Purposefully archaic fare that sets toes tapping when it's not sending them to sleep.
The Frenchman fuses a series of contemporary dance structures into an accessible whole.
Duke Special doesn’t need the charts – but they could do with more artists like him.
A set of nostalgia and discovery, with thrilling turns from Tom Waits and Rory Gallagher.
Macdonald’s a fine songwriter, but her performances lack a singular, standout appeal.
Entertaining and inventive, this is a fine third LP proper from the Canadian rapper.
Balances intensity and introspection well, befitting the game’s conflicted protagonist.
A set of contemplation and catharsis, maintaining its emotional grip for a long time.
Dredd himself would approve of this imagined soundtrack for 2000 AD's megalopolis.
The hype’s deserved – Outfit are a band of massive potential.
A phenomenal third solo album from the forever-pushing-things-forward New Yorker.
A fantastic reinvention from the Manchester producer, and one of 2012’s best.
Mraz’s easy on the ear material has progressed subtly, without upsetting day-one devotees.
A great EP from the rising London producer, which bodes well for future releases.
A significant success on the continent, this London-born singer is now chasing UK hits.
Evergreen and ever-evolving, this dynamic talent is likely to forever be essential.
A striking debut from a wandering soul promising lo-fi blues and poetic dramas.
The New Jersey mathcore band’s debut EP founds the traits that’d make their career.
A striking second set of enveloping sounds from the young Austrian.
A cannily concise second set from the Polaris Prize-nominated Canadians.
This south London outfit has crafted a distinctive debut rich in mass-appeal potential.
An elegant new album from the Minneapolis duo, blessed by a beautiful optimism.
Cameron Crowe’s dreams come true as he co-writes with the Icelander on this soundtrack.
If ever a band was the sound of fruity alcopops, Ash might well have been it on 1977.
A striking vision born of the studied assimilation of bass culture constituents.
Uniquely inspiring, genre-busting fare from a trio of fiercely creative musicians.
Young London producer delivers a mesmerising and immersive extended-player.
Pink Floyd’s ambitious rock opera, reissued and expanded with bonus demos.
Expect this Glasgow-based band’s singularly sinister sounds to flourish in the gloom.
The Spanish producer stays ahead of the game by adhering exclusively to his own rules.
A clever and colourful long-player from the makers of one of 2011’s best singles.
Southampton producer reveals a classic debut set to soundtrack the perfect comedown.
Crams more creativity into a dozen cuts than most bands exhibit over entire careers.
A cracking debut of invention and intrigue from the New York-based trio.
Transplants the pair’s fine ear for a melody onto rather meatier arrangements.
A varied listen every bit as interesting as Black Sands' singular vision.
A really wonderfully realised collection of bucolic, antiquated indie-folk.
Part of a crowd rather than a true Maverick, this singer nevertheless charms in measures.
A proposition to confound expectations of what an ‘indie’ band should be.
A decent debut from the Spanish singer, but one unlikely to linger in the memory.
A suffocating soundtrack, but one that suits its movie’s air of oppression.
A sweet fifth solo set on which the Seefeel founder’s past collides with his present.
A fine second album of country covers from the Norah Jones-fronted collective.
A collection suited to after-hours reflection, the TV playing only static.
A polished, well-arranged album that could find a happy home in countless collections.
The Florida rapper’s having a blast on album four, regardless of who’s partying with him.
Fans already know they’re going to love this; those unmoved by Bublé in the past, won’t.
Captivating grooves abound on the west coast duo’s first UK LP.
His first best-of packs in 21 tracks and comes backed by a great live DVD.
Arnalds is an artist who can exert immense power with the lightest of touches.
