Edwyn Collins

Edwyn Collins' old group, Orange Juice, may be a much-cited influence today, but in 1989 Collins couldn't get a record deal. Financed with the aid of Orange Juice fans (including Aztec Camera's Roddy Frame, who plays guitar here), Hope and Despair turned into a British indie hit and restored Collins' reputation. It's a superb album, with "50 Shades of Blue," "Coffee Table Song," "Ghost of a Chance" and the bitterly funny title track all ranking among Collins' best.