UK ROCK BEST 100 ALBUMS - The 00's [CROSSBEAT (August 2006)]
00's
UK rock's current location, where a diverse range of personalities are in turmoil
In the early 2000s, UK rock music was in a state of chaos, with the unprecedented idol boom taking over the leading role in the music world, but the seeds for the next generation could be seen here and there.
Since the end of the 1990s, several eclectic blues/folk/electronica bands, described as "the British answer to Beck", have emerged, and a branch of this, the "New Acoustic", has been gaining local attention. The post-rock/neo-prog rock scene developed in tandem with the rise of Radiohead, while the "new acoustic" bands that branched off from it gained local attention. It was Coldplay who drove an important wedge in the direction of the scene there. The band's "orthodox" approach to music captured the hearts and minds of the public at a time when there was an unabated demand for lyrical rock and a thirst for new Radiohead releases that were confused by the electronica-driven sound of the band. They went on to conquer the USA.
However, it was the American bands such as The Strokes and The White Stripes, and the Scandinavian and Australian bands such as The Hives and The Vines that brought about a decisive turning point in a situation where pop, dance and mellow music still dominated. It was perhaps the UK that was most affected by this simultaneous worldwide garage rock revival. People hungry for aggressive guitar rock greeted the band with enthusiasm, and new British acts such as The Libertines and Razorlight soon responded. The UK rock counter-attack began in earnest.
This led to a rapid revival of guitar rock in the UK. In fact, studies showed that guitar sales had increased several times faster than at the end of the 1990s. The fact that Alex Turner, frontman of the now flying Arctic Monkeys, was inspired by Vines as his first live experience as a frontman is testimony to this virtuous cycle.
The rise of guitar music has resulted in a wide-ranging revitalisation that is not confined to one genre. In Liverpool, for example, a unique and individual scene was flourishing around the local Delta Sonic label, represented by the eclectic psychedelic The Coral, and the fusion of rock and groove (The Music, Kasabian, etc.) also established an area of its own. Muse, who at the time of their debut were treated as a Radiohead follower, established their own dramatic rock opera world. Then came Franz Ferdinand, who further dramatically rewrote the UK rock map. With their clever blend of sonic sharpness and pop danceability, the neo-New Wave/post-punk revival (Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, etc.) was in full bloom at once. This movement, which has been described as the second coming of Brit-pop, is not just a rehash of New Wave, but is also the culmination of 40 years of British rock music from the 1960s to the present (beat, glam, art rock, Madchester, etc.). -Sumi Imai
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab (1996)
A mid-period masterpiece that cleverly digested the experimental elements of later electronica into pop songs. Their taste and skill crystallised at their highest point. -Mima
OK Computer
Radiohead (1997)
Third album that catapulted Radiohead to the top of the world's top bands. Not the most accessible work, but perhaps it was the fact that it was somewhat esoteric that got so many people hooked. -Koguchi
Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space
Spiritualized® (1997)
Jason Pierce led an orchestra in building this cerebrally delusional soundscape. A dizzying druggy spectacle that connects New Orleans and space in a straight line. -Kuroda
Word Gets Around
Stereophonics (1997)
The first album by this burly rock trio from South Wales, including the singalong classic "A Thousand Trees", and Kelly Jones' narrative lyrics were also highly acclaimed. -Yamashita
Urban Hymns
The Verve (1997)
The Verve's 'Urban Hymns' turned the previously often under-performing group into a national band (and a success in the USA). Listen to Richard Ashcroft's soulful singing. -Koguchi
The Man Who
Travis (1999)
A major breakthrough (second) with Nigel Godrich as producer, bringing naïve songwriting to the fore. Don't forget they were there before Coldplay. -Koguchi
Community Music
Asian Dub Foundation (2000)
Second generation Asians living in the UK hit the scene with their one-of-a-kind groove, and also worked with Primal with their anti-establishment message. This album is a reflection of London as a racial melting pot. -Otani
Rock Action
Mogwai (2001)
This is their controversial work, which is a step forward from My Bloody Valentine-esque guitar experimentation. It's impressive that they feature breakbeats and vocals in a big way.
-Kuroda
A Rush of Blood to the Head
Coldplay (2002)
The band have continued to enjoy such huge commercial success since their debut that it's almost a little depressing. This second album is another fine piece of work with well-crafted songs, and has exploded around the world. -Hirose
The Coral
The Coral (2002)
1st album by Liverpool's young super-individuals. They showcased their nostalgia by mixing psychedelic, acid folk and even Mersey Beat. They had hits such as "Skeleton Key." -Yamashita
Up the Bracket
The Libertines (2002)
Undoubtedly one of the most important albums of 00's UK rock. The band's unstable, uncontrollable performances and poetic genius in their depiction of everyday life painfully redefined "punk". -Sawada
The Music
The Music (2002)
UK rock newcomer of 2002, with a no-questions-asked groove. The whole band seemed to be beating to a single beat, and their development was simply breathtaking. Being Japanophiles, they have already visited Japan seven times. -Otani
Absolution
Muse (2003)
An epic rock drama combining hard guitar sounds with beautiful classical elements. Excessive romanticism has transformed the post-90s values of 'cool'. -Mima
Phantom Power
Super Furry Animals (2003)
A masterpiece from the Welsh outfit that succeeded in making a sonic leap forward. By suppressing their anger and mixing it with humour, their serious message stands out even more strongly. -Kuroda
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand (2004)
This Glaswegian four-piece crossed disco with new wave and created a worldwide fever in 2004. They are the ones who started the current UK rock boom. -Koguchi
Kasabian
Kasabian (2004)
New working-class rock of the 00's. The 90's hooligan appearance of Oasis and Primal was successfully evolved with 00's dance grooves. -Sawada
Hopes and Fears
Keane (2004)
One of the bestsellers of 00's UK rock, which popularised the middle-class rock pioneered by Coldplay. In a sense, the ultimate form of "melody supremacy". -Sawada
A Grand Don't Come for Free
The Streets (2004)
The Streets' second album from the UK garage scene. The song depicted the reality of working-class youths and gained overwhelming support, becoming No.1. Excellent dance music without lyrics. -Yamashita
Silent Alarm
Bloc Party (2005)
A record that symbolised the era when the 00's rock groove became known to the world together with Franz. The jittery beats are appealing, but the melodies are also very melancholy. -Sawada
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys (2006)
Straightforward and straight to the point. A shocking debut album that opened up the possibilities of rock music with the most difficult sound to make it sound fresh these days. A brilliant crystallisation of pure initial impulse and passionate energy. -Otani
Translator's Note: And that's it for covering 50 years of UK rock music in 100 albums. Honestly, the reason why I scanned and even translated this while article was just because Chris Martin was in the picture. Would be nice to have Matt there instead, but I also like seeing a white man with curly blond hair and blue eyes. Hard to resist him ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
