Green Moths Shivered

Here are the twentieth to the eleventh finest long playing records of the past decade (in the opinion of your humble host). As Radiohead crooned – but far too early to qualify for this list – ‘No surprises’. The Top Ten follows soon. Blazin' Squad, Scouting for Girls, Maroon 5, Does It Offend You Yeah? inter alia wait with bated breath.

11. Joan As Police Woman – Real Life
As 15. but wi’ a touch more sass and sizzle.

12. The Go-Betweens – Oceans Apart
A sumptuous farewell from the Antipodean Lennon and McCartney. The final contribution to a most peerless body of work. Dripping with wit and wonder and wisdom and wistfulness.

13. Beck – Modern Guilt
Elegant, breathy, neo-psychedelic ambience. A dazzling and challenging sonic gem.

14. Wilco – A Ghost Is Born
Distortion, nods to Krautrock, euphoria. Vital.

15. Joan as Police Woman – To Survive
Sultry perfection shimmering with coolness and melody and assurance.

16. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Unashamedly smart, knowing and cerebral. More hooks than a very, very large cloakroom.

17. Boards of Canada – Geogaddi
Not for the fainthearted. Sinister and dark electronica as far removed from ‘chill-out’ as possible. An uneasy yet compelling listening experience. A disturbing masterpiece.

18. White Stripes – White Blood Cells
The wounded and obtuse cousin of 20. Percussive hammer blows underpinning growling guitars and frenzied vocals. A manic pop thrill.

19. Blur – Think Tank
A bewitching collection. Something original, refreshing and challenging reaching the ears every three and a half seconds.

20. The Strokes – Is This It
Skinny ties, Converse All-Stars, cheekbones, attitude, cool. Perfect pop song following perfect pop song following perfect pop song.