If I’ve done that bit wrong, then I’ll go ‘Bee Thousand’. Cos it’s about the best album ever.

2. A fair bit of the mainstream pop that’s come out in the last year or two actually. Rihanna’s ‘Disturbia’, MIA’s ‘Paper Planes’, TI – ‘Live Your Life, and obviously ‘Time To Pretend’.

Plus early U2 is pretty special.

3. I honestly don’t know. I suppose Meursault are the most obvious one. But then, I can’t really see any reason why they’re not already selling out stadia, so perhaps I’m not the best judge.

4. I’d like to see Oasis make scratchy, 3 minute pop and punk songs. I hate that plodding bass, ‘Big Rock’ sound of theirs, but they’ve written some undeniably great songs.

5. Liz Phair wrote one of the rawest, greatest albums of the 90s. And now sings backup vocals for Sheryl Crow. Every time I think of this I die a little inside.

Yes, it did take me over 14 minutes to compose those three sentences, in between listening to Dreams and The Chain

Understandable. It’s hard to type quickly when you’re doin’ the five-knuckle chuckle to photos of Stevie Nicks in her ballerinatard.

(Yes, it did take me over 14 minutes to compose those three sentences, in between listening to Dreams and The Chain)

Fantastic album.

Great songs and performances. A unique and indelible moment in rock history.

Just looking at my copy now and it all comes back–it was Paul Fox at the desk (who also produced a Robyn record around this time–and maybe XTC, too..?), heavy on the compression, multi-tracking and sugar syrup. Still great songs. But hardly the aesthetic Grant Lee Buffalo started out with and, perhaps not coincidentaly, the album that broke up the band.

Mrs. Toad, for some good strings, can I suggest Echo & The Bunnymen’s “Silver”..?

>> I believe you’re referring to Jubilee? Yes, Jubilee does sound a bit like it was mixed by the production crew from a late-period REO Speedwagon record. I still kinda like it, though, because it has John Brion and Robyn Hitchcock on it, who are always good fun. And Truly, Truly and The Shallow End are decent tunes.

C&B, what would a picture of our house be doing on a website which sells audio components? Now fuck off.

Matthew, all I can say is you make loving fun.

She should try James Yorkston for something quiet.

Or maybe that Things In Herds record, Nothing Is Lost? Barely makes a peep, that one.