Top 5 - Tim Kennedy
1) Manic Street Preachers, This Is My Truth Now Tell Me Yours (Epic UK). Now the premier UK rock band. Nicky Wire makes this his first complete lyric set, pondering on the nature of history, socialist dialectics and housework. Sean and James have set his words to an epic 70s prog rock score. An album of great musical merit, which shows the band that once set out to destroy rock and roll instead embrace its most flamboyant era.
2) Embrace, The Good Will Out (Geffen). Vying with the best of Oasis's balladeering, Embrace sing loud, sound profound, and nothing is spared in the production department. With the ex-Take That Robbie Williams trying to corner the market in piano balladry, this album sees off such amateur opposition.
3) Pulp, This Is Hardcore (Island). Grim but compelling. A man who has looked in the dead eye of celebrity lifestyle tells how it is. Like Roxy Music after a particularly bad trip or some of Bowie's grimmest late 70s moments, but with Jarvis' unique lyrical commentary.
4) Liz Phair, Whitechocolatespaceegg (Capitol). Liz has changed quite a bit, but she retains her healthy cynicism - even about being 'alternative'. Great tunes, and the usual sexy, quirky vocals.
5) PJ Harvey, Is This Desire (Island). Polly Harvey sings like Siouxsie Sioux might had she been brought up in the Delta. Here the musical backing is more understated than in her live act, but the chill wind of Polly's imagination blows through these sophisticated yet still blues-based soundscapes.
