As this summer continued to be dominated by the teen pop of Britney Spears and ‘NSync, a few artists broke through the monotony, putting out albums that explore new musical territory. Here is a recap of some of High Note’s picks for the best of summer 2000. Some of these albums got the respect they deserve, achieving radio play and attention, while others were kicked around on college radio. Either way, these are the albums released during the summer no music fan should live without hearing. “The Moon and Antarctica”

Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse emerged from Issaquah, Wash. in 1993, staking their claim as the Pacific Northwest’s newest musical hope. Gaining praise from critics and a listenership spread by word of mouth, the group landed a deal with major label Epic Records. “The Moon and Antarctica” marks their major label debut. Though darker and more acoustic than previous work, the new album is indie rock at its best – strange guitar fills, muffled vocals and tight songwriting. Fans say Modest Mouse might be the band to overthrow current musical trends and send everything back to alternative rock. They just might be right.

-Conor Bezane “The Sophtware Slump”

Grandaddy

Taking the prize for the best album to cruise around in your car with the windows rolled down and the breeze in your hair is Grandaddy’s “The Sophtware Slump.” Though the Modesto, Calif. band has been around since 1992, it wasn’t until this summer that they gained widespread nationwide recognition. The group combines fuzz-drenched guitars with crooning vocals and all kinds of interesting keyboard samples. The easy going pace and Atari-like samples of “The Crystal Lake” make for a perfect summer song. It’s a unique combination of indie rock and electronic music that is some of the most original stuff to come around in a long time.

– Conor Bezane “Fevers and Mirrors”

Bright Eyes

The acoustic tales of depression and angst may be more fit for the gloomy winter months, but passion and energy overcomes the dark sound of Bright Eyes’ “Fevers and Mirrors.” The Omaha band is fronted by early twentysomething songwriter Conor Oberst and has gained lots of recognition on college radio over the summer. The intense emotion in songs like “Something Vague,” “The Calendar Hung Itself” and “The Movement of a Hand” will convert anyone into a disciple of Bright Eyes.

-ÿConor Bezane “Too Much Stereo”

The Urge

Stemming away from their ska flavored style of hard music and venturing into a world of melodic guitar riffs and outstanding vocal prowess with a splash of horns, these St. Louis natives made a record unlike anything ever heard before. Using horns more for spice and melody purposes, the Urge relied on their outstanding catchy guitar and vocals to carry the songs. Songs such as “Too Much Stereo,” “Living on the Surface” and “Say a Prayer” demonstrate the amount of improvement this band has endured since they were once carried by their live show.

– Kyle Moss “The Marshall Mathers LP”

Eminem

A man with true talent – that’s what Eminem proved he his after this album which is a slap in the face to just about everyone and everything you can think of. His genius lyrical writing mixed the producing ideas of Dr. Dre bring this rap album to a whole new level in a genre where staying original is getting harder everyday. With songs like “Kill You,” “Who Knew” and “The Way I Am,” Eminem turns the tables on his critics, saying their children are messed up for something the parents are doing wrong, not something Eminem is saying. But the song causing the most buzz – “Stan.” A sentimental song about a crazed fan who tries to emulate everything Eminem raps about but ends up in tragedy.

– Kyle Moss “White Pony”

Deftones

In a music industry filled with “kornabees,” the Deftones have proven once again why they are considered pioneers of this style of music. Mellow music and almost crying vocals from Chino Moreno followed by a collage of screaming vocals and guitars is the Deftones’ signature style and comes through on songs such as “Change.” In a genre of so much redundancy such as rap-core, the Deftones have definitely built their place. The distinctiveness of Moreno’s vocals and crisp originality of the rest of the band makes the record a must-own as it one of the best form this 2000 summer.

– Kyle Moss