Numeros 40 to 31 then:
40) Blondie - Blondie (1976)
This, and the three albums that would follow are sublime and as good as any other band from their era.
Their fifth one was bobbins, mind.
39) Gayngs - Relayted (2010)
A supergroup of Minneapolis based musicians led by Ryan Olson. "A collection of drugged-up keyboards and slick production almost exclusively inspired by 10cc's I'm Not in Love".
38) Howling Bells - Howling Bells (2006)
Their finest hour.
37) Beyoncé - Dangerously In Love (2003)
Crazy In Love dominated 2003 and it dominates this album from the beginning. Righly so, it is one of the best songs you'll ever hear. There's more here though. A mighty solo debut from an artist who has gone on to even better moments.
36) The Pretenders - Pretenders (1980)
Seeing Chrissie Hynde live this summer made me realise what a great collection of songs The Pretenders have. A shed load are on this debut.
35) Morrissey - Viva Hate (1988)
Suedehead was far better than anyone dared hoped. Then came Everyday Is Like Sunday. What a track.
Morrissey stuff > Smiths stuff remains by controversial opinion.
34) Cinerama - Va Va Voom (1998)
Although the Cinerama name would continue until 2004, this debut is the only David Gedge album that doesn't sound like The Wedding Present. Recorded with his then partner, Sally Murrell, it's a great departure with wind and string instruments.
33) Ash - 1977 (1996)
One of indie's great singles bands, and their debut is packed full of some of their best.
32) CHVRCHES - The Bones Of What You Believe (2013)
Influenced by the very best 80s synthpop. Already influencing others.
31) Gene - Olympian (1995)
There's some beautiful songwriting here and it would continue until their final and often overlooked masterpiece - 2001's 'Libertine'.
