New for 2012

3 things from British shores I'm most looking forward to this year:

1. The long-awaited debut album from Django Django, which will include "Default" and "Waveforms" as well as the previously released Storm, WOR & Love's Dart.

Django Django - Default by Django Django

Django Django - Waveforms by Django Django

The album's out 30th January. See them at a free Rough Trade instore on 1st Feb.


2. More material & hopefully something more substantial from Fear of Men.

Fear of Men- Ritual Confession by italianbeachbabes

Fear Of Men - 'Doldrums' by The 405

Even with the abysmal sound quality of the Old Blue Last yesterday eve, their immensely hummable tunes and lovely vocals shone through.


3. Establishing if Alt-J live up to their undoubted promise. When Breezeblocks gets released its sure to be one of the tracks of the year:

Breezeblocks (demo) by alt-J

As Tesselate was in 2011

Tessellate (demo) by alt-J

Wait patiently with me for their headline tour...

G.R.O.'s Best of 09

Does anyone remember the naysayers who boldly predicted that 2009 would be a thoroughly disappointing year in musical history? That theory collapsed in a heap after only a few steps into the year when "Merriweather Post Pavillon" dropped. This year it's felt like a Mensa sponsored compilation to arrive at my favourite albums and mix of songs to soundtrack the year. Here's my final entry:

Favourite Albums of 09
10. The Joy Formadible - A Balloon Called Moaning
9. Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains
8. Metric - Fantasies
7. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion
6. Bill Callaghan - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
5. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
4. Grizzly Bear - Vecktamist
3. Fever Ray - Fever Ray
2. The xx - The xx
1. The Antlers - Hospice

Best of 09 Mix - Download
1. Camera Obscura - French Navy
2. The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Young Adult Friction
3. The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
4. The Antlers - Two
5. The Joy Formadible - Cradle
6. Jamie T - Sticks 'n' Stones
7. Silversun Pickups - Panic Switch
8. Jack Penate - Be The One
9. Django Django - Storm
10. The Molotovs - Flowers
11. Jeffrey Lewis & The Junkyard - Broken Broken Broken Heart
12. Local Natives - World News
13. Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks
14. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
15. Wild Beasts - Hooting & Howling
16. Animal Collective - My Girls
17. Slow Club - Our Most Brilliant Friends
18. Bill Callaghan - My Friend
19. The xx - Crystalised
20. First Aid Kit - You're Not Coming Home Tonight