Clare Maguire
Ain't Nobody
A favourite from the BBC Sound of 2011 Award shortlist which was announced earlier this week. Think brooding Patti Smith meets Florence Welch.
British Sea Power
Living Is So Easy
A return to the tense indie rock that served them well early in their career. Hints of Grandaddy-esque electronic experimentation, too.
Susan Philipsz
Surround Me
Sixteenth- and 17th-century madrigals inspired this Turner Prize-winning soundscape. Haunting and desolate.
Various Cruelties
If It Wasn't for You
Sophisticated neu-soul rhythms recall Amy Winehouse, while the tremolo-heavy guitar is worthy of a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack.
Esben and the Witch
Marching Song
Another BBC Sound of 2011 contender. Equally ethereal, it seems the Sound of 2011 is actually the sound of P J Harvey, circa 2000.
Chalk and Numbers
He Knew
Retro-by-numbers but with a nonchalance and catchy hook that prevents total pastiche.
Alex Clare
Up All Night
Heavy-metal guitars, a vocal-style reminiscent of Sting and a synthesised string section may sound like an odd mix, but this song is a real grower.
Happy Mondays
Bob's Yer Uncle
Back from a successful PR exercise in the jungle, Shaun Ryder is rumoured to be considering a 'Fairytale of New York' duet with Stacey Solomon. Before the myth is destroyed once and for all, let's take seven minutes with Shaun at his sleaziest.
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