1 Denali Denali (Jade Tree).  Stark, haunting vocals over icy instrumentation.  Buy this CD

2 The Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (WB).  Who else besides Wayne Coyne could save us from those evil-natured robots?  Buy this CD

3 Engine Down Demure (Lovitt).  The sound of a heart being wrung out. Plus, they have the best rhythm section ever.  Buy this CD

4 Matthew Everybody Down (Rykodisc).  Wait, I thought Jeff Buckley was dead.  Buy this CD

5 Gloria Record Start Here (Arena Record).  Easily, the prettiest record of the year. Just because they have members of Mineral doesnt mean theyre emo.  Buy this CD

6 Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch).  While all the Radiohead comparisons were a bit far-fetched, this was a giant leap forward for Wilco and was the most earnest record of the year.  Buy this CD

7 Clipse Lord Willin' (Arista).  The Neptunes were all over the place this year, but never was their touch more golden than on Lord Willin.  Buy this CD

8 Black Sea The Black Sea EP (Lovitt).  The supergroup to end all supergroups. The full-length will be bitchin.  Buy this CD

9 Superdrag Last Call for Vitriol (Arena Rock).  Sure, its cheesy power-pop, but no one does it better.  Buy this CD