda Williams, World Without Tears

4 ° Lucinda is the embodiment of beer and bacon for breakfast. She is the hurt and the cure. She is riding through the valley at sunset. And on World Without Tears she is at her best with raw, unadulterated folk rock so damn good it hurts.

Guster, Keep It Together

5 ° Boston boys Guster went mostly unknown and unappreciated until the insanely catchy “Amsterdam” earned some air play. While the tune lends itself to driver’s seat dancing and steering wheel drumming, it is far from the only worthwhile track. The short banjo-driven “Jesus On The Radio” moves along quite nicely and “Keep It Together” gives whimsy to the ill-fated Plymouth Rock settlers.

Outkast, The Love Below/SpeakerboxXx

6 ° Sure Rosa Parks is suing the rap duo for infringement, but the added media attention probably will only boost sales of Dre and Big Boi’s latest work. The Love Below/SpeakerboxXx is a double CD with two distinct sounds. Dre heads up The Love Below, which opens with classical swells and features Norah Jones on “Take Off Your Cool.” Big Boi takes the reigns on SpeakerboxXx. Check out “The Way You Move.” And for the doubters, even Gen. Wesley Clark says he knows how to shake it like a Polaroid picture.

Rufus Wainwright, Want One

7 ° Wainwright first scored big with his single “April Fools,” which actually received major radio play at the time of its release in 1998. His third album is a personal breakthrough, as Wainwright’s steps out from underneath his signature intoxicated veil. Notable tunes include “Vicious World.”

White Stripes, Elephant

8 ° Jack White! Jack White! He’s everywhere. Landed the Cold Mountain gig perhaps because he’s Renee’s boyfriend. Hmmm... Who cares? Jack and Meg perfectly unite their stripped down guitars and drums on true rock gems such as “The Hardest Button to Button.”

Chatham County Line, Self-Titled

9 ° Newgrass... that cleaned-up, polished ‘til it shines, can’t tell the difference between it and something on CMT doesn’t have a place on this debut album. Vocalist and songwriter Dave Wilson takes credit for most of the group’s songs, including “Tennessee Valley Authority” and “Bacon in the Skillet,” but look for the cover of Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.” The pint-sized, Raitt-esque Tift Merritt adds her whiskey soaked throat to the mix as well. Check them out at Jack of the Wood January 30.

Edie Brickell, Volcano

10 ° Brickell is back for her first album in nine years. Remembered for witty songwriting (i.e. 1989’s “What I Am”), Brickell broke up with the Bohemians in the early nineties, married Paul Simon, had a kid and learned acoustic guitar somewhere along the way. Volcano is not a triumph, but it’s a solid step in the right direction.

Will Candler is the General Manager of WWCU, Western Carolina University’s
campus radio station.

Outkast, The Love Below/SpeakerboxXx

1 ° Ok, so maybe the best things weren’t meant to last. The boys of Outkast look like they have gone as far as they can. The two different lifestyles, music styles, and, well, just everything have finally pulled the duo apart. This album is spilt; you can really hear the difference between the two. But now that they both can do what they want, it makes for better music. For some pure R&B/Rap with a Motown flair, this is the album you need to pick. Besides, it very well may be the last album with the name “Outkast.”

The White Stripes, Elephant

2 ° Finally!!! A real rock album! The Detroit Duo returns with their best album so far. Just one guitar, one set of drums, and one band destined for the rock and roll hall of fame. If you like Led Zepplin, The Beatles, or AC/DC, you better pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.

Sheryl Crow, The Very Best of Sheryl Crow

3 ° 2003 seemed be the year of “Greatest Hits.” It would be hard to have a top 10 list without a few from very popular artists. Sheryl Crow is no different. This album goes all the way back to her first hit “All I Wanna Do.” This will sit very well with anyone’s collection.

No Doubt, The Singles 1992-2003

4 ° It’s hard to believe, but No Doubt has really been around for more than 10 years. It is highly unlikely that this album will mean the end of the band, but it is truly a great album to pick up even if you aren’t a huge No Doubt fan. Maybe for a stroll down memory lane, or maybe for their new single that has to be one of their best songs ever. You’ll see what I mean.

Elvis, Greatest Hits Vol. 2

5 ° So, you like Elvis but just don’t really want to break down and buy an Album. There are plenty of Greatest Hits out there, but this one hits home. This album does a wonderful job of displaying why he was the king. BONUS: New Song.

Pantera, The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond The Great Southern Cowboy’s Vulgar Hits

6 ° This year has seen many break ups, but none are as disappointing as the true heavy boys of Pantera. Many hoped the rumors weren’t true, but with the release of this album, it has put the last nail in the coffin. But pick this one to see why they where the best of the best. BONUS: New song and FREE DVD!

Norah Jones, Come Away With Me (Limited Edition)

7 ° It hits you like a breath of fresh air. This little Jazz queen lights up your soul with calm and collective songs of love and life. It truly feels like a step back into time: back to a time when things where simple and made sense. For a soothing night away from everything, this album will do the trick.

Metallica, St. Anger

8 ° The long waited album by the four horsemen final made it out this year. However, if you where waiting for another Black Album, you may be disappointed. Gone are the power ballads and GUITAR SOLOS! It does seem like the boys have returned to their roots with fast, hard metal. But with poor production elements, prepare to be surprised. Bonus: FREE DVD OF ALL THE SONGS!

Justin Timberlake, Justified

9 ° OK, it’s hard for me to believe that I just put Justin Timberlake on a top 10 list for anything. But I must hand it to him he knows what he is doing. The boy has funk, R&B, and soul that would rival that of Michael Jackson in his day. I really don’t see this guy going anywhere anytime soon.

Various Artists, A Concert for George

10 ° Since his death, George Harrison has been missed. The quiet Beatle had many hits, not only with the Beatles, but by himself as well. This tribute concert brought together many to pay tribute to this fallen hero. Among some of the friends for George where Ringo, Paul, and Eric Clapton. This is a must for any Beatle fan.