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stone roses

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Top 50 Debut Albums (10-1)

10) dEUS - Worst Case Scenario (1994)

I clearly remember the first time I heard this band, watching the video for Hotellounge on MTV's 120 minutes. I've been hooked ever since. 

9) De La Soul - 3 Feet High And Rising (1989)

Where Public Enemy had their magnificent powerful sound, De La Soul excelled at creating their own little sub-genre. The 'Daisy Age' was as much fun as it was experimental. The indie guitar band press loved this record. So did I.

8) Dexys Midnight Runners - Searching For The Young Soul Rebels (1980)

The first in a run of nigh-on flawless, unique albums. Proper genius that Rowland chap.

7) Guns N' Roses - Appetite For Destruction (1987)

If it only had one from 'Welcome To The Jungle', 'Paradise City' and 'Sweet Child O'Mine' it would still make this list. That it has all three guarantees a top 10 place. 

Much of what would follow was abysmal, making this debut even more remarkable.

6) The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses (1989)

It's become the law to include this in every music list that's ever made, so here it is. 

Heaton Park, Manchester in 2012 was very special. 

5) Ride - Nowhere (1990)

Massive cavernous reverb. Big old floppy haircuts. What a record. Five years ago I said it was my favourite debut. This top 10 is pretty interchangeable then.

4) Cyndi Lauper - She’s So Unusual (1983)

Seriously, just listen to Time After Time. 

3) Juliana Hatfield - Hey Babe (1992)

My favourite songwriter, bar none. This, her debut after the break-up of Blake Babies was something that until recently, she didn't seem to care much for, yet it's one of her finest. This exceptional essay by Laura Fisher says more than I could ever manage.
   
Many albums in this list have changed my life and how I relate to music, but none more than this.

I wanted to use the video for 'Everybody Loves Me But You' here because it's fab, but it's not embeddable. Watch it on YouTube.

2) Sugar - Copper Blue (1992)

As demonstrated by 2012's Silver Age, Bob Mould is still making astonishing music. Four decades ago Hüsker Dü were remarkable too, but it is the work he recorded as Sugar I find his best. Over 20 years on, Copper Blue still excites.

1) Poliça - Give You The Ghost (2012)

This will come as no surprise to anyone who's had to put with me banging on about this band.

An album which, 2 and a half years on is still growing on me, and I continue to play it (together with their magnificent 2nd LP) an inordinate amount.  

I connect with Channy's vocals, lyrics and emotion, Ryan's music, Chris's bass and the two drummers (Drew and Ben) in ways that continue to surprise me. 

The best music I've ever heard.

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Stone Roses reunion rumour #5536

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In today's Sun:

A source said: "Ian has been mulling over reaching out to John for a while now. A lot of water has gone under the bridge and everyone has grown up. Ian has just gone through a tough time with a divorce and then Mani's mum's funeral brought everyone back under the same roof.

"It was an emotional reunion. There were no harsh words. It was a heartwarming breaking of bread.

"They had a lot to catch up on and have been in regular contact since."

Squire and Brown have met and are on good terms = Stone Roses reform.

Hmm.

This Sun story has led to loads of others today with no fresh sources, aside from Clint Boon confirming the funeral story.  

Twitter's gone nuts too.

But we've been here before.   In 2002 and, again in the Sun in 2008, and memorably in 2009, when John Squire issued artwork on his website (image right) and then went on Newsnight to deny the rumours.  

The grave that Squire mentions has already been desecrated though. Ian Brown managed it in August 1996. Forward to 2:10 on this audio and prepare to hear how. The magic starts at 2:20.

A reformation now would put right the wrongs of that night at the Reading Festival (which Squire wasn't involved in).  For those of us who were there (who in truth were singing along at the front of the stage, oblivous to Brown's warbling, loving at the time) we need to have certain memories put right.  If Reni can't be persuaded, just make sure the drummer isn't a Robbie Maddix 'make some noise' cheerleader.  And although a Cressa will be tolerated please no dancing girls either.

The Stone Roses weren't just all about the one album, however great that was.  The EPs, the b-sides, the Fools Golds, and the Second Coming were all magnificent.  Exhibit A - Ten Storey Love Song:

Music video by The Stone Roses performing Ten Storey Love Song. (C) 1994 UMG Recordings, Inc.

I'll believe it when I see it though. The Sun story smacks of speculation based on two men meeting at a private event where they were showing their respects.

UPDATE 8pm:

Mani has spoken to the NME:

"I'm disgusted that my personal grief has been invaded and hijacked by these nonsensical stories," he said, referring to the fact that Brown and Squire met up at his mother's funeral.

He added: "Two old friends meeting up after 15 years to pay their respects to my mother does not constitute the reformation of The Stone Roses. Please fuck off and leave it alone. It isn't true and isn't happening."

Expect rumour #5537 sometime in the summer.

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