Procrastination.

THIS will be the last post tonight...promise? Just thought I'd add on here the 2011/2012 feature I've written for Spark*. Nothing particularly over-exciting, but just to put my opinion out there...

I found it extremely difficult to pick my favourite album, since 2011 has been an amazing year for music. I could probably sit here and continually list all my standout albums of the year, from Noah and the Whale to Adele, Coldplay’s recent release to James Blake. However, after much deliberation, I’ve decided to give my Album of 2011 to Bon Iver- Bon Iver. I was nervous to see how he could improve after his stunning debut album, but his second self-titled album showed that he has still got a lot more to give. It’s a beautiful album that I can’t stop listening to at the moment. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Sounds of 2012

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey has already made a huge impression on 2011 with her captivating debut single Video Games. Appearing on Later…with Jools Holland, as well as having the single covered by both Bombay Bicycle Club and Kasabian, she has clearly gained herself much popularity in just a few short months. Not only has she received recurring radio play, both her debut single and Blue Jeans have appeared on the likes of Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex. With her debut album Born to Die set for a 2012 release, there’s no doubt that Lana Del Rey is set for a huge year ahead.

Fixers

Oxford five-piece Fixers first graced the airwaves in 2009 when they were played on BBC Oxford Introducing. Since then, they have started their own vinyl/cassette label ‘Dolphin Love’ and headlined the BBC Introducing stage at Reading and Leeds this year. Not bad for a band who are seemingly doing a lot of things their own way. Third single Swimmhaus Johannesburg, aside from being a really bleeding good song, has gained considerable favour with Radio 1, being played regularly and gaining them the opportunity to play a session with Huw Stephens. Fixers are set to be undoubtedly big in 2012.

Other tips: Givers, Emeli Sande, Josh Kumra