A note from the author: I only own eleven releases from 2002. So I hardly consider myself qualified to make a Top 10 list on the subject. But I will anyway.

1Beck Sea Change (Interscope).  I dont think Ive even heard this whole album in its entirety yet. I got it for Christmas. Its really good though (so far). Its so good Im going to go ahead and put it at #1. Its so good I might even forgive him for Midnight Vultures and Mutations.  Buy this CD

2 The Jon Spencer Blues  Explosion Plastic Fang (Matador).  Ive liked JSBX ever since I got the advance copy of Orange way back in the day. This is by far the most solid album theyve done, in my humble opinion. Its so good that I might even forgive him for Boss Hogs Whiteout. Buy this CD

3 Sonic Youth Murray Street (DGC).  Its Sonic Youth. Of course theyre going to be high on my list. Theyre fucking SONIC YOUTH for Christs sake. Buy this CD

4 Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (WB).  Great album. Not as great as The Soft Bulletin, but still pretty great. Buy this CD

5 The Breeders Title TK (Elektra/Asylum).  Ive had a crush on Kim Deal ever since I saw the video for Hellbound.  Im glad they came back.  I missed them. Buy this CD

6 Hayden Skyscraper National Park (Badman).  I didnt even like this one very much, but Im running out of albums here.  The Closer I Get was just so amazing that anything would have a hard time comparing to it.  Skyscraper National Park is the perfect example. Buy this CD

7 Hank Williams III Lovesick Broke & Driftin' (Wea/Atlantic/Curb).  I bought this after I read an article about how Hank is a punk. Youd never know it from this CD. Disappointing, but it does make for a fine drinking album. And I do a lot of drinking. Buy this CD

8 Barry Manilow Ultimate Manilow (Arista).  Laugh all you want, but if you dont like Barry Manilow, YOU DONT LIKE MUSIC.Buy this CD

9 Aerosmith O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits (Sony).  I was front row center for the Pump tour in Bethlehem, PA.  I touched Steven Tylers hand when he gave the audience a high-five. I am so cool.  So is this CD.  Buy this CD