556. Pogues - Rum Sodomy & The Lash

Release Date: 1985
Label: Stiff

Those handsome men, The Pogues are more than 'Fairytale of New York' and the occasional Smash Hits centrefold. 

Rating: 9/10

503. Madness - Rise and Fall

Release Date: 1982
Label: Stiff

This has been called the 80s equivalent of 'The Village Green Preservation Society', and because of that I was expecting good things. Good things is what I got, but no more really. I can't fault the album only to say it didn't blow me away.

Rating: 6/10

393. Ian Dury - New Boots and Panties!!

Release Date: 1977
Label: Stiff

This is an interesting album, and I'm not sure how much I like it. I can take the lecherous lyrics for what they are. They're supposed to be tongue in cheek, and Ian Dury ramps up the cockney mannerisms to great effect. What I don't like is the left turn it takes at the end, as the last three songs venture into a completely different mood, and it just doesn't seem to work.

Rating: 7/10

391. Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True

Release Date: 1977
Label: Stiff

One of the most talented songwriters of his generation, Elvis Costello was your unorthodox punk, managing to combine a gift for wordplay with the anger of youth. This, his debut album, was recorded in six four-hour sessions for £2,000. I already own this album too, so I have no need to listen again.

Rating: 9/10