The Best of 2003: Staff Picks

by WFUV Staff | 12/07/2003 | 1:53am

(Photo by Lee Campbell via Unsplash)

Our favorites from the year 2003, the best we can choose on any given day.

Claudia Marshall

FUV Weekday Morning Host
My very, very favorite CDs of the year 2003

Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers
Rufus Wainwright: Want One
Jayhawks: Rainy Day Music
Joe Jackson Band: Volume Four

The Best CD's Of 2003 That I Discovered Too Late To Make My List Last Year

Joseph Arthur: Redemption's Son
Rhett Miller: The Instigator

Other great CDs of 2003

Erin McKeown: Grand
Bruce Cockburn: You've Never Seen Everything
Jennifer Jackson: So High
Hobex: U Ready, Man
Gillian Welch: Soul Journey
Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio: In Full Swing
Patty Larkin: Red=Luck
Ry Cooler & Manuel Galban: Mambo Sinuendo
Teitur: Poetry & Aeroplanes
Robinella and the C.C. String Band: Robinella and the C.C. String Band
The Waifs: Up all Night
Geoff Muldaur's Futuristic Ensemble: Private Astronomy - A Vision of the Music of Bix Beiderbecke
Sondre Lerche: Don't Be Shallow

Julianne Welby

News & Public Affairs Director/FUV Weekday Morning Host
Can't stop listening to:

The Jayhawks: Rainy Day Music
Joe Jackson: Volume 4
Radiohead: Hail to the Thief
Shelby Lynne: Identity Crisis
Kinky: Atlas
Johnny Cash: Unearthed
Rufus Wainwright: Want
The Mavericks: The Mavericks
Wilco: Australian EP

Should've put on last year's list/Still stuck in my CD player:

Gomez: In Our Gun
Joseph Arthur: Redemption's Son
Joan Osborne: How Sweet It Is
Interpol: Turn on the Bright Lights

Dennis Elsas

FUV Weekday Host
In alphabetical order:

Roseanne Cash
Rodney Crowell
Jayhawks
John Mellencamp
Scott Miller
Van Morrison
Josh Ritter
Chris Smither
Thorns
Thrills
Soozie Tyrell

Plus these songs:

"Everyone Deserves Music" - Michael Franti
"Bad Day" - R.E.M. (Greatest Hits)
"Can't Find My Way Home" - Alison Krauss (Crossing Jordan Soundtrack)
"I Want To Know" - The Mavericks

Corny O'Connell

FUV Weekday Host
In alphabetical order:

Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers
Michael Franti & Spearhead: Everyone Deserves Music
John Hammond: Ready For Love
Joe Jackson: Volume 4
Rickie Lee Jones: The Evening of My Best Day
The Thrills: So Much For the City
Josh Rouse: 1972
Joss Stone: The Soul Sessions
Gillian Welch: Soul Journey
Steve Winwood: About Time

Rita Houston

Music Director/The Whole Wide World Host
Rita's Top Ten(ish) for 2003
aka-THESE ALBUMS ARE GREAT AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN HUGE HITS!
Well, thank heavens for WFUV.

Rickie Lee Jones: The Evening of My Best Day (V2 Records)
Rickie Lee Jones has found much inspiration in the world events of the past few years. I'm surprised more songwriters are not writing 'protest' songs like this. Of course, with Rickie Lee Jones there's always a groove and this album is one of my favorites because of how she combines the message with a groove. The Evening of My Best Day is this era's What's Goin' On.
Damien Rice: O (Vector)
This is probably my absolute favorite. Heart melting stuff -- beautifully arranged and performed. I've become quite the Damien Rice collector too -- I want to hear everything he's ever done. Check out "Volcano" from City Folk Live VI.
The White Stripes: Elephant (V2 Records)
This album brought me back to loving loud again. I've been so mellow for so long. Also, seems obvious now but the way The White Stripes connect blues and country to punk rock is what makes them cool to me. Plus, it got me back into my old Zep and Rod Stewart records.
Paul Weller: Illumination (Yep Roc Records)
I'm a big Paul Weller fan and this album was one of my most played of the year. I love the subtle spirituality of it.
Shelby Lynne: Identity Crisis (Capitol)
It's no secret I'm a fan of Shelby Lynne. This album plays beautifully and softly from start to finish. Again, it's honest and real and Shelby's voice shines throughout.
The Mavericks: The Mavericks (Sanctuary)
I still don't understand why The Mavericks aren't huge stars. This album is another great one from them -- a party built into a CD and the perfect combination of rock and country with Raul's distinctive, remarkable vocals.
Elvis Costello: North (Deutche Grammophone)
This album quietly became one of my favorites this year. It's so deep, honest, mellow and masterful. This CD proves the adage 'we get what we give' and if you're willing to really get into an album this one will reap many rewards for you.
Gillian Welch: Soul Journey (Acony)
Another quiet masterpiece. Song by song a great listen. Reminds me a lot of Dylan's Desire. I wonder if Gillian thinks so.
Outkast: SpeakerBoxx/The Love Below (Arista)
This release is an exception to the above in that it actually is a huge pop hit. I just love it. It's Hip-hop with a sense of humour, a sense of style and a conscience.
Rosanne Cash: Rules Of Travel (Capitol)
If I wrote songs (HA!) this is what I would hope them to be. Honest, heartfelt and catchy as hell. I always feel like I understand Rosanne Cash's songs... but what I don't understand is how they are not hits. Take Rules of Travel for example, that should be all over the radio and VH-1 -- but alas, that's not the world we live in. Again, thank heavens for FUV!
Rufus Wainwright: Want One (Dreamworks)
I had to grow to love this album. I think it was too much for me initially. Sure, it's over the top, but still, these are honest and true songs. Rufus is an artist that will always interest me. The double vinyl version got quite a few spins on my new turntable too this year.
Various: City Folk Live VI
Our latest compilation of live performances from Studio A plays like the ultimate FUV mix tape. Familiar artists mix with several new discoveries. The CD is available only with membership here at FUV.

Here are some other albums I love and recommend:

Sidestepper: In Beats We Trust
Belle and Sebastian: Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Ry Cooder and Manuel Galban: Mambo Sinuendo
Josh Ritter: Hello Starling
Josh Rouse: 1972
Erin McKeown: Grand
Tommy Guerro: Soul Food Tacqueria

All that said, let's not forget that the radio is all about great songs -- Those songs that make you turn up the volume and sing along. Those songs that can change your mood in an instant. Here are some that did it for me this year.

Joss Stone-"Fell in Love With A Boy"
Milton-"In The City"
Stereophonics-"Maybe Tomorrow"
Maktub-"You Can't Hide"

Russ Borris

Assistant Music Director

Get Born
John Hammond: Ready For Love
Outkast: Speakerboxx/The Love Below
Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros: Streetcore
Ben Harper: Diamonds on the Inside
Josh Rouse: 1972
North Mississippi Allstars: Polaris
Dwight Yoakam: Population: Me
Belle & Sebastian: Dear Catastrophe Waitress
The White Stripes: Elephant

John Platt

Development and Marketing Director/Sunday Breakfast Host
Here are the ones I live with:

Rosanne Cash: Rules of Travel (Capitol)
She reclaims her singing and songwriting voice on this triumphant return
Richard Thompson: The Old Kit Bag (SpinArt)
A master
Shelby Lynne: Identity Crisis (Capitol)
What crisis? Only for people who want to pigeonhole her music.
Rickie Lee Jones: The Evening of My Best Day (V2)
Funky, feisty, and fine.
Boz Scaggs: But Beautiful (Gray Cat)
The title says it all; think John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman doing standards
Rodney Crowell: Fate's Right Hand (DMZ/Epic)
A portrait of the artist and his world
Emmylou Harris: Stumble Into Grace (Nonesuch)
Stumble? Never! Grace? Always!
Patty Larkin: Red=Luck (Vanguard)
One of the best from one of the best
Damien Rice: O (Damien Rice)
Josh Ritter: Hello Starling (Signature Sounds)
Two young guys who've got the goods
Joan Baez: Dark Chords on a Big Guitar (Koch)
Ellis Paul & Vance Gilbert: Side of the Road (Philo)
Carefully chosen collections of songs for the post-9/11 world
Joan Armatrading: Lovers Speak (Denon)
A long-awaited, heartfelt return.
Joel Harrison: Free Country (ACT)
A collection of old country and Appalachian tunes with progressive jazz arrangements and vocals by Norah Jones, Jen Chapin and others
The Jayhawks: Rainy Day Music (American/Lost Highway)
The best three-minute pop songs since The Beatles
Susan McKeown & The Chanting House: Prophecy (www.susanmckeown.com)
Original songs from this great Irish-American singer, including a couple of duets with Natalie Merchant. Not yet distributed in the U.S. but available at her website
Various artists: Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Shout Sister Shout! (MC Records)
A soulful salute from Maria Muldaur, Joan Osborne, Odetta, and others

R.I.P. Johnny Cash; June Carter Cash; Warren Zevon.
Long live the Bottom Line.

Vin Scelsa

Idiot's Delight Host
Music:

Andrew Bird Weather Systems
Beulah Yoko
Frank Black & The Catholics Show Me Your Tears
Luka Bloom "I Am Not At War With Anyone" (single)
Ron Carter The Golden Striker
Calexico Feast Of Wire
Rosanne Cash Rules Of Travel
June Carter Cash Wildwood Flower
Vic Chesnutt Silver Lake
Clem Snide Soft Spot and "A Beautiful EP"
Paolo Conte Reveries
Bob Dylan Masked and Anonymous (soundtrack)
The Essex Green The Long Goodbye
Frogholler Railings
The Fugs The Fugs Final CD Pt. 1
Greta Gertler The Baby That Brought Bad Weather
Lys Guillorn Lys Guillorn
John Hammond Ready For Love
Jenifer Jackson So High
Chris Lee Cool Rock
Cyndi Lauper At Last
Mary Lorson and Billy Coté Piano Creeps
Gary Lucas Songstress On The Edge Of Heaven
Eleni Mandell Country For True Lovers
Mary Lee's Corvette 700 Miles
Natalie Merchant The House Carpenter's Daughter
Mojave 3 Spoon and Rafter
Alexi Murdoch "Four Songs" EP
Juana Molina Segundo (U.S. release) and Tres Cosas (import)
Geoff Muldaur's Futuristic Ensemble Private Astronomy: A Vision of The Music Of Bix Beiderbecke
Randy Newman The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1
Pernice Brothers Yours: Mine & Ours
Britta Phillips & Dean Wareham L'Avventura
Lou Reed The Raven
Josh Rouse 1972
Matthew Ryan Regret Over The Wires
Pharoah Sanders With A Heartbeat
Boz Scaggs But Beautiful Standards Vol. 1
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros Streetcore
Jacky Terrasson Smile
Tindersticks Waiting For The Moon
James Blood Ulmer No Escape From The Blues: The Electric Lady Sessions
Dar Williams The Beauty Of The Rain
Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3 Static Transmission
Yo La Tengo Summer Sun
Warren Zevon The Wind
Various Artists Light Of Day: A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen
Various Artists Wig In A Box: Songs From & Inspired By Hedwig and The Angry Inch

Books:

William Boyd Any Human Heart
T.C. Boyle Drop City
Christopher Bram Lives Of The Circus Animals
Don DeLillo Cosmopolis
Pete Hamill Forever
Mark & Rae Jacobson 12,000 Miles In The Nick Of Time: A Semi-Dysfunctional Family Circumnavigates The Globe (non-fiction)
Sheri Holman The Mammoth Cheese
Larry Kirwan Liverpool Fantasy
J. Robert Lennon Mailman
Jonathan Lethem The Fortress Of Solitude
Richard Price Samaritan
Jane Smiley Good Faith
Zadie Smith The Autograph Man
Bruce Wagner Still Holding
Colson Whitehead The Colossus Of New York (non-fiction)
Marianne Wiggins Evidence Of Things Unseen
Mark Zwonitzer with Charles Hirshberg Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone: The Carter Family & Their Legacy In American Music (non-fiction: actually published in 2003; paperback comes out early 2004)

Film:

American Splendor directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
Lost In Translation directed by Sofia Coppola
Masked and Anonymous directed by Larry Charles
The Station Agent directed by Thomas McCarthy

Pete Fornatale

Mixed Bag Host
In alphabetical order:

John Eddie: Who The Hell Is John Eddie
Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers
Emmylou Harris: Stumble Into Grace
Lyle Lovett: My Baby Don't Tolerate
Liz Phair: Liz Phair
Steely Dan: Everything Must Go
The Thorns: The Thorns
The Thrills: So Much For The City
The Waifs: Up All Night
Warren Zevon: The Wind

Chris Pergolizzi

The FUV Jamboree, Friday nights at Midnight
The Top 10:

Townhall: The New Song
Soulive: Soulive
Ben Harper: Diamonds on the Inside
Steve Winwood: About Time
Radiohead: Hail to the Thief
Dave Matthews: Some Devil
Outkast: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
The Bad Plus: These Are the Vistas
The Byrds: Sweetheart of the Rodeo (Legacy Edition)
Derek Trucks: Soul Serenade

Honorable Mentions:

Jeff Buckley: Live at Sin-e (Legacy Edition)
The White Stripes: Elephant
North Mississippi Allstars: Polaris
Andrew Bird: Weather Systems
Damien Rice: O
Turin Brakes: Ether Song
Flaming Lips: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Remastered Dylan Catalogue
The Polyphonic Spree: The Beginning Stages of...
Yonder Moutain String Band and Benny Galloway: Old Hands
Eastmountainsouth: Eastmountainsouth
Gillian Welch: Soul Journey
Maktub: Khronos
Jack Johnson: On and On
Allman Bros. Band: Live at the Atlanta Pop Festival
Phish: It Festival: Limeston ME From Livephish.com

Kim Rudolph

The FUV Jamboree
In no particular order:

Radiohead: Hail to the Thief
North Mississippi Allstars: Polaris
Damien Rice: O
Josh Rouse: 1972
Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: Heart of Oak
Robert Randolph and The Family Band: Unclassified
Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks: Pig Lib
Ben Harper: Diamonds on the Inside
Flaming Lips: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

George Evans

Director of Technical Operations/FUV Weekday Host
What I really enjoyed hearing in 2003

Erin McKeown: Grand (Nettwerk)
Alexi Murdoch: Four Songs (Mind Blue Music)
The Innocence Mission: Befriended (Badman Records)
Gillian Welch: Soul Journey (Acony)
Rufus Wainwright: Want (One) (Dreamworks)
Joss Stone: The Soul Sessions (S-Curve)
Patty Larkin: Red = Luck (Vanguard)
Dan Bern: Fleeting Days (Messenger)
Josh Rouse: 1972 (Rykodisc)
Scott Miller & the Commonwealth: Upside Downside (Sugar Hill)
The Decemberists: Her Majesty The Decemberists (Kill Rock Stars)

Just 'cause it ain't listed, don't mean I didn't listen to it!

Honorable Mentions:

Damien Rice: O (Damien Rice)
Warren Zevon: The Wind (Artemis)
Elvis Costello: North (Universal Classics)
Liz Phair: Liz Phair
The Jayhawks: Rainy Day Music (American/Lost Highway)
Marshall Crenshaw: What's in the Bag? (Razor & Tie)
Edie Brickell: Volcano (Universal)
Johnny Cash: Unearthed (American/Lost Highway)
Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart: Never Gonna Let You Go (Gearle/Evolver)
Coldplay: Live 2003 (Capitol)
Thicker Than Water Soundtrack (Universal)
Shelby Lynne: Identity Crisis (Capitol)
Chris Smither: Train Home (Hightone)
Dan Zanes and Friends: House Party (Festival Five)
Dar Williams: The Beauty of the Rain (Razor & Tie)
Ani DiFranco: Evolve (Righteous Babe)
Richard Thompson: The Old Kit Bag (SpinArt)
Rickie Lee Jones: The Evening of My Best Day (V2)

...and so many more! :)

Ceol na nGael

Celtic Sunday afternoons with Deirdre McGuinness and Liz Noonan
In no particular order:

Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul: Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul
Kate Rusby: 10
Ashley MacIsaac: Ashley MacIsaac
Solas: Another Day
John McCusker: Goodnight Ginger
Natalie MacMaster: Blueprint
Various Artists: A Woman's Heart: A Decade On
Lunasa: Redwood

Seamus Blake

Mile Failte, Celtic Saturday mornings, 8-9am

The Afro-Celts: Seed
Kila: Luna Park

Janeen Shaitelman

Promotions Director
In no particular order:

Alexi Murdoch: Four Songs
Damien Rice: O
Dan Bern: Fleeting Days
Erin McKeown: Grand
Beth Orton: The Other Side of Daybreak
The Mavericks: The Mavericks
Edie Brickell: Volcano
Lyle Lovett: My Baby Don't Tolerate
Chris Smither: Train Home
Keller Williams: Home

Laura Fedele

Web Site Director
Great albums

Damien Rice: O - I laughed, I cried.
The Thrills: So Much For the City - I sang, I danced.
Rickie Lee Jones: The Evening of My Best Day - Lucious, mellow groove with strong, progressive lyrics.
Ani DiFranco: Evolve - You can always count on Ani to take you somewhere interesting.
Erin McKeown: Grand - Still sounding like nobody else, like the best of old and new.
The Mavericks: The Mavericks - You got Raul, you got a kickin' band, you got a good time.

These CDs have great songs but I didn't listen to them as whole albums so much:

Joss Stone: The Soul Sessions
Shelby Lynne: Identity Crisis
Gillian Welch: Soul Journey
Patty Larkin: Red = Luck
Joe Henry: Tiny Voices
Rosanne Cash: Rules of Travel
The Jayhawks: Rainy Day Music

Shari Rosen Ascher

Corporate Sponsorship Representative
(and Biggest Elvis Costello Fan Ever)
In no fancy order!

Elvis Costello: North
The Thorns: The Thorns
The Jayhawks: Rainy Day Music
Joe Strummer: Streetcore
R.E.M.: The Best Of
Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers
Joss Stone: The Soul Sessions
Lyle Lovett: My Baby Don't Tolerate

DJ Wilbur

Left-hand man for the Whole Wide World

A few runners-up:

The Clientele: The Violet Hour
Paul Weller: Illumination
Bonnie Prince Billy: Master and Everyone
Stan Getz: The Lost Sessions
Coralie Clement: Salle Des Pas Perdus
Damien Rice: O
The Thrills: So Much For The City
Smokey and Miho (Two EPs)
The White Stripes: Elephant
Rufus: Want One
Moby: 18 B-Sides
Concert For George Harrison
Blur: Think Tank
Grandaddy: Sumday

Erich Rastetter

IT Guy and Weekend DJ Psychiatrist

Damien Rice: O
Just when you get tired of the whole sensitive singer-songwriter thing someone like Damien Rice comes along and proves timeless lyrically-introspective songs can still be written. Best Tracks: Delicate, Amie, and Eskimo (just because of its magnificent symphonic coda).
Radiohead: Hail To The Theif
Being a cynic, I thought Radiohead would crack if they released another heavily-electronic album. Before hearing this, I thought it was time for another "Bends". But one of the most original and innovative bands of the last decade has kept the bar up with new tricks, and they now have George W. Bush to dislike. Best Track: "2+2=5" (the Orwellian reference sets the tone for the album so perfectly)
The White Stripes: Elephant
This album has everything from Led Zeppelin to Johnny Cash while keeping original. Last time a person tried to emulate his influences this much, Lenny Kravitz forgot to be original and faded into a fasionably sensitive pop oblivion. The White Stripes keep it so much more real, in part because the drumming sucks but the old school production makes the bass drum kick even when it's out of time. Best track: "Ball and Biscuit"
Townhall: The New Song
The most underrated unknown best album of this year. Good songwriting, incredible instrumentation, and beautiful production. And very rhythmically challenging! Stevie Wonder is somewhere in the mix, I swear. Once their lyrics mature, Townhall surely will be a success. Not a band to overlook. Best Track: "Working for Another Song"
Dave Matthews: Some Devil
Dave Matthews can have anything he wants. Some Devil is a great album not just because the songs are good, but the musicians he brought in are phenomenal. Yet it is not flashy or overdone. Getting Trey Anastasio to play along with this idea is an accomplishment in itself. The songs are some of the best DM's written, and the temporary change to "Dave & Friends" is a welcome one. Best Track: "Dodo"
Rufus Wainwright: Want One
Rufus is more sober and more flamboyant than ever. This album isn't quite as good as Poses, but, heck, it's good. It's also so overdone that you know it's on purpose (unlike, let's say... The Thorns) and it works! The lyrics also seem to be more carefully and thoughtfully written than any of his previous albums, with all sorts of cool references (a'la Grey Gardens from Poses). Best Track: "Oh What A World"
Fountains of Wayne: Welcome Interstate Managers
One of those surprise releases from a "whatever happened to them" group. I first heard it when Claudia played pretty much the whole thing on Idiot's Delight when filling in for Vin. She called it "Pop Perfection" and I agree. It's easy to miss mainstream sounding bands when you work in an eclectic radio station like WFUV, but this album is chock full of good songs. Best track: "Hackensack"
Daniel Lanois: Shine
While Daniel Lanois is known as an outstanding producer (Joshua Tree), he has also carved his niche as a "musician's musician"; this is his third album of songs that will most likely remain relatively obscure until someone covers them. Best Track: "Fire"
Josh Rouse: 1972
I almost had a 1970's party because of this album. From the brown and yellow cover (with a swirl of light blue) to the soulful back-up singers, there's nothing not to love about something so nostalgic it makes us, the student staff, wish we could go back to... well, 1972 (even though we weren't born then). Warm acoustic guitars. Fender Rhodes. Fabulous bass lines. Best Track: Come Back (more disco strings on the next album, Josh!)
Instead of a 10th album, here's 5 must-hear tracks:
Ben Folds, "In Between Days," (Cure cover) Speed Graphic/benfolds.com
Death Cab for Cutie, "A Lack of Color," Transatlanticism
Tom Waits, "The Return of Jackie and Judy," We're a Happy Family: A Tribute to the Ramones
Jeff Buckley, "Hallelujah," Live at Sin-e Legacy Edition
The Mars Volta, "Roulette Dares," De-Loused in the Comatorium

Neil "Cougar" Friedman

Crack Engineer

Cyndi Lauper: At Last
John Mellencamp: Trouble No More

Lottie Leymarie

Music Manager
I couldn't put these albums into order, they were are all amazing. Here is the list of my favorite albums... in no particular order!

Blur: Think Tank
Broken Social Scene: You Forgot It In People
Belle and Sebastian: Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Wrens: Meadowland
The Shins: Chutes Too Narrow
Deerhoof: Apple O
The Polyphonic Spree: Beginning Stages Of...
Ween: Quebec
The Sleepy Jackson: Lovers
Radio 4: Electrify
Turin Brakes: Ether Song
Cat Power: You Are Free
Placebo: Sleeping With Ghosts
Christina Aguilera: Stripped (?!?!?!?!?) haha

Jennifer Guerra

Morning Producer

Damien Rice: O
The Be Good Tanyas: Chinatown
Belle & Sebastian: Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Innocence Mission: Befriended
Lucinda Williams: World Without Tears
Audra Kubat: Million Year Old Sand
Joe Henry: Tiny Voices
Cat Power: You Are Free
Alexi Murdoch: Four Songs
Deadstring Brothers: Deadstring Brothers

Joey DelVecchio

Traffic Manager

My top 5 for the year!

The Thorns: The Thorns
Josh Rouse: 1972
Pearl Jam: Riot Act
Pete Yorn: Day I Forgot
Dave Matthews: Some Devil

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Tags: #Best of the Year Lists