Welcome to our second annual
Year in Review. For those who just joined us in the past year, (there was
a lot of you), each year in December we go about the daunting task of picking
the albums we felt were the best in their respective category for the past
year. So with out further b.s from us here it is our picks for 1999.
Best
Alternative Album
Lit - A Place in the Sun
We have been fans
of this band since we used to see them play Club 369 . Although Lit's major
label debut, A Place in the Sun, was a big departure from their heavier
indy release Tripping the Light Fantastic, these guys continue to rock.
The world agrees, with two hit singles so far from this album, Lit won't
be going away any time soon.
Best
Hard Rock Album
Creed
- Human Clay
The first tune on
this album, Are You Ready, caught our attention and easily cemented this
album as one of 1999's best. In the age of pessimism, its great to hear
some positive music for a change. What can we say this album rocks!
Best
Heavy Metal Album
Iced
Earth - Alive in Athens
The only thing better
than a killer metal studio album, is a killer Live metal album. Iced Earth
is one the 90's premier masters of metal. This two disc album reminds us
why heavy metal will never die. This is a must have album for any metal
head. Trust us you won't be disappointed.
Best
Pop Album
Marvelous
3 - Hey Album
Technically this
album came out in late 1998, but Hey it didn't get any exposure until this
year. From the get go this record packs a powerful pop punch with tasty
guitar riffs, sensational harmonies, and powerful vocals. With songs like
Freak of the Week, You're so Yesterday and the killer ballad Let me Go,
the Marvelous 3 earn our ranking as one the best pop bands out today.
Best
Punk Album
NOFX
- The Decline EP
It may only be an
EP, but NOFX has a gem with Decline. In the age where lots of bands claim
to be punk, NOFX earns the title. It only has one song, but damn it, its
good enough to be the best!
Best
Rock Album
Tonic
-Sugar
The title is appropriate
this album is sweet. 13 songs 13 potential hit singles. This album should
easily sell better that their platinum debut, and justifiably so. Tonic
is by far one of the best rock bands out today. They combine excellent
musicianship with the incredible song writing, to make them a cure all
for those who say rock is dead. This was our runner up for album of the
year, want to know why? Go buy Sugar and find out why.
Best
Cross-Over album
Everlast
- Whitey Ford Sings The Blues
Forget Limp Bizkit
and Korn, Everlast knows how to combine Rock and Rap to get even us non
Rap fans interested. A great album from the beginning to end Everlast
has proved he has what it takes to bring the world of rock and rap together.
Best
unsigned band
Weedpuller
Fans of Blink-182,
the Foo Fighters and Green Day have to check out this hot band from Orange
County. Currently they have a promo cd available with songs from their
second album Girth. These guys should go far. They have it all: Excellent
musicianship, great song writing and a grab bag of influences which makes
their music appealing to a wide variety of music fans.
Album
of the Year
Neurotica
- Living in Dog Years.
Neurotica has made
our list two years running for a reason, they kick major ass. Their debut
Seed, which was produced by AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson made us instant
fans, and Living in Dog Years reminded us why we became fans in the first
place. It's pack full of exceptional hard rock riffs, and Kelly Shaffer
reaches a new level with his vocals. Oh yeah did we mention the songs kick
ass. If you don't own this CD yet go buy it now and thank us later.
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