Best Albums of 1999

In 1999, I graduated from high school and moved up to Atlanta, something which greatly influenced my musical tastes. Atlanta, being the rap capital of the south, opened my eyes to the world of rap. Here's my picks from 1999...

10. Bury The Hatchet - The Cranberries
Reflections: I like the Cranberries. Eat me. Whether or not you do, I don't really care, because this album proves that they are indeed one hell of a rock band. Rock with an Irish twist, Bury The Hatchet is a real treat for the ears. Much better than some of their previous albums, this disc deserves to be in the year's best.
Best tracks: Promises, Animal Instinct, Desperate Andy, Delilah, Loud and Clear

9. Things Fall Apart - The Roots
Reflections: Apart from Outkast, The Roots are the best hip-hop act in existence. They play their own instruments, and the ensemble they have is second to none. Things Fall Apart blew my mind, and will probably blow yours. The Roots should be listened to by anybody who thinks they like hip-hop. You'll love them.
Best tracks: The Next Movement, 100% Dundee, Adrenaline, Step into the Realm

8. Late at Night - Dover
Reflections: I'm almost willing to bet you've never heard of Dover. They're a grunge band, based out of Barcelona, that sings entirely in English. This album reminds me a lot of Nevermind, but with a harder approach. Late at Night is a great disc, even though I had to go to Barcelona myself to pick it up.
Best tracks: Cherry Lee, Late At Night, Far, Four Graves, DJ, The Hitter

7. 2001 - Dr. Dre
Reflections: The return of the most influential rapper ever to the studio could've been a disaster, but not if Dr. Dre had anything to say about it. The good doctor put out one of the tightest, most amazing album of rhymes and beats to hit the rap scene in a long time. As good as The Chronic, but not nearly as influential, 2001 showcases Andre Young's mastery of the rap game.
Best tracks: Still D.R.E., Forgot About Dre, What's The Difference

6. Breakfast With Girls - Self
Reflections: This is pop music at its finest. Matt Mahaffey writes some of the catchiest hooks ever, and you can't help but listen and enjoy. He's creative, and his genius shows. For example, the title track is strung up chock full of LL Cool J samples - and it's actually really good. So respect Self's quality, and pick up Breakfast With Girls.
Best tracks: Suzie Q. Sailaway, Meg Ryan, Kill The Barflies, Uno Song, Sucker, Better Than Aliens

5. Full Speed Ahead - Pain
Reflections: Pain's third LP, Full Speed Ahead shows that the boys from Alabama have mastered their craft. This album is tighter and more polished than the others, and is an amazing ride from start to finish. Keeping up the formula which made their other albums a success, yet keeping the tracks original enough to hold your interest, this disc is amazing.
Best tracks: Futz Said Julie, Who Took Botu's Picture?, Full Speed Ahead, Right On, Upright

4. The Decline - NOFX
Reflections: Yes, this is a one-song EP. But it's an 18 minute long punk rock song. And it is fucking incredible. The Decline was an experiment, and it proved that NOFX deserves their spot in the punk rock pantheon. For $7 (or 20mb), you can't enjoy one track any more than this one. Get this disc. Hear this song now.
Best tracks: The Decline (technically, it's the onlytrack)

3. Magnolia Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Reflections: Less a soundtrack, more an Aimee Mann album, this disc is just a treat to listen to. Sure, Aimee is folksy, but that doesn't detract from what I consider to be one of the best albums I've heard in a long time.
Best tracks: One, Momentum, Save Me, Logical Song, Wise Up

2. Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Reflections: The Chili Peppers changed their sound for this album, and it was an improvement for the better. This album is incredible. It's rock and roll but at the same time it has that laid-back Southern California feel to it. It's mellow and it's not. You really should just buy this album and hear it for yourself.
Best tracks: Parallel Universe, Otherside, Californication, Easily, Road Trippin', Scar Tissue

1. When Your Heartstrings Break - Beulah
Reflections: Often miscategorized as 'psychadelic pop', this disc is a short but beautiful trip through the world of Beulah. Heartstrings is hard to find (I had to import mine from the UK), but is arguably the best 30 minute album in music history (along with No Control from Bad Religion). This CD is the epitome of "short and sweet", with amazing harmonies, beautiful horns, and
the best pop music I've heard in years. Listen to this CD.
Best tracks: all 30 minutes, especially 'Emma Blowgun's Last Stand'

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