Captivating music that speaks so very loudly without making much noise at all.
Sporadically fun, but this set doesn’t paint its maker as a long-term talent.
The Alabama rapper’s star is sure to shine for the foreseeable based on this debut.
Striking debut solo collection from the former Lift to Experience frontman.
As much of a nuisance as a neighbour’s car alarm blaring away at 3am.
A quirky festive collection revealing a wickedly singular wit.
This third album from the Canadian singer will chase away the winter chills.
Drearily sexual lyricism over showy but shallow production dominates RiRi’s sixth LP.
A quick-fix of flashback fare which moves at just the right speed.
An engaging and effortless collection to plunge into and drift within.
Drake is here for the long run – and he’s already outrunning most.
His voice hasn’t dulled in the slightest, and carries these covers into new territories.
Melancholic lo-fi magic from a young musician finding his way with touching results.
Smooth soul from across the English Channel.
Their classic 1994 set that better encapsulates the Beasties than any other LP.
Superbly bright modern pop arrangements, highlighted by neon lamplight.
Nottingham space-rock five-piece knows its way around a giant chorus or two.
An infectious introduction to some rightly rising pop-rap talents.
An extended-play offering well worth the admission price.
Highly promising EP from an Oxford trio worth a tip or two in 2012.
An attractive if vacuous set of post-Burial electro from the Luxembourg producer.
Album number three from the Grammy-winning country-rock trio.
An unexpectedly great sixth LP from former fun-time punks turned introspective souls.
An amazing, inventive and wholly unique eighth album from an artist without peer.
It’s everything anyone needs from Pink Floyd, in one package.
Album number three from the British singer, and a truly great set still eludes him.
Don’t like metal? You might just love Mastodon.
The guts and glory of one of rock’s landmark albums revealed across four CDs.
Second album from a pair whose on-paper promise is perhaps yet to be fully realised.
A striking debut from a rising artist worth watching out for.
Studio LP number nine from the multi-million seller could be his UK breakthrough proper.
File The Weeknd beside Frank Ocean as an RnB star set to climb to new heights in 2012.
Seattle rockers close in on exceeding their influences across a fine second set.
British trio sets themselves up as ones to watch with a captivating second EP.
A satisfying third set from the Irish singer which leaves a warm feeling in the soul.
A chart-ready set that should see its makers hit new commercial heights.
The sound of pigeonhole-free ambition slowly being realised, and it’s sounding great.
An understated classic of the 00s, now expanded with bonus material.
New Order, Bauhaus, Frankie and more across 35 fine 12” mixes.
A sixth album from the blues guitarist where restraint produces recommended results.
Disappointing fare from Britpop revivalists on the receiving end of critical vitriol.
An inconsistent debut, but showcasing an epic potential, tragically never fully realised
Not quite a classic Prince album, but Kiss is a minimalist masterpiece
A foray into accessible but dark-hearted electro from a London artist on the rise.
Supercharged punk rock that’s like Minor Threat with an unlikely hangover.
A cover of U Got the Look away from being the City of Lakes’ brightest new stars.
Tricky’s debut album is an intoxicating listen possessed by a rare, wicked beauty.
Blinkered beats and dunderheaded lyricism – but compellingly committed nonetheless.
Something approaching a return to form from the British soul singer.
An unprecedented debut which changed the face of hip hop in the 90s.
