The summer of 2002 saw

the release of some stellar

albums. The waning months of 2001 was a period of self-reflection and a raised public awareness of events that shaped lives.

During the past summer, we saw the outcome of the self-reflection in a musical art form. Because of the events almost a year ago, songwriting has shifted from emo (emotional rock) - which exuded from last years tragedies, has been proven to be a bunch of white kids whining - to something more realistic and sincere. The focus shifted from the emotion of the song to the experience of the song.

On the other hand, some groups have taken another approach. Instead of creating music that people can believe, groups have created something that will get people up and shake their ass.

No matter what the approach, summer 2002 was a great time for music. This is a list, in no particular order, of some of the most important releases of the summer.

Sonic Youth: Murray Street

Track lengths average 7 minutes, with some as long as 14 minutes. This is not an album full of singles. Listen to this album in its entirety to be fully appreciated.

Pretty Girls Make Graves: Good Health

Pop can either be used or abused. PGMG's Good Health is pop done right. The highlight of the album is "The Get Away" which begins with a pop hook to end all pop hooks. This CD is infectious and should be avoided by those who are prone to addiction.

Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Probably the best album of the summer, even though it came out just a little bit before the summer started. Cinematic in scope, and heart wrenching in uptake, you'll be floored by "I am trying to break your heart," the albums opener. "Heavy Metal Drummer" is the summer song of the year.

Capital K: Island Row

The best rethinking of the electronica genre since Moby's Play. Capital K's sounds are out of this world. This is a great CD for a long drive or all night dancing.

Ugly Casanova:

Sharpen Your Teeth

The CD is like crack to those of you fiending for some new Modest Mouse. MM frontman Issac Brock's solo debut did not disappoint loyalists of the Mouse. An added electronic element pushes Ugly Casanova over the top.

Dave Matthews Band:

Busted Stuff

Finally the Lilywhite Sessions are released. This is a welcome coming for those disappointed with the lackluster Everyday album. Dave Matthews back to form.

Troubled Hubble:

Broken Airplanes

Maybe the most fun of any album released this summer. This group resembled Built To Spill and a little Phish - that is, if those bands were absolutely insane. This is geek rock taken to an extreme.

Weezer: Maladroit

Cashing in on the garage-rock revitalization is one thing, but this is insanity. Give Weezer credit for churning out a great CD. It's not what Weezer is capable of, but that isn't to say it isn't fun as hell.

Sparta: Wiretap Scars

Ears are ringing all over Texas after this El Paso band's latest release. The album is relentless in its energy. One can easily get lost listening to this CD over and over.

Red Hot Chile Peppers:

By The Way

There comes a time in every band's lifetime when it becomes evident that it's time to hang up the penis sock and get serious. RHCP's latest release is a more melodic endeavor than ever before. Gone are the days of "Sir Psycho Sexy," and say hello to the days of "Scar Tissue."