With a new documentary on the creation of the Moog synthesizer now in cinemas, here are the top 10 early synth tracks, in the best order:
1 The Who: Won't Get Fooled Again (from The Ultimate Collection) Although best known for the guitar power chord, Pete Townshend was one of the first mainstream musicians to harness the power of the synth.
2 Roxy Music: Virginia Plain (from The Early Years) Whether playing a cutting riff or processing his band mates' solos, Brian Eno's synth was at the centre of the Roxy sound.
3 Stevie Wonder: Higher Ground (Definitive Collection) The synth's ability to produce a rubbery, squelchy sound made it ideal for funk.
4 David Bowie: Sound and Vision (Best of Bowie) Those splashy cymbals? Synths, of course.
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5 Donna Summer: I Feel Love (Anthology) Producer Giorgio Moroder pioneers the relentless synth bass that was to dominate dance music.
6 Blondie: Heart of Glass (Parallel Lines) Even new wave bands couldn't resist synth-driven disco.
7 Ian Dury: Clevor Trever (New Boots and Panties) Trever probably wouldn't know what filter sweeps are, but they keep this piece of prime Dury chugging along nicely.
8 Tubeway Army: Are Friends Electric? (Replicas) The pale, nerdy Numan creates the template for synth-pop.
9 Human League: Don't You Want Me (Greatest Hits) Which leads to a rash of guitar-less bands ...
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10 Robert Palmer: Johnny and Mary (from Clues) ... and turns up in the unlikeliest of places.
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