6. Husker Du - Bed of Nails

I only really listen to the Bob Mould songs on Husker Du albums. I instantly flick all the Grant Hart numbers which I suppose is unfair, but next to Bob's efforts his songs are just not in the same league. There just had to be a Husker Du song in the top ten and I've had real problems selecting my favourite from the countless Mould penned tracks that deserve attention.

In the end I've gone for the song I always come back to from 'Warehouse - Songs and Stories'. 'Bed of Nails' is possibly one of his more depressing outings from the Husker Du years, but nowhere near the all out despondency of 'Black Sheets of Rain'. I love the atmosphere and the lyrics of the song and it coincidentally happened to be the music I was listening to when I heard that an old, unpopular boss had announced his retirement.

I see that Bob has produced several new albums in the last few years - I wonder if they're worth a listen? I love the beard by the way!

9. New Model Army - Poison Street

Proof if ever it was needed that music can bring back memories of sad and stressful times as well as happy ones. Just as Grandaddy evokes memories of happiness, unfortunately New Model Army will always be associated with tough times and illness. The song itself is almost a rallying call for strength and resilience and although tinged with melancholy, hearing it again is strangely still a positive experience.

'Poison Street' is typical New Model Army; uncompromising, intelligent and political. Clogs, long black coats and Joolz. I read recently on a forum that a guy was gutted that he would have to stop attending their gigs as they were too dangerous for him, now he was 65! I guess that's the kind of devotion you can expect if you stick to your principles.