Hey folks!

In my previous newsletter, I provided an index of all my recent notes on various 2001 albums. Somehow, to my shame, I forgot that there was a whole ‘nother newsletter where I asked you, the readers, to send in your very favorite 2001 albums. That list is right here, and I highly suggest you go over it before finishing your 2001 nomination ballot. There’s stuff on there that I still haven’t gotten to. Double shame on me! Don’t do what Donny Don’t does.

Also, again, here’s a link to the nomination form. Be sure to read the instructions!

Anyway, while we’re here, some more notes from me. Here’s my rating system again, say it with me: Love, Like/Love, Like, Interesting/Like, Interesting, Lukewarm, Leave. Say it with me again: most albums are likable and Like-able.

Ex Models, OTHER MATHEMATICS (Spotify, YouTube)

Having trouble fully remembering what this was like, other than being raucous in a noise-rock way. The image I’m getting is of Too Much Joy playing at being Dillinger Escape Plan. That probably has nothing to do what’s here. Again, always trust the past self, and past self said Rating: Like.

Will Haven, CARPE DIEM (Spotify, YouTube)

Is JANE DOE too chaotic for you? This is JANE DOE with the wrinkles ironed out. That’s maybe not a great thing but it isn’t by definition a bad thing. Rating: Like.

Splitsville, THE COMPLETE PET SOUL (Spotify, YouTube)

Winner of the newsletter! The great thing about the Best Album tournament, if I may speak towards that, is getting recommendations from readers that are like, Where has this been all my life? Kinda does what it says on the tin, a gorgeous set of Brian Wilson-inflected power-pop, like the power-pop equivalent of Beulah’s THE COAST IS NEVER CLEAR. Please give this one a listen! Rating: Like/Love.

Unearth, THE STINGS OF CONSCIENCE (Spotify, YouTube)

Approached this with trepidation, as it’s slotted under “metalcore,” not traditionally a genre I care for. Hitting play, I remembered that metalcore in 2001 isn’t (to my ears) the same thing as metalcore in 2010+. What’s the difference? I dunno man, quality? A smattering of melody? A sense that they really mean it as opposed to being a fashion statement? I’m getting cranky. Anyway, this is heavy shit, so if you’re in the market for that… Rating: Like.

Brotha Lynch Hung & C-Bo, BLOCC MOVEMENT (Spotify, YouTube)

Best Album reader and voter @mystoragebench.bsky.social did a survey of 2001 horrorcore rap, which you can find here. This album is the #1 on the list and well uhhhhhhh this might be as far as I go with 2001 horrorcore. (This from a guy who thinks the first Gravediggaz album is tops.) It isn’t bad, not by a long shot, it’s just nothing that really grabs me, aside from occasional moments. If this is your thing, though, I imagine it rips hard. Rating: Interesting/Like.

The Philadelphia Experiment, THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT (Spotify, YouTube)

Producer Aaron Levinson brought together Philadephia natives Uri Caine, Christian McBride and Questlove to make a jazz/funk/soul album and it’s terrific. (It’s also hilarious because when you hit play and hear the drums, it’s totally obvious who’s behind the kit.) Also features a Bad Plus-ian take on “Philadelphia Freedom.” RIYL The Roots, jazz, soul, Grover Washington Jr., trip hop, electric piano. Rating: Like bordering on Like/Love.

Venetian Snares, DOLL DOLL DOLL (Spotify, YouTube)

Completely unfamiliar with Canada’s answer to Aphex Twin and µ-Ziq, now feeling I should familiarize myself. Crazy-ass drum n’ bass in the Aphex/Squarepusher tradition. Got a little worried at first, as the first two tracks sound identical, but then the songs start going their own individual way, with things like free jazz horns or in one case, cello. There’s a focus on Jon-Benet Ramsey, that I can’t quite figure out if it’s genuine outrage or edgelordism or what’s going on. It can be a bit uncomfortable, so fair warning. Rating: Like/Love.