1993. Suede, 'Suede'
Who were they? The sun was rising on Britpop and Brett Anderson was draping himself in his national flag all over magazine covers. A movement was beginning, and it was exciting; this was the album that started it all, and Suede were to be one of the most influential bands of the decade.
Was it an entirely outrageous choice? It was the best album on the list, the critics' favourite, the fastest selling debut of all time (up to that point), but it was so rock and roll. It was a record that celebrated British fervour, and spearheaded a battalion of new bands. PJ Harvey's seething 'Rid of Me' is fantastic, but if it wasn't for 'Suede', the Mercury Prize wouldn't have had nearly as many good records to pick from in the following years.
What have they done since? Sophomore effort 'Dog Man Star' distanced itself from the phenomenon that Suede started, guitarist Bernard Butler left soon after and crack addiction hit Anderson. The media pressure couldn't have helped the capricious frontman, and now the spotlight's firmly off the band, they're back together. This year's offering 'Bloodsports' is a brilliant, and a return to the Suede many knew and loved.