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The Time Out editors have all picked their favourite events and moments of 2011. See if you agree with them.
Time Out's experts celebrate the city's finest moments on record
The debut single of art school student Michael Lovett is a slick, strange concoction of analogue synths, excited exhalations and cocooning falsetto harmonies. Pulling influences from Ciara, Brian Wilson, Stravinsky and sci-fi books, this is a tantalising taste of what’s to come in 2012.
Listen to this track on SpotifyWhatever you think about Del Rey’s pillow pout and pin-up girl image, it’s impossible to deny the dusky, heart-shattered charm of her debut single. Perfectly paced, flawlessly arranged and breathtaking in its languorous delivery, 2012 is hers for the taking.
Listen to this track on SpotifyIt’s a genius collaboration that marries a funked-up bassline with twinkling ’80s synths, clinching the deal with Theophilus’s laidback flow and Sara’s (of twin duo Tegan and Sara) chill-pop chorus. The perfect joint for a summer block party.
Listen to this track on SpotifyLeaked to the internet as part of a typically panto-ish beef with other grime MCs, it’s Eskiboy at his rawest, lyrically bonkers best. Hands down better than anything on his official album this year ‘100% Publishing’.
Hook-laden filth that makes ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ sound like a Mary Whitehouse audiobook. Cynical, down-to-earth, hip hop-tinged piano-pop brilliance.
Listen to this track on SpotifyA seductively dark and irresistibly groovy channelling of Nile Rogers and Jacko via grime-pop and UK bass music that deftly dodges genres while managing to both distil dance music history and shift booty. As any tune with that title surely should.
Listen to this track on SpotifyTheir collab album ‘Watch the Throne’ may not have hit the heights of Kanye’s own ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ album from 2010, but this is terrific. No matter how many times you’ve heard the Nina Simone original, you’ve never heard it – shock! – Auto-tuned, as it is in this ode to fatherhood.
Listen to this track on SpotifySo what if it sounds like early Simple Minds? The former garage-psych goths-cum-electronic-punks again proved their need for change by delivering a darkly glittering, synth-pop epic in lusciously widescreen and romantic form. Yes, it’s retro, but the dissolute, slo-mo pace is thoroughly modern.
Listen to this track on SpotifyOn stage, the 25-year-old Swede is so consumed with her art, so spun out in the moment and such a slave to her emotions, it’s impossible to tear your eyes away. This tune encapsulates her appeal: feminine, impassioned and slinkily seductive.
Listen to this track on SpotifyA twinkly, post-Florence cocktail of banjo, xylophone, clattering snares and a chorus that’s bigger than an aircraft hangar. Lovely.
Listen to this track on Spotify
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