1. TSAR - s/t (Hollywood)
A glorious assault on the senses, TSAR's self-titled debut perfectly embodies everything good about melodically driven rock: stellar production, driving melodies, rich wailing guitars, and instantly catchy hooks. Pure perfection!

2. FRISBIE - The Subversive Sounds of Love (Hear Diagonally)
Love 'em or hate 'em, there's no denying this Chicago foursome's debut LP is a rich, complex study in pop music. Neither immediately accessible nor laced with hooks, Frisbie are forging their own path by shaping unique melodies and arrangements that further push the defining barriers of pop music.

3. SUPERDRAG - In The Valley of Dying Stars
A solid, melodically driven power pop gem from start finish with just enough edge and grit to maintain credibility to their rock roots. The album's best track #5: Lighting the Way is easily this year's most stellar pop music moment.

4. XTC - Wasp Star: Apple Venus Vol. 2 (TVT Records)
More accessible and musically upbeat than AV Volume I, Wasp Star is a wondrous exercise in bright, splashy and thoroughly engaging pop music from start to finish. Andy Partridge does his best McCartney and serves up lovely, intricate and addictive Beatles-esque arrangements.

5. SUPERGRASS - s/t
Despite playing second fiddle to their British compatriots as far as commercial success, Supergrass has always been the cream of the crop in the musical department with sweeping, dynamic, and inventive arrangements that borrow equally from the Beatles and Bowie and other classic pop superstars.

6. RADIOHEAD - Kid A (Capitol)
Completely unconventional, uncompromising in all respects of what "commercial rock" should be, yet embraced by millions. There's an undeniable genius behind Radiohead's uncanny popularity.

7. NINA GORDON - Tonight and The Rest of My Life (Warner Bros.)
Despite the smattering of Lilith Fair shlock, the former Veruca Salt founder's solo debut packs a powerful pop punch with a handful of its tunes, including the stellar "Number One Camera". Her beautiful soaring voice, lush harmonies, and guitar noddling from LA pop icon Jon Brion up the ante even more.

8. POSIES - In Case You Didn’t Feel Like Plugging In (Casa Recording Co.)
Recorded live in February, 2000 at Seattle's Showbox Theater, this is strictly Jon & Ken and two acoustic guitars; plain and simple. The songs, which represent an even sampling from the band's five original albums, work extremely well in their stripped down acoustic format, thanks to the Posies founders' unprecedented knack for amazing songcraft and shimmering, spine-tingling harmonies .

9. UNAMERICAN - s/t (Universal/MCA)
A sorely overlooked major label release this year. This UK foursome is distinctly "American" sounding with a polished, well-produced sound that recalls the poppier-side of the Wallflowers.

10. TAHITI 80 - Puzzle (Minty Fresh)
Drawing heavy influence from 60’s pop and blending it seamlessly with splashy keyboards, drum programming and other musical embellishments, this French band’s formula works well…and is immediately engaging.