Back in 2002, as NME readers wore badges proclaiming that they were ‘heroes of the new rock revolution’ it briefly seemed that a garage rock revivial was going to change the world. Franz Ferdinand were still fermenting their plans, The Futureheads were a hip secret, and the tabloids had yet to wake up to Pete Doherty.

These three tracks are great ones, and deservedly made the Festive Fifty of that year. I’m not sure that subsequent records matched up to these; the Datsuns got caught up in making sub-Led Zeppelin tributes, the Von Bondies became more famous for a spat with the White Stripes’ Jack White and EMB-LD just went off.

So, no, I don’t know what they’re up to, but these tracks are still capable of putting a smile on my face.

Von Bondies – ‘It Came From Japan.’ mp3 (2002 Festive Fifty no.30=)

The Datsuns – ‘In Love.’ mp3 (2002 Festive Fifty no.21)

Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster -‘Celebrate your Mother.’ mp3 (2002 Festive Fifty no.46)