1. One In Ten - UB40
Probably the last time the rainbow Brummie outfit produced anything less than a tiresome drone but second only to Ghost Town in capturing the state of the Thatcherite nation.
2. Ten Dollar Man - ZZ Top
The Texas threesome and their comedy beards are nothing if not reliable. And on this twangsome workout sound particularly raw and dirty.
3. Rotary Ten - R.E.M.
Presumably Stipey was breaking for a Nescafe on ice when the rest of the Georgia outfit rolled out this rather charming jam on Life's Rich Pageant.
4. Ten Feet Tall - XTC
Alongside Wire, Swindon's XTC realised the new wave was more about spiky intelligence than shouty loutishness. From Drums & Wires.
5. Valium 10 - Hawkwind
The veteran space bandits are a real Marmite band. But I'm sure you know the Vicar loves them to death. So fire up your chillum and enjoy this extended wig out.
6. Witchita Lineman - Jimmy Webb
Possibly the best song ever written - usually associated with Glen Campbell, here its writer wrings every drop of yearning from his remarkable lyric. From Ten Easy Pieces.
7. Big Ten - Judge Dredd
Basing tracks on priapic bragging about twenty years before various gangstas - it was all rather amusing and fun back then. Still loved by reggae bods the world over.
8. I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten - Dusty Springfield
Britain's only great white soul voice (sorry Duffy) sounds even better with the passing years. So many contemporary artists owe her so much.
9. Swords Of A Thousand Men - Tenpole Tudor
Replacing Lydon in the Sex Pistols didn't stop Eddie Tenpole and his band belting out this rollicking, punk-a-billy hit. A very good listen when blind drunk.
10. Perfect 10 - The Beautiful South
Surprising how much we miss the Hull based, sting-in-the-lyric popsters. Here they get across the whole weight fascism thing to declare a liking for the larger lover. Tellingly, you're probably already humming the hook.
Magnus Shaw, 2010
