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The Tris McCall Report

Critics Poll Retrospective: Album Of The Year

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll Choice
2007
In Defense Of The Genre, Say Anything Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?, Of Montreal
2006
The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living, Streets The Life Pursuit, Belle & Sebastian
2005
Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River
Twin Cinema, The New Pornographers
2004
The New Danger, Mos Def Funeral, Arcade Fire
2003
Elephant, The White Stripes Meadowlands, The Wrens
2002
Scarlet's Walk, Tori Amos Kill The Moonlight, Spoon
2001
The Operating Theatre, Brian Dewan Let It Come Down, Spiritualized
2000
Anomie & Bonhomie, Scritti Politti Stankonia, Outkast
1999
Black Foliage, Olivia Tremor Control 69 Love Songs, The Magnetic Fields
1998
Days For Days, The Loud Family Days For Days, The Loud Family
1997
Ladies And Gentlemen..., Spiritualized If You're Feeling Sinister, Belle & Sebastian
1996
Stakes Is High, De La Soul Tales Of Great Neck Glory, Sammy
1995
Labcabincalifornia, The Pharcyde What's The Story (Morning Glory), Oasis
1994
Brutal Youth, Elvis Costello Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, Pavement
1993
Rev, Ultra Vivid Scene Exile In Guyville, Liz Phair
1992
99.9 F, Suzanne Vega Joshua Judges Ruth, Lyle Lovett
1991
De La Soul Is Dead, De La Soul The Low-End Theory, A Tribe Called Quest
1990
Eye, Robyn Hitchcock Edutainment, Boogie Down Productions
1989
Spike, Elvis Costello Three Feet High And Rising, De La Soul
1988
Two Steps From The Middle Ages, Game Theory Surfer Rosa, The Pixies

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Single Of The Year

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
"Umbrella", Rihanna "Umbrella", Rihanna
2006
"Let's Get Out Of This Country", Camera Obscura "Lloyd, I'm Ready...", Camera Obscura
2005
"They Don't Know", Paul Wall, Bun B, Mike Jones "Since U Been Gone", Kelly Clarkson
2004
"Bridging The Gap", Nas "Slow Jamz", Kanye West, Twista, Jamie Foxx
2003
"Never Leave You (Uh Ooh)", Lumidee "Hey Ya!", Outkast
2002
"Made You Look", Nas "Work It", Missy Elliott
2001
"Southern Hospitality", Ludacris "Izzo", Jay-Z
2000
"Hip-Hop", Dead Prez "Ms. Jackson", Outkast
1999
"Steal My Sunshine", Len "Steal My Sunshine", Len
1998
"Are You That Somebody?", Aaliyah "He Got Game", Public Enemy
1997
"Tubthumping", Chumbawamba "Bitter Sweet Symphony", The Verve
1996
"1979", The Smashing Pumpkins "1979", The Smashing Pumpkins
1995
"It Ain't Hard To Tell", Nas "Wonderwall", Oasis
1994
"From A Motel 6", Yo La Tengo
"Girls & Boys", Blur
1993
"Looking Through Patient Eyes", PM Dawn "Nothing But A 'G' Thing", Dr. Dre & Snoop
1992
"Paper Doll", PM Dawn "They Reminisce Over You", Pete Rock & CL Smooth
1991
"Gypsy Woman", Crystal Waters "Mind Playing Tricks On Me", Geto Boys
1990
"This Is The Right Time", Lisa Stansfield "911 Is A Joke", Public Enemy
1989
"Dopeman", N.W.A. "Me, Myself & I", De La Soul
1988
"Posse On Broadway", Sir Mix-A-Lot "Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos", Public Enemy

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Singer

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Neil Finn Amy Winehouse
2006
Eleanor Friedberger (Fiery Furnaces) Jenny Lewis
2005
Tracy Bonham Joe Pernice, Kelly Clarkson
2004
Eleanor Friedberger (Fiery Furnaces) Joanna Newsom
2003
Karen O Karen O, Jack White
2002
Laura Cantrell Britt Daniel (Spoon)
2001
Brian Dewan Britt Daniel, Jack White
2000
Erykah Badu Darren Hayman (Hefner), Mary J. Blige
1999
Darren Hayman (Hefner) Darren Hayman (Hefner)
1998
Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys) Lyle Lovett, Lauryn Hill
1997
Erykah Badu Erykah Badu
1996
Tracy Bonham Tori Amos
1995
Liam Gallagher Richard Davies (Cardinal)
1994
Liz Phair Elvis Costello
1993
Tim Finn Elvis Costello, Nate Dogg
1992
Suzanne Vega Axl Rose
1991
Prince Be (PM Dawn) Bilinda Butcher (My Bloody Valentine)
1990
Robyn Hitchcock Black Francis, Sinead O'Connor
1989
Elvis Costello David Lowery (Camper Van Beethoven)
1988
Suzanne Vega Black Francis

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Rapper

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Turf Talk Lil Wayne
2006
Nas Ghostface
2005
Bun B Kanye West
2004
Nas Kanye West
2003
Ludacris Andre Benjamin
2002
Nas Nas
2001
Trugoy (Dave Jolicouer) Jay-Z, Posdnuos
2000
Ghostface Big Boi, Andre Benjamin
1999
Slick Rick Mos Def, Black Thought
1998
Aceyalone Andre Benjamin
1997
Mike G (Jungle Brothers) Notorious B.I.G., Lateef
1996
Ras Kass Black Thought, Q-Tip
1995
Fatlip Black Thought
1994
Slick Rick Snoop Dogg
1993
Mike G (Jungle Brothers) Snoop Dogg
1992
CL Smooth Adam Horowitz
1991
Dres (Black Sheep) Q-Tip
1990
KRS-ONE Ice Cube
1989
KRS-ONE Chuck D, Eazy-E
1988
Slick Rick Chuck D

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Most Overrated

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Jens Lekman M.I.A.
2006
T.I. Joanna Newsom
2005
Gorillaz Sufjan Stevens
2004
Danger Mouse, and mash-ups in general Franz Ferdinand
2003
Cat Power 50 Cent, Outkast
2002
The Roots Interpol
2001
Radiohead The Strokes
2000
Radiohead Eminem
1999
Beck Beck
1998
Elliott Smith Dave Matthews
1997
Beck Fiona Apple
1996
Beck Luscious Jackson, Bush
1995
Tricky The Smashing Pumpkins
1994
Portishead Hole
1993
Nirvana Dr. Dre
1992
Pearl Jam Arrested Development
1991
Madonna Teenage Fanclub
1990
Madonna Guns N' Roses
1989
The Cure Soul II Soul
1988
Madonna Terence Trent D'Arby

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Worst Song Of The Year

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
"The Salmon Dance", The Chemical Brothers "Big Girls Don't Cry", Fergie
2006
"Blindfold Me", Kelis "You're Beautiful", James Blunt
2005
"Happy Hour", Jazze Pha & Cee Lo "My Humps", Black Eyed Peas
2004
"Mosh", Eminem "1985", Bowling For Soup
2003
"Fighter", Christina Aguilera "Hey Ya!", Outkast (also won Best Song)
2002
"Paradise", LL Cool J "Screaming Infidelities", Dashboard Confessional
2001
"Standing Still", Jewel "It's Been Awhile", Staind
2000
"The Graduation Song", Vitamin C "With Arms Wide Open", Creed
1999
"Mi Chico Latino", Geri Halliwell "Kiss Me", Sixpence None The Richer
1998
"Pretty Fly For A White Guy", The Offspring "One Week", Barenaked Ladies
1997
"Bitch", Meredith Brooks "Wannabe", The Spice Girls
1996
"Who Will Save Your Soul?", Jewel "Counting Blue Cars", Dishwalla
1995
"Cumbersome", Seven Mary Three "You Oughta Know", Alanis Morissette
1994
"All I Wanna Do", Sheryl Crow "I Alone", Live
1993
"Erotica", Madonna "What's Up?", Four Non Blondes
1992
"Divine Thing", The Soup Dragons "Hunger Strike", Temple Of The Dog
1991
"Jeremy", Pearl Jam "Get The Funk Out", Extreme
1990
"Vogue", Madonna "Girl You Know It's True", Milli Vanilli
1989
"Just Like Hemingway", Blue Clocks Green "Heaven", Warrant
1988
"Wind Beneath My Wings", Bette Midler "Kokomo", The Beach Boys

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Producer

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Kanye West Kevin Barnes (Of Montreal)
2006
Timbaland The Neptunes
2005
Rich Harrison Carl Newman (New Pornographers)
2004
Madlib (Madvillain) Kanye West
2003
Trevor Horn (Belle & Sebastian) Trevor Horn (Belle & Sebastian)
2002
Timbaland Britt Daniel (Spoon)
2001
Timbaland The Neptunes
2000
Jay Dee (Slum Village) Earthtone III (Outkast)
1999
Lauryn Hill Robert Schneider (The Apples In Stereo)
1998
Timbaland Butch Vig (Garbage)
1997
Timbaland Jason Pierce (Spiritualized)
1996
Mitchell Froom (Suzanne Vega) Flood & Alan Moulder (The Smashing Pumpkins)
1995
The Pharcyde Stephen Street (Blur)
1994
Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello) Stephen Street (Blur)
1993
Prince Paul (De La Soul) Brad Wood (Liz Phair)
1992
Foster-McElroy (En Vogue) Mitchell Froom (Los Lobos)
1991
Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) The Ummah (A Tribe Called Quest)
1990
Jo Bogaert (Technotronic) The Dust Brothers
1989
Kevin Kinney (Elvis Costello) Prince Paul (De La Soul)
1988
Kramer (Bongwater) The Bomb Squad

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Lyrics

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Rachel Warren Will Sheff (Okkervil River)
2006
Paul Simon Craig Finn (The Hold Steady)
2005
Bruce Springsteen Craig Finn (The Hold Steady)
2004
The Fiery Furnaces The Fiery Furnaces
2003
Darren Hayman (The French) Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian)
2002
Tori Amos The Streets
2001
Brian Dewan Jason Pierce (Spiritualized)
2000
Richard Davies Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian)
1999
Mos Def Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields)
1998
Scott Miller (The Loud Family) Liz Phair
1997
Momus Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian)
1996
Posdnuos (De La Soul) Jesse Hartman (Sammy)
1995
KRS-ONE Stephen Malkmus (Pavement)
1994
Scott Miller (The Loud Family) Stephen Malkmus (Pavement)
1993
Scott Miller (The Loud Family) Liz Phair
1992
Morrissey Suzanne Vega
1991
Posdnuos (De La Soul) Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest)
1990
KRS-ONE KRS-ONE
1989
Ice Cube Elvis Costello
1988
Scott Miller (Game Theory) Chuck D

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Video

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
"Impossible", Shout Out Louds "Get Me Bodied", Beyonce
2006
"My Love", Justin Timberlake & Timbaland "Hustlin'", Rick Ross
2005
"Soobax", K'Naan "Go", Common
2004
"Lose My Breath", Destiny's Child "Drop It Like It's Hot", Snoop & Pharrell
2003
"Get Busy", Sean Paul "Hey Ya!", Outkast
2002
"Gossip Folks", Missy Elliott "The Test", The Chemical Brothers
2001
"Where's Your Head At?", Basement Jaxx "Weapon Of Choice", Fatboy Slim
2000
"Testify", Rage Against The Machine "B.O.B.", Outkast
1999
"Let Forever Be", The Chemical Brothers "Let Forever Be", The Chemical Brothers
1998
"Confederate Cheerio Call", Richard Davies "Music Sounds Better With You", Stardust
1997
"Elektrobank", The Chemical Brothers "Virtual Insanity", Jamiroquai
1996
"1979", The Smashing Pumpkins "What They Do", The Roots (yuck, people!)
1995
"Sandwiches", Count Bass D "A Girl Like You", Edwyn Collins
1994
"Closer", Nine Inch Nails "Sabotage", The Beastie Boys
1993
"Everybody Hurts", R.E.M. "Cryin'", Aerosmith
1992
"November Rain", Guns 'N' Roses "Scenario", A Tribe Called Quest
1991
"Mama Said Knock You Out", LL Cool J "Losing My Religion", R.E.M.
1990
"Love's Gonna Get'cha", Boogie Down Productions "Nothing Compares 2 U", Sinead O'Connor
1989
"Going Back To Cali", LL Cool J "Cult Of Personality", Living Colour
1988
"Mandinka", Sinead O'Connor "Mary, Mary", Run-DMC

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Biggest Disappointment

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Our Earthly Pleasures, Maximo Park Neon Bible, Arcade Fire
2006
"Let's Go Outback Tonight", Kevin Barnes Ys, Joanna Newsom
2005
Humming By The Flowered Vine, Laura Cantrell Somebody's Miracle, Liz Phair
2004
The Pretty Toney Album, Ghostface A Ghost Is Born, Wilco
2003
The Politics Of The Business, Prince Paul Room On Fire, The Strokes
2002
Zap The World, Death By Chocolate The Last DJ, Tom Petty
2001
Survivor, Destiny's Child 10,000 Hz Legend, Air
2000
Discovery Of A World Inside The Moon(e), Apples Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants, Oasis
1999
VIP, Jungle Brothers 13, Blur
1998
The Love Movement, A Tribe Called Quest The Boy With The Arab Strap, Belle & Sebastian
1997
Hurricane #1 Drawn To The Deep End, Gene
1996
You? Me? Us?, Richard Thompson You? Me? Us?, Richard Thompson
1995
The Great Escape, Blur Elastica
1994
Ill Communication, The Beastie Boys Universal Mother, Sinead O'Connor
1993
Midnight Marauders, A Tribe Called Quest Perverse, Jesus Jones
1992
Us, Peter Gabriel Nonsuch, XTC
1991
Time For A Witness, The Feelies Perspex Island, Robyn Hitchcock
1990
Human Soul, Graham Parker Rhythm Of The Saints, Paul Simon
1989
Green, R.E.M Season's End, Marillion
1988
Oranges & Lemons, XTC Rattle & Hum, U2

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Hoary Old Bastard Who Should Spare Us All And Retire

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Common Paul McCartney
2006
Flavor Flav Rod Stewart
2005
Jon Bon Jovi Eminem, The Rolling Stones
2004
The Beastie Boys Eminem, Bono
2003
Guided By Voices Sting
2002
TLC Madonna
2001
Bjork Michael Stipe, Bono
2000
Aimee Mann Santana
1999
TLC Michael Stipe, R.E.M
1998
Michael Stipe Michael Stipe
1997
David Bowie Bono, David Bowie
1996
Madonna Bob Mould
1995
David Bowie David Bowie
1994
Sonic Youth Rod Stewart
1993
Eric Clapton Pete Townshend, Elton John
1992
Eric Clapton Lou Reed
1991
John Lydon Rod Stewart
1990
Joan Jett Phil Collins, Rod Stewart
1989
David Crosby Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe
1988
Rod Stewart Rod Stewart

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Young Upstart Who Should Be Sent Down To The Minors For More Seasoning

Year
My Pick
Critics Poll choice
2007
Lavender Diamond Nellie MacKay, Lily Allen
2006
Cold War Kids Arctic Monkeys
2005
Louis XIV M.I.A.
2004
Jolie Holland Nellie MacKay
2003
Fannypack Ryan Adams
2002
Norah Jones Har Mar Superstar
2001
India.Arie The Strokes
2000
Coldplay Ben Lee
1999
Macy Gray Macy Gray
1998
Bran Van 3000 Radish
1997
Fiona Apple Roni Size
1996
The Cardigans The Wallflowers
1995
Silverchair Alanis Morissette
1994
Jeff Buckley Veruca Salt
1993
The Digable Planets Evan Dando
1992
Me Phi Me Sophie B. Hawkins
1991
EMF Boyz II Men
1990
Urban Dance Squad Dee-Lite
1989
The Fresh Prince Roland Gift
1988
Toni Childs Tanita Tikaram

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Show I Saw

Year
My Pick
My Runner-Up
2007 Charles Bissell @ Monkeytown, NYC Fiery Furnaces @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
2006
PM Dawn @ Maxwell's, Hoboken Fiery Furnaces @ Satellite Ballroom, Charlottesville
2005
Charles Bissell @ The Khyber, Philadelphia Jaymay @ Rothko, NYC
2004
Elizabeth Harper @ The Gershwin Theater, NYC Jaymay @ The Cave, Queens
2003
The Vitamen @ Luna Lounge, NYC Metric @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
2002
Belle & Sebastian @ Hammerstein, NYC Milton @ CBGB Gallery, NYC
2001
Baby Dayliner @ Pete's Candy Store, Brooklyn The Negatones @ Luna Lounge, NYC
2000
Suzanne Vega @ Fez, NYC The Negatones @ The Continental, NYC
1999
Hefner @ Brownies, NYC Gang Starr @ Hammerstein, NYC
1998
Linda Thompson @ The Knitting Factory, NYC De La Soul @ Tramps, NYC
1997
Moloko @ The Knitting Factory, NYC The Jungle Brothers @ Wetlands, NYC
1996
Suzanne Vega @ Irving Plaza, NYC The Loud Family @ Brownies, NYC
1995
Brian Dewan @ The Hard Grove, Jersey City Elvis Costello @ The Beacon Theatre, NYC
1994
Elvis Costello @ Summerstage, Central Park The Loud Family @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
1993
Ultra Vivid Scene @ Maxwell's, Hoboken Robyn Hitchcock @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
1992
Robyn Hitchcock @ University Of Massachusetts The Vestrymen @ Pearl Street, Northampton MA
1991
The Feelies @ Maxwell's, Hoboken Richard Thompson @ The Iron Horse, Northampton
1990
Bob Mould @ Maxwell's, Hoboken Glass Eye @ The Knitting Factory, NYC
1989
The Feelies @ Maxwell's, Hoboken Camper Van Beethoven @ Pearl Street, Northampton
1988
Marillion @ The Ritz, NYC Elvis Costello @ Rutgers University

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Drummer

Year
My Pick
My Runner-Up
2007
Bob D'Amico (Fiery Furnaces) Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley)
2006
Colin Brooks (The Stills) Thomas Hedlund (Phoenix)
2005
Kurt Dahle (New Pornographers) Jim Eno (Spoon)
2004
Chris Pederson (Camper Van Beethoven) Sam Fogarino (Interpol)
2003
Steven Keller (Lilys) Joules Scott-Key (Metric)
2002
Alan White (Oasis) Sam Fogarino (Interpol)
2001
Neal Ostrovsky (The Webb Brothers) Mark Keen (The Clientele)
2000
John Kent (Ben Kweller) Gil Ray (The Loud Family)
1999
Janet Weiss (Quasi) Eric Harris (Olivia Tremor Control)
1998
Robert Wyatt Janet Weiss (Quasi)
1997
Eric Taylor (Seely) Dave Rowntree (Blur)
1996
Eric Taylor (Seely) Loz Colbert (Ride)
1995
Dave Rowntree (Blur) Hilarie Sidney (The Apples In Stereo)
1994
Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello) Dave Rowntree (Blur)
1993
Julius Klepacz (Ultra Vivid Scene) John Molo (Bruce Hornsby)
1992
Russ Kunkel (Lyle Lovett) Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes)
1991
Stanley Demeski (The Feelies) Dave Rowntree (Blur)
1990
John Molo (Bruce Hornsby) Anton Fier (Bob Mould)
1989
Chris Pederson (Camper Van Beethoven) Georgia Hubley (Yo La Tengo)
1988
Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth) Colm O'Coisig (My Bloody Valentine)

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Bass Player

Year
My Pick
My Runner-Up
2007
Garry Tallent (E Street Band) Kevin Barnes (Of Montreal)
2006
Archis Tiku (Maximo Park) Bobby Kildea (Belle & Sebastian)
2005
John Collins (The New Pornographers) Kevin Barnes (Of Montreal)
2004
Jay Brown (Tift Merritt) John Collins (The New Pornographers)
2003
John Collins (The New Pornographers) Josh Winstead (Metric)
2002
Paul McGuigan (Cornershop) Tom Gray (Gomez)
2001
John Collins (The New Pornographers) Deb Googe (Snowpony)
2000
Michel'le N'Dege'ocello (Scritti Politti) Sasha Alcott (Palomar)
1999
Mick Harrison (Prolapse) George Rush (Richard Davies)
1998
Ronny Mosuse (Hooverphonic) Matthew Rubano (Lauryn Hill)
1997
Sean Cook (Spiritualized) Phil Spalding (Dubstar)
1996
Leland Sklar (Lyle Lovett) Alonza Bevan (Kula Shaker)
1995
Timothy Brown (The Boo Radleys) Alex James (Blur)
1994
Colin Moulding (Sam Phillips) Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello)
1993
Jack Daley (Ultra Vivid Scene) R. Dunbar Poor (The Loud Family)
1992
Bruce Thomas (Suzanne Vega) Mike Mills (R.E.M.)
1991
Andrew Bodnar (Graham Parker) Jerry Scheff (Elvis Costello)
1990
Brian Beattie (Glass Eye) Andrew Bodnar (Graham Parker)
1989
Brian Beattie (Glass Eye) Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith)
1988
Muzz Skillings (Living Color) Duff McKagan (Guns 'N' Roses)

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Lead Guitar Player

Year
My Pick
My Runner-Up
2007
Phil Wandscher (Jesse Sykes) Blake Sennett (Rilo Kiley)
2006
Lindsey Buckingham Bert Jansch
2005
Alisdair Maclean (The Clientele) Damien Paris (The Giraffes)
2004
Phil Wandscher (Jesse Sykes) Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven)
2003
Jack White (The White Stripes) Alisdair Maclean (The Clientele)
2002
John Graboff (Laura Cantrell) Larry Winther (The Orange Peels)
2001
Xan McCurdy (Cake) John Graboff (Laura Cantrell)
2000
Steve Hillier (Dubstar) Alisdair Maclean (The Clientele)
1999
Kurt Heasley (Lilys) Ian Dench (Whistler)
1998
Richard Davies Peter Blegvad (Slapp Happy)
1997
Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead) Lori Scacco (Seely)
1996
Lori Scacco (Seely) Andy Bell (Ride)
1995
Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead) Sean O'Hagan (The High Llamas)
1994
Richard Thompson Graham Coxon (Blur)
1993
Kurt Ralske (Ultra Vivid Scene) Bryan Harvey (Gutterball)
1992
Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) Robyn Hitchcock
1991
Richard Thompson Slash (Guns 'N' Roses)
1990
Kurt Ralske (Ultra Vivid Scene) Richard Thompson (French, Frith, Kaiser, Thompson)
1989
Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven) Steve Rothery (Marillion)
1988
Richard Thompson Glenn Mercer (The Feelies)

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Synthesizer Playing Or Programming

Year
My Pick
My Runner-Up
2007
Jesse Carmichael (Maroon 5) Kanye West
2006
Timbaland Jenny Conlee (The Decemberists)
2005
J Braun (The Negatones) Kevin Barnes (Of Montreal)
2004
Lil Jon Gordon Zacharias (Fan Modine)
2003
Damon Albarn (Blur) Emily Haines (Metric)
2002
Tom Brislin (Spiraling) Timbaland (Missy Elliott)
2001
Nicolas Godin (Air) Carl Newman (The New Pornographers)
2000
Earthtone III (Outkast) Ann Shenton (Add N To (X))
1999
Momus Mark Brydon (Moloko)
1998
Scott Litt (Liz Phair) Nicolas Godin (Air)
1997
Mark Brydon (Moloko) Tim Kellett (Olive)
1996
Marcus Holdaway (The High Llamas) Mary Hansen (Stereolab)
1995
Marcus Holdaway (The High Llamas) Robert Schneider (The Apples In Stereo)
1994
Dr. Dre (Snoop Dogg) Paul Wienecke (The Loud Family)
1993
Dr. Dre Prince Be (PM Dawn)
1992
The Divine Styler Prince Be (PM Dawn)
1991
Groove Groove (Black Box) Trevor Horn (Seal)
1990
Shock G (Digital Underground) Kurt Ralske (Ultra Vivid Scene)
1989
Stella Weir (Glass Eye) The Timelords/KLF
1988
Peter Scherer (The Ambitious Lovers) Shelley LaFreniere (Game Theory)

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Rhythm Guitar Player

Year
My Pick
My Runner-Up
2007
Charlotte Hatherley Matthew Friedberger (Fiery Furnaces)
2006
Mazzalai & Brancowitz (Phoenix) Matthew Friedberger
2005
Will Sheff (Okkervil River) Colin Meloy (The Decemberists)
2004
Matthew Friedberger (The Fiery Furnaces) Jeremy Benson (The Roadside Graves)
2003
Colin Meloy (The Decemberists) Amy Linton (The Aislers Set)
2002
Britt Daniel (Spoon) Andy Falkous (McLusky)
2001
Britt Daniel (Spoon) Suzanne Vega
2000
Green Gartside (Scritti Politti) Hugh Duggie (Foil)
1999
Darren Hayman (Hefner) Tim Wheeler (Ash)
1998
Laura MacFarlane (Ninety-Nine) Chris Olley (Six.By Seven)
1997
Chris Willkie (Dubstar) Eric Matthews
1996
Tracy Bonham Mark Gardner (Ride)
1995
Duke Erikson (Garbage) Stephen Malkmus (Pavement)
1994
Liz Phair Mark Gardner (Ride)
1993
Liz Phair Robyn Hitchcock
1992
Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes) Suzanne Vega
1991
Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) Bill Million (The Feelies)
1990
Johnny Marr (Electronic) Prince
1989
Katie McCarty (Glass Eye) Marc Francia (Speed The Plough)
1988
Bill Million (The Feelies) Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth)

 

Critics Poll Retrospective: Best Piano or Organ Playing

Year
My Pick
My Runner-Up
2007
Tori Amos Bryce Avary (The Rocket Summer)
2006
Emily Haines Kathryn Calder (Immaculate Machine)
2005
Tori Amos Jonathan Meiburg (Okkervil River)
2004
Diana Krall Bruce Hornsby
2003
Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello) Ivan Chr. Johanssen (The Jessica Fletchers)
2002
Kori Gardner (Mates Of State) Tori Amos
2001
Marty Crandall (The Shins) Sean O'Hagan (Stereolab)
2000
Chris Geddes (Belle & Sebastian) Joe Jackson
1999
Aaron Sperske (Lilys) Randy Newman
1998
Tori Amos Bruce Hornsby
1997
Dr. John (Spiritualized) Sam Coomes (Quasi)
1996
Tori Amos Matt Rollings (Lyle Lovett)
1995
Bruce Hornsby Rob Collins (The Charlatans)
1994
Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello) Ed Hawrych (The Black Crowes)
1993
Bruce Hornsby Paul Wieneke (The Loud Family)
1992
Matt Rollings (Lyle Lovett) Ed Hawrych (The Black Crowes)
1991
Joni Mitchell John Baumgartner (Speed The Plough)
1990
Jazzie B (Soul II Soul) Bruce Hornsby
1989
Billy Joel Mark Kelly (Marillion)
1988
Bruce Hornsby Randy Newman