Six months into 2015 and it’s time for the modern fondness for music lists to raise its head once again. We’ve already seen at least 10,897 albums go on release. So what are the albums which stick out so far?
Here’s a completely subjective top 10 of albums you really need to check out from the year to date. Click on the links for reviews and interviews
Kamasi Washington - The Epic
Soaring, glittering, ambitious and audacious album of affectionate, enthusiastic and masterful new-school jazz from the Brainfeeder don.
Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly
This is second album from the LA rapper sees him outlining his thoughts on black America against a backdrop of radical, far-side sounds.
Romare - Projections
Archie Fairhurst's kaleidoscopic debut is full to the brim with rogueish basslines, honking brass, Afrocentric wigouts and lovingly embellished gospel- soul.
Jamie xx - In Colour
The xx producer's debut solo album is a quiet storm full of dynamic verve, sweet atmospherics and great drags of nostalgia from dancefloors of the past. Here's a recent interview
Natalie Prass - Natalie Prass
Timeless rock, pop, soul, gospel and country with bittersweet and evocative swing and sway.
Bjork - Vulnicura
Even art-pop queenpins get the blues. Björk's album of heartbreak and loss comes wrapped with broody strings and distended electronics.
Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell
The most striking album of Stevens' career to date is sparse, elegant, intimate and heartfelt as he deals with life and death.
Shamir - Ratchet
Spirited, dashing, dazzling, decadent, devil-may-care buzzy pop from the Las Vegas kid.
Villagers - Darling Arithmetic
Delicate, tender and warm- hearted, these are Conor O'Brien's most personal and fascinating songs to date.
Ibeyi - Ibeyi
The French-Cuban twins wow all with vibrant, sensual and spiritual tunes informed by the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and Benin. Here's an interview the sisters did in February
