With the exception of the Wondermints, Rhett Miller, Wilco, and a few others, my top list is all about the ROCK...balls-to-the-wall ROCK n' ROLL the way it's meant to be: with passion, performance, and great production values. Don't believe the hype on the White Stripes, Hives, Vines & The Strokes. The *real* rock from 2002 is right here on this list...

1. ARLO - Stab the Unstoppable Hero (SubPop)
2. OK GO - s/t (Capitol)
3. THE FAGS - s/t EP (Idol Records)
4. QUEENS OF THE STONEAGE - Songs For The Deaf (Interscope)
5. SPINNING JENNIES - Stratosphere (Jam Recordings)
6. RHETT MILLER - The Instigator (Elektra)
7. WONDERMINTS - Mind If We Make Love To You (Smile)
8. FOO FIGHTERS - One By One (RCA)
9. JUGHEAD - s/t (Inside Out Music)
10. SUPERDRAG - Last Call For Vitriol (Arena Rock)
11. THE CHURCHILLS - Big Ideas (self-released)
12. THE SHAZAM - Tomorrow The World (NotLame)
13. SIMIAN - We Are Your Friends (Astralwerks)
14. SAHARA HOTNIGHTS - Jennie Bomb (Jet Set)
15. FU MANCHU - California Crossing (Mammoth)
16. GUIDED BY VOICES - Universal Truths & Cycles (Matador)
17. SHUGGIE - What It Is & How To Get It (Buttertone)
18. BRENDAN BENSON - Lapalco (Star Time)
19. THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES - Behind The Music (Universal)
20. ULTIMATE FAKEBOOK - Open Up & Say Awesome (Initial)
21. MATTHEW - Everybody Down (Rykodisc)
22. BEATIFICS - The Way We Never Were
23. JASON LOEWENSTEIN - At Sixes & Sevens (SubPop)
24. WILCO - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch)
25. WEEZER - Maladroit (Geffen)
26. BECK - Sea Change (Geffen)