Bulldog

On with the other 50 then...

50. Morcheeba - Big Calm (1998)

Something of a stylistic tour de force this. The second album from the bunch finds them expanding their sound from the trip-hop of their debut to letting the influences of reggae, film music, lounge and electronica into things. The results are absolutely fascinating; the fusions of the soundscapes created are held together nicely by Skye Edwards' wonderful voice, making for an end-to-end classic.
The best bits: Blindfold, Let Me See, Fear and Love

49. Hybrid - Wide Angle (1999)

Of the surge of progressive trance towards the end of das 90s, you'd have a tough time finding any actual full-length LPs. This, seeing as it makes as much sense coming from your headphones as it does blaring out on the dance-floor, is one of those few. Packed with some great rhythms, almost cinematic grandeur and some collaborations with a certain Julee Cruise, this is among the cream of the crop when it comes to dance music.
The best bits: I Know, Dreaming Your Dreams, Snyper

48. The Kinks - Village Green Preservation Society (1968)

I think this one's popped up in about every top albums list I've seen here (with good reason), so it's another pretty obvious pick. A gentle, melodic, nostalgic album, as English as Yorkshire pudding - it's a little treasure trove of lyrical and musical innovations.
The best bits: Do You Remember Walter?, Animal Farm, Phenomenal Cat

47. Gladys Knight & the Pips - Nitty Gritty (1969)

Granted, I don't have so many Motown full-length LPs as I'd like, but this is one of my favourites, and certainly my favourite 60s Motown album. Nitty Gritty finds them working with the funkier stylings of producer and songwriter Norman Whitfield, which gives them that much of a harder edge in places. On the whole it's as fine a collection of soul and r'n'b as you'll find outside of the countless comps you can pick up for about 50p or whatever on the high street.
The best bits: Cloud Nine, (I Know) I'm Losing You, Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone