#358 - Turn On The Bright Lights, Interpol

"Hailed by critics and fans alike as one of the best indie records of 2002, Interpol's debut unapologetically apes the jagged Post-Punk pioneered by bands such as Joy Division and the Chameleons. But with its tight structures and strong melodies, their excellent dirge-rock is more an extension of the past than an exhumation." (real music guide)

#357 - In Utero, Nirvana

"The follow-up to Nevermind was an uncompromising slab of Post-Punk dissonance. It also contains some of Nirvana's finest songs and Kurt Cobain's best writing (see "All Apologies" or "Pennyroyal Tea."). After the critical and massive success of Nevermind, this is the album they needed to make. Unfortunately, it was also their last." (real music guide)

#356 - Elephant, The White Stripes

"Lit up by the punked-out blues riff of "Black Math" and the high-pitched Queen-like squall of "There's No Home For You Here," the group's fourth LP is probably its dirtiest but has the smartest lyrics of them all. "Ball And Biscuit" goes back to the altar of Jeff Beck worship; the fact that "Seven Nation Army" gets radio airplay is a modern miracle." (real music guide)

#355 - Teaser And The Firecat, Cat Stevens

"Cat Stevens never stopped being a pop singer at heart, and with Teaser and the Firecat he reconciled his philosophical interests with his pop instincts. Basically, Teaser's songs came in two modes: gentle ballads that usually found Stevens and second guitarist Alun Davies playing delicate lines over sensitive love lyrics, and up-tempo numbers on which the guitarists strummed away and thundering drums played in stop-start rhythms." (allmusic guide)

#354 - Slowhand, Eric Clapton

"Clapton paid tribute to the woozy shuffle of J.J. Cale on this career-defining record. With a handful of giant radio hits and stellar material throughout, Slowhand earned classic status upon its release -- and remains the point where many beginners start with his work." (real music guide)




#353 - Green, R.E.M.

"While the band's political convictions were now so central they went and named their major label debut after them, the perfect pop songs remain the most memorable things about "Green" (especially the insanely catchy "Stand"). "You Are the Everything" has an early taste of the mandolin riffing that would crop up to more lucrative commercial effect on "Losing My Religion."" (real music guide)

#352 - Fight For Your Mind, Ben Harper

"As a singer-songwriter, Ben Harper has grown in leaps and bounds from his debut album. His sophomore effort reflects this growth via a handful of confident, expressive songs that speak to both heart and mind. It's not the definitive album of Harper's career, but it's a solid, enjoyable effort nonetheless." (real music guide)