1995. Portishead, 'Dummy'
Who were they? Bristolian trio Portishead may not have started trip-hop, but they certainly carried its beacon as far into the vista as anyone. Fronted by otherworldly siren Beth Gibbons, they were almost an angel on a shoulder, Massive Attack being the devil on the opposing side. Though both were pretty dark.
Was it an entirely outrageous choice? No, and perhaps. It's widely considered one of the defining records of trip-hop, along with Tricky's 'Maxinquaye' (also nominated), and Massive Attack's 'Protection' (snubbed that year). Whether it's your favourite of the three is personal choice: there's no denying though that the production is sublime and the melodies are beautiful. It's still one of the most influential records of the 90s, today. Also, should another dance album have won after M People, or was 'Definitely Maybe' more on the pulse of mid-90's in Britain?
What have they done since? Well, there have only been two more records in eighteen years, but Geoff Barrows has kept himself busy producing the likes of The Horrors and The Coral, and Gibbons has collaborated with everyone from Annie Lennox to JJ Doom. And actually, it has to be said that those two more records are as fantastic as the first. Some might say Portishead remain one of the few winners of the prize to be considered both successful and enigmatic