16.
Neon Neon
Stainless Style

The 80s are coming back! Quick, run! No, wait, it’s ok. This ridiculously eclectic Mercury Music Prize nominee is, in spite of its heavy reliance on the decade that everything good forgot, an utter gem. From the instrumental electro-funk of the opening track, though the unashamed pop of ‘Dream Cars’ and ‘Raquel’ to the brooding synths of ‘Belfast’, every track is lovingly crafted to perfection. The album represents a collaboration between by Gruff Rhys (of Super Furry Animals fame) and Boom Bib (who I’d never heard of, and who sounds silly). I’ve never been entirely convinced by the Super Furry Animals, and this is, for me, far superior to any of their albums. Ok, it’s cheesy, and, worse, it’s very 80s, but this is damn fine music, whatever decade it’s rooted in. Uncool and really cool, all at the same time.