Who loved it? Every-bloody-one. Jack and Meg's first three albums were bought by a tiny clique of charity-clothed students who hated modern music so much they'd rather listen to eight-bar blues from an obscure Detroit carpenter and his secret ex-wife. Then Elephant comes out and, out of nowhere, everyone loves them. A week after release it was playing out of every open window in town - yours, your girlfriend's, your bank manager's, even the weird cat-loving old woman next door. Mental.
What was so great about it? To be a good album you need three good songs. This had at least seven, from the squalling cover of Bacharach and David's 'I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself' to the weird multi-tracked chanting of 'There's No Home For You Here'. It was bigger, more ambitious and much more fun than their previous albums, and it didn't hurt that after seeing a couple of their excellent videos, we all developed a secret crush on demure Meg and her comely bosoms.
Life changing track: 'Seven Nation Army', arguably the best riff since 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. You're going to be hearing that on Capital Gold from 2005 until forever.
Play it at: The lock-in after the office Christmas party - when all the fortysomethings have gone home and you can get properly mullered.
MORE ENTERTAINMENT
Bookmark this post with: