2001: The Soundtrack of My Life

Dave? Can we talk this over?

In retrospect, it’s possible that my 2001 was a bit like the HAL 9000: that is to say, not without its advantages, but tricky and in the end a trifle malevolent. There was some carnage, for sure. Be that as it may. Here’s what I was listening to at the time.

The aforementioned Fiona Apple – When the Pawn …
When I think about this album I picture myself on the #6 Jeffrey Express, looking out on the lake in blustery autumn, on my way to visit my childhood friend Kate who was living in Hyde Park working for AmeriCorps. As I said, a rather moody erudite album … and what with the breakup I survived in the summer of 2001 it resonated rather keenly. Another drummer, dammit, in case you were wondering. If only we’d had Rock Band then, perhaps I could have channelled the magnetism percussion instruments seemed to exert at that time into more frivolous, less damaging interactions.

Weezer – Green Album
Short, but so lovable, kind of like … can this be going anywhere good? This was the last of the flotsam and jetsam the drummer left in his wake and the combo of upbeat everything and (mostly) depressing lyrics was just right.

Radiohead – Amnesiac & Kid A

They’re a pair. I love them both. Perfect for riding public transit around a densely populated urban area. Which I did a lot of.

Aimee Mann – Bachelor No 2
Now that I’ve met you would you object to never seeing each other again? Her voice. Love.

Nelly Furtado – Whoa Nelly!
Her second album was also quite good; better musically, I wager – but there’s a lot to love about this one. Just forget all about the mess that came after. And the singles too. Forget those.