I Monster "Daydream in Blue" (UK promo)

In the whole I Monster vs Beta Band debate, I stand firmly in the Beta camp, but you can't deny this pop brilliance.

Idlewild "100 Broken Windows"

This is another cd that held a long incubation period. Heard them a few times from a friend, saw them open for Placebo (realizing I knew more of their songs than I realized!), and yet I still wasn't taken by them. Then one day I realized I loved them, bought the album, and haven't looked back since.

One of the catchiest testosterone-pop albums ever. And Roddy... *swoon*

Idlewild "A Modern Way of Letting Go" (UK promo)

Yet another of the seemingly endless perfect tracks off "The Remote Part". This is only a one-track promo, but I am assured the b-sides stand on their own two feet next to the album material.

Idlewild "Live In a Hiding Place" (UK promo)

Every song on The Remote Part could be a single. Every one. So, by default, this one is fantastic.

Idlewild "The Remote Part" (UK promo)

Here's the part where they become superstars. I put it on, try to do other things while I'm listening, and fail miserably, having to crash somewhere and just sing along. It's their most mature album, but no mere ballady work here. They've kept their soul, and perfected their craft. A certain point in the middle of 'Out of Routine' gets me every time.

If All Else Fails "Intelligence Brings Fear EP" (UK promo)

Got this promo from a friend's friend I met in a club who was in the band (sorry about the random introduction). Aggresive rock that was a bit too nu-metal for my liking, but it's not to say they may not be talented and discovered by people who like that sort of thing. Good luck to them.

Ingo Star Cruiser "P.S. I Cuddle a Box" (UK import)

Plainative indie and heartfelt longing, and by god, a downright filthy and disturbing cover art hints that Pete Ingo is smirking beneath all that good boy exterior. Seemingly nice, but with a delightfully twisted core.

Interpol "Turn On the Bright Lights" (UK promo)

Many bands look backward for inspiration, but only British Sea Power and Interpol look back to Joy Division, and both with stellar results. This album took a while to become a favourite, but its brilliance was apparent from the first listen. This will be remembered as one of the classic American albums of 2002, and hopefully will cause more bands to look past the Top 40 when finding their inspirations.

Interview With the Vampire (soundtrack)

I fall asleep to this (in a good way!). It's good relaxation music and it reminds me of the movie!

Ivy "Long Distance" (EU import)

The brainchild of Adam Schlessinger from Fountains of Wayne, but ends up sounding entirely different. This is on of those rare cd that evokes a mood, no matter what you were feeling prior to it. Suddenly you have sunglasses on, you haven't eaten in days, and everything's right with the world. Hard to explain, but true nonetheless.