As we near the end of 2022, we’d like to share some records that that blew us away, provided some solace, warmed our cockles, got us moving, maybe all of the above with some of them.

Below is a non exhaustive list of releases that we really love and wanted to share with you. These are records some of which were championed by one or two staff members, some were big unifiers but they’re all great. As ever, you can buy most of these records from us but if you don’t have the money just listen where or however you can. When it comes down to it we’re just that enthusiastic person at a party who’s dying to play you something and have a chat about it. Music’s not just for Christmas and it’s not just for buying either.

From the dizzying pop blast of Rina Sawayama to an impeccably arranged atmospheric wonder by Andrew Wasylyk. From righteous gnarl punk from Daddy’s Boy to the plaintive country of Plains. The sailing celtic kosmische of Duncan Marquiss to the soaring vocal pieces of this year’s Sault release. Excoriating No Wave guitar by Web Of Lies rubbing shoulders with the newly ambitious wonder jangle of Savage Mansion. Fellow Glaswegian Jill Lorean‘s empassioned rock music hand in hand with Molly Nilsson‘s anthemic lo fi pop stadium-fillers. Alvvays‘ career-besting heart-tugger of an album falling into the deep, dark fuzzy void of Amateur Hour. And that’s just the overview 12 records we chose. It really was an amazing year for new music and we’ve got the long list to prove it.

Roll on 2023.