Confessional: I own the first solo album (on vinyl) by Phil Collins, the name of which I can't bring to mind, and a second-hand copy of Love Over Gold by Dire Straits. Zaphod Beeblebrox's words come to mind:

You guys are so unhip, it's a wonder your bums don't fall off.

Or words to that effect. Then, in my first year at college, something happened. Probably hand-in-hand with tuning in to the immortal John Peel, I began buying the New Musical Express. Tapes I'd taken with me to play in my Saisho, including Sade, Queen & Alison Moyet - the horror! - started to seem a whole lot less cool. Instead, I went out and bought Meat Is Murder by The Smiths, and the terrific Half Man Half Biscuit debut. I'd arrived.

Each Thursday I used to jog down to the local newsagent along from the halls of residence, hand over my coins, then head back to peruse the wise words of the NME hacks. It galled me when I found out that it was published on a Wednesday, but didn't reach the sleepy south-west until a day later. Much like buying a copy of yesterday's Times when abroad.

All of this comes flooding back because I bought a copy yesterday, having spotted that they've just published their 50 best records of the past year. Here's the top ten:

1. The Strokes - Is This It
2. Spiritualized - Let It Come Down
3. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells
4. Jay-Z - The Blueprint
5. Starsailor - Love Is Here
6. Slipknot - Iowa
7. Mercury Rev - All Is Dream
8. Rufus Wainwright - Poses
9. Andrew WK - I Get Wet
10. Aphex Twin - Drukqs

Even if I've never heard of it (especially so), I make a point of buying their number one recommendation. Maybe I'm simply putting off growing up by doing this? This year, as it happens, I'd already got it. And if you've not heard The Strokes album, you're missing out. Or you could stick with The Beautiful South, the choice is yours.

Be seeing you!

Ed