Imagine you could educate a brand new fan...

[Sheena]

Thanks for the heads up Master Ray. I'm on it like a bonnet 

[Pol]

The tap n tumbler and spanky van dykes are essential that's the before and after pubs btw or was last year which was my first trip to Nottingham

[Johnz]

Welcome Sheena :-)

Despite all the different opinions on what's best there does seem to be a general consensus that Thunder & Consolation is the band's pinnacle. It just combines everything that was great about NMA at the time and has aged very well.

I absolutely love Between Dog and Wolf but that is possibly the most hotly debated NMA album ever. It's certainly a departure from their usual guitar driven sound.

The good news is that there really isn't a dud so you should find something to like on any of their albums

[c]

Sheena, welcome

I think you'll find as many opinions as to the best bits as there are fans, but then the band has been around for > 30 years!

And even more, you'll find a lot of us change our minds as to which are the best albums frequently. Eight and LOHC are my current faves but I'd also rate B Sides and Abandoned Tracks as containing some early highlights - the band said at the time that their best tracks were often the B Sides....

[MARKXE]

Welcome.
I would just say go and see them as often as you can, and where ever you can.
Nothing compares to an NMA gig.
You can listen to all of the past and present music but seeing them play live is the key, that is what they do best and songs always take on new dimensions live.
You get to meet new people, go to some really obscure places, and watch the band every night what could be better than that. 

[Anna Woman von NRW]

The 30th anniversary compilation is 2 CD's of 'the hits', great album tracks and some rareties...

Anthology is but the live gig cd's aint !

[Master Ray]

The 30th anniversary compilation is 2 CD's of 'the hits', great album tracks and some rareties...

Anthology is but the live gig cd's aint !

Six of one and half a dozen of the other, dear friend...   

[Pazza]

Love of hopeless causes, start in the middle then two albums a day for the next week or so

[Sheena]

Love of hopeless causes, start in the middle then two albums a day for the next week or so

Where's me pro plus?   

[Amandistan]

I would suggest trying to go to  a mainland Europe gig sometimes as well. Like Amsterdam.
It's a different vibe completely. 

[Shush]

I would suggest doing Manchester the Saturday night before as well 

[Sheena]

manchester might be doable - if I can get another pass out;-)

mainland Europe might be trickier...

[witch]

Good luck -Sheena

[Bunny]

Start with live albums which have an allsorts mix...then work backwards Id say. Simply cos its newer and fresher.

[Amandistan]

I agree with the live albums. Between Wine and Blood Live is a good one. I would recommend the 30th university live concerts but am not sure if they are still in print.

It's understandable that mainland Europe is difficult. I bet when you go to more UK gigs, you will get so excited by the whole thing, that you will want to travel to see the band.

Myself, I am American actually and am crazy enough to have gone to Europe 4 times since December 2012 to see this band on tour.  I also found them later. But the point is that NMA tours are addictive.