Richie Egan had achieved a breakthrough of sorts with the song ‘Floating’, which became a staple in both The Raconteurs’ live performances and Soulwax’s DJ sets – but Ritual was the album that saw him fully realise his huge potential as a songwriter, its inventive mixture of indie-pop and electro weirdness making for an irresistible combination. The album won the 2009 Choice Music Award, a fitting honour for such a brave and imaginative work. Irish music may have an illustrious past, but this may be the signpost to the future.

No 28 in 2009, as voted for by over 200 Irish musicians.