Thinking man's pop

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This week we pay homage to the clever clogs of popular music; those musicians who are a cut above the vox populi. First, the quintessential art school brigade, Roxy Music (probably the finest band name in the world), the move through the intellectual heavy weights of Eno, Talk Talk and XTC. We close with a song by The Week That Was from the only contemporary record I've liked in many years. I also had the pleasure of treading the same broads with them during Stereolab's European tour in 2008.Also, many thanks to Alex for suggesting King in a Catholic Style by China Crisis. It's a firm fixture on the Maison Johns play list. (Update: What no The The? Next time, perhaps)

1. Virginia Plain, Roxy Music, Roxy Music, 1972, Island
2. St. Elmo's Fire, Brian Eno, Another Green World, 1975, Island
3. I'm Mandy Fly Me, 10cc, How Dare You!, 1976, Mercury
4. Solsbury Hill, Peter Gabriel, Peter Gabriel, 1977, Atco
5. Enola Gay, OMD, Organisation, 1980, DinDisc
6. Once in a Lifetime, Talking Heads, Remain In Light, 1980, Sire
7. Rip it up, Orange Juice, Rip It Up, 1982, Polydor
8. Mirror Man, Talk Talk, The Party's Over, 1982, EMI
9. Mad World, Tears For Fears, 7", 1982, Mercury
10. The First Picture Of You, Lotus Eaters, 7", 1983, Sylvan
11. King in a Catholic Style, China Crisis, Flaunt The Imperfection, 1985, Virgin
12. Horse Overboard, Microdisney, The Clock Comes Down The Stairs, 1985, Rough Trade
13. King for a Day, XTC, Oranges and Lemons, 1989, Virgin
14. Scratch The Surface, The Week That Was, The Week That Was, 2008, Memphis Industries