Well, it's time for end-of-the-year lists, and as I look back, there were some notable discs that, should they find their way into your collection, might make your world a bit brighter. Chances are you've never heard of the bands below. In fact, some outfits may have broken up by this time. Yet they made an impression, upon others as well as me, and hopefully their work will pay off. There are 13 in total, not 10, but rock and roll was always about breaking the rules. One thing all the artists have in common is their music was more than just chords and production – a sense of emotion played through the speakers. There was more going on than just formulaic rock. They are in no particular order, though if I had to choose, I'd say Sam Bisbee's Vehicle still gets the most playing time at the hacienda. – Bill Ribas

1. Sam Bisbee, Vehicle (review, website)
2. 50 Cent Haircut, 50 Cent Haircut (review, website)
3. The Sheila Divine, Where Have My Countrymen Gone (review, website)
4. King, Time Move Over (review, website)
5. Pontius Copilot, Madagascar (review, website)
6. Reid Paley, Revival (review, website)
7. Eric Alexandrakis, I.V. Catatonia (review, website)
8. Bastards of Melody, Fun Machine (review, website)
9. A.C. Cotton, Half Way Down (review, website)
10. Punchy, Just My Type (review, website)
11. Anyone, Anyone (review, website)
12. Psycho Charger, Psycho Charger (review, website)
13. Troy Lukkarila, Don't Sit on Tables (review, website)

The list was compiled from 171 CDs reviewed for "Street Beat" in 2001.