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The Best Albums of 2003
 
 Special K (In alphabetical order)
Blur [Think Tank] 2003 Blur "Think Tank"
This is Blur's 7th album. They are without Graham, but their songs are still fresh and varied. I saw them for the first time at Summer Sonic '03 and they were brilliant.(See Summer Sonic Day 1 Review)
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British Sea Power [The Decline Of British Sea Power] 2003 British Sea Power "The Decline Of British Sea Power"
Their gig in Shibuya was weird and exciting. The vocalist has a big voice for such a small body. The album is noisy but full of great tunes and "Remember Me" is a classic.
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The Electric Soft Parade [The American Adventure] 2003 The Electric Soft Parade "The American Adventure"
When I listen to this it feels like falling in love. These songs are as catchy as an advertising jingle and nostalgic like I've heard them somewhere before. Melodic, uplifting and moving.(See Album Review)
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The Kills [Keep On Your Mean Side] 2003 The Kills "Keep On Your Mean Side"
Despite guitars being their only weapons their songs are deep and rich. They are the kind of band who creates their own world and enchants us with it.
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The Raveonettes [Chain Gang Of Love] 2003 The Raveonettes "Chain Gang Of Love"
This album has all the features of garage rock rolled into one. The noisy retro guitar sound, the repetitive riffs, three chords, no computers, each instrument is analogue and lively. Listening to this makes me want to form a band.
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The Stills [Logic Will Break Your Heart] 2003 The Stills "Logic Will Break Your Heart"
Sad, painful, moving, bittersweet candypop. Unfortunately for me, girls can't sing this low.
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Super Furry Animals [Phantom Power] 2003 Super Furry Animals "Phantom Power"
Most albums have a few songs which are just filler but Super Furry Animals' new album is an exception. This is a laid back album and I want to sing along with every song. (See Live Review)
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The Strokes [Room On Fire] 2003 The Strokes "Room On Fire"
It has more variation than "Is This It", mixing reggae, their usual repetitive guitars and a one ballad. This second album makes me expect the third to be astonishing. (See Album Review and "12:51" Single Review)
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The White Stripes [Elephant] 2003 The White Stripes "Elephant"
Cheap to produce but incredibly successful. The White Stripes' lyrics are always strange but because of this their songs have their own world. Jack White's guitar is great of course but on songs like "I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart" a piano gives their sound more variation.
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Yeah Yeah Yeahs [Fever To Tell] 2003 Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Fever To Tell"
This is the album for every girl who's ever wanted to be in a band. Cool guitar sound? Yeah! Light, fast drumming? Yeah! Karen O's moist, sexy voice? Yeah! If you have all these things then you have the Yeah Yeah Yeahs!

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