Chungking "We Travel Fast" (UK promo)

Chungking are the only band around attempting to revive the lounge/jazz movement, and it doesn't hurt that Jessie Banks has more in common with Marlene Deitrich than Courtney Love. Instantly captivating, her voice flows like honey into the atmosphere around you. No one makes music like this anymore - sublime, breathtaking, soulful, and coy. Just don't dare call it "chillout".

Raveonettes "Whip It On" (US)

Sune and Sharin are two of the most beautiful people I've seen on stage. It's their natural habitat, and yet I can't help but wonder why they haven't done anything more original. This mini-album shows promise, but yet to listen to their latest album you wonder why they haven't progressed. They may be getting more attention these days, but if the music goes nowhere, they're not likely to much longer, either. Such a waste of a pretty face.

British Sea Power "The Decline Of British Sea Power"

Watching a band release their debut album when you've followed them from the beginning is a bit like sending your child off to their first day of school (I presume). Aww, haven't British Sea Power done well??? I love them even more for their quirkiness, their refusal to follow any sorts of rules, and their wildfowl and Crimean War obsessions. To be honest, they really are better live than on record, but that just gives them something to strive for in their second, third, fourth, and fifth albums.

Amos, Tori "Tales Of A Librarian +DVD" (UK)

Attention record companies: THIS is how to make a Best Of album. Please take note.

First, only include songs from the good albums (let's just overlook the last few unfortunate ones, shall we?). Second, remaster the old ones to include hidden backing vocals, handclaps, and instrumentals to spook out the veteran fans and give them a reason to buy said album. Third, put the songs in an order that makes sense, not in chronological order. Fourth, include new songs that are actually worth hearing, and not unused b-sides from the crappy-album period. And finally, include a dvd. It doesn't matter if the content is paltry to say the least (poorly recorded sound checks are fine), just make sure to put it in there on a limited edition basis to ensure the fans buy the album right away.

Follow these rules for a successful, listenable, and downright essential Best Of.

Kitt, David "Square 1" (UK)

Fulfilling my softly-sung, introspective acoustic album for the year, no it's not Damien Rice, but the wee lad David Kitt. He already tops the charts in Ireland, but it's a lack of promotion and touring around the UK that keeps him from becoming stratospheric - because it sure isn't the songs. Instantly memorable, instantly lovable, and instantly classic, David Kitt has all the danger of cupid's bow. When I hear his voice, I want to fall in love with the next man I see.

Liberty X "Being Somebody" (UK)

I never saw them on tv, so I'm strangely able to like their singles without the weight of that "reality tv group" stigma clouding my judgement. So it is with a clear mind that I can say... this album is not very good. Richard X saved them on "Being Nobody", but I really wish he'd stuck around to help on the rest of the album, too.

Stellastarr* "Stellastarr*" (UK promo)

I'm sure they're sick of the Interpol/Joy Division comparisons, but really, they bring it on themselves. I always enjoy listening to this album when it's on, but as soon as the stereo reaches the end of track ten, I'm completely unable to hum a single line from it...

Goldfrapp "Twist" (UK)

This is one of my favourite tracks off the "Black Cherry" album, coupled with a new b-side and a live version of "Deer Stop". Not exactly essential, but if I gets one more person to love Miss Alison, then it'll all have been worth it.

Jarcrew "Jarcrew" (UK)

I wasn't prepared to love this album as much as I do. This and the Oceansize album arrived at about the same time, in a similar vein, and evoked a similiar reaction in me. At a time when I was listening to the softer end of the spectrum, a full-on rock album was just what I needed. That it also contained intelligent lyrics and interesting beats was what kept me interested.

Small Victories "Holding On Hopefully" (UK)

My first introduction to Small Victories was an opening spot for The Webb Brothers and OK GO, where my only real recollection was that a) I liked them, and b) they sounded a bit like Doves. Getting the album was a godsend, then, since I was able to pare down my opinions to only include Thought A. Yes, I really do like them.