We did this last year, and though we didn’t get a Pulitzerfor it, we’re going at it again.

LA Priest // Inji

The former lead singer of Late of The Pier stays weird(album cover provided as evidence) with a diverse electro-pop record. Highlights:Oino, Party Zute,  Learning to Love, NightTrain

Gwenno // Y Dydd Olaf

The former (so many formers here) Pipette returns with anintimate solo debut that challenges the listener (due to it being sung entirelyin Welsh). Highlights: Chwyldro, Stwff, Fratolish Hiang Perpeshk

Jamie XX // In Colour

The current (finally, not a former) beatmaker for The XXdelivers on one of the most highly anticipated IDM records of the year (which,yes, is a small list, but topping that list is still impressive). Highlights:Gosh, Loud Places, I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)

Primitive Parts // PartsPrimitive

Members of Male Bonding and Sauna Youth scrape together somecheap recording sessions for minimalist garage fuzziness. Highlights: Troubles, TV Wheels, Ever Outward

Circa Waves // YoungChasers

Could this band exist without The Strokes? Fun, lightheartedindie rock that doesn’t beg for critical praise still has a place in this world(or, at least in Britain). Highlights: Get Away, Young Chasers, Stuck In MyTeeth

The most honourable of mentions: Blur // The Magic Whip, HotChip // Why Make Sense?, The Cribs //For All My Sisters, Floating Points// Elaenia