Listmania!
I made this for you... no seriously... I did. [music+book]
19771977 by Ash
Buy new: £7.98 / Used from: £0.99
forget the singles compilation, this is the masterwork, all else pales in comparison
Expecting To FlyExpecting To Fly by The Bluetones
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £0.12
I always return to it, forget Blur and Oasis, this is the best of '96
Pass the FlaskPass the Flask by The Bled
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £0.49
Pure vitriol
Live [CD + DVD NTSC]Live [CD + DVD NTSC] by Ben Folds
Buy used from: £4.00
Folds at his best, free DVD almost captures what it is like to see the man live
Something to Write Home AboutSomething to Write Home About by The Get Up Kids
Buy new: £12.69 / Used from: £7.21
Emo is good, I rest my case... ok some of it is pants but this really isn't
Four Minute MileFour Minute Mile by The Get Up Kids
Buy used from: £7.44
Nor is this... if you like TGUKs steer clear of On a Wire they had a bad run
Three Cheers for Sweet RevengeThree Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance
Buy new: £6.78 / Used from: £0.68
I know the kids who wear their T-shirts are ridiculous but the music really isn't bad
The Big RomanceThe Big Romance by David Kitt
Buy new: £6.78 / Used from: £1.58
I have every respect for James Blunt but Kitts does it so much better and without being emasculated
Small MomentsSmall Moments by David Kitt
Buy new: £8.98 / Used from: £2.85
Contains the greatest love song of our time in Another Love Song, trust me up there with Elton
Nina Simone - GoldNina Simone - Gold by Nina Simone
Buy new: £9.08 / Used from: £2.66
The definitive collection, contains Sinnerman (the greatest song ever) so many don't
Changing PlacesChanging Places by Tord Gustavsen Trio
Buy new: £13.98 / Used from: £14.54
The most creative of improvised jazz, doesn't match up to their live incarnation but well worth a listen
Maverick A StrikeMaverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Buy new: £3.98 / Used from: £0.01
Wow, summer is coming
LebaneseLebanese by Clotaire K
Buy used from: £36.00
A bit like MC Solaar, but with a lebanese mother, pissed off but doesn't compromise the music, Lubnan is the standout track
Give UpGive Up by The Postal Service
Buy new: £6.78 / Used from: £7.04
Just buy it
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed with Our FamiliesWe Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch
Buy new: £5.69 / Used from: £2.20
Puts things sharply into perspective
Astral WeeksAstral Weeks by Van Morrison
Buy new: £6.78 / Used from: £2.99
Astral weeks is a fantastic song, you would be mad not to but it. It costs less than two pints of lager, Carling at that.
FuneralFuneral by Arcade Fire
Buy new: £8.68 / Used from: £5.24
If you don't already own it you should
Machina / the machines of GodMachina / the machines of God by The Smashing Pumpkins
Buy new: £9.98 / Used from: £0.98
I know Nirvana were incredible but this... this is something else. I'm not going to win this one am I? Have a listen you'll like it.
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm NotWhatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not by Arctic Monkeys
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £2.99
I hate all the media hype but they are as good as people say they are. I tried not to be too obvious in this list but one modern chartbuster was inevitably going to creep in.