4AD’s label showcase compilation from 1987, Lonely Is An Eyesore rapidly became one of the most venerated of such efforts from that decade. With the label’s roster at an initial peak thanks to artists like the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance and the Throwing Muses, who provided the album’s title via a lyric to their specific contribution, “Fish,” both the album and an accompanying video selection, as well as another striking example of Vaughn Oliver’s artwork for 4AD, made a masterpiece.

– Ned Raggett