Wednesday, December 3, 1997
1997 proved to be an especially interesting year in music, as singles, rap music and catchy pop ruled while album sales, electronica and alternative rock suffered a backlash. The Bruin's music writers have compiled their top-10 lists, recapping a zany year that had listeners nostalgic for the '80s and '70s.1. U2 "Pop" and Radiohead "OK Computer" (tie)
3. The Verve "Urban Hymns"
4. Fleetwood Mac "The Dance"
5. Oasis "Be Here Now"
6. Bob Dylan "Time Out of Mind"
7. Chemical Brothers "Dig Your Own Hole"
8. Ani Difranco "Living in Clip"
9. Wyclef Jean "The Carnival"
10. Spiritualized "Ladies and Gentlemen, We Are Floating in Space"
In a year that has been marked by the catchy pop single, the state of music seemed saved in 1997 by a plethora of stimulating albums released by artists young and old. Bob Dylan surprised us with his finest album since the '70s, and Fleetwood Mac wowed both old and new fans with one hell of a live performance in the coming-to-terms comeback album, "The Dance." Folkie Ani Difranco and rapper Wyclef Jean (of the Fugees) also released standout albums. But the scene that stole the show in 1997 was the U.K., where memorable albums seemed to come out in droves. Spiritualized and the Chemical Brothers gave the rave scene both something to fly high and come down to with their releases. The Verve and Oasis breathed life into rock-n-roll with their stunningly crafted albums. Other notable British artists who released memorable albums in 1997 were Blur, the Longpigs, the London Suede, Cornershop and the Seahorses.
But the year's best came from those daring to be different. Radiohead went beyond their knockout 1995 album, "The Bends," with "OK Computer," a thematic masterpiece that explores the dangers of technology with haunting, dizzying music. And stadium heroes U2 soul-searched like they never have before in their technologically advanced, rhythm-friendly "Pop." Both albums took music to different places, and at the same time surveyed the human spirit's condition on this scary and complex planet. As we face the new millennium, it's refreshing that we have such fitting music like Radiohead's and U2's to score our anticipations. Mike Prevatt
1. Oasis "Be Here Now"
2. Prodigy "Fat of the Land"
3. Chemical Brothers "Dig Your Own Hole"
4. Radiohead "O.K. Computer"
5. Fat Boy Slim "Better Living Through Chemistry"
6. Sarah McLachlan "Surfacing"
7. Third Eye Blind "Third Eye Blind"
8. Veruca Salt "Eight Arms to Hold You"
9. Speak "Speak"
10. Aqua "Aqua"
The 1997 year soon comes to a close but it didn't leave with much of a melodious bang. Few albums registered this year even on a listenable level, but there were the occasional stand-outs from the gimpy pack. Aqua replaced the Spice Girls for the most sinfully likable fluff music this year. Third Eye Blind's debut album proved that catchy, happy-go-lucky songs can carry weight. Throwing some attention to the local scene, Speak's reggae/funk/noise jam formula is as wicked as they come. For some reason the women's movement came in a little empty this year. Veruca Salt rocks better than any guy band and the album is total guitar-and-drum classic with a feminine touch. Sarah McLachlan finally gets the recognition she deserves with the emotionally focused "Surfacing" (and the visionary Lilith Fair Tour). Electronic music was suppose to take over the world but came way short. Certain electro-discs like "Dig Your Own Hole" and "Living Through Chemistry" validated the hype with big beats and bombastic drum and bass. Prodigy delivered a mind boggling barrage of rock-n-roll sensibility combined with electro-melodies. Radiohead released probably their best album to date. They have always known how to probe the inner workings of depression and heartache but with "O.K. Computer," they do it with rare ingenuity and musicianship.
But topping the whole thing off like a big red cherry, Oasis hits number one with a return to basics. Sure, Oasis wasn't the trailblazer that music needed, but they don't care and that is why we love them. Living out the rock-star fantasy, the Gallaghers are crass, obnoxiously confident, beer-drinking thugs. "Be Here Now" return the band to their rock roots with extended guitar solos and posturing. Certainly there are better musicians roaming the world, but no one struts quite like Oasis. Trinh Bui